Introduction

Much like my last two posts, I’m a little bit late to the party in writing this. In April 2023, Mikaela and I spent two and a half weeks travelling through Vietnam, following the HCM method of coming from the north to south. We met up in Hanoi, with a small trip to Ha Long Bay, then to Ninh Binh, into Hoi An via Da Nang, and finally finished up in Saigon.

Hanoi

We stayed in the bustling old quarter of hanoi, it was a great spot to be to venture out in many directions.

Huc Bridge

Hanoi Hilton - Thankfully, we didn’t stay here

Train Street

One of the busier intersections, with a great view form many cafes

Temple of Literature

Meeting a new friend in a cocktail bar (he’s no Benji)

Ha Long Bay

Not far from Hanoi is the famed Ha Long Bay, where we went on an overnight trip through, which was just spectacular

Our Junk

Kayaking and making another friend

Ninh Binh

After a full week or so in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, we got in a shuttle bus and headed south into the country side to Ninh Binh, a small but lively town with much to offer.

A great view from many of the huge rock formations

Scooter is the main and best way to get around Ninh Binh

Heading down the river

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Was just lovely watching us drop points at home to Brighton.

Hoi An

From Ninh Binh, we got an overnight train to Da Nang and a taxi to the seaside town of Hoi An, which was just wonderful.

The trains were almost identical to the Trans Siberian Express

Despite the humidity, it was a fantastic town to cycle around in

The river with all the laterns is beautiful, this photo does it no justice

It was lovely to celebrate Mikaea’s birthday at Morning Glory, a resturant I recommend to anyone

Saigon

After finishing in Hoi An, we caught a rather early taxi back to Da Nang and a short flight to the capital, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). We stayed in District 1 which provided easy access to everything we wanted to see. I really loved the city and it was possibly the highlight of the trip for me.

Independence Palace

The man himself, & HCM

The Cafe Apartments

The War Remnants Museum

Our final night in Vietnam, at a fantastic bar overlooking the entire city

Mekong Delta and The Cu Chi Tunnels

We took a day trip to view the tunnels of the Vietcong and the Mekong Delta.

Down the Mekong

Charlie Don’t Surf

It was a fantastic trip, I loved every part of it, and it was one of the first holidays I was really looking forward to the food, which lived up to the expectations. I would have loved to have gone to more destinations, such as Hue, and can see myself going back to Vietnam in the near future.