VIETNAM

Arriving into Ho Chi Minh City is like entering a different world. We got a coach from the airport towards our hostel and we were introduced to the crazy city; hot, busy, cramped and surrounded by hundreds of buzzing scooters. Once we got over the initial shock of just how many scooters there are and how difficult it seems to cross the road, we found our way to our accommodation.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

With only a couple of days in Ho Chi Minh, we needed to make the most of it. It is so easy to get around the city on foot and plenty of walking routes to ensure you visit everything. It's a good idea to pre-book some tours like a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta or even a cylcing tour.

Kaiteki Hostel, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

We visited the War Remnants Museum which primarily contains exhibits relating to the Vietnam War, but also includes many exhibits relating to the first Indochina War involving the French colonialists. I learnt soooo much here and found it all very interesting.I actually couldn't believe how little I knew before visiting.

"Asian conical hat" (which we accidentally left on a coach.....)

While we were there, it was Lizzy's birthday, we attemped a night out in Ho Chi Minh, but it most definitely wasn't for us. A couple of nights later we found a skybar and I can honestly say it was such a perfect night. The alcohol was amazing, the music was just perfect... and the views.......

Ho Chi Minh City Hall

On our last day in Ho Chi Minh City, we visited the Cu Chi tunnels. I did not take many photos here as I just walked around in shock. The Cu Chi tunnels are basically a network of connecting underground tunnels which were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War. They were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication, hospitals, food storage, weapon chaches and living quarters. 

While we were there we got to go into the tunnels and I was so shocked at just how small they were. I felt so squished and could only stay in them for around 20 seconds to then be told that these tunnels had been made bigger just for the tourists. I couldn't believe it!

Arriving in Hanoi felt so different to Ho Chi Minh. These cities are very different (although there are just as many buzzing scooters!). Hanoi has a lake which is central to the city, plus lots of alleyways with amazing street food and shops.





Ho Chi Minh city was actually named after the guy Ho Chi Minh (he's also the dude on the Vietnamese Dong)... he has his own museum where we visited and learnt lots about him.

St Joseph Cathedral, Hanoi

From Hanoi the most popular tour is a visit to Halong Bay with a boat trip that can be overnight or for a few nights. We actually went on a party cruise with around 20 people. We were collected from our hostel, then on a bus for a few hours where we played an introduction game. When we arrived at Halong Bay we jumped onto the boat and got going. It has to be one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited.








We spent the first night of the tour partying on the boat with our new friends, then the next day we arrived at our own island where we would stay the next night.

You can just about make out the rainbow cloud!!!!

Love,