Vietnam May 2006
Posted by Gina Hoyt at 1/27/2007 6:07 PM and is filed under Land Vacations,Adventure Vacations,Traveler Experiences,Destination Information 
By Ashley Rathbun
Asia was never my cup of tea, that was until I got there! Stepping out of a local bus in downtown Hanoi is something that everyone should experience once in their lifetime! The hussle and bussle of people is like any large city, merchants cleaning their shops, people selling their odds & ends on the streets and everyone trying to get you to buy their stuff. In that way, Vietnam was the same.... In every other way it was SO different.
It was amazing to see how hard the Vietnamese people work. Their days start early and they work way past nightfall. They are the most friendly people though, willing to speak English to you, that which they know. Having a local guide was wonderful, you get a real taste of their culture - without unneccesary difficulties. We ate at these little 'hole-in-the-wall' places, where the food was amazing. Having been traveling on my own, I would have never tried them; or found them for that matter! With a local guide we were able to find the best buys, best food and never missed any of the 'must see' places.
Our trip across Vietnam, started in Hanoi then on to Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang and ended in Saigon. We took all sorts of transportation to get from one place to the other. Local motorbikes, taxis, a train and lots of walking.
Vietnam like any country, varies from state to state and the absolute best way to travel here is to book a tour. If you want to get a real feel for the country and try some amazing things, then book a 'grassroots' tour. You'll come home feeling as though you have really experienced this amazing country. As for a pure "Asia" get-away I would recommend a visit to Nha Trang. Its more "Western Style" with great restaurants, pubs and some spectacular beaches. The waters are beautifully clear and a snorkeling or diving trip should definately be on the agenda.
In Nha Trang they have these amazing 'Mud baths" nestled up in the mountains. It's like a day spa/ retreat all in one - however it's done with MUD! It was so fun, first they get you into this huge empty outdoor bathtub, and then pour mud all over you - it's supposed to make your skin all healthy and smooth - and it works! Then you go through all of these water-massage and jump into a hot tub for a soak. After soaking, it's off to the pool for a nice cool dip, and you finish off your day by getting an hour long massage--Ahhhh, what better a way to spend a day than that! The prices were inexpensive and the experience was fantastic.
As for some 'must-dos & must-sees' while in Vietnam - if you're into clothes or fashion and want to try your hand at designing them, then Vietnam is the place for this. With tailors on every street, you choose the fabric & style and it's done the very next day. They have fitting to make sure that it's just the way you like it and the prices are unbeatable. That was a HUGE highlight of my trip, being able to do something that I've always wanted to do - but it's too expensive in the States!
Hue was a cute little town, it is home to the famous 'Perfume River' and a cruise up that is always fun. In the evening, we took a local motorbike ride out into the countryside, which was so pretty. We got to see how the rice farmers live, and what goes into the "making of rice" - a pretty neat experience.
Hanoi and Saigon are huge and busy! So if you're looking for a big city, great shopping and lots to do, then that's your place! In Saigon we went to the Ku-Chi tunnels, where some of the war was fought. There is also a war museum and lots more to see there. Hanoi has the "Hanoi Hilton" which is what the Vietnamese called the prison that housed prisoners of war. Both cities have so much history and are extremely interesting to visit!
So if you're looking for adventure and a country that not that many people have experienced, then head to Vietnam. I went not knowing what to expect and had the most amazing time and would go back any day!
Written by Ashley Rathbun
Written by Ashley Rathbun
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