Vietnam Travel & Tourism

In late September, we went on a tour called “Conquering the roof of Indochina” held by Local Tours to climb Mount Fansipan, 3,143 meters above sea level. We met at Hanoi railway station at 8:30 p.m. to catch the train to Lao Cai. That night we could not sleep and the weather was very bad.

Conquering Fansipan mountain Vietnam

At 9 a.m. the next morning, we transferred from Sapa Town to Tram Ton pass, which is at an altitude of 1,900 meters, where we started the climb. Dressed in proper mountaineering gear, we were eager for the journey ahead. On our shoulders were light backpacks with water, cookies and fruit and clothes and we carried the “Truong Son stick”. The local porters took the tents, sleeping bags and food ahead of us. [...Read more]

Renowned for hiking, highly qualified local guides, stunning backdrops and a rich cultural heritage, Vietnam’s northwestern highlands are a prime destination for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure like no other. Making the region even more attractive are the spectacular eco-friendly accommodations built on a vision of community sustainability.

Mai Chau Valley, Vietnam

Mai Chau Lodge
Nestled in the stunningly beautiful mountainous region of Hoa Binh Province, 135 km south of Hanoi, Mai Chau Lodge strives to preserve local traditions, culture and the natural surroundings of its lush valley setting. The lodge is built from a socially and environmentally responsible vision. Using sustainable local materials, Mai Chau Lodge boasts a natural beauty, blending perfectly into its surroundings. [...Read more]

Ha Long Bay (also “Halong Bay”) is in northern Vietnam, 170 km east of Hanoi. The bay is famous for its scenic rock formations

Halong Bay, Vietnam

If you thought the hideout in the James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun” was spectacular, imagine a place where there are 3,000 such limestone islands clustered together in the East Sea of Halong Bay. Paddle through caves into secret lagoons, drift down channels surrounded by cliffs and forest and sail out into the open sea. Relax on the deck of our luxurious double-sailed junk and look forward to seafood bought straight from passing fishing craft. Swim alone amongst the limestone islets under the stars and take a breather at a floating village hidden amongst the islands. Our fiber glass sea kayaks make for satisfying travel, whether you are an Olympic champion or first time enthusiast. [...Read more]

There’s no Southeast Asian road more iconic than Vietnam’s National Highway 1. Running the length of the narrow, coastal country, it connects the major cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. After decades of conflict that threatened to tear them apart, the Vietnamese now see the highway as a symbol of national unity.

Cycling Highway 1 unlocks experiences most travelers miss. You’ll discover rural hamlets far removed from the modern world, and famous guidebook sights will seem all the sweeter when earned through your own pedal power.

Cycling in Vietnam

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

No cycling test required—this adventure is open to people of all abilities.

Supported

For those seeking a structured, less-demanding trip, many agencies conduct vehicle-supported group rides. These typically involve a mix of cycling and van transport.

Be sure to research your tour company thoroughly, paying particular attention to itineraries and testimonials. Prices, distances, and accommodation all vary, and no traveler wants to get locked into a situation that fails to live up to expectations. [...Read more]

I’ve been on vacation over the past few weeks and have to apologise for the upkeep of this blog. I’ve been busy cycling around the amazing countryside of Vietnam where I’ve had the experience of a lifetime.

There’s no better way to immerse yourself in a country than traveling by bike
Photo: Wade Wallace

There was a time in my life when I would have never considered riding a bike to see a country. It seemed too cumbersome, too challenging, too tiring. The point of a vacation is to relax, right? How my mind has changed. The trips I’ve taken by bike have been the most fulfilling and satisfying vacations of my life.

Cycling allows you to get up close and immerse yourself in a country. It gives you the flexibility to go with the flow and allow unplanned experiences to take you away. It takes you off the beaten path. You can take detours or change your plans on a whim. It slows things down and it becomes obvious that it’s all about the journey and not about the destination. You’ll get photos of things that no other tourists get while on route. [...Read more]

Vietnam is finally get more of the recognition it deserves in the world for its cuisine, with fresh ingredients and imaginative flavors, and one of the highlights of any trip to Vietnam is the food. Even if you do not expect to do much Vietnamese cooking, a cooking class is a fun and interesting way to learn about the local ingredients and how to make some of the popular dishes.

In general, most cooking classes are half-day classes starting with in the morning with a trip to the local market followed by a cooking demonstration and lunch where you can eat the dishes that were prepared.

Most of the classes tend to be aimed at casual tourists, rather than serious chefs, and many tend to be cooking demonstrations, rather than classes with individual cooking stations. Please inquire before you book. Also, please keep in mind that some of the smaller, ad-hoc programs may be more flexible to change the menu or request more interaction, especially if you arrange your own private lesson for your group.

Hanoi :

The Hanoi Cooking Centre is a purpose built cooking school, café and retail outlet. Hanoi Cooking Centre offers hands-on cooking classes and short courses in a relaxed atmosphere, designed by renowned Melbourne chef Tracey Lister, co-author of KOTO – A Culinary Journey Through Vietnam.

Situated at 44 Chau Long Street, nestled on the edge of Hanoi’s famous old quarter and close to picturesque Truc Bach and West Lake, the Hanoi Cooking Centre offers visitors a truly unique Vietnam experience, one to treasure, and share with friends and family. [...Read more]