Ha Long Bay, Northern Vietnam

Stop Six, 26/05/2015 to 27/05/2015
After a bumpy four hour bus journey we arrived to the splendor that is Ha Long Bay. A UNESCO world heritage site, almost 2,000 karst islands dot the horizon. Potentially disappointing from a distance but once our boat began to traverse the waters around the bay, it's beauty unfolded before us. Irregular shapes, shadows and greenery mask the islands adding an air of mystery. We had a jam packed schedule of activities hosted by our crew, all made increasingly magical because of the setting. Caves perched high in cliffs overlooking the islands, pearl farms floating in the middle of emerald green waters and tai chi on the deck as the sun rose from behind the jagged peaks. The cruise was excellent, a quaint boat with nice food and friendly staff but, whether on a little fishing boat or a 5* cruise, it is the scenery that takes your breath away. We will remember it for years to come.
Picture
© C.Moriarty

Hanoi, Northern Vietnam

Stop Five: 25/04/2015 to the 31/05/2015
Having already been here a couple of weeks, we've certainly gotten to know the place. The capital city of Vietnam,Hanoi is not like anywhere we've been before. Although it is a big city like Saigon (HCMC), it has more character. We have located ourselves firmly in the old quarter of the city, with winding roads and building influenced by French colonialism (many windows adorned with green wooden shutters and ornate balconies). 

The old quarter maintains an air of the traditional and the undeveloped and the streets are still teaming with vendors. However, Hanoi can also offer the skyscrapers and shopping malls like its more developed peers in China and the USA. When we have a free hour, we like to walk around the vast, gold clad Trang Tien plaza, where the doorman holds the door and invites us in. Here we can browse the latest fashion in Gucci and Prada, or check out the new colour palette in Mac – all the while pretending we can afford it! We're still getting to know the place so will be blogging lots - stay tuned!

Huế, Central Vietnam

Stop Four: 21/04/2015 to the 25/04/2015
Having taken our first train journey through the lush Viet countryside, we arrived in Huế, already convinced of its beauty. However, Huế is a city first and a tourist trap second. Many foreigners travelling through Vietnam spend little more than a day in Huế viewing only its main attraction, the Imperial Citadel. We had set aside 4 days to spend in Huế and were eager to let this lesser touted Vietnamese city under our skin.We spent our days seeing sights within the city and then hired a driver to take us to the many tombs and craft villages in the surrounding countryside. We took part in an initiative for young people and we were even interviewed on TV. What more can you want from a short stopover in a friendly city!

Hoi An, Central Vietnam

Stop Three: 15/04/2015 to 21/04/2015
Our favourite place so far, Hoi An's charm beckoned us to stay an extra 3 days! It has the perfect mix of culture, history and arts & crafts to grab anyone's imagination. Walking down the brightly coloured streets, you are transported back to the 18th century (Hoi An's maritime era). The streets come alive at night when lanterns guide your way to a host of delicious restaurants and markets. We spent our time shopping, eating and sightseeing and, in truth, could have stayed even longer. Who knows, we may not have seen the last of Hoi An on this trip?

Da Nang,Central Vietnam

Stop Two: 12/04/2015 to 15/04/2015
The third largest city in Vietnam sits on the central coast line and is our second stop as we make our way to Hanoi in the North. Da Nang does not enjoy the same level of tourism as many other parts of Vietnam and we felt relatively isolated as we took the short taxi ride from the airport into town. This feeling quickly melted away with an extremely warm welcome from our hotel staff. The people in Da Nang are friendly and very eager to turn visitors into friends. Although there are some memorable sights, the people of Da Nang are what we will remember most. By the time we were leaving we were exchanging Facebook details and sincerely  promising to keep in touch. Great city, great people, well worth spending time here! 

Cu Chi Tunnels
After a 2 hour drive in a Mercedes Benz mini van we finally arrived at Cu Chi, a district of HCMC. Our tour Guide 'Son' was an over-enthusiastic 67 year-old man from Saigon who showed us the many trap doors all over the jungle floor that led down into a network of pitch black tunnels. The Viet Cong used the tunnels to hide during combat in the Vietnam war but the tunnels have since been widened and reinforced with concrete to accommodate us Westerners!! 

Before my so-called 'husband' went to explore underground, we were reassuringly told that the tunnels are cleared of snakes & scorpions each morning - but he might see the odd bat! Son called these the '5 star' tunnels because they pale in comparison to the original crawl spaces which were no doubt dreaded by both Viet Cong and US troops alike. 

Ho Chi Minh City

Stop One: 08/04/2015 to 12/04/2015
What an assault on the senses! We're still trying to work out which way is up - between the blinding neon lights (none of which actually tell you what each shop sells); the sound of traffic horns and mopeds constantly fighting for space on the unmarked streets; the heat and humidity, smoggy and punishing by 10am; or the unforgettable stench of Durian Fruit on every corner (ick!)....Needless to say, this may take a bit of getting used to!!
First Taxi ride in HCMC