Page 23 - Explore - Autumn/Winter 2019

The motorbike tour in Hue visited an Hoi An at night is even more beautiful than
inspirational lady who has been making the during the day and you really need to see it
famous conical hats you see everywhere in first-hand to understand its magic.
Vietnam for 41 years. She has only one arm. G Adventures tour customers in Hoi An also get the chance to be apart of
Oodles of Noodles, a “G for Good” project that helps former street youths
She welcomed us into her home and we learned the history of the hats as expand their English and skill set and prepares them for future jobs in 5-star
well as her own story. The second stop was an incense stall where you learn resorts. You take part in a cooking class and are served a meal that includes
about how the Vietnamese use incense in their day to day lives, and how to everything you just learned to create. Delicious!
make it yourself. The final stop was the Perfume River lookout which offers
picturesque views of the countryside on a fine day. If you opt for the tour’s We then flew to our final destination of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and after a
inclusive lunch you are welcomed into a local nunnery and served a delicious day of shopping and snacking our group headed to a street food market where
meal prepared by the nuns. This tour takes three to four hours but I strongly there were at least 40 food stalls to suit everyone’s tastes. The market had
recommend you give it a go because it was one of the highlights of my trip. live music which got everyone up and dancing.
After this amazing experience, we had the rest of the day to explore at our own The last day of our tour was spent at the Cu Chi Tunnels, roughly a two-
pace. Hue only has two main streets full of shops, spas and restaurants but hour drive from our hotel. Our private guide showed us around the site and
there is still plenty to fill up your day such as checking out the Tien Mu Pagoda described how the Vietnamese managed to survive there throughout the war.
and the Imperial Citadel. When the sun sets and you crave more good food, The tunnels were made extremely small so western-sized people could not
there are plenty of small streets and alleys with amazing restaurants. fit through but one or two have been expanded so you can explore first-hand
what it was like. This tour takes about five hours including the drive there and
The next day we made our way 122 km south to Hoi An. Our stay here was back but it is very interesting and worth doing if you have the time.
a bit more relaxing and we had three full days to explore. Like Hue, Hoi An
is quieter than the larger cities but when the sun sets and the hundreds of On the last night we went to a nice restaurant for dinner before heading to the
famous lanterns light up, the town buzzes with groups looking for the perfect famous Chill Skybar as a send-off. Located on the 25th floor of a downtown
photo. During the day head to the ancient town near the river’s edge where building The Skybar is 100% worth the visit. You have to buy a drink to be
there are streets lined with tailor’s shops and restaurants and homewares and allowed access but the panoramic views are amazing.
gifts shops and everything in between.
That night in Saigon was crazier than usual as Vietnam had just won a big
Hoi An at night is even more beautiful and you really need to see it first-hand football competition and the streets were jam-packed with people on
to understand its magic. A night market stretches along a couple of streets scooters with their horns tooting. Trying to cross the roads was an experience
with stalls selling knick-knacks, clothes, food, handmade ice cream and I will never forget. Our ten-day adventure saw us do things we never
of course, lanterns. The ancient town also has UNESCO heritage sites and thought we could do and we met some amazing people who created lifelong
historic buildings that are well worth a visit. memories. Vietnam, I will definitely see you again soon!

Jess Martin of helloworld Travel 5 Mile Queenstown has lifelong memories of
a recent trip to Vietnam, from Hanoi in the north to Saigon in the south.

HELLOWORLD TRAVEL : EXPLORE : AUTUMN/WINTER EDITION 21