{"id":8121,"date":"2023-10-11T20:30:04","date_gmt":"2023-10-11T18:30:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/non-classe\/travel-diary-of-a-month-in-vietnam-from-ho-chi-minh-to-sapa\/"},"modified":"2023-10-11T20:30:04","modified_gmt":"2023-10-11T18:30:04","slug":"travel-diary-of-a-month-in-vietnam-from-ho-chi-minh-to-sapa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jupetteetsalopette.fr\/en\/globe-trotter\/travel-diary-of-a-month-in-vietnam-from-ho-chi-minh-to-sapa\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel diary of a month in Vietnam, from H\u00f4 Chi Minh to Sapa"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When we plan a round-the-world trip and choose the countries we’re going to visit, we often wonder whether one of them will particularly touch and move us.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
For me, and for the first time on my trip, Vietnam really clicked. Despite the heat of the period, I kept telling myself that I could settle down and live here! <\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
The climate, the food, the kindness of the Vietnamese people and their willingness to communicate with us, the country’s current growth and the possibility of owning your own business, the unforgettable landscapes and the serenity that reigns there… As you will have understood, Vietnam made my \u2665\ufe0f capsize.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
As in Cambodia, I was overwhelmed by many emotions:
\n– Amazed in H\u1ea1 Long Bay, in the northern region towards Sapa and in Ninh B\u00ecnh’s “terrestrial Ha Long Bay”.
\n– Moved after our week of volunteering in a school: Spring Hill-Tr\u01b0\u1eddng \u0110\u1ed3i near Hanoi, where I made friends with children, and more particularly with a youngster who wished to call me “mom”. So if, like me, you’d like to discover and experience these emotions, I’d like to share with you my travel diary my good addresses for a month going up from the south to the north of the country. <\/div>\n
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Follow the guide!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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From the Cambodian-Vietnamese border to H\u00f4 Chi Minh<\/h2>\n
As we were previously in Cambodia<\/a>, we naturally took a bus from Phnom Penh, the capital, to H\u00f4 Chi Minh<\/strong>. The connection between the two countries is very good, and the buses are well used to the exercise. The Bavet (Cambodia) \/ Moc Bai (Vietnam) border<\/strong> is the one most frequently used by travelers, as it is the only one where you can enter Cambodia with an e-visa from Vietnam. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Opening hours are from 8am to 8pm, and there’s no need to change buses at the border.<\/div>\n
The journey takes around 6 hours and costs less than 20 euros per person.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
On the question of VISAs, please note that since August 15, 2023<\/strong>, entry requirements have changed. French nationals<\/strong> are now exempt from visa requirements for stays of less than 45 days<\/strong> (including days of entry and exit). E-visas are now available for stays of up to 90 days with multiple entries. <\/div>\n
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In the photo below, you’ll find the contact details of our<\/strong> much-appreciated carrier<\/strong>.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\"Transport<\/div>\n
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We only spent two days in Vietnam’s economic capital. But as soon as we arrived, we could feel the differences with its neighbors, Laos<\/a> and Cambodia<\/a>. <\/p>\n

The first thing that stands out is theincredible number of scooters on the road<\/strong>. There are reportedly over 4 million motorized two-wheelers in the city! <\/strong> Then, you’re quickly surprised by the city’s buzzing, noisy atmosphere. <\/strong> <\/p>\n

It’s amazing to think that Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon (its pre-1975 name), experienced 95 years of French influence, then put up with the Americans, and finally resisted the bureaucracy of the North. It takes resilience and courage to move forward today, despite this heavy past, and retain a joie de vivre, energy and entrepreneurial spirit.<\/strong><\/p>\n

To get an even better feel for this economic capital, we found accommodation in District 1<\/strong>, reputed to be the liveliest<\/strong>. I can’t remember the name of our hotel, and we had a lot of trouble finding it, but in the district you’ll find plenty for under 25 euros and with good ratings (> to 4 on Booking). <\/p>\n

We were right next to September 23rd Park (C\u00f4ng vi\u00ean 23 th\u00e1ng 9 in Vietnamese) and the adjoining Central Market<\/a>. I’d recommend it if you’re a shopping fan. It’s a really nice place, with trendy clothes and accessories. <\/p>\n

\"Central<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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We then set off to explore the city on foot, heading for the War Remnants Museum. It’s located right next door, so you don’t have to waste time in transport. <\/p>\n

On the way, we made the most of Tao Dan Park<\/strong>. It’s really peaceful, and that’s where we discovered “plumfoot<\/strong> “! <\/p>\n

\"Plumfoot<\/p>\n

A sport of Asian origin, plumfoot is very popular in Vietnam<\/strong>. Called “\u0111\u00e1 c\u1ea7u”, \u0111\u00e1 = kick and c\u1ea7u = shuttlecock, the sport involves keeping a shuttlecock in the air using the feet and other parts of the body, apart from the arms and hands. Competitively, it is played on courts similar to those used for badminton. This ancient game was used by the various Chinese armies to develop concentration, reflexes and agility. <\/p>\n

After the park, head for the museum, passing the Reunification Palace.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Ho<\/p>\n

For the Vietnamese, this one is both significant and meaningful, as it recalls the date of April 30, 1975<\/strong>, when North Vietnamese army tanks broke through the wrought-iron gates of the former presidential palace, bringing down the American-backed Saigon regime.<\/p>\n

This date is a historic turning point for the country. It is synonymous with the final victory of the resistance against the Americans. It is also the first step towards the definitive reunification of Vietnam. Today, it has become a national holiday, symbolizing a new Vietnam<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

The museum of war relics<\/h3>\n

Another landmark not to be missed if you’re in Saigon is the War Remnants Museum. A place of remembrance, it provides a better understanding of the country’s history and the horror of war, and above all its consequences for the unfortunate inhabitants.
\nFor the record, it was originally called the Gallery of American Atrocities, but in 1990 it was renamed the War Crimes Gallery, before taking on its current name, the War Remnants Museum, in 1995. <\/p>\n

\"Saigon<\/p>\n

In the museum’s courtyard, it’s easy to understand just how powerful the United States was. A large collection of American armored vehicles is on display. In my imagination, film music and scenes from Apocalypse Now, Platoon or Full Metal Jacket resound. <\/p>\n

Inside, the atmosphere is heavy. The weight of words, the shock of photos. <\/em>This advertising slogan used by the weekly magazine Paris Match in the 80s takes on its full meaning here.<\/p>\n

\"Ho<\/p>\n

Over three floors, it presents an impressive collection of documents and photographs, demonstrating the violence of the torture and bombardments that made the Vietnam War an unprecedented conflict in history.<\/p>\n

The objects on display, but above all the photos in the various rooms, are deeply moving. The My Lai massacre in 1968, the deformities in newborn babies caused by the dropping of the famous Agent Orange by the Americans, the torture of Viet Cong prisoners… The visit, which may offend the sensitive, takes the guts and reminds us how wars are never a good solution to conflicts between peoples. <\/p>\n

\"Ho<\/p>\n

Among the most memorable photos is the infamous “napalm girl”<\/strong>. On June 8, 1972, Nick Ut, a young Associated Press photographer, captured this terrible moment: a napalm bomb fell on a village in South Vietnam, and 9-year-old Kim was running down a road. Her clothes are reduced to ashes and her neck, back and left arm are on fire. <\/p>\n

\"Ho<\/p>\n

The Pulitzer Prize-winning shot shocked the world and became a symbol of the Vietnam War. <\/strong><\/p>\n

As you leave the museum, if you turn right, you may be surprised to discover a French guillotine. It was used from the time of French colonization until 1960. <\/p>\n

Museum info<\/strong>: open all week, including public holidays, from 7.30am to 12pm and from 1.30pm to 6pm. Ticket: 40,000 VND\/person<\/strong><\/p>\n

In addition, if you spend a few days in H\u00f4 Chi Minh, don’t hesitate to visit the famous network of C\u00f9 Chi tunnels<\/strong>, located about an hour’s drive from the city center, which will tell you more about the living conditions of guerrilla fighters during the Vietnam War. Not recommended for the claustrophobic. <\/p>\n

To round off the evening, we visit the Notre-Dame de Sa\u00efgon cathedral and the post office<\/strong> next door.<\/p>\n

Bad luck for us, the religious monument is under renovation. Does the name remind you of a well-known cathedral? Of course it does. The story of this cathedral begins with the French conquest in the late 19th century. The French government wanted a large church to serve the Catholic community of the French colonialists. The first church on rue Ngo Duc Ke was too small, so French admiral Bonard decided to build a larger church. Construction of a wooden edifice began in 1863, and two years later the building was completed and named “l’\u00e9glise de Saigon”. <\/p>\n

Faced with its deteriorating condition, Guy Victor August Duperr\u00e9, Governor of the South, launches an architectural competition to give Saigon’s church a new look. The new building was designed by the winner, Jules Bourard, who drew his inspiration from the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris. <\/p>\n

Saigon Central Post Office is the main post office building in downtown Ho Chi Minh City. It’s well worth a visit, as it was built between 1886 and 1891 by the administration of the French Post Office, in the days of French Indochina.<\/strong> <\/p>\n

The Vietnamese coast, from Phan Thiet to Hu\u00e9<\/h2>\n

After this acclimatization to the country, it was time to head for the coast. We had looked into the various transport options, and unfortunately the train was much more expensive than the bus. <\/p>\n

So we decided to take to the road in one of Vietnam’s typical buses. Their special feature is the sleeper seats! A feature I personally adore. It’s ideal for watching TV series or sleeping! The hours fly by without you even realizing it. <\/p>\n

Our first stop is Phan Thiet.<\/strong> Kumho samco buslines<\/strong> takes us there for less than 8 euros per person.<\/p>\n

We found an unbeatable value for money: 15 euros a night for 3 people. It’s the Katy H\u00f4tel<\/a>. There are better places in town, but for one night, it was more than enough. <\/p>\n

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend a visit to the red sand dune, which I find very dirty and not very interesting, but I do recommend the “Fairy Stream” hike with your feet in the water.<\/strong><\/p>\n

To get there without a cab, simply take the SO 1 public bus to Mui Ne<\/strong> (for 20,000 VND per person). Once on the bus, follow the road to the hike indicated in Google. <\/p>\n

The walk through the canyon is very original. Bring water, sun cream and a hat, as some parts have no shade and it can get very hot. <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Fairy<\/p>\n

In the evening, we take a night bus with Futa Bus Line<\/strong> for 400,000 VND (around 16 euros per person) to Da Nang \/ Hoi An. The timetable is perfect. Departure is around 7pm and arrival around 9am.<\/strong><\/p>\n

H\u00f4i An, the city of lanterns and Banh Mi!<\/h3>\n

To enjoy H\u00f4i An and its surroundings, I recommend you take a minimum of 3 nights on site.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Indeed, the old town of H\u1ed9i An was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/strong> on December 4, 1999. And it’s easy to see why. Islets, canals, a colorful city center, thousands of lanterns in the evening<\/strong>– everything is there to make you fall under its spell. It has to be said that H\u1ed9i An was a prosperous city, situated on the sea routes of the silk trade. It expanded from the 15th century onwards. Wealthy merchants set up trading posts and built large, sturdy wooden houses. The port’s activity then declined in favor of that of \u0110\u00e0 N\u1eb5ng. <\/p>\n

And yet, tourists still flock to admire the city’s diverse architectural styles (Chinese, Japanese, French), stroll along its illuminated boats at nightfall or make bespoke garments, a specialty of the city’s tailors. The houses with their yellow facades and turquoise shutters reflected in the river, and the rich market with its thousand products, scents and flavors are typical images of the city. Early in the morning, fishermen bring their nightly catch to the picturesque fish market. <\/p>\n

\"Hoi<\/p>\n

One of H\u00f4i An’s oldest monuments is the Japanese pagoda bridge (Ch\u00f9a C\u1ea7u), a covered bridge built in 1593 to link the districts inhabited by the Chinese and Japanese communities.<\/p>\n

\"Hoi
\n\"Hoi<\/p>\n

A must-see in H\u00f4i An is the Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum, a project by French photographer R\u00e9hahn. I was very touched and moved by his deeply inspiring work. <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Museum<\/p>\n

On his first trip to northern Vietnam, the artist caught a glimpse of the Dao ethnic group dressed in traditional costume. He learned about the handicraft techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation to make these garments. Following this first trip, R\u00e9hahn was surprised to learn that there are 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam, each with different characteristics that allow them to be identified. He crossed the country bit by bit, meeting one group after another. Eventually, he created the “precious heritage” project, whose aim was to meet and photograph the 54 groups, no matter how long it took.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The project soon became more than just a personal one. As R\u00e9hahn traveled from village to village, community leaders gave him copies of their handicrafts and traditional costumes. He realized that he needed a unique venue in which to display the portraits of each tribe, as well as these priceless objects. The idea of the Mus\u00e9e precious heritage was born.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It was in 2016 that the place opened its doors in Hoi An. The museum features a collection of over 200 photographs, 62 traditional costumes and spans five rooms. Access to the museum is completely free to the public, a way of honoring the living history of the tribes it has encountered. <\/p>\n

\"Mus\u00e9e<\/p>\n

If you’re feeling peckish, now’s your chance to taste the best Banh Mi in Vietnam, according to a top American chef! To do so, head to Banh Mi Phuong. <\/strong>H\u00f4i An’s most famous street food restaurant, which serves over 2,000 sandwiches a day, was made famous by chef Anthony Bourdain, who voted it the best Banh Mi in Vietnam! <\/p>\n

In terms of accommodation, I’d recommend Windy River Homestay.<\/a> The quality\/price ratio is top-notch, the view is breathtaking and calm, and last but not least, the free bike loan is a real plus.<\/p>\n

From Windy’s, you can cycle to the beach via the rice paddies<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Hoi<\/p>\n

For the beach, I recommend heading for“Hidden Beach<\/strong>” and putting your bikes down at the Fisherman vegan restaurant. It offers free showers and makes the best coconut coffee \ud83d\ude09 The atmosphere is really great, with lots of locals coming at the end of the day to dine right on the beach.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Hidden
\n\"Hidden<\/p>\n

Around H\u00f4i An, you can hire scooters by the day to take you to Da Nang.<\/strong><\/p>\n

From here, you can admire the marble mountain and the Dragon Bridge.<\/strong> For us, much more interesting than the “Golden Bridge” and Ba Na Hills, which are just expensive tourist attractions of no real interest.<\/p>\n

Marble Mountain, or Ngu Hanh Son in Vietnamese<\/strong>, is located 8 km before the entrance to the city. Formed by the action of wind, water and weather over millions of years, this mound is a marvel of natural beauty. The marble mountain, composed of five hills, represents the harmony of nature and spirituality. No wonder, then, that each of its hills is named after one of the 5 elements: water, fire, wood, metal and earth. On each of these hills are caves and temples. <\/p>\n

\"Da<\/p>\n

\"Marble<\/p>\n

\"Dragon<\/p>\n

Hu\u00e9, the imperial city<\/h3>\n

After a beautiful day in the city of thousands of lanterns, it’s time for us to take the bus back to Hu\u00e9 and its famous imperial city. We found the Sinh tourist \/ Hung Thanh Travel transport company<\/strong> for 7 euros per person. We were able to leave at around 1pm and arrive around 5pm, ideal for getting to our accommodation at Coco Dorm Garden.<\/a> <\/p>\n

Located in the center of the country, the former imperial capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945 occupies an important place in Vietnamese history.<\/p>\n

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, Hu\u00e9 is, in my opinion, a must-see during your stay in Vietnam. In just one or two days, you can visit the main monuments and gain a better understanding of how the royal families and emperors lived. <\/p>\n

At the very least, I recommend you visit the Hu\u00e9 Citadel, the tomb of Tai Khai Binh and the Pagoda of the Heavenly Lady.<\/strong> You can do all 3 sites in one day, but start early in the morning to avoid the heat. Between each site you can order an Uber or negotiate with a cab. <\/p>\n

\"Hu\u00e9
\n\"Hu\u00e9
\n\"Tomb
\n\"Pagoda<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

From Ninh Binh to Sapa, a constant source of wonder<\/h2>\n
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As usual, we take the night bus to our next destination. This time, we choose the Futa Express<\/strong> company, for 295,000 VND per person (around 11 euros). The timetable is convenient, as we leave at around 9pm and arrive at around 9am. <\/p>\n

We found a small hotel. It costs 10 euros a night including breakfast (we were there in June). What more could you ask for? It’s the Tuan Nam homestay<\/a>, with its swimming pool as a bonus. <\/p>\n

The guest house also offers bike and scooter rental. It’s a great way to get out and about. You can even wash your clothes there. <\/p>\n

With these ideal conditions for your stay, you can now plan your outings in the surrounding area, and look out for a big \u2665\ufe0f crush in your sights. To get the most out of the region, I recommend a minimum 3-night stay.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Indeed, the place nicknamed “the land of Halong Bay” has all the makings of a film set. Tracks and rivers cut through karst landscapes and rice paddies, where peasants wearing the country’s iconic hat work.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Among the must-dos: boat trips. I’d recommend doing only Trang An<\/strong>. Tam Coc is also possible, but it still represents a budget, and in the end, the landscapes are very similar. Another great thing about Trang An is that you can choose between 3 different routes.<\/strong> So, even if there are a lot of boats, they’re spread out. We chose route number 2. <\/p>\n

This seafaring ride features some of the scenery from the film Kong, Skull Island<\/strong>. There are long caves<\/strong> and you stop at beautiful temples and scenic spots along the way. <\/p>\n

\"Trang<\/p>\n

Allow around ten euros per person for the boat<\/strong>. Bring a hat or umbrella<\/strong>. Don’t let the sun spoil this wonderful experience. And you’ll be amazed to discover that most of the people steering the boats are women, and they row with their feet! An exhausting job, especially for some who could be retired in France. Even though we don’t normally have to tip them, we made a point of leaving our rower a little something before we arrived. <\/p>\n

For other days, you can simply rent a bike and ride along the paths of Ninh Binh. Start the morning with a visit to the Jade Pagoda, Bich Dong. It’s also one of UNESCO’s cultural and natural heritage sites. <\/strong> It’s a very old pagoda, built in 1428. The entrance alone is poetic, with its old stone bridge overlooking a pond of lotus flowers. <\/p>\n

\"Jade<\/p>\n

Then you can get back on the road and head to Mua Caves for sunset.<\/strong> Access is easy and about 5 km from Tam Coc and the guest house I recommended.<\/p>\n

This site is one of the most beautiful panoramic views in Vietnam! But it has to be earned \ud83d\ude09<\/strong> You’ll have to climb almost 500 steps to the top of the mountain to admire the scenery. And as there are two viewpoints<\/strong>, add another 500 steps \ud83d\ude09 On hot days, take extra care. <\/p>\n

\"Mua<\/p>\n

At the foot of the mountain is a kitschy little “park”. Asians love this kind of place, where they can have their picture taken. That’s why you have to pay around 5 euros per person to enter. I did, however, find the thousands of water lilies<\/strong> very attractive. <\/p>\n

Good to know: be careful if you’re on a scooter.<\/strong> Some locals try to pass themselves off as gendarmes or others and force you to park at their place. Don’t stop, just go all the way. Otherwise, don’t hesitate to negotiate with them and offer to park your scooter for 5000 VND per scooter. <\/p>\n

On another day, on the advice of my son-in-law, we drove a long way to Cuc Phuong Park<\/strong> to try and spot some monkeys. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see any during our walk. Honestly, I don’t think it’s essential unless you’re there in April. At this time of year, you can admire thousands of butterflies. <\/p>\n

Closer to Ninh Binh, you’ll find two other interesting sites (we didn’t do them, but they were offered by our guest house):<\/p>\n

– Thung Nham ornithological park<\/strong>
\nIf you’re a particular fan of birds, this is the place for you, as over 40 species of bird can be seen on site. The best time of day to observe them is obviously at dawn, as they return to their nests just before sunrise. <\/p>\n

– Bai Dinh pagoda<\/strong>
\nThis is Ninh Binh’s largest religious complex<\/strong>. It’s a Buddhist temple featuring over 500 finely sculpted Buddha statues, and the site is very large. Allow almost a day to visit the entire site. It is famous for many records, such as: the highest stupa in Southeast Asia, the pagoda with the most Buddha statues in Vietnam, the largest bronze bell in Vietnam… <\/p>\n

After all these emotions, we’re back on the road towards Sapa,<\/strong> another exotic region, perfect for hikers and nature lovers.<\/p>\n

\"Sapa<\/p>\n

Located in the mountains of northern Vietnam, Sapa is a destination that, despite having opened up to tourism, remains authentic, with spectacular landscapes of verdant rice terraces and tribal cultures. With its cool climate, breathtaking panoramas and rich culture, Sapa is unforgettable.<\/strong><\/p>\n

We booked our overnight bus throughFootPrint travel agency<\/strong> <\/a>for around 15 euros per person. The bus was very comfortable. We slept very well during the journey. <\/p>\n

Then we were able to negotiate a cab for around 7 euros to take us to our accommodation, located away from the town, directly in the rice fields<\/strong>. It was Mekhoo & Zizi Sapa Homestay<\/a> (less than 10 euros for 3 with breakfast included) in low season at the end of June. <\/p>\n

\"Mekhoo<\/p>\n

The owners offer many treks, but we preferred to hike on our own, following the paths suggested by theAll Trails app.<\/a> It’s very reliable, and it was by chance that we met Cho Cho<\/a>, a woman who lives in the middle of the rice fields with her sons<\/strong>. She, too, offers treks and has learned English on her own, thanks to her encounters with foreigners. Her prices are much more attractive than those offered by the guest house (12 euros instead of 18\/2 euros per person). That’s why, the next day, we chose to go with her into the mountains for a full day’s walk, with a simple lunch at her husband’s place, who lives in the hills. To contact her, I suggest you leave a voice mail on What’s app (+84 98 400 03 91), as she can’t read English.<\/strong> <\/p>\n

\"Hiking<\/p>\n

With our hearts and heads full of emotion, we set off again for Hanoi and new adventures.<\/p>\n

Once again, we booked a sleeping bus at an agency behind the bus station: Khadam bus<\/a>. It cost us a dozen euros per person. <\/p>\n

Hanoi and Halong Bay: volunteer work and a cruise to end your stay on a high note<\/h2>\n

As we come to the end of our stay, emotions continue to rise to a crescendo.<\/p>\n

In Hanoi, we first booked a room at the high five hotel<\/a> near the bus station, and then headed off to the school where we’d be volunteering for a week: \u2665\ufe0f. I’ll tell you more about it in a dedicated article, but to sum up, we spoke English to 250 children\/adolescents, aged from 2 to 17, at Spring Hill Academy, a private school with an educational project based on well-being and a relationship with nature. <\/p>\n

To recover from this week of total immersion with these young people, we return to Hanoi and try out a second hotel, also very nice: the Hanoi traveller house and booking office<\/a>. It has dormitories and private rooms. We enjoy the city before leaving the next day for a special present I gave Antony for his birthday: a cruise in Halong Bay<\/strong>, more precisely Lan-Ha Bay a little further south, where large cruise ships are forbidden. <\/p>\n

Nestled precisely to the east of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay covers over 7,000 hectares, of which 5,400 hectares belong to Cat Ba National Park. While most cruise itineraries head for the UNESCO-listed “Bay of the Descending Dragon”, I deliberately chose the poetic Lan Ha. And we weren’t disappointed by this choice, quite the contrary. It was really relaxing, and we sometimes felt “alone in the world”. <\/p>\n

I went through Cat Ba Ocean Cruises and chose the cozy boutique boat<\/a> with a deluxe triple room: which includes a small private balcony. I chose the two-day, one-night package. That’s more than enough, I think. The minibus picked us up directly from the hotel and the same for the return trip. Convenient, because we were able to leave our luggage there and take only the things we needed for the experience. <\/p>\n

\"Cozy<\/p>\n

On the program: watching the karst cliffs roll by, a kayak trip, excellent meals with Asian flavors, learning to make spring rolls and a bike ride to discover a fishing village.<\/p>\n

\"Cozy<\/p>\n

Back on terra firma and at our hotel, we ended our stay in Vietnam by exploring the city and its surroundings.<\/p>\n

Among Hanoi’s must-sees<\/h3>\n