Travel Journal

My colleagues have been raving about Vietnam for years. Everyone on the team had been there already, so I was the last one to visit. It’s been our top-selling destination in Asia for the past six years, and now I finally get to see what all the fuss is about! I can’t think of any other place that offers so much variety in such a short time.

For four hours, I experienced Vietnam just like the locals do – cruising at about 30 kph on a scooter. Our tour of Hue, Vietnam’s old capital, was a thrill. You really notice so many details up close that you miss from a bus window. Hue is perfect for a motorbike tour; it’s flat and small enough to escape the busy city and get into the countryside easily.

We rode past rice paddies and saw the harvest in action. We also passed through villages that, forty years ago, would have been firmly under Viet Cong control – Hue was a hotspot for some of the fiercest fighting during what locals call the ‘American War’. We stopped by the Citadel and had a tasty noodle soup for lunch. It’s hot and humid here, so staying hydrated is key!

I’m a fan of Asian food, and the cuisine here is fantastic and cheap. I rarely spent more than NZ$20 on a meal, and that usually includes several courses and a couple of glasses of local beer. A tip: ask for a glass full of ice cubes and pour your beer in – otherwise, it warms up too quickly.

The highlight of the trip was definitely Hội An, a beautiful coastal town that has something for everyone. Families will love the resorts on China Beach (My Khe Beach), with great pools, kids’ clubs, and safe swimming spots. Couples can enjoy the famous shopping in the old town, especially if you’re interested in having clothes tailored – there are over 300 tailors to choose from. You can bring a favourite item of clothing and have it copied in different fabrics. Golfers will find two championship courses on the road between Danang and Hoi An – Legend Danang Golf Resort and Bà Nà Hills Golf Club. Foodies should check out the superb cooking classes in Hoi An, where you can learn to make perfect spring rolls or crispy pancakes. The town is stunning, and when the lanterns light up at night, it feels like you’re strolling along a river in Provence, with a charming Indochina twist.

I’ll definitely be coming back, next time with my whole family. I can’t wait!