Blogs from Thuy An, Hanoi, Red River Delta, Vietnam, Asia

Just the other day, someone asked about my best sandwich ever. I have given it some thought, and here are my answers. I had to categorize my answers, as the sandwich spectrum is just too broad. Best Banh Mi Without a doubt, it was in Hanoi, about a block from my Old Town hotel. I have been there on two different trips, and the taste and quality are outstanding. Cars drive by, run in and pick up a "to go" bag, so it must be well accepted by the locals. The pork banh mi has moist meat, flavorful condiments, and the best pickled radish. One sandwich is not enough, but two is way too much. Best Burger Hands down, the best burger we ever had was at the El Tovar Dining Room at the Grand Canyon. ... read more

31stMarch Ha Long Bay, Vietnam At anchor in Ha Long Bay. It was an early start for some people who had opted for an 11 hour tour off to Hanoi, approx 105 miles from the anchorage. We had decided after the previous few days to have a leisurely Junk cruise (another boat) around the bay. From a distance the limestone outcrops look quite mystical in the hazy sun. As soon as we had anchored we had small sampans with children/babies on board begging for anything and this continued the whole day we were in the Bay. Ha Long Bay is located in north-eastern Vietnam and has been designated by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site and tourism is playing an ever-increasing value to the regions economy. Ha Long means ‘where the dragon descends into the ... read more

One of the most challenging questions that western tourists have to answer when they are planning their first backpacking trip through South East Asia is, “Which countries should I visit during my 3 to 4 week vacation?” In most cases, Thailand is first on the list and this is often due to the fact that Thailand is organized and their tourist infrastructure is fairly well developed. It also doesn’t hurt that Thailand has a world famous nightlife scene. Branching off east from Thailand to Vietnam can also be an equally rewarding experience for tourists. Delicious Vietnamese cuisine is one of the undeniable highlights of the country, but the traffic is also worth the trip in itself. The combination of weaving motorcycles and sporadic honking is entertaining enough that in many cities restaurant seats are orientated such ... read more

Well, this is the story of the last week of my amazing holiday! Really for me this travel blog is the record for when I am old and want to remember all the fabulous travel stories and adventures that I have had. The ferry ride across to Surathani was uneventful and I was full of excitement about getting in the car and heading off. We jumped on a bus, not at all sure where it was taking us, the driver took all the tickets and we just hoped we would get to the airport to pick up the car. After about 45 minutes we pulled up in the middle of a street, everyone got off the bus so we thought we probably should too! Lucky as our luggage was on the sidewalk, and then the driver ... read more

After a pretty good sleep on the train considering the accommodation, at 4.30am I heard people walking in the train and talking and thought "wish they would be quiet I am sleeping". Next thing a knock on the door and the conductor says "Hanoi Station". Wow, was that a panic, getting dressed and packed and off the train in about 5 minutes flat! Got off the train, in the middle of a street, not on a station, just in the middle of the street, amazing with people everywhere and me not quite awake. I had to work out where I was, which as it happened was only around the corner from the first hotel where my bag was stored which was so lucky! Picked up my bag and caught a taxi to the new hotel, where ... read more