The Darker Side of Vietnam

When in Ho Chi Minh, it is impossible not to recognise the darker history of the country. As big, tall cities go, it’s a nice one but everywhere you go there are reminders of the horrors of the past. It was important for me to see them and understand just what the people of Vietnam have been through, even though it was incredibly hard.

Living Locally Along The Mekong Delta

Breaking up my stay in Ho Chi Minh, we took a few nights to step back and get closer to nature in a homestay near the Mekong Delta. It was about as far from life as you can get to the big city, swapping busy roads and high rise buildings for a slower pace of life, crawling round in the mud trying to catch catfish and learning how to make jackfruit  leaf cake.

A Snapshot Tour of Ho Chi Minh City

Cities are not really my thing. I don’t like tall buildings and I’m not a fan of all the people. Ho Chi Minh City, formally Saigon, was as cities go a nice place. Not somewhere I’d ever visit again, I don’t think, but one that I am glad to have explored nonetheless. There were a few hidden gems and a food market which definitely made the visit worthwhile.

Crab Fishing and Cooking Classes

While in Hoi An, we spent a morning on the Bay Mau Eco Cooking Tour. It’s always fascinating to get an insight into another culture and there is, in my opinion, no better way to do that through food. Although perhaps not something I would have considered doing on my own, I was pleasantly surprised by just how much we got to see and do and I definitely recommend.

The Twinkling Lights of Hoi An

Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An was one of the central hubs of trade in South East Asia during the 15-19th centuries. Famous for its fusion of architecture, well preserved canals and, more recently, abundance of tailoring shops and beautifully crafted lanterns, it was by far one of my favourite places in the entire country.

The Deluge of Ninh Binh

My next stop in Vietnam was the northern city of Ninh Binh, potentially my favourite stops on the entire tour. I have some incredibly fond memories of this town and recommend that everyone finds the time to visit this beautiful, interesting place.

The Wonder of Ha Long Bay

Before going to Vietnam, I had never heard of Ha Long Bay. I didn’t know that it was a UNESCO World Heritage Site visited by over 10 million people every year nor that there was evidence of prehistoric people on some of the 1600 islets dating back thousands of years. Now, though, after seeing the beauty of just a tiny corner of the huge national park, I would love to go back and explore some of the lesser known areas, caves and islets.

Exploring Hanoi, Vietnam

After a long ten months in China, I celebrated both my success and freedom with a holiday tour through Vietnam and Cambodia. These were two countries I had never had an intense interest in visiting, if truth be told, but I am immensely glad I went. Vietnam specifically stole my heart. It is a country full of incredible food, fantastic hospitality and a dark, gripping history and should be on everyone’s bucket list.