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Published: August 15th 2008
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Our first sight of Halong Bay...
If coming to Vietnam, this is certainly a must see.. just fantastic!! Here goes.. Us in Vietnam
Our three week journey... from Hanoi (in the North) to Ho Chi Minh (in the South)
We flew in from Laos to Hanoi and the madness began. We asked a minivan driver that we would like to go to the Old Quarter and pointed to a hotel in the Lonely Planet, he said 'no problem $4 each' we got in, seemed all too easy. He dropped us at the Old Quarter alright but at some random guesthouse that looked horrible (obviously his mates or cousins place). We fell for the typical scam that even the lonely planet warns you about!
Great start!
So we now had our packs on and lonely planet out which attracts all the touts! It seemed alot hotter in Hanoi (36degrees), so sweating away walking the streets aimlessly we finally found somewhere. This city is mad, crazy busy. Crossing the street is a real art, millions and millions of motorbikes, there seems to be NO rules, no left or right side! But it seems to work for them (some how). When crossing you just walk out slowly, don't hesitate...basically close your eyes and hope for the best! They
seem to go around you....
We booked a 2 day 1 night junk boat cruise in Halong Bay. This trip was amazing and a real must! Our advice on this, is you get what you pay for! Don't go dirt cheap, you will get a yuck rat infested boat and have a terrible time!
We went 'mid range' and had a really good experience, tour was well organised, always travelling in air conditioned new minivans, boat wasn't over crowded, boat condition and meals were much better than we had expected.
As you can see we spent our time, relaxing, exploring, swimming, kayaking and thoroughly enjoying the view. It couldn't have been better. All for $64 per person.
Back to Hanoi briefly then overnight sleeper bus to Hue, definately not an essential stop on the itinerary but after 14hrs on a bus we were happy to be getting off! After 2 nights exploring the historical temples of Hue we headed down the coast 4hrs to Hoi An.
People had been raving about Hoi An, heard it was a real 'highlight' and we can see why! The first day we arrived we found ourselves in the hands of
Temple Exploring Hue
Tash A, trying to blend in with the locals! No chance! a tailor, and started to get clothes made.. (We are going to need some suitable clothes made for all those job interviews in Whistler, Canada when we finally arrive in October.) We had tonnes of fun, and these people can tailor everything to fit perfectly, good quality fabrics, stitching, linings etc And all in 48-72hrs!
This is Tash W's fav place in Vietnam, a real French feel. Cafe's, restaurants, bars were all set in villa style houses. Even managed to catch the AB's beating the Aussies! C'mon the AB's! We have realised that any sign of home is precious, whether it be the tex's, emails or seeing kiwis cheering at a sports match. Travelling to South East Asia has made us grateful and thankful for how lucky we are in NZ.
After 4 nights in Hoi An, and leaving with an extra suitcase we didn't have when we arrived! We headed to the beaches of Nha Trang. We decided the sleeper train must be better than the bus, so for the 14hr journey we had probably the grim-est travelling, to date. 4 beds per cabin, the bunks themselves were fine, but there was the constant aroma of urine
Hoi An - Getting fitted... Tash W
I never thought i would see the day that wafted in whenever any of the pasengers used the dreadful toilets!
Tash A especially had a dryreaching journey. Poor thing!
Arrived at Nha Trang late at night 10pm, no accomodation booked, so followed a taxi to 'a great Guesthouse' which we promptly checked out of early the following morning! We checked into our most expensive room so far, $30 per night, a suite with balcony ocean views.
Its amazing how air con, HBO & CNN on tv can be the creature comforts we have come to enjoy the most here!
Spent the next phew days in Nga Trang, took a good boat trip to the outer islands. $6 per person, snorkelling, swimming etc. And the best lunch! A good day well spent & the boat staff were the most entertaining, 'Funkymonkey' and his team 'the best boyband in the world', so they say! The Nha Trang beach is nothing special.. good to fill in a few days, a poorer version of the Gold Coast but beach not as nice!
Away we went, and headed to a little beach community called Mui Ne. Tash A's fav spot in Vietnam, known for kite surfing and windsurfing. We enjoyed
a quieter feel, hired bicycles and scooters and went on a sunrise tour. Picked up at 4.30am we both struggled, but it was great to visit the sights before the crowds!
Our Guesthouse was beachfront, with bungalows, and a nice pool which was well worth the price ($20 per night). And enjoyed relaxing, lots of sun, nice restaurants, hard life.
We even caught the Olympic Opening Ceremony, at Pogo a local pub run by an Aussie.
On to our final stop, Saigon. We had heard this city was going to be pretty chaotic, even possibly worse than Hanoi. But we were pleasently surprised, yes it was busy with millions of motorbikes, but we found it easy to get around. Good shopping, a very 'tourist friendly' area, everything we needed accessible.. Even the hairdressers! Ahhh yes, we had to get our haircut and chose the most 'western' looking establishment.. If i say we weren't nervous, i would be lying we were hell scared! Ha.
But for $5 per person, they were fantastic. A receptionist that could speak good english, a hairdresser that could speak none! But the best head massage one could wish for!
We left very
happy!
Whilst getting our heads massaged, the 'great storm' had blown in! And the streets were 2 feet deep in water. We took shoes and socks off and ran for it... i hate to think what was floating around in the water but grin and bear it!
We have had a great time in Vietnam, the food.. is probably the best of all the South East Asian countries. And the beer, the cheapest in the world! Hoi Bia .70c per bottle, 4.5% all is great!
2-3 weeks is a good amount to travel between Hanoi and Saigon.
After 2 days in Saigon, we flew to Bangkok on Wednesday 13th, one night in Khao San Road. Then Bangkok - Singapore on Thursday night, and Singapore - Cairo, Egypt early (2.20am) Friday morning.
We are nervous, but very excited about Egypt....
Until next time, Miss everyone, Tash and Tash x
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Jussara
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Ahh brings back such good memories. Sounds like you guys are having a blast! And in heat almost as hot here in Beijing! Keep it up you two! Juss