AMAZING VIET NAM
There is so much to adore about Vietnam. I have traveled there a dozen times, exploring the north, south, east and west of this amazing country that graciously offers travelers so many excellent choices.
Vietnam welcomes you warmly and completely without rancour, in spite of the 20-year national tragedy they remember as “The American War”.
With a population of nearly 100,000,000 citizens, the crime rate in Vietnam is surprisingly low, with gun laws among the strictest in the world. It is a very safe tourist destination, and you will enjoy one of the very best travel bargains to be found anywhere! The national currency is the dong, but you will find that U.S. dollars are most welcome everywhere in the major cities. Your daily expenses for two people, including 5-star hotel, excellent dining and ground transportation, will total somewhere between $150–200 USD. Budget travelers take heart, you can comfortably manage on half that daily amount.
500,000 VND converts to 20 USD
Similar to California, in both land mass and diversity, Viet Nam has it all. You will experience cosmopolitan cities, stunning beaches and remote mountain escapes. Enjoy luxurious and refined accommodations, superb cuisine and the warmest, most humble citizens to be found anywhere in the world.
You will be welcomed with warm smiles.
For your first visit, plan at least a two-week tour, spending 3–4 days in the following unique and vibrant cities:
Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City
Da Nang
Hoi An
Hanoi
Experience the surreal, French-colony dream that is Hanoi, in the far north of Vietnam. The French controlled Vietnam from 1858–1945 and the Gallic influence is indelible. Stroll the wide boulevards of the French Quarter with its romantic cafes and luxury boutiques. Indulge in heavenly croissants or the ubiquitous banh mi sandwich, alongside the best cup of potent dark-roasted coffee you will find anywhere in Asia. Do as the locals do and complement the strong, slow-drip coffee with sweet condensed milk. Perfect!
Enjoy 5-star French cuisine at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, Hanoi
Treat yourself to a deluxe room at the legendary SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE HOTEL, continuously operating since the doors opened in 1901. The French cuisine is superb, the guest rooms are posh, and the world-class spa is a soothing oasis of relaxation. After a long day afoot, dodging insane motor traffic, revive in the glamourous pool. Without exception, this is my favorite hotel in Vietnam.
Motorbikes in Hanoi
Pedestrians beware! Hanoi has nearly 7 million motor bikes and very few traffic laws are enforced.
Ho Chi Minh City
AKA Saigon, this dynamic and diverse city of 10 million people is in the south of Vietnam. You will find a wide range of international dining options, stylish hotels and energetic nightlife. Referred to across Asia as “the city that never sleeps”, the parallels to New York City are obvious.
Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon)
Ho Chi Minh was president of Vietnam from 1945 to 1969 and is revered as one of the most influential communist leaders of the 20th century. “Uncle Ho”, as he was fondly dubbed by the locals, led a long, successful campaign to lead Vietnam from French colonialism to independence.
While HCM city offers many first-rate hotel experiences, I prefer the intimate boutique atmosphere of Hotel des Arts Saigon. The atmosphere is comfy-chic, service is flawless, and the location is perfect. With a choice of wonderful dining options, charming spa, rooftop pool and lively Social Club, you will want to linger for a few days. Be sure to catch a local dance performance at The Saigon Opera House.
The Saigon Opera House stands magnificently at the heart of HCM City
Da Nang
This drowsy beachfront city lies in the middle of the country, hugging the South China sea coast. It is the riviera of Vietnam, with many sophisticated destination resorts. The seawater is clear and the waves are gentle.
Da Nang is Vietnam’s fastest-growing metropolis, nestled between mountains sea and river. You will discover a slower pace of life in this culinary paradise.
Da Nang Beach
The Vietnamese Riviera
Visit nearby Marble Mountains, a cluster of five marble mountains with temples, caves and and a stunning view.
Tired of the big city vibe? Travel back in time with a side-trip to Hoi An.
A rainy day in ancient Hoi An
Hoi An
The ancient Chinese outpost of Hoi An is a mere 30 minutes away from Da Nang, via a $13 ride with GRAB. Nestled on the banks of the Thu Bon river, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has much to offer and is well worth your effort. Be prepared to step back in time.
Hoi An is an exceptionally well-preserved example of an ancient, South-East Asian Trading Port dating from the 15th century. You will find a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and Indian architecture, cuisine and culture.
Don’t miss out on the incredible shopping Hoi An offers. You will find a wide selection of excellent tailors who will craft made-to- order garments for you overnight. I was delighted to discover a custom leather shop that handcrafted a beautiful suede bag, to my specifications, overnight.
Biggest shopping surprise? Beautifully crafted prescription eyeglasses, at a fraction of western prices. A pair of designer glasses with your prescription will set you back a mere $50 USD.
Wherever you wander in Viet Nam, you will enjoy incredible value, friendly locals, and wonderful hotels serving delicious food.
Join me in future articles as we go off the beaten track to the remote Vietnamese mountain destinations of Sa Pa and Dalat.
