Just Back From Vietnam
by Roula Seferlis
In which country can you go to the ATM and take out a cool 3 million without flinching an eye? That would be Vietnam, and we are talking about 3 million Vietnam Dong.
On my recent trip to Vietnam with a group of friends I was genuinely amazed by the culture, the people and the history of this country.
We visited Ho Chi Min City in the South, historic Hoi An in the central coastal area and Hanoi in the North.
Starting off with Ho Chi Minh, a bustling city - we stayed at the Metropole hotel, conveniently located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh, near the business district in China town and local shopping areas. We did a day tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels. Note: If you are claustrophobic, I would suggest not even trying to climb down into the hole let alone walk 100m through a very tight tunnel. Some of us in the group did it and it was quite amazing. You also have the choice of trying your hand at shooting a target with an M16 an AK47 or a hand gun, I tried all 3 and it was an interesting experience to say the least.
In terms of shopping, in certain parts of the city you will find some great art galleries, for bargain prices so make sure you have enough room in your luggage. The Bin Tanh Markets were great, and we all had a go at bargaining which was good fun.
Be warned, the way they drive in Vietnam is a bit crazy! There are no traffic lights at most intersections so that gives you an idea of what goes on. Scooters, bicycles, cars, people, going through an intersection at the same time. Just crossing the road in Ho Chi Minh (and Hanoi for that matter) is an adrenaline rush in itself. You have to be brave to do so and just go for it; by the end of it all 7 of us were pros...
There are some really nice restaurants around to experience authentic Vietnamese cousine. But be careful where you eat, best to ask the hotel you are staying at to recommend a few places as we did have one bad experience during the whole trip, which are not bad odds.
Our next stop was the old town of Hoi An. This place would be a fashion addict's haven. If you are into clothes and shoes, then prepare to buy an extra suitcase (or pack very light) because this is the place where you can get everything tailor made.
In Hoi An we stayed at the Swiss Bell Hotel Resort. This resort has the biggest pool ever in Vietnam. The only downside for us was that the weather was a tad cold, but we still made use of the pool - try boiling in the Jacuzzi for 10 minutes, then jumping into a cold pool...so much fun! We stayed in Deluxe Ocean View Rooms, very spacious, beautiful Vietnamese furnishings, king size beds and huge bathroom. The food was good and the service right up there for a 5 star resort. The language was a bit of a barrier at times with some of the staff, but not much of an issue.
At the resort there are lots of activities planned throughout the day like Cooking Classes, Tai Chi, tennis, mountain bike, beach volleyball, canoeing and more. Plus get pampered at the spa with a pedicure, manicure or a full body massage...bliss.
Apart from going into the old town and getting measured for suits, dresses, shoes, pants etc and buying so many other things like pieces of art, bags, silk scarfs, silk ties, and more, we also decided to do some exploring and brave the driving conditions (which were less strenuous then Ho Chi Minh, but nevertheless a challenge) by hiring some scooters. We had lots of fun riding them and going through villages, meeting with the people and the children, who got so excited when we would take photos of them... We visited the ancient ruins of My Son, well worth the hour long ride through the countryside and villages.
Our next stop was Hanoi where we did a cruise of Halong Bay and again - plenty of shopping and trying out the different restaurants.
On the way back we stopped in Kuala Lumpur for -you guessed it - more shopping. I think I am done with shopping until the end of the year! Returning home with an extra suitcase that I purchased for $30 in KL was definitely expected...so if you are heading for Vietnam, pack lightly!
'Cam on' Vietnam.
