We wanted a bit of a change from our holidays that are usually full of dolce farniente. So we planned a circuit tour in Vietnam to discover the country’s many treasures. One week, five places to visit and not a second to waste! We started with two days in Hanoi. We put our bags down in the inevitable Sofitel Métropole. An oasis of peace in this hectic city. Once you’re all settled in, take a cyclo tour of the old quarters, watch a puppet show on the water and visit the city’s different pagodas. If you can, come back for tea time at the Sofitel Métropole. Chocolate addicts will not be disappointed! After that, head out to Tam Coc, an area better known as a terrestrial Halong Bay. Settle yourself down onboard one of the boats to discover the rice paddies and the Karst Mountains where you’ll be able to see amazing caves that have been carved out of the high monoliths. Wonderful! Once you have finished the visit, either you can head back to Hanoi or continue on towards Halong Bay where there are a number of new hotel complexes. There you can embark upon a junk cruise. We chose a private boat, much nicer when you’re travelling with your sweet heart! As you go along, you will see various floating fishermen villages and be amazed by the small islands that reveal themselves as you go by. Then you can head over to Hue, the old capital and the imperial city. We visited the Forbidden City, the imperial tombs and the pagodas. Stop off for lunch in the charming and historical surroundings of Y Thao Garden’s restaurant. To finish off in style, you can continue on to Hoi An, a cultural seaside resort. The old town is beautiful. We enjoyed walking through the little streets that were packed with history. And if the sun graces you with its presence, you can even have a dip in the sea and lounge around on a deck chair. Granted, it will not be a restful trip but you are sure to come back full of great memories.
Getting there: Direct flights Hong Kong-Hanoi with Cathay Pacific and Dragon Air (about 2 hours)
Eating, drinking and sleeping
In Hanoi
Sofitel Metropole Legend, the hotel’s Bamboo Bar for a drink
Le Club de l ‘Oriental for dinner: 22 Tong Dan, Hoan Kiem District. Tel: 04/3826 8801
In Hue:
Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa
In Hoi An :
The Nam Hai Hoi An
