GOOD MORNING VIETNAM

For the last part of my tour I spent two weeks in Vietnam. There is so much to explore of the country and I wish I had more time to visit the other areas as there was so much more I could have done, however, I was able to visit many of the main attractions in each region which meant I didn’t feel I missed out on too much. In this weeks post I wanted to share with you my recommendation for each spot; whether that’s eating, shopping or sightseeing.  

Ho Chi Ming City 

Ho Chi Ming City is the biggest city in Vietnam with over 8.4 million residents. The area use to be the capital of the country, called Saigon, however, this changed after the Vietnamese War. The city is buzzing with things to do and so much history to explore. 

Mekong Delta tour 

Two hours from the city is the main area of coconut farms for Vietnam. If you are able, book a tour to visit the area of Mekong. The tour guide takes you around the delta by boat to visit the coconut farms where they also make coconut sweets and other areas of the delta such as where they make carpets or natural bricks all from the material of the land. During the end of the tour they also took us for lunch where we indulged in some Vietnamese seafood from around the area. Overall the tour is definitely worth the day as you get to learn of a new culture while sailing down the delta river sipping on coconut water.  

Cu Chi Tunnel tour

This is obviously one of the most famous tourist attractions to see when visiting Vietnam and is worth the trek. Two hours from the city you enter an area well known for the fighting grounds of the Vietnamese war. With the tour you can be taken into and around the tunnels and learn of the tactics used which eventually lead them to winning the war. 

Ben Thanh Market 

If you are interested in getting a few deals before the end of your travels this is the market to go to. From Dior to Balenciaga- they have every fake handbag/ purse or shoe that’s being advertised in the magazines at the moment. As well as the fake designers they also have a selection of souvenirs and clothes to choose from, not to mention the vast amount of food stalls begging you to come in to have their spring rolls and noodles. The market is definitely not for everyone but is an experience you should face for at least an hour! 

Nha Trang 

Nha Trang is a city near a beach which gives the area a lot more of a relaxed feeling than the city. The weather was fantastic and there wasn’t much to do in the area which meant all I could do was relax on the beach- not so bad! 

Alpaca cafe 

If you are looking for a great brunch spot by the beach this is the perfect spot. With many options to choose from on the menu and lovely coffee you can’t go wrong. With a relaxed atmosphere and great staff make the experience such a lovely way to start your day by the sea.

I Resort 

A resort hidden about half an hour from the city centre, I Resort is a great way to spend the day and treat yourself to a little ‘me time’. With mud baths, hydrotherapy, multiple pools, mineral bathes and even a water park- there is something for everyone to enjoy on a sunny day in Nha Trang. 

Hoi an 

Hoi an is one of the only areas of Vietnam that didn’t get bombed during the war which means that many of the homes and buildings that have stayed in great condition, pre Vietnamese war and can therefore be seen during a walk in the Old town. 

Natural eatery 

I went to this cafe on my last day in the area and actually came back for lunch because I enjoyed it so much. From lovely breakfast options and the ‘build your own salad’ menu there is something for everyone - even your ‘gluten free, plant based, sugar free’ friends. Due to the time of year I was stuck in the rainy season so it was such a nice change to get out of the rain and into a dry cafe with a warming cappuccino and hot bowl of porridge all for £4. I would highly recommend coming with a book or journal and making an afternoon out of the place or the cafe Good Eats which has a lovely array of cakes and goodies. 

Old town 

Obviously the main attraction of the area is the old town where the original buildings still stand, even after the war. You are able to visit these attractions by buying a ticket that allows you access to five buildings of your choice around the area. However, I don’t think it’s very necessary- personally the town has enough to see around the area anyway. The town is famous for its tailors and leather stores, I even ended up purchasing a pair of custom cowboy boots on my first day in the area. 

As well as the stores, the area is also highly known for its lanterns. At night the whole place glows with red, yellow and orange lanterns, there is even an opportunity to make your own with their workshops offered along the river bank. 

Buffalo Adventures

Buffalo Adventures is a bike tour around the Hoi an and the island surrounding the area. The tour guide takes you along the backstreets of the city so you are able to easily enjoy the flat and empty streets of the villages. On the tour you meet villagers and learn of their practices. For example we had a short rice wine tasting, learnt how to make Vietnamese mats and made rice noodles which we devoured for lunch. The whole experience was finished with a short trip down the river and back to our hostel which was a lovely end to the day. 

Aerial yoga 

Unfortunately I wasn’t able to attend a class due to my short stay in the area, however, I had noticed many different yoga classes being offered around the area, specifically the aerial yoga caught my eye. If your in the area long enough I would recommend; Mint Studio or Om Factory Yoga Studio for daily classes. 

Peanuts 

I had to include this restaurant because of the lovely meal I had one evening. On a small street in Hoi an, there is a women run vegan restaurant. The menu focuses on all organically made ‘bowls’ which you build yourself with all your favourite healthy and delicious toppings. 

Phong Nha 

Phong Nha is famous for their caves so it was a quick two day stop to discover their beauty. However, this was plenty of time as there wasn’t much around the area apart from their caves and hikes. 

Paradise and Dark cave 

Deep in the mountains of Phong Nha is the largest cave in Vietnam. With the tours available into Paradise Cave, even the shortest walk is 30 mins down. 

Unfortunately I didn’t go through the Dark Caves due to the weather conditions. However, if you are one for adventure- this is the cave for you to explore! With a zipline to the entrance of the cave you then walk (and crawl) until you enter the mud baths where you spend sometime soaking in the natural minerals. You finish the cave tour with a kayak and then complete the adventure park located on the river. 

Phong Nhas Coffee Station 

A perfect place to start your day with a coffee and breakfast, with plenty of options to choose from. I had their sourdough French toast and a chia latte which made my morning. Especially on the soggy days of rainy season, the cafe is a perfect place to spend your time. 

Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of the country and you can understand why! The busy, lively city has so much to offer from and four days there wasn’t enough time for me to do everything I wanted to achieve. 

Halong Bay

Of course when in Hanoi you must go and visit on of the seven natural wonders of the world- Halong Bay. Included in the tour you get driven two hours outside of the city where you then catch a boat which tours you around the islands. The bay is so big that you can do a one day or two day tour just visiting a few of the most famous islands they have to offer, including stopping off on the beaches and viewpoints, as well as, caves deep below the island.

Hanoi food culture 

Treat yourself to some traditional Vietnamese food at a hidden away restaurant in the centre of the city. There is something for everyone with many twists on the classic dishes! Although the menu is more expensive than your average street food prices, it’s worth every penny! 

Woman’s Museum 

In the centre of town is a amazing exhibition on women in Vietnam. Bring light to women’s roles in Asian culture and the importance of their jobs throughout the ages, including the shift during the Vietnam war. The museum shares an important message to all and it should be a ‘must do’ on your list when in the area. 

Cong Caphe 

This was such a fun and different experience to any other coffee shop I have had! There are a couple of the cafes around the city, where you are transported the moment you enter the building. The cafe is war themed, focusing on the Vietnamese soldiers and the culture that came with it- from their traditional coffees and drinks, as well as, the classic war-time snacks for a real transformation back in time. 

Ngoc Son Temple 

Close by to the Women’s museum is the famous temple that sits on the river in the centre of the city. The running temple allows tourists to come and visit their centre and experience the calmness as you overlook the rest of the city from a outside perspective. 

Bar hopping

I would highly recommend when in the area to try out some of Hanoi’s hidden bars and speakeasies. Located all around the city, go searching for these hidden locations to be party of the secret. My favourite bars were; The Alchemist, Skybar, The Gallery. 

Silk Street

Any last minute presents must be done on the Silk Street. There is so much more just silk items; from pottery, to suviniours and great quality clothing- if you can’t find your family and friends something here, you won’t find it anywhere! 

Nail Kitchen

Before leaving, remember to get your nails done at Nail Kitchen. It’s the perfect time to treat yourself to a mani/ peni before going back home (and much cheaper). There are many nail bars and spas around but I had such a nice experience at the Nail Kitchen that I had to recommend. Put some time into yourself and enjoy the experience of indulging for a really great price. 

Love Aria 

XO