Hanoi is one of the top places to visit in Vietnam – and one of our favorite cities worldwide. The historic Hanoi Old Quarter is both bewitching and bewildering. Iconic sights, fascinating neighborhoods and poignant museums lie just beyond the Old Town borders.… Read the rest
Visiting Ba Na Hills is a must-do activity while in Da Nang! The fantasyland mountain retreat is a conglomeration of sights, entertainment and engineering feats. Home to the famed Golden Bridge (held by two gigantic hands), a three-level arcade and an award-winning cable car system, the Sun World Da Nang Ba Na Hills complex is one of the city’s top attractions.… Read the rest
Arriving in Hoi An, Vietnam was like taking a deep, calming breath. We came from the buzzing city of Hanoi – and the contrast was unmistakable. Hoi An sits on a lazy river full of bobbing fishing boats. The old town – a UNESCO World Heritage City – boasts picturesque streets lined with fading yellow houses.… Read the rest
Relatively speaking, Vietnam is an affordable country for most tourists. With inexpensive accommodations, cheap street food and low-priced tours visitors can experience an enjoyable vacation on a budget. To the joy of budget travelers, the cost of visiting the island of Phu Quoc is not completely inflated (or, at least it doesn’t have to be!).… Read the rest
Eight rustic, rocky Vietnam islands, collectively known as the Cham Islands, sit off the coast near Hoi An. Also called Cù Lao Chàm, the archipelago is only 9 miles from the mainland coast – which makes it a perfect day trip from Hoi An.… Read the rest
When the first activity while touring the Vietnam Central Highlands was eating fried critters at a ‘cricket farm’, it clearly set the tone for the day. As promised, Mr. Rot’s Secret Dalat Tour was not going to be like any other tour in Vietnam.… Read the rest
When we decided to travel to Dalat, Vietnam as part of our journey through the country, we did it based on a single reason: the promise of cool, mountain weather. We didn’t care about the things to do in Dalat – not the city sights or Dalat waterfalls or tours or food – we just wanted to escape the heat.… Read the rest
My desire to visit Vietnam was ignited the first time I glimpsed a photograph of Halong Bay. It countered the image of Vietnam I had conjured in my head; the one where chaotic streets are overcrowded with motorbikes and stifled with pollution.… Read the rest
Vietnam ranks as one of the most fascinating countries we have ever visited. For a country half the size of Texas, it packs a punch with buzzing cities, natural wonders, historic temples, mountain retreats and beach island getaways. If you are limited on time, but intent on getting a sweeping view of Vietnam, our 2-week Vietnam Itinerary is for you.… Read the rest
Sticking to our budget is key for traveling long term, so we’ve limited ourselves to an average of $100 per day for accommodation, food, drinks, public transportation and any miscellaneous costs that pop up (and they always do). The only thing that takes precedence over the budget is whether or not we’re enjoying the journey.… Read the rest