Vietnam Trip August/September 2015
Had a fantastic time in Vietnam, a country I have been wanting to see for such a long time, and finally I was able to make it there. We started the trip in Hanoi, such an interesting city, lots of beautiful buildings. From there we headed to Halong Bay, right at the top of my list of places to visit. It did not disappoint. Spending time on a Junk for the night and experiencing the sunset and just the peace and serenity of such beautiful surroundings, was just fabulous. I would highly recommend a night or two on the junk. We then headed to Hoi An, which has such history, the lovely old buildings in the old part of town, and it is a shoppers paradise with more tailors than I have seen anywhere and so many wonderful restaurants and quaint bars. Also very popular for cooking schools. You also have the beaches to visit as well. Then off to Ho Chi Minh city, which is such an amazing city in so many ways. The traffic is something that has to be seen to be believed but everyone seems to survive it all somehow. Visiting the Chi chi tunnels, spending time in the War Remnant museum, the Reunification Palace, seeing the lovely buildings like the old Post Office, the Opera House and all the historic hotels was a highlight. The Ben Thanh markets have everything you could possibly need to buy all in the one place. We were so well looked after by our Trails of Indochina guides and drivers, and all the people were just so lovely. I was so surprised at what great value everything is there, whether it be restaurants, drinks, shopping, all of it just so reasonable. Definately put Vietnam on your bucket list.