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A 20-day adventure by The Rushs Adventures Read more
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  • TravelerVietnam, Cambodia, Singapore
    Day 10

    Day 9 Hoi An and Ba Na Hills

    Yesterday in Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Not sure where to begin- today was awesome. An experience we’ll never forget. Left at 8 30 with our private driver and guide for Ba Na Hills. Ba Na Hills takes 6-8 hours to explore fully, including the cable car, Golden Bridge, French Village, Fantasy Park, and other attractions. The drive was 40 minutes to a bus which then took us to the cable car. Each cable car took 10 people and was the longest in the world at 6kms. It then dropped us off at the Golden Bridge which was an incredulous structure complete with huge hand sculptures. There were thousands of people and it was hard to even take photos due to the lack of space. The view down was also spectacular. We then caught a second cable car for a short distance to Sun World, a French village built in the mountains. Many of the buildings replicated those in France and others were for worshipping Buddha. All were huge and the gardens surrounding them were incredible. After a lunch of sushi we visited more of the area including the amusement park which had numerous games and rides and food stalls. Every area had queues of people and it required some patience. We finally met up with our guide again at 3 :30 and set off back down the hill exhausted after a hot and exhilarating day. One of the best of the tour so far. On return to Hoi An we waisted no time getting into the pool before a dinner of Pho and Squid.Read more

  • TravelerVietnam, Cambodia, Singapore
    Day 8

    Day 7 Hoi An

    April 16 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Yet another day of activities in Hoi An despite it being g a ‘feee day’ on the tour. Following yet another amazing breakfast we departed by shuttle for the city which is 6 kms away. We had been recommended a tailor so headed to Tina’s where David and Malcolm ordered linen shirts and I ordered a short jacket. All will be ready at 4 pm tomorrow! We returned at 12 for our massages which were so relaxing. Following that we swam and sunbathed in the pool area which was gorgeous as it was the hottest day yet. A walk along the beach was also relaxing. At 5pm we headed by taxi back into town for dinner at a lovely Vietnamese restaurant followed by the Lantern Boat ride up the river. It was truly breathtaking as there were hundred of decorated boats and lanterns. As well the buildings on either side were covered in lights. The streets were packed with tourists and people selling their goods from both shops and stalls. There were also a number of restaurants, and also live bands playing. To top it off Hoi An is also a city full of motor scooters and the exodus of kids from schools at 5pm made for one big traffic jam of scooters. They are still bad at 9 pm as we headed back. Another fun day.Read more

  • TravelerVietnam, Cambodia, Singapore
    Day 7

    Day 6 Hue to Hoi An

    April 15 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Today started with another delicious breakfast at The White Lou’s Hotel before being picked up for our 4 1/2 hour car journey to Hoi A via Da Nang (Central Vietnam). The guide on our trip was again excellent and very funny. We travelled up over a mountain pass after a short stop at a fishing village where locals tried their hardest to sell us things from their baskets. The views from the high road were beautiful with glimpses of lagoons and the coast. On route we arrived at Da Nang, a huge city which was a mix of modern and old buildings and huge seaside resorts. We then travelled to the Marble Mountains., a group of 5 limestone peaks, We left the vehicle to visit the a local marble shop and factory and then ride by glass elevator to the top where there was an incredible Buddhist pagoda, numerous shrines and caves. The caves had been a hideout for Vietnamese soldiers and had numerous Buddhist statues inside them. The walk down was somewhat treacherous as the stone steps were steep and uneven and we kept our eyes open for rats as a couple were seen on the way up. Our last stop was a silk factory which was interesting but the sales pitch was tiresome and we were pleased to finally arrive at our resort where we will be for four nights. It is truly beautiful and located right beside the beach. The place is huge with three restaurants, a huge pool and lovely big rooms. After relaxing with pizzas and drinks we were entertained by a wedding going on next to the bar and then the wedding music. We again had an early night going to bed with the sound of very loud frogs which sound they are everywhere.Read more

  • TravelerVietnam, Cambodia, Singapore
    Day 6

    Day 5 Hue

    April 14 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    In bed early tonight after another full on day. After breakfast we were met at 9am by our guide and three more motor scooter riders. After a quick demonstration of how to get on the back of a scooter we were off out into the traffic. Thankfully not as busy as Hanoi but still exhilarating. The tour lasted 5 hours and included a history lesson on the Vietnam war and communism thanks to our very knowledgeable guide. We visited war ruins, the American military base, the emperor’s palace and the very impressive emperor’s mausoleum, whose design and decor had been influenced by many European artists including Gaudi. We travelled around many country roads and back streets all with their own view into daily Vietnamese life. We also made a stop at an insense making village. Our final stop was for a vegetarian lunch at a Buddhist Pagoda. All in all a great way to see the city and riding the scooters was so much fun. Back at the hotel we relaxed with a swim in the pool and a drink in the roof top bar. Our dinner tonight was at a restaurant where we all ordered set menus which were platters of numerous Vietnamese delicacies including spring rolls, seafoods, stuffed rice pancake, and nam, bro and loc and a sticky rice cake. It was all delicious and we needed the walk back to the hotel after it. A great day- loving this tour as it is such a good mix of organised activities and our own free time.Read more

  • TravelerVietnam, Cambodia, Singapore
    Day 5

    Day 4 Ha Long Bay to Hue

    April 13 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Another travelling g day today. We woke to the most stunning view out our cabin window. There was not a breath of wind and the rocks and mountains of the bay were beautiful. We started the day with a cooking class where we made our our own spring rolls and watched the chef create a beautiful arrangement of flowers from vegetables. After a delicious Vietnamese brunch while we sailed back to land, we boarded the mini bus again for Hanoi airport. An hour from the airport we were met by a smaller taxi and transferred to it. The journey was incredibly frustrating as the driver was so slow and we arrived at the airport with 15 minutes to check in. The queues were however extremely long and there were people everywhere. Luckily there did seem to be some system and we finally reached the desk with a minute to spare. The flight to Hue was an hour and very relaxing. We were met by a driver who delivered us to the White Lotus Hotel which is luxurious with amazing views of the river from our rooms. We had dinner ( much needed as hadn’t eaten since 10am) at a nice restaurant and Hue seems to be a more modern, clean and vibrant city. Looking forward to exploring it by motorbike tomorrow.Read more

  • TravelerVietnam, Cambodia, Singapore
    Day 4

    Day 3 Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

    April 12 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C

    Another day of adventure in Vietnam. We left Hanoi by mini bus at 8 30 heading for Ha Long Bay. The three hour drive (punctuated by the usual auto grill stop) was very interesting with a mix of slum dwellings, market gardens, rice fields, shrines and burial grounds and more luxurious homes. The amount of rubbish however in this country is incredible and there are many uninhabited and derilect buildings everywhere. We arrived at a marina to board a tender boat which took us out to our cruise boat which is truly luxurious. We were greeted by all the crew bowing to us and a some singing and flute playing. We sailed further on to where the boat parked up while enjoying an amazing buffet lunch before being taken to the area where we went kyaking. There were hundreds of boats there from the numerous cruise ships parked in the bay. It was a beautiful spot complete with caves to row under. A glorious way to spend a couple of hours. Back at the boat we relaxed before a drink in the bar and a beautiful 7 course Vietnamese dinner accompanied by a traditional musician on a variety of instruments. The night ended with poor attempts at squid fishing from the back of the boat. The area is simply beautiful but the water pollution is dreadful with all sorts of rubbish present floating on the top of the green water. We have never seen pollution like it.Read more

  • TravelerVietnam, Cambodia, Singapore
    Day 4

    Day 2

    April 12 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    What a day! We had delicious breakfast at the hotel before leaving for a beautiful walk around The Old Quarter and the lake. It was a balmy 25 degrees and half of it was similar to last night with regards traffic and crowds, while the rest was a lot quieter and very relaxing. We stopped for a drink and delicious spring rolls. Back at the hotel we were met by our jeep driver and Christina the guide. Our 4 1/2 hour tour was amazing and she was excellent. Now we were actually in the traffic! The tour started with an incredibly good lunch at a fascinating restaurant hidden down a back alley, spring rolls, noodles, bang mi and salt and egg coffees were all on the menu. We then headed off and the tour included the the French Quarter, the other Hanoi lakes, the opera house and government buildings,the Long Bien Bridge, the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and a walk around some local homes within very narrow alleyways. We also visited a local market selling pork, fish and fruit and vegetables of every variety. Live chickens. frogs, pigeons and fish were all on display. The highlight was the Train street. After being sat down with a drink and delicious donuts on tiny seats next to the tracks we awaited the arrival of the train along with many other tourists. Our strict instructions not to move were to be taken seriously as the train arrived and we continued to sit less than a metre from it. After recovering we were surrounded by locals from the street pedalling their wares. We continued on with the tour ending at 4 30 back at the hotel. After a break we headed off to Beer Street, a very busy tourist area full of bars. The atmosphere was great and we enjoyed people watching and the attentive service from the waitresses. We then sought out a taxi and after quite a long drive arrived at a restaurant recommended by Christina. The set menu was very interesting and mostly delicious ( not the pickled egg plants). It also included tofu, shrimps, crab soup, pork and steamed vegetables. After a very interesting day we were finally in bed by 10. Leaving here early in the morning for Halong Bay overnight cruise.Read more

  • TravelerVietnam, Cambodia, Singapore
    Day 2

    Day 1 New Zealand to Hanoi

    April 10 in Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Day 1 and we are off. Leaving Christchurch at 6 10 pm. It was relief to see the McKenzies at the airport and know our adventure was set to begin. Flew to Auckland and after a short delay onto Singapore. 10 hour flight was ok and on arrival the airport was beautiful and plenty to see after train ride from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2. Two hours there before leaving for 3 hour flight to our destination- Hanoi. Arrived in Hanoi to be met by our bags and Wide Eyed Tours guide. An hour long drive into the city was an eye opener! So many people (over 8 million) and 6 million scooters! They were everywhere, all tooting and jostling for a space. After a swim in the beautiful hotel pool we headed out. What an experience- just crossing the road was a challenge. Thousands of scooters everywhere- some also carrying up to three children and cars and buses all driving on narrow steets with vendors all along them. The buildings were incredible, many stories high, mostly old and hundreds of little allies and side paths. The smells were also interesting as a lot of cooking was going on the footpaths. All in all an eye- opening experience. We found dinner at a nice restaurant and ate typical Vietnamese dumplings, pancakes and pho. We were all pleased to roll into bed at 8pm after a long 24 hours.Read more

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