"Travel is the discovery of truth; an affirmation of the promise that human kind is far more beautiful than it is flawed. With each trip comes a new optimism that where there is despair and hardship, there are ideas and people just waiting to be energized, to be empowered, to make a difference for good.”
― Dan Thompson

Vietnam

As part of a girls trip around Southeast Asia a few years ago we traveled through the amazing countryside that is Vietnam. Out of all the countries we hit, Vietnam especially stood out and would definitely be one that I will be venturing through again! We flew from India to Ho Chi Ming City (Old Saigon) and the journey began!!

Ho Chi Minh/Saigon = first

We stayed in the heart of the city and as we were hostel jumping for the few weeks we were quite comfortable with anywhere we could lay our tired heads!! We made a plan to visit all of the important landmarks and set off.

Top Places for Ho Chi Minh

Chinatown

One thing that stood out for me in this area was the decorative shop fronts, they are amazing in themselves. The intricate detailing and effort that goes into making their shop stand out over another is an art! The temples in the area would envelop you for a whole day if you let it, and the Tuk Tuk drivers will happily be your local tour guide (for enough of a tip). As you wander through the myriad of market stalls in this district, take lots of photos, and if you can not resist the trinkets and souvenirs, then make sure they are small!! It is a long trip yet!!

Thien Hau Temple,

A 19th century work of art that will give you plenty of photo opportunities and time to just wonder at the artwork. Learning about the Vietnamese lifestyle and witnessing the local ambiance was highlight enough for me. The Ben Thanh Market is not far of a walk, and I never give up an opportunity to hit a market!!

Vietnamese lunch

You wont have to look far to find fine food in Vietnam. Noodle soup (pho), a common delicacy has to be tasted.

War Remnants Museum,

This remains one of the country’s most important museums, it currently houses some impressive military equipment, including fighter planes, tanks, and weaponry and will give you an insight into the colour past of the Vietnamese culture.

Finally, some architectural landmarks that you just cannot miss include the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, and Central Post Office. You can easily do these by yourself or join onto a walking tour in which you are ushered from place to place. Budget depending of course!!

From Ho Chi Minh city, and all its frollicks we then jetted off to Hanoi on an short flight. We didn’t have time to get the train down even though it is something that is on the bucket list to go back and do!!

Hanoi

Hanoi meant one thing, - water.

Halong Bay was calling us and the first thing we did upon arriving in our hostel/tourist office was to book a vendor to bring us on a Halong Bay cruise. It was a must do and we have budgeted carefully so we could enjoy ourselves a little!! After a day wandering the streets of Hanoi taking in the local cuisine and culture we headed off to the pier and joined some other travelers for our Halong Bay tour.

Top Tips for Hanoi

Halong Bay Tour – There are several types of tours from one day excursions to overnight cruises. We decided to spend the night upon what you could only liken to a pirate ship. It was beautiful and well kept. You better like seafood though because that’s all you are getting! I can still taste the lemon-grass that tricked me into eating squid on a stick.... shudder

If you are quick and in need of a treat, local people regularly come alongside the tour ships in their own smaller craft selling sweets/crisps/local foods/drinks for minimal costings. How can you not love a mobile shop??

During our trip we got to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Halong Bay, unexplainable sunsets, and secret islands. We swam in beautiful crystal clear waters, kayaked, searched for pearls, and played with monkeys. It was amazing!!

Hanoi Old Quarter

Once we stumbled back onto land a few days later and regained our sea-legs, we explored Hanoi. The Old Quarter is perfect for getting lost among the local restaurants, shops and landmarks. You could spend a week there. You can go it alone or jump on a walking tour but with a good tour book it is very easy to manage solo. We went to a traditional [puppet show and it was the strangest how I have ever gone to. They promote it all over the place and it is a fun experience to go for dinner and a show, but...I might pass next time.

Vietnam teaches you to slow down. Look up. Look Around. Just Be.

It lows you down and grounds you, just like the healing hand of Asia tends to be capable of.

Will definitely be back!!