Reset search
Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore
  • The Rushs Adventures

Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore

18 days travelling through Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore with Marrie and Malcolm McKenzie in 2025. Read more
FollowInsightsCalendarShareShareBucket list
Newest first
  • Trip start
    April 9, 2025
    The Rushs AdventuresVietnam, Cambodia, SingaporeTraveler

    Day 1 Christchurch 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. The guide’s advice was “close your eyes and follow your heart”. 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

  • The Rushs AdventuresVietnam, Cambodia, SingaporeTraveler

    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

  • The Rushs AdventuresVietnam, Cambodia, SingaporeTraveler

    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

  • The Rushs AdventuresVietnam, Cambodia, SingaporeTraveler

    Day 4 Ha Long Bay to Hue

    April 13 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Another travelling 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

  • The Rushs AdventuresVietnam, Cambodia, SingaporeTraveler

    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 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 incense 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

  • The Rushs AdventuresVietnam, Cambodia, SingaporeTraveler

    Day 6 Hue to Hoi An

    April 15 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Today started with another delicious breakfast at The White Lotus Hotel before being picked up for our 4 1/2 hour car journey to Hoi An 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

  • The Rushs AdventuresVietnam, Cambodia, SingaporeTraveler

    Day 7 Hoi An

    April 16 in Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Yet another day of activities in Hoi An despite it being 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

  • The Rushs AdventuresVietnam, Cambodia, SingaporeTraveler

    Day 8 Hoi An

    April 17 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 14 °C

    What a day. 30 degrees for most of it and we were on a cycling trip for half it. Our guide met us with the bikes at 8 30 and we headed off into the reasonably busy traffic, remembering that we needed to be on the right side of the road. We then headed up and down country lanes until we were out in the middle of rice fields and farmland at the back of the city. After several short stops including a close up look at water buffalo and a fishing village, we boarded the round bamboo boats for the ride through a water coconut palm forest. There were hundreds of boats all travelling in convey up the canals. The local sailors put on displays of paddling and spinning the boats to music and we also had a go at crab fishing. We then biked on to Tra Que Organic vegetable village where we had a very interesting demonstration of how to prepare soil and plant vegetables as well as having a go at many of the tasks ourselves. The fresh vegetables and herbs were in hundreds of little plots and the farming techniques very basic. We returned to the nearby family restaurant for the cooking demonstration - also very entertaining with lots of participation as we all made Vietnamese pancakes which was the basis of a very filling lunch. The bike ride back was extremely hot and quite hard after being used to our electric bikes and within minutes of returning to the resort we were in the pool. At 4 pm Malcolm, David and I headed into town to pick up our newly made clothes ( a jacket, some shirts and a pair of shorts) which had all been ordered the day before. We returned to settle down in the restaurant for a drink and dinner, and to view the second wedding at the resort. It was all very entertaining as there was a sudden shower of rain and all the wedding had to be quickly moved indoors which caused lots of activity and action. It was a shame as the setting for these outdoor weddings is absolutely beautiful. Another early night but good as we are off to the Bah Nah Hills early tomorrow.Read more

  • The Rushs AdventuresVietnam, Cambodia, SingaporeTraveler

    Day 9 Hoi An and Ba Na Hills

    April 18 in Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 25 °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 incredible 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

  • The Rushs AdventuresVietnam, Cambodia, SingaporeTraveler

    Day 10 Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City

    April 19 in Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C

    Another very exciting day. We were up early to catch the ride to the Da Long airport. It was a much more organised affair than Hanoi and we arrived in our Ho Chi Minh hotel at 1 30 to be greeted with a beautiful afternoon tea- really a high tea. We then headed off by taxi to the War Remnants Museum which was interesting but packed and very sobering. Back at the hotel we were picked up at 5.55 by our guide and her four motor scooter riders and two more guys who were the route guide and photographer. The drivers belonged to a food tour group- Back of the Bike Food Tours , and were all girls in their 20s, most uni graduates working a second job, and were the friendliest and funniest group of guides yet. It was a great way to find out about life in Vietnam as we chatted to them both over the food and on the bikes. We loved their company as they took on the most exhilarating ride yet all through the streets of Ho Chi Minh visiting 5 different districts and restaurants, where we ate everything from pancakes, clams, crabs, tapioca noodles, and quails eggs to the famous ‘jumping chickens’ - frogs. There was lots of instruction with each dish about how to eat it and then we also had a go at making rice pancakes. We finished with a stop for ice cream with sticky rice and mango. The ride home was something else as there are many practices on for celebrations for 50 years of unification. Many streets were closed and there were traffic jams everywhere. We were weaving in and out of cars and thousands of scooters and were surprised that we all pulled into the hotel at 11pm at roughly the same time. It was truly a fun filled night and a great way to see this city. We now await the photos which are being sent to us as definitely needed two hands on the scooter!Read more

  • The Rushs AdventuresVietnam, Cambodia, SingaporeTraveler

    Day 11 Ho Chi Minh

    April 20 in Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    An exhausting day in Ho Chi Minh City. We got up in time to meet our guide by 7 40 am. We drove with a group a people a short distance to the wharf where we boarded a luxurious speed boat to travel for an hour and a half up the river to the Cu Chi tunnels. There were crowds of people there, and the car park was already full of buses. We entered the jungle on a walking track and spent two hours learning about the Cu Chi army and people and how the Vietnamese utilised the tunnels to combat the US army. While not taking up the experience of crawling through the tunnels we did see trenches, battle grounds, dining and sleeping places, as well as many deadly traps. The tour also included an opportunity to shoot real guns with David and Malcolm having a go at shooting targets with Ak47s. The tour ended with a lovely lunch before boarding the boat for the long trip back along the wide and leafy river. On returning we walked to a local market but the heat and busyness was not pleasant and we were unsure of where to go. Again the traffic was building up so we decided to eat dinner at a Thai restaurant next door to the hotel which was pretty average. Tomorrow we leave for Cambodia.Read more

  • The Rushs AdventuresVietnam, Cambodia, SingaporeTraveler

    Day 12 Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap Cambodia

    April 21 in Cambodia ⋅ ☁️ 35 °C

    Another big travelling day. We left our hotel at 10 due to the promise of extra busy traffic, and even though the flight was only 45 minutes it was 4 30 by the time we arrived at our hotel in Siem Reap. The interesting ride in from the airport was an hour through farms growing cashew nuts and tapioca. Our hotel is right in the centre of Siem Reap and is modern and absolutely beautiful, complete with its own cat asleep on the chair. Within a short time we were in the infinitely pool on the rooftop as it was 35 degrees. We wandered into town to Pub Street, well known for its bars and restaurants. We ate at an upstairs restaurant after seeing the ‘ air conditioning’ sign. Dinner was lovely and we wandered along the street and the markets before making it back to our hotel and our air conditioned room! So far we think Cambodia is lovely and the people very respectful. Tomorrow we are up early due to our visit to Angkor Wat.Read more

  • The Rushs AdventuresVietnam, Cambodia, SingaporeTraveler

    Day 13 Siem Reap

    April 22 in Cambodia ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C

    A huge day but we really loved it. We left the hotel at 8 am for a short drive through Siem Reap to Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat, one of the seven wonders of the works, is called the “City/Capital of Temples,” and is Cambodia’s magnificent Hindu-Buddhist temple complex. Spanning an impressive 162.6 hectares (1,626,000 m²; 402 acres) within the ancient Khmer capital city of Angkor, it holds the title of the largest religious structure in the world. Initially constructed in 1150 CE as a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Vishnu, Angkor Wat gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the century. We entered the area through gates lined with stone statues of gods and demons. The main temple was hugely impressive and our guide was able to tell us about much of its Buddhist and Hindu history. The carvings on the walls were amazing and there were hundreds of little rooms and corridors. We climbed up to the third floor by going up the outside of the building to the summit of the building - the part closest to the Heavens. Surprisingly there were not crowds of people which made for a relaxing walk, but the heat was immense and it was a relief to get back to the vehicle with our driver ready with cold towels and bottles of water. No sign of any monkeys either as too hot for them! We travelled on to Angkor Thom. Another temple with gates and and this time many ruins caused by a history of wars and people removing parts it over the years. The heat was incredible and we were pleased to be here for just 40 minutes. Our lunch was in a village in a lovely air conditioned restaurant where we ate traditional Cambodian dishes. We then moved on to Ta Prohm, a temple in the jungle. It is renowned for its extensive tree growth, with massive trees and their roots intricately entwined with the temple's structures. This temple is famously known as the "Tomb Raider Temple" due to its appearance in the movie Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Our guide took many of our photos and we were able to get some good tips on how to take good photos. The backdrop of the trees and jungle made this the more attractive temple. We arrived back at the hotel and within minutes were in the beautiful pool as the day was our hottest yet. We then wandered back into town for a relaxing dinner. The highlight was being the tenth customer to order the Tom Raider cocktail and the free drink drink was brought over to us accompanied by enthusiastic ringing of a bell and clapping by the other customers. We were pleased to be back in our cool rooms by 10pm to reflect on such stunning sights.Read more

  • The Rushs AdventuresVietnam, Cambodia, SingaporeTraveler

    Day 14 Siem Reap

    April 23 in Singapore ⋅ 🌧 29 °C

    A much quieter day as nothing planned apart from booking a show through our guide this morning. After lots of discussion Marrie and Malcolm decided to go to a show of celestial dancers and David and I decided to go to the Cambodian Circus. . The service of the guide was so good he even booked the tuk tuk ride for us. We spent a very hot morning wandering the markets of Siem Reap where everything could be bargained for. After a snack of spring rolls and and bruschetta we travelled by tuk tuk back to our hotel- a very trying trip as the driver got completely lost and we think we could have directed him there ourselves from the pick up point. The whole afternoon was spent relaxing by the beautiful pool. At 6 30 we were picked up by tuk tuk and taken to a restaurant in Pub Street for a delicious dinner. Our driver waited for us and then took us to the circus which was away from the CBD, and luckily in a well conditioned big top, even though we were given fans. It was a very cool show with acrobats and dancers who were very clever. Their performer was accompanied by a live band. We left the tent to find our driver. Once again he was patiently waiting for us. The service was amazing. Our ride home was good but it did take us around the back streets which were a bit grim with lots of stray dogs. Off to Singapore early tomorrow.Read more

  • The Rushs AdventuresVietnam, Cambodia, SingaporeTraveler

    Day 15 Siem Reap to Singapore

    April 24 in Singapore ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Left the lovely quiet airport in Siem Reap for Singapore at 11 and arrived at our huge hotel in Clarke Quay Singapore at 3 pm. We headed off by taxi to Raffles hotel where we all enjoyed the atmosphere and our Gin Slings along with the famous peanuts on the tables and all over the floor. David was also asked to mix the drinks using a very old cocktail shaker that mixed about 5 drinks at a time. We moved onto Clarke Quay for cheaper drinks and some dinner by the river. Our night ended with a beautiful boat ride down the river complete with commentary and a laser light show which was stunning. Singapore looked so beautiful at night but seemed a lot quieter than last time we were here.Read more

  • The Rushs AdventuresVietnam, Cambodia, SingaporeTraveler

    Day 16 Singapore.

    April 25 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C

    A big day in Singapore starting with breakfast in the huge dining room. There were lots of people and much less relaxing than the other hotels. We then left to walk from Clarke Quay to the Gardens By The Bay. It was a long hot walk but plenty to see on the way and all so clean and tidy. At the gardens we boarded a shuttle to ride over to the Flower Dome and The Cloud. Even though we had been there before we loved them both just as much the second time. The displays inside are so beautiful and creative. Around every corner there is something more to see and best of all it was very a very cool temperature. Just beatiful and two hours went nowhere. We then left in a taxi for a 20 minute drive to a a huge outlet mall for some shopping. The shops were mainly sports clothing and David was able to find some cheap golf gear. Back at the hotel we enjoyed a drink at a bar and a rest before heading back out for the Marina Bay Sands hotel. We had purchased tickets online to go to the top but on arrival found it shut due to the occasional lightening strike which was happening. We were told to come back later so wandered off to find dinner- not an easy task in the most expensive part of town. Finally found a burger and craft beer restaurant which was a big average but great for people watching. We walked back and wandered around Marina Bay Hotel. Again so much to see and the money around the place was shown as we admired some men’s swimming trunks in one of the shops there to be told they were $580!!! Also got to see the laser light display for a second time and there were crowds lining the river for it. We finally lined up go to the sky deck- 57 floors high. The lift was thankfully very fast and the view more than worth it. Just spectacular. You could wander for an almost 360 degree view of Singapore. We left the hotel after more people watching and returned to our own lovely hotel.Read more

  • The Rushs AdventuresVietnam, Cambodia, SingaporeTraveler

    Day 17 Singapore

    April 26 in Singapore ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    A shopping day in Singapore. We headed for Orchard Road, and specifically the Uniqlo shop. It was massive and cheap! We spent a couple of hours shopping and were making our way back to the hotel when we could find no wifi to sort a taxi and there was a heavy shower of rain which we were caught in with our paper showing bags! Not good. Finally sorted a taxi and were relieved to get back to the Clarke Quay for a snack and a drink. We crossed the river to the hotel where David had a swim and I had a rest! We later had a lovely drink in the bar before making our way to China Town for a dinner of Peking Duck. It was a short walk back and we discussed plans for tomorrow’s departure over one final Singapore Sling and beer.Read more

  • The Rushs AdventuresVietnam, Cambodia, SingaporeTraveler

    Day 18 Singapore to Christchurch

    April 27 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Our last day in Singapore - and the hottest! We headed off by taxi to the Singapore Flyer. The giant wheel can hold 750 people at one time and takes 45 to do a full rotation. The view was amazing and the commentary useful for knowing what to look for. We then walked for 15 minutes to view the Lion monument. We took some good photos, but were all too hot to spend too long out of the shade. We headed for Boat Quay where we had a snack for lunch before heading back to the coolness of the hotel even though we had already checked out. We sat in the bar and waited for our ride to the airport at 4 40. The airport itself was stress free and very easy and we finally boarded at 6 50 for the 9 hour flight home. It had been a wonderful holiday with Marrie and Malcolm, with so many new experiences -and a new appreciation for life in New Zealand.Read more

    Trip end
    April 28, 2025
  • 2025© FindPenguins
  • Home
  • About us
  • Group Tracking
  • Press
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy & Cookies
  • Help Center
  • Legal notice