Page 29 - Explore Magazine Autumn 2018

You really do see all sorts, side of the road at street level to the families on their 27
balconies and windows above as well as the many,
from giant pet lizards being many power lines.
carried on scooters to the One of my favourite Vietnam highlights is the
complimentary tour that The Sofitel Metropole offers
whole family piled onto one guests: the hotel has embraced its history and gives

machine and venturing out a tour of a hidden bunker dating from the War. The
stories of how the hotel helped both guests and staff
for a social meal. during this time are really refreshing to hear about.
You can also walk the halls and read about the many
famous celebrities who have stayed here, including
Having an allergy to seafood wasn’t a problem here, Jane Fonda. I can’t wait to go back and explore more.
nor was being gluten-free like a fellow group member:
Vietnam has difficulty growing wheat so everything
is made with rice. For me the tour guides brought
out delicious meals of beef or chicken and checked
carefully that the sauce was fish-free. We enjoyed
street-side local cuisine and later ate ice cream in a
tea house while listening to locals sing modern and
classical songs in English and Vietnamese.
At night, if you get the chance, head to the iconic
Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar at the Caravelle Hotel, once
home to journalists and politicians during the Vietnam
War. The bar serves up classic cocktails, live music
and a brilliant outdoor view over the lit-up city. From
modern skyscrapers to historic buildings, it really is a
feast for the eyes.
From Saigon we flew 90 minutes north to Da Nang on
the South China Sea and from there drove 45 minutes
to explore Hoi An, a quaint historic town with canals,
bright colours and architecture that is a melting-
pot of Vietnamese, French-Colonial, Chinese and
Japanese influences.
If you venture to the outskirts of the town amongst the
rice fields, you’ll find water buffalo and locals fishing
the river and beach. In town there are brilliant tailors
(go to Yaly Couture) and cobblers (go to Linh Shoe
Shop) amongst many others, as well as art galleries
with fascinating artworks to view or purchase.

Did you know that Halong
Bay means “Bay of
Descending Dragons”?

And I can’t forget the lanterns! At night the town
comes to life with music, cheeky children and of
course other travellers. It can be extremely busy but
it is such a different vibe compared to the day that it
is well worth exploring the streets and taking many,
many photos.
After shopping till we dropped and relaxing poolside,
it was time to head 90 minutes further north to
Hanoi and Halong Bay, where we joined Jasmine,
a 23-cabin boutique ship of the Heritage Line for a
luxurious journey out to the bay. Sadly, due to an
incoming storm we couldn’t spend the full night out
so we stopped for a swim and took many photos of
this UNESCO World Heritage area before turning
back. Did you know that Halong Bay means “Bay of
Descending Dragons”?
Hanoi! This truly beautiful city with a mix of
traditional and modern is one that I would love to go
back and explore more. We took a rickshaw tour from
the hotel and let our eyes roam from the stalls on the

HELLOWORLD : EXPLORE : AUTUMN EDITION