With more time on our hands than anticipated here in Hoi An it has given us the opportunity to read other blogs, pick up ideas and reshuffle our plans for the remaining seven weeks or so. It’s in these moments that we are pleased that although we planned a long way ahead cancellation policy was a key item in our criteria. We arrived in Hoi … Continue reading Midway Break and Reshuffle…
When we arrived at our current hostel we were given walking & cycling maps for the area, having done plenty of the former we decided to take to two wheels & make use of the latter. Our first exploration was to be the neighbouring island of Cam Kim. On previous visits we had watched the ferry depart from Hoi An, loaded with cycles & mopeds, … Continue reading Away from the crowds….
Hoi An, a 16th century trading town built in styles influenced by wealthy traders from Japan, China and (of course) Vietnam. It is a stunning place to visit as it is so well preserved – made even more remarkable by the fact that it’s flood levels vary from knee to head height nearly every year! 400 years on from its hey day as a bustling … Continue reading Hoi An – Ancient town, tourist trap, both?
A fairly early start this morning as we’re heading out to the countryside near Hoi An. Another successful on time pick up from our hostel. We’re convinced that one of these days it won’t happen. Reason being is that everything is so casual here, you go to an agent to book a tour & they seem to take so few details. You just tell them … Continue reading Cam on (thank you) My Son!
We’re leaving the beach today to start the next chapter of our travels. A chance to reflect on some of the amazing food we’ve experienced so far. Here in Cua Dai we’ve enjoyed great seafood as well as local specialities. Last night’s seafood noodles were a hit…… And the crispy Wontons were delicious..…. It’s been a bit more restaurant based here but in Dalat it … Continue reading Vietnamese food, a hidden gem…..
Although the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An is just down the road we are determined to remain in Cao Dai and enjoy the beach for the next few days. Hoi An can wait! The temperature is perfect, mid to high twenties, so looking forward to some relaxation on a sunbed with the sounds of waves as the backdrop. First though we need sun … Continue reading Sea, sun tan lotion & the sales prevention dog!
With a certain amount of trepidation, not helped by having just read a 150+ comment post on the worst things about overnight buses, we were all set. The Futa bus, Dalat to Danang, 4:15pm pick up, 7am next morning arrival. A further two steps would still be needed to reach our beach side destination. With a small bag of potential necessities to take on board, … Continue reading The overnight bus….
So we’ve reached our final two days in Dalat, just time for one last explore before our 14 hour bus journey to Danang. Yesterday we headed back to the train station to take the short journey out to a nearby village. Opting for the cheaper carriage on the ‘antique’ train we take our seats. It’s not the most scenic journey, the route is mainly lined … Continue reading Temples, trains & fried eggs……
Yesterday we had a gentle stroll around Xian Huong lake here in Dalat. Another sunny start, more like an English summer day than the searing heat we have experienced, so very pleasant. At the far end of the lake is Dalat flower and sculpture garden, so that gives us a break midway through the five kilometre walk. The gardens are very impressive, not sure what … Continue reading Crickets and Coffee….
First thing we notice as we get off the bus is how much cooler it is here, down to mid 20’s instead of mid 30’s, what a pleasant change! Having arrived late in the afternoon we’re not sure of our surroundings on our first venture into town, we head for the night market to find food, we’re spoilt for choice. We sample a few options, … Continue reading Cooling off in Dalat
Today we have left Ho Chi Minh City and headed north to the Vietnamese honeymoon hotspot of Dalat. Guess it’s quite appropriate that today is Valentine’s day! Our final day in HCMC was a very lazy affair, the heat had won. Whilst not actively sightseeing we were able to use the day to stock up on toiletries, money and get a haircut! Likewise our final … Continue reading We’re moving on up….
We had heard people say that South East Asia is the only place where you can sweat whilst taking a cold shower, now we know what they mean. Days in the city are so hot, shade can be difficult to find – so with that in mind we have split our last couple of days up, excursion on an air conditioned bus and blistering heat … Continue reading Excursion day… City day…
Oldest On the Bus 