Page 2 of Chicken Hair Travel Blog Posts


Asia » Vietnam January 22nd 2011

Vietnam was fabulous. There were many highlights. Certainly the tailor made clothing was great, so too was mastering the art of driving a hard bargain in the markets. If I go again I would still do many of the things we did, however perhaps in different locations. The food was fresh and great. We tried everything, despite the fact we don't eat Pork, there was plenty on the menu to choose from. Drinks, both non, and alcoholic were cheap and mostly, cold. We didn't really take to the coffee. It was too strong, and far too sweet. Condensed milk goes into almost every hot drink. Good coffee places we stumbled upon included Highlands Coffee, and Gloria Jeans (in HCMC). Most of the hotels provided a wide range of complementay toiletries including a toothbrush and toothpast. In ... read more

Asia » Vietnam » Southeast » Ho Chi Minh City January 22nd 2011

Arrival at HCMC was under a cloud of smog, although we were pleased to see the warmer weather. Temps were very much like home, so it was off with the jeans, on with the shorts and Haviana thongs. Our hotel was the Tan Hai Long 3 hotel in District One. After the Hoi An experience we had already decided that if it wasn't of our liking then we would either request a better room or ditch the hotel altogether. The room was about $40 per night and 3 star. To our relief the room was great. Very small, and even with the beds pushed together to make a large double, there wasn't much room. The bathroom was very nice, and the room smelt great. There was a tiny window, enough to let a little air in, ... read more

Asia » Vietnam » South Central Coast » Quảng Nam » Hoi An January 22nd 2011

We said goodbye to Hanoi after a great night out at the Water Puppets. This cost about 60,000 (or $3) each and is well worth the time. It's only 45mins and is a wonderful insight into traditional folk stories. Another 'must' in Hanoi is a cocktail in the bar at the Metropole Hotel. This is a timeless French classic and oozes style and luxury. It's about 45min to the airport from central Hanoi - cost about 240,000 dong depending on traffic. We set of for Hoi An, this requires flying to Da Nang, then getting transport the 30 km to Hoi An. Although it's only 30km it takes about 45min to an hour to get there. Hoi An is the place to get tailor made clothes, shoes and jewellery. Were were measured up and bought items ... read more

Asia » Vietnam » Northeast » Quang Ninh » Halong Bay January 22nd 2011

We did not book anything prior to leaving Australia. This certainly had many advantages, however given that it was Christmas and everyone else was holidaying, it forced our hand when making some decisions. When you're in Hanoi - or Vietnam for that matter, a visit to Halong Bay is simply a 'must'. We booked the bulk of our holiday through Buffalo Tours - located in Ma May street in the Old Quarter. Strategically placed, this tour complany is directly across the street from Nola's Cafe. This is a great little cafe with very reasonable cocktails. A great watering spot and very quiet. We wanted to spend 2 nights on Halong Bay, most of the tours are only single nights, however we really wanted to see the bay, so it was a two night stay. The only ... read more

Asia » Vietnam » Northwest » Lao Cai » Sapa January 22nd 2011

After a few days in Hanoi sight seeing we headed off to Sapa. We were prepared for the December cold with our newly purchased North Face jackets that we bought for an exceptionally good deal at the shop in Hanoi Towers. Sights of interest that were visited included the Political Prison, the Temple of Literature and the Military Museum. Also of interest was Ho Chi Minh's mauseleum. From here we also visited the One Pillar Pagoda. I was apprehensive about having to leave my camera with the guards at the mauseleum, not to worry, there's a great little system that magically transports your camera from the front of the builiding to where you exit. You just show your ticket, and there's your camera. Don't go to this spot thinking you can discuss issues with your friends! ... read more
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Asia » Vietnam January 22nd 2011

We flew Singapore Airlines from Brisbane to Hanoi (via Singapore). Stop over was about 4 hours from memory, and the flight was great. The initial plane configuration was 2-5-2 and we were on the side. As I', friendly with the travel agent, she booked us window seats all the way. This was good as we only had ourselves to contend with. Singapore is great if you fly the late night flight. We were issued with little bags with socks and a toothbrush. If you're caught short, there's spare toothbrushes up in the toilets. I noticed there were other personal proiducts there that you might need to get you out of a bind if caught short. I had logged onto the carriers homepage, so had already checked out the movie viewing. This was also useful if, like ... read more




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