378. Travel diary. Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh

Not my favourite place in Vietnam overall, but was the most commercial place out of what we visited. Its great for shopping and is really cheap, one big markets with all kind of things

. We decided to take a break from being a backpacker whilst we were there and went to New World hotel and used their pool. It was really expensive (£10) but we needed a bit of luxury for a day a very different change of scene compared to our hostel. We stayed at "Vietnam Inn Ho Chi Ming", would definitely recommend it. If you get the bus in its a five minute walk. You literally cross the park and your there (right next to chucks burgers). Staff are helpful and you can book everything through them.

De Lat

After a 5 hours night bus from Ho Chi Ming, which was surprisingly easy we arrived in the very cold De Lat at 5am. We stayed at Wolf pack hostel, and I'd have to say the best and cheapest hostel we stayed in. They greeted us with tea, biscuits and a big blanket. Thinking we wouldn't be able to check in until midday they gave us a bed to sleep in until the morning, then moving to our actual room once the others checked out. The beds were huge and comfy, given a big old duvet too. Each bed had a light and plug socket. The rooms were big and spacious, so although its 8 to a room with an en suite it didn't feel crowded. Super clean too. They also put on the most amazing dinner in the evening for a couple of dollars each. It's basically and giant banquet, and every at the hostel sits around together so its nice and sociable but also a great way to eat real Vietnamese food.

Crazy House

A sight you have to see in De Lat. It really is a crazy house, with the coolest architecture it's something you'd imagine from Alice in Wonderland. Everything is organic and natural looking as if it's made from a tree or plants but it's actually a hotel. It's honestly the coolest thing ever. If you can stay there, do!

Canyoning

Not something I would naturally choose to do, but everyone recommended that this was a must in De Lat. It was $25 for the day which included everything. We abseiled down two cliffs first after a crash course in abseiling. However it did feel super safe and the guys we were with knew what they were doing. After the two cliffs we were then thrown into the deep end (literally) and had to walk down a waterfall. In which below you can seem i'm obviously not shitting my pants at all. It all looks very easy, but it AIN'T. After we were told we had to do the famous "washing machine" waterfall, which was known as the scariest but to be honest it was totally fine. You lowered yourself down to the waterfall off a cliff, let go and then go underwater for two seconds until the waterfall pushes you out. Fine. 100% would recommend it, even if you're scared.

Hoi An

The prettiest town we visited during our stay. It's very quiet and calm, traditional and colourful. Definitely my favourite place. In the ancient town there were lots of amazing little places to eat and cute tea houses.

Reaching out tea house

This was one of our highlight in Vietnam, it was truly a beautiful place. A little tea house, you are asked not to speak but either to be silent or whisper. Communicating to the staff through pen and paper, the staff are in fact mute or deaf. They embrace the idea of serenity and appreciating the tea you drink and not rush but take it all in. The interior was so pretty and traditional and there was such a beautiful vibe and aura about the place. The tea and coffee was delicious and came out in the most ornate sets. You could easily spend hours there,

A back alley where we ate delicious Pho.

Ha Long Bay

When choosing which cruise to go for, we wanted obviously the cheapest but with good reviews. Have researched it was basically you get what you paid for. We ended up paying about £90 for two nights with the party cruise. It wasn't majorly party, just depends on what you want to do really. The first day you cruise through the beautiful bay (unfortunately we came at winter so it was really foggy) and you can go swimming and kayaking about. Sleeping in a two bed cabin the beds were hard as rocks but it was fine for one night. You get fed lots as well. Pretty yummy food too. 

The next day we arrived at Freedom island which is teeny tiny, really pretty though. And we kayaked to a private cove which was amazing. Definitely well worth a visit if you want to see the beautiful wonders of the world.

Hanoi

A lot different from Ho Chi Minh, it's an old time which has kept its traditional sense about it and its hustle and bustle down small alleys. Everything is higgldy piggldy, but really cool. Each road is dedicated to a type of product, one might specialise in herbal remedies another will just be kids toys etc. Really fun to explore. 

There's a lot of good museums to go to as well as delicious places to check out. 

Fanny's Ice cream it's delicious and elaborate.

Griang's cafe for the traditional egg coffee.

Banh Mi 25 for the best sandwiches ever, made from fresh baguette and off the bone ham.

Hanoi Fusion for a slightly more upmarket but cheap dinner.