Vietnam is such a vibrant country with tons to see and eat! There is a plethora of activities from relaxing in a mud bath to exploring underground at the Chi Chu Tunnels.
So you have bought your flight to Vietnam from that cheap Jetstar deal you found. Now what? First of all, if you hold an Australian passport, you will require a visa:
You can apply here for $25 AUD : Visa Application
This can be done all online where an electronic visa will be issued to you through your email (Be careful there are a few dodgy websites out there! So be sure to use one that's reputable). So no need to send your passport anywhere! I would advise to get this administrative process done at least 2 weeks before you travel out of the country to avoid any mishaps.
First stop!
1. Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the capital city of Vietnam and as soon as you arrive the first thing you will notice is the traffic (followed closely by the hot weather if you are travelling in June)
The secret of crossing the road, is to go slow and steady. The drivers here seem to be highly skilled and as long as your movements are predictable they will zoom right past you. The hard part is taking the first step in crossing the road (the likelihood of someone giving away to you to cross the roads are slim!)
1.1 Chu Chi Tunnels
Go back in history and learn more about the network of interconnecting underground tunnels, which were the location of the military campaigns during the Vietnam War.
Wanna get a chance to shoot at the firing range? Highly recommend: For about $10 AUD you get to do just that. Machine guns were also available. I have to say, this was LOUD! There is a bit of recoil with these rifles but there's someone to accompany you in case you a first timer.
For less than $5, you can get grab some grub at the local markets once you get back to the main city. This one was some delicious spring rolls mixed with some rice noodles, tangy sweet sauce, topped with some veggies and nuts. Almost like a warm noodle salad.
Can't get enough of those spring rolls. You will notice that the type of spring rolls that are sold in the south (HCM) compared to the north (Hanoi) are a quite different. You can try the "Obama Bowl" or Ban Cha when you are in Hanoi made famous by Obama himself! (vermicelli rice noodles, herbs, and sometimes spring rolls into a bowl of sweet yellow broth, along with charcoal-grilled pork patties and grilled pork slices). Why not try some avocado milkshake too?
2. Nha Trang
Next stop is the beach city just north of HCM which gives off such a tropical feel known for its seafood and laid back lifestyle.
View from our apartment at the Sheraton Hotel!
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The view from the roof top bar above the Sheraton Hotel:
2.1 Mud baths at I-resort
About 8kms away from the city centre of Nha Trang lies an oasis where you can soak yourself for about 20 minutes into some high mineral content mud, leaving your skin feeling revitalised. The mud is pumped into your bath, ensuring the temperature is maintained at 38 – 40 degrees Celsius. For about 300k Vietnamese Dong, you can experience a mud bath with 3ppl (about $18 AUD pp) and after, relax in the mineral swimming pool. There are 2 pools for adults and a jaccuzzi.
If you feeling like spoiling yourself you can get a package to include food and massages too.
3. Hoi An
Hoi An has to be my favourite city in Vietnam, such a charming ancient town famous for its numerous tailored suit shop houses and colourful French colonial buildings. Take a walk around the markets in the evening and enjoy this quaint town. Tailored shirts can start from $20 and can take a couple of days for them to complete once they measure you up (can take a couple of hours). You can customise it as you like and pick from the selection of different materials they have! If you want some recommendations, give me a shout!
4. Hanoi (Halong Bay)
Bucket list ticked and one of the highlights of my trip was a one night, two day cruise in Halong Bay (One of the seven wonders of the world). The package includes all food, accommodation and transport from Hanoi. For about $180 AUD this was so worth it!
The shuttle bus comes and picks you up from your hotel from the Hanoi city centre. On the first day you get to swim and relax at Ti Top beach and enjoy the whole panorama view of Halong Bay. After, you get enjoy a cooking class on the top deck of the cruise and learn how to make some Vietnamese Rolls.
At night you get to enjoy the BBQ Set Menu Dinner which was delicious!
Highly recommend: Glory Legend Cruises
The following day you get to explore the Sung Sot Cave - one of the biggest caves in Halong bay and kayak along the water too. Make sure you wear proper shoes for this as you will be doing about 45 minutes of walking and exploring!
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