Fri 30 Sept 2022 - Hồ Chí Minh City

Fri 30 Sept. Day 9 – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Active walking day

Sunrise 5:42am Sunset 5:44pm

Our half day city tour departs from the historic Rex Hotel today, as we begin our walking discovery of some of Saigon’s most famous locations. Our first stop is the iconic Pittman Apartments, famously recognised for its part in the 1975 mass evacuation of refugees, at the fall of Saigon. We’ll then head to the Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office and US Consulate (former US Embassy), before hopping on our coach to finish our tour. Our final sights in the city centre, include the impressive Presidential Palace (Re-unification Palace) with its lush gardens and secret rooms and the War Remnants Museum, a sobering reminder of the brutal effects of war on civilian populations. We’ll view the monument to Thich Quang Duc, infamously known as the ‘Burning Monk’, before spending some time at the Do Phu Coffee Shop and museum, where you can try some traditional Vietnamese coffee and check out the remains of the Saigon Ranger Armory. 
Lunch will be enjoyed at the notable Pho Binh restaurant, recognised as the base of the former secret headquarters of the elite Viet Cong unit, the site where they planned the notorious Tet Offensive.
The rest of the day will be at your leisure.

Hotel: Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon

Included Meals: Breakfast Lunch

I had a visitor peeping in through my 10th floor window first thing this morning.

We departed the hotel at 8:30.  First up was a visit to the War Remnants Museum, something that was set up by a group of people and organisations in the USA.  

Very confronting and I didn’t take any photos.  Departed there around 9:30.

Next, was a visit to the Presidents Palace, where we spent about an hour.

From the Presidents Palace, we then had a quick visit to the Post Office building.

And then a quick visit to the original 5 star hotel in Saigon, The Rex Hotel.

We then had lunch at a small Poh cafe.

After lunch, we then went to another cafe for coffee,

and after coffee, we then returned to the hotel.

My watch died a couple of days ago and I knew that I wouldn’t find a place that could just replace the battery, so ask someone at reception if they knew a jeweller locally and there is a Mall not to far away, so Marie and I went for a walk there, so I could buy an inexpensive watch, as having to check the phone to find out what the time is, is painful.  Success. A small Casio watch, which equates to about $60.00. Looking at the invoice, it must have been on sale. Marie and I had to use a bridge to cross the 8 or 20 rows of traffic, to get to the Mall.

The afternoon thunder storm threatened around 4pm but never eventuated today.

As I wanted to catch up with this blog, I opted to have room service this evening. Crispy Spring Rolls and a glass of wine. It’s just after 7:30pm, so I’ll have a nice relaxing bath, watch some tv and have an early night, as we are heading out again tomorrow morning at 8am.

Night all.

Thu 29 Sept 2022 - Hoi An to Danang to Hồ Chí Minh City

 Thu 29 Sept. Day 8 - Hoi An – Danang – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Sunrise 5:48am Sunset 5:45pm

We’ll transfer to the airport today, for our flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). The largest city in Vietnam, the hustle and bustle of Vietnamese life is visible everywhere in Saigon. There are street markets, sidewalk cafés and trendy new bars. The city is constantly moving, yet within this teeming metropolis are 300 years of timeless traditions and the beauty of an ancient culture.

SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Discover Saigon at night on a foodie tour by jeep. Pass by iconic sites including the Opera House, City Hall and Post Office. Taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine as the locals do.

Hotel: Hotel Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon https://hochiminhcity.equatorial.com

Included Meals Breakfast Dinner

On day 8 the airline ticket for the flight between Hoi An and Saigon has been issued locally by our operator.

I was up early this morning, had breakfast and back to my room to make sure the packing was finished and that I hadn’t left anything behind. After paying my bill & checking out, I then left my luggage in the foyer, so I could take a photo of the front of the hotel. Some of the staff were already re-hanging the lights and decorations.

We all loaded onto the bus at 9:30 and departed for Da Nang Airport. Nock was concerned that we might not be allowed on the flight, as the airline was trying to cope with all of yesterday’s flight cancellations because of the typhoon. Fortunately we all received boarding passes and as it was, the flight was not totally full.  I think the flight departed for Tan Son Nhat International Airport around 12:30pm.  I think we landed some time after 2pm and were at our hotel and checked not to long after.

We all met at reception at 6pm for our included “Foodies Jeep tour”.  That was a fun adventure.

We were back at the hotel around 10pm and I didn’t hit the sack until just before midnight. Hopefully some photos follow.

Wed 28 Sept 2022 - Hội An

Wed 28 Sept. Day 7 - Hoi An

Sunrise 5:48am Sunset 5:50pm

Today is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy the resort and local surrounds, or explore the old city at your own pace. An ideal town to discover by foot, why not immerse yourself in Hoi An’s history. If you’re feeling adventurous you could also take an optional day trip to the nearby temple of My Son, the site of Vietnam’s most extensive Cham remains.

Hotel: Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel

Included Meals Breakfast

I went to bed around 10pm last night and slept till about 12:15am.  I was woken by some loud bangs. The wind was really howling and there was the occasional flash of lightening. I opened the door to the balcony and brought the 2 chairs inside, just in case they went flying. I also had a look out my room door and saw that the towel was still down in front of my door, as there was leakage from the window opposite and the hallway floor was wet. 

I then went back to bed and went to sleep.

The next time I surfaced it was around 6am but I didn’t get up until around 6:30.  I put the chairs back outside, as the wind had died down quite a bit. 

After breakfast, I went for a walk to check out how much damage had been done. A lot of medium trees had been blown over and a few larger trees had snapped limbs.  I returned back to the hotel and had lunch there, as there weren’t any cafes open. After lunch went for another walk in another area of town, mainly to get some exercise. 

After returning to the hotel, sat out near the pool and had a beer. Ate dinner at the hotel. Delicious fresh spring rolls.

Tue 27 Sept 2022 - Hội An

Tue 27 Sept. Day 6 - Hoi An

Sunrise 5:48am Sunset 5:50pm

Hoi An was known as Faifo to early western traders, and it was one of South East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. This ancient town remains a well-preserved mix of both indigenous and foreign influences, with architecture styles pulled from Chinese, Japanese and later European, designs.
Our walking tour this morning includes a visit to the Culture and History Museum to learn more about this quaint town before taking a stroll along the main street where we’ll come to the Chinese Assembly Hall of Fujien Chinese Community. This was built in 1697 as a place of worship dedicated to Thien Hau—the Goddess of the Sea. Strolling along the banks of the river we’ll come to the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, first built by the Japanese community in order to link the town with the Chinese quarters on the other side of the river.

SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Visit a colourful local market before taking a short cruise along the Hoi An River to the secluded Red Bridge Cooking School for an aromatic and informative cooking class.

Hotel: Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast Dinner

Weather plays such an important role in what site seeing can be done on a tour. Some of todays activities happened, some didn’t, Because of the weather,  It has been raining all day. Very lightly when we started out this morning, to very heavy this afternoon, so much so, that we had a private bus

take us back to the hotel after our cooking lesson/experience, Big tick to our tour guide.

I didn’t get to take many photos today, as my iPhone battery depleted very quickly and I didn’t bring the powerbank with me, as I didn’t think I would need itIn future, I’ll also have my small Canon 710HS with me.  There were so many more photos that I could have  taken  today,

Tomorrow is a “free” day, where we can do our own thing. Depends on what the weather has in store for HoiAn.  As of this evening, all appears to be okay. A bit of leakage at the hotel and on the 5th floor,in front of my room.

Mon 26 Sept 2022 - Halong Bay to Danang to Hội An

 Mon 26 Sept. Day 5 - Halong Bay - Danang - Hoi An

Sunrise 5:46am Sunset 5:51pm

Described as one of the most picturesque spots in all of Vietnam, Halong Bay comprises of close to 2,000 limestone pillars and tiny islets, rising from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. 

Hotel: Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel

https://www.hoiancentral.com/en

Included Meals: Breakfast

I woke at 5 this morning with an upset tummy, so popped an Imodium and decided not to to the morning excursion.  Lots of other boats/small ships moored in this area.

The group had returned by 8:45, so we started heading back to town. A very nice brunch was served on the return trip. We had handed in out keys by then and the boys wer already in the cabins cleaning and changing linen etc, ready for the next lot of guests, who they will pick up when the drop is off.

We depart Halong Bay at 11:10. Lovely and sunny on land as we headed towards Hanoi airport for our flight to Danang and then a short bus ride to Hoi An.  We stopped at a large outlet for lunch. I had fried dims sims.  Very filling.

We arrived at the airport around 3:45 and our flight left at 5:30.

Arrived at Danang at 6:40. We were off the plane, had collected our bags and was on the bus to Hoi An by 7:10.  We arrived at the hotel shortly after 8pm.

My room at the Hoian Central Boutique Hotel & Spa

Sun 25 Sept 2022 - Hanoi to Halong Bay

 Sun 25 Sept. Day 4 – Hanoi – Halong Bay

Sunrise 5:46am Sunset 5:50pm

An early start this morning as we discover Hanoi as the city awakens, which is a great way to see how the locals begin their day. Our tour begins at the photogenic flower market and moves onto the Old Quarter—a fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop houses, also known as 'The 36 Streets'. Each street has been named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics and crafts to medicines and tombstones. This is also a great time of day for us to stroll along the majestic Hoan Kiem Lake as it stirs to life—a favourite spot among locals to practise Tai Chi, an exercise long known for its promotion of health and longevity, in the tranquil half-light. We can just watch these practitioners or join in ourselves. We’ll travel through the Hai Hong Province next, to breathtaking Halong Bay, dotted with thousands of limestone islands and outcrops.

We departed the hotel at 5am and headed out to the flower market. Along the way we passed runners who were competing in a marathon, at least I think they were. It was still dark at that time of the morning.  We arrived at the market around 5:30 and had a good walks around.  The place was really busy and there were people everywhere buying flowers to take to their shops or  locals buying for someone’s birthday or special occassion.

After being picked up, we were dropped off back in the city near the lake. We watched some of the people dancing, others were doing exercises. Not cars are allowed in this area on Sundays so it’s very much a people area.

We continued walking back to the hotel, where we had breakfast and then departed Hanoi heading to Halong Bay and our overnight cruise.  There was some rain on the way and by 10:30 it was pouring down.  We visited a pearl outlet and were given a quick talk about the different types of pearls. The only thing I bought was a cup of coffee.  We then continued on our way to the terminal, to be taken by tender out to the Star Viking, which was our home for the next 24 hours.  I’m having trouble posting photos, so am not doing anymore at the moment. 

Lunch onboard as we were taken out into the bay. We took a sampan to the Thien Canh Son Cave and the more adventurous kayaked instead. Back to the Star Viking and then another excursion, which I gave a miss to.

This evening there was a Happy Hour, a cooking class in the upper deck and then dinner.  I was in bed by about 10pm and asleep shortly after.

Sat 24 Sept 2022 - Hanoi

Active walking day

Sunrise 5:45am Sunset 5:51pm

SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Walk along the ‘Rail Tracks of Hanoi’ and explore a rarely seen side of Vietnam’s capital. We meet the locals and see how they have adapted to daily life just metres from the trains.

Make sure you bring your camera today to capture some fantastic photos as the people vie for trade just metres from the trains.

Our afternoon sightseeing includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside only), the beautiful Presidential Palace (outside only) and Ho Chi Minh’s neighbouring traditional Stilt House, where the former Prime Minister lived from 1954 to 1969. We’ll also see the One Pillar Pagoda before heading to the Temple of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, which is also host to the ‘Imperial Academy’—Vietnam's first university. We then visit the Imperial Citadel & Flag Tower, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010, before our final stop, at the notorious Hỏa Lò Prison. Formerly used by the French colonists for political prisoners, it later housed the imprisoned US pilots that were shot down during the Vietnam War, and today the remnants of the gatehouse remain as a moving museum 

That is what was on the programme for today. No ‘Special Experience’, as such, as the government have stopped tourists from walking along parts of the tracks, for safety reasons and the vendors now have to trade from the front of their shops and not the back door. We still got to walk the part of the track that is allowed to be walked.  

We continued on our way, with ‘Ruby’ explaining the various areas, and what that represented. 

I’m not having much success uploading photos, so I’m not going to try any more.  Will post some on FaceBook instead or might actually post this and then go back and edit. I’m the meantime I’ll  keep writing.

After walking through this old quarter, we passed an area where murals have been painted on the wall. Looks really lovely.  We then passed the Water Tower, an aquarium area.  There are still people that carry their wares over their shoulders at either end of a bamboo or wooden stick.

We continued on heading towards a very old railway bridge, that seemed to go for miles. Ha something to do with France and the Eiffel Tower.  Looks very rusty to me. Apart from the trains, the only other traffic is either pedestrians or motor cycles.

After that bit of the walk, we were picked up by the bus and taken to an Egg Coffee Cafe. Cafe Giang, since 1946.  It’s very popular with the locals and apparently is very famous.  Most of us opted for the iced coffee version and I must say that it was refreshing and different. 

After that, it was back in the bus and to another market area, which was mainly greens, fish and fruit.  After that walk about it was off to Rue Lamblot for a set menu lunch. Very delicious and a bit tastier than last nights dinner, according to some of the others.

After lunch we headed to the Temple of Literature. From there, we then went to view the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace and HonChi Minh’s Stilt House. We also saw the One Pillar Pagoda, just as the afternoon thunderstorm and the heavens opened.  Thankfully I and a few others had taken our umbrellas today but as I was sharing with one of the other solo ladies, we still managed to get very wet, before the bus arrived to take us back to the hotel.

Apart from the wet end to the sightseeing, it was a good day.

Once I finish this and post it, I’ll be heading for bed.  We are being picked up at 5am tomorrow morning for some local activities and then our Halong Bay adventure, so have to sort the luggage out, as I’ll be only taking my carry-on for the cruise and the day after that, we fly to Hoi An,

I’ll be setting my alarm for 4am, I think. At least we come back to the hotel after our early start, for some breakfast and checking out.  

I opted for room service and some wine tonight and finally switched the TV on. Had to get someone to come and help me with that and it took him about 4 or 5 minutes to work it out. 🙂 so it wasn’t just me being stupid. :)

My pedometer says that I walked 12,908 steps today. No wonder I have a blister on the base of my right big toe.

I doubt that there is internet on the Halong Bay cruise, so I’m not planning on posting anything tomorrow night.   Night.

Thu 22 & Fri 23 Sept 2022 - Getting to Hanoi, Vietnam

 I have somehow managed  (I think) to finally get on the internet but not with my laptop. Thankfully I bought the iPad along and it is connecting. Not sure if I’ll be able to post photos though.

The plane from Canberra to Melbourne, only landed in Canberra around 6pm and was scheduled to depart at 6:45pm.  At 6:55, we were still being refuelled.  Doors were closed at 7:12 and we lifted off at 7:23. I had a chicken and rica salad for dinner which was very tangy. We touched down in Melbourne at 8:15pm.

Canberra pre departure

I was onboard the flight to Singapore around 10:45. Pushback at 11:35 and in the air by 11:46. Even though I had opted not to have a meal, I’ll be woken a couple of hours out of Singapore, to have some fresh fruit for breakfast.  Once we were in the air, I put my seat down and closed my eyes. There was quite a bit of turbulence, as I was trying to get to sleep. I slept fairly soundly, despite that.  After my fresh fruit breakfast the seat belt signs were on again around 4:15. More turbulence.

I think we landed at 5:15am local time.  My documents said that the flight would land at T3 and the flight to Hanoi would depart from T3. We actually landed at T1 and the flight to Hanoi was also departing from T1.  Rather than hang around in T1, I took the train over to T3 and spent some time in the SilverKris lounge, having a bite to eat. Still couldn’t connect to the internet, even though I was connected to WiFi.  I eventually took the train back to T1, after taking some photos in T3.

The flight to Hanoi was due to depart at 9:15am but there was a slight delay.  I think my luggage is onboard but the apple tag is saying that it’s at the T3 terminal. Hmmmm.  Pushback at 9:32, stationary for about 4 minutes, then started to taxi. Finally turned into the runway at 09:56 and liftoff was shortly after. The plane touched down in Hanoi at 11:53 and was at the terminal by midday. 

I saw 2 bags with the Bunnik luggage strap, so met 2 fellow travellers, while waiting for my luggage, which thankfully arrived on the belt soon after. We went out through customs and was met by our local guide. We can call him either Ruby or knock, knock.  

Only 9 people on the tour. Shawn & Victoria from Sydney, Ron & Diane from Adelaide, Kevin from Perth, Sarah & Maria from Melbourne, Marie also from Melbourne & me.

Before we all to met up at 2:45, I exchanged some currency to the local Dong.  $12 Singapore got me 195,096 VND. About AUD 12.44. $50 Hong Kong came to 147,300 VND, around $9.00 and AUD$100 was worth 1,547,809 VND.  We did a bus tour of the French Quarter and then had a high tea in the Le Club Bat or the lovely Sofitel Metropole Hotel.  Far to much food for us all. After a walk around, it was back to the hotel, where we all met up again for dinner at Mother’s Kitchen. I had 1 glass of white wine, which was 140,000 Dong.  After dinner, it was back to the hotel and we will all meet again tomorrow at 9am.

Continuing the Countdown

 18 sleeps to go.