Vietnam

The arrival

The visa

 As soon as we disembarked, a representative from Abercrombie & Kent was already waiting for us to process our visa to enter the country. The first part was done in Brazil by the operator, in order for us to board from Doha to Ho Chi Minh City it was necessary to present a certified invitation letter from the Vietnam immigration department with all the group's information: name, passport number, day of entry and leaving the country etc.

The second part was at the arrival airport, we handed over our passports along with the letter and went through immigration where the visas were issued.

Of the four countries we visited, Vietnam was the most annoying to enter and the only one that I thought made a difference having paid for the fast track service, in the other countries it was just convenient and saved us time.

For those who feel comfortable doing the entire process alone, this is the link to the official visa website.

1st destination

Hoi An

The hotel

Leaving Da Nang airport, we were greeted by our guide and driver who took us to the hotel, the journey took about 45 minutes. Our first destination in the country was Hoi An, a city that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We stayed at the beautiful hotel The Nam Hai, which since the end of 2016 has belonged to the Four Seasons hotel chain and is 9km from the city center.

Overlooking the South China Sea, the resort's architecture is influenced by traditional Vietnamese temples, with roofs that remind us of pagodas, colorful lanterns, water mirrors, lots of palm trees and tropical vegetation.

In addition to the beach, the hotel has three swimming pools, a gym, spa, tennis and squash courts, a water sports center and a yoga center with classes in different disciplines. Unfortunately, we were unlucky and during the 4 nights we stayed there we had cold and rain, which greatly reduced our enjoyment of the hotel's facilities.

The rooms are actually huge villas in a contemporary Asian style, they are a little dark and perfect for couples. In addition to the bed, which is delicious, the villa has a bathtub and a sofa in the middle of the room, a huge bathroom with two small closets, an outdoor shower, a terrace with sun loungers, a mini bar and a small room facing the terrace.

Each villa also has a bicycle for each guest with an identification plate, it was our means of transport to explore the hotel on the days we were staying there.

Breakfast is a separate chapter, there are several buffet stations with Western and Eastern options, as well as a wonderful a la carte menu. As it only rained during our stay, we opened and closed the cafe every day, we had a table in the restaurant and the staff, who were incredibly kind and friendly, welcomed us every morning with a smile on their faces.

The hotel also has two restaurants, Nam Hai cafe with Western and Indian dishes and Le Sen, with a Vietnamese menu, both very good. There is also a beautiful bar with a terrace and sea views and great drinks. Within the hotel's program there is the option of taking classes at the Culinary Academy, the day begins at the rice plantation and then guests are taken to a beautiful kitchen where practical classes are taught and when everything is ready, the dishes are served. for the lunch.

To Go

The ancient city

Historic Hoi An is without a doubt the most picturesque and charming city in Vietnam, located on the banks of the Thu Bon River with a super rich culture and unique atmosphere.

Walking through its colorful streets with traditional yellow houses lined up and seeing the craft and local produce shops, bars and restaurants is a delightful experience.

Hoi An prospered during the 16th and 17th centuries as one of the most prosperous port cities in Southeast Asia.

The mix of Chinese, Japanese and European influences can still be seen in the city's architecture today. The Japanese bridge, the Chinese assembly and temples and the French colonial villages remain well preserved to receive tourist demand that continues to flourish. At night, the city gains extra charm with its countless colorful lanterns illuminating the streets.

On our first day we walked through its streets, went to the local market and saw all the shops around. We visited the Tan Ky Old House, an 18th century merchant's residence that has been preserved for 5 generations and has Chinese and Japanese influences in its architecture. We continue to the ancient assembly of Fujian, built in 1690 and where Chinese migrants gathered at the time, it was later transformed into a temple of worship to the deity Thien Hau. From there we headed to the covered Japanese bridge, built in the 1590s, which connects the Japanese neighborhood to the Chinese neighborhoods. Next, we went to a cooperative where local artisans produce the famous colorful lanterns and we were able to learn about the process and make our own lantern. I honestly thought it would be cooler, we had a good laugh at the production but we didn't love it as a tour, I wouldn't recommend it.

In the original itinerary, we were scheduled to visit the ancient Imperial City of Hue on our second day, but we were extremely tired from the entire trip and with the time zone still very disrupted, we decided to cancel this tour and rest, enjoy the hotel and the city of Hue. Hoi An. On our third and final day, it was already planned that we would have the day free too, we ended up having two days free, it's a shame we didn't have good weather to enjoy the beach and the hotel pools.

To Eat

Bars and restaurants

• Com Linh: Hoi An delicacies and authentic Vietnamese dishes in a simple, traditional setting. There you can taste the most extraordinary Vietnamese cuisine for a reasonable price.
• Cardi Pizzeria: For those who want a change of Vietnamese cuisine, this is considered one of the best pizzerias in the city.
• Bahn Mi Phuong: According to Anthony Bourdain this is "The best Banh Mi in the world" and according to my father and uncle, too.
• Cargo Club: A cafe/restaurant with Vietnamese and Western menus located on the riverfront - ask for a table on the upper terrace to enjoy the view.
• The Hill Station: Located in an old and super cozy building, this is the place for anyone who wants to eat European dishes and/or have great coffee.
• Miss Ly Cafeteria: Delicious Vietnamese food and some Western favorites, Mrs. Ly herself hosts and oversees the restaurant.
• White Rose: White Rose dumplings, or Banh Bao-Banh Vac, are a specialty of Hoi An and cannot be found anywhere else.
• Morning Glory Signature: On the second floor of Vy's Market restaurant, Mrs Vy pays homage to the cuisine of central Vietnam with a contemporary twist. Morning Glory reinterprets classic recipes for the modern palate.

To Buy

mall

There are many cool little shops in the center of Hoi An, especially stores with pure silk products and other stores with household items, some with local jewelry and trinkets where you can make good finds. We did very little shopping on this trip, but I will leave below some recommendations given by the concierge at our hotel.

• Bebe Tailor
• Metiseko
• Oche Boutique
• Lilo Leather
• Long Vy Lantern
• SUNDAY in Hoi An

2nd destination

Hanoi

We flew from Da Nang to Hanoi in a flight of approximately 01:20 hrs. The city, which is the capital of Vietnam, was also the capital of French Indochina between 1902 and 1957 and the capital of North Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

The city is Vietnam's cultural heart, a mix of chaos and charm, where rows of narrow houses sit alongside French colonial mansions and traditional temples ornamented with Chinese influences. City life revolves around the streets of the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, where there are shops, cafes and street vendors.

The hotel

We stayed for two nights at the Sofitel Legend Metropole, the French colonial-style hotel is considered the best accommodation option in the city and has hosted numerous celebrities and heads of state and hosted several diplomatic missions.

The hotel has a large heated outdoor pool, a spa, gym, three bars, a cafe and two restaurants.

The food at the hotel is wonderful, from the full buffet breakfast with Western and Asian options and stations to the restaurants. We had dinner at Spice Garden, a restaurant in the same place where breakfast is served, the menu is Vietnamese with French influences. Everything we ordered was very good.

The Le Beaulieu restaurant is the most famous among the hotel's restaurants, a French brasserie with touches of Indo-Chinese cuisine, run by Olivier Genique, former Jules Verne at the Eiffel Tower. As it is a more formal restaurant, we chose not to dine there, we wanted something with a more relaxed atmosphere.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable, as are the bathrooms, which also have Balmain amenities. We stayed in the first category and were very satisfied. The staff is extremely polite and is always ready to help you.

Other hosting options:

• Capella Hanoi
• Four Seasons (opens late 2023)

To Go

• Old Quarter: The Old Quarter in Hanoi is a historic and lively area known for its narrow, picturesque streets. It is the beating heart of the city, with a vibrant atmosphere, traditional shops, markets and a rich mix of colonial and Vietnamese architecture.
• French Quarter: The neighborhood where the hotel we stayed in is located, Hanoi's French Quarter is a neighborhood that displays French architectural and cultural influences, reminiscent of the colonial period. With wide avenues, elegant buildings and green spaces, this neighborhood is a fusion between French style and Vietnamese essence.
• Temple of Literature: The Temple of Literature is a historic site, revered as the country's first university. Built in 1070, it honors Confucius (Chinese philosopher and teacher, born around 551 BC) and is a symbol of Vietnamese education and culture. Its serene gardens and traditional pavilions attract visitors seeking a glimpse of Vietnam's rich academic and artistic heritage.
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum : The Ho Chi Minh Temple is a shrine dedicated to the revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, founder of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The temple houses his mausoleum, where his embalmed body is kept for public viewing. We didn't go in, we just walked past it with our guide as she told us its story.
• Ho Chi Minh Museum: The museum displays artifacts, photographs and exhibits that chronicle Ho Chi Minh's life and role in Vietnam's history. It is an important place to understand the past and the trajectory of modern Vietnam. As we only had one full day in the city, we ended up not visiting this museum.
• Hanoi Citadel : The Hanoi Citadel is a historic fortress in the heart of the city. It is home to palaces, temples and ancient structures, reflecting the country's rich cultural and architectural heritage.
• Hoan Kiem Lake: The lake is an oasis in the central point of the city, with a super pleasant atmosphere, people exercising, walking with children or pets.
• Water Puppet Show: The Water Puppet Show in Hanoi is a traditional show that combines theater, music and water puppets. Held on a water stage, it depicts scenes from Vietnamese life, such as agriculture and folklore, in a culturally rich way. My family hated this tour and it almost killed me because it was included in our itinerary, almost everyone slept during the show that lasted 45 minutes and those who stayed awake complained a lot. I found it interesting to see more of the local culture, but in fact, it's boring, I don't recommend it.
• Tuk Tuk Ride: A super fun and “exciting” way to explore the city. We passed through the narrow 15th century streets, each named according to the trade that was carried out there, such as Rua da Seda, Rua do Arroz, Rua do Papel and Rua dos Joalheiros.
• Night Market: Located in the Old Quarter, it offers a variety of products, from crafts and clothing to local street food. More of the same as the other Night Markets we went to on the trip.

Bars and restaurants

As our time in the city was short and busy due to our schedule, we ended up eating only at the hotel, which has excellent restaurants and bars.

3rd destination

Halong Bay

Our last destination in Vietnam was Halong Bay, after a three-hour journey on our transfer leaving Hanoi, we arrived at the port to board. We took a speedboat to our sailing boat inspired by traditional Vietnamese reed boats.

Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1993, this bay is one of the best-known in the world and one of Vietnam's most famous postcards.

Its emerald green waters and more than two thousand limestone islets covered in vegetation are spread over more than 120km. Some are home to small floating fishing villages, others hide caves or small beaches, but none of them are inhabited or have any type of intervention.

The boat

We were on board the Heritage Line Ginger Cruise, a traditional boat, as we wanted a more authentic experience. However, there are several options for more modern and even luxurious boats.

• Program: We boarded at 12:30 and were greeted by the crew with a welcome drink, we went up to the restaurant for a short safety briefing and what our schedule would be like, then lunch was served while we admired the surreal landscapes of the bay .

In the afternoon, we went by speedboat to a floating fishermen's island to learn a little more about how they live and work. It is very impressive to see that these families live there isolated from society, survive from fishing and tourism and lead a life of extreme simplicity.

We returned to the boat in the late afternoon and participated in a cooking demonstration led by the chef in the open kitchen, where he taught us how to make a classic Vietnamese dish. As my culinary skills are nothing more than scrambled eggs, I couldn't apply what I learned in class hahah.

After the class, dinner was served and the program continued in the restaurant until later with some games so that the crew could interact. We were the only Brazilians on the boat that night, the rest were American and European tourists. I didn't participate in the entire program as I had booked a massage in the boat's small spa. They offer some treatments such as deep tissue, facial and pedicure.

As we were unlucky with the weather, we were unable to take advantage of the deck at night to admire the starry sky. We had rain and a lot of fog, which hindered the visibility of the limestone islets a bit, but it was still a beautiful experience.

The next day, the plan was to wake up and take a tai chi class at 7:00 am on the deck, but as it started raining, we slept a little longer and went to breakfast. After breakfast, we went kayaking near the boat. On the way back, we changed and said goodbye to the crew.

We disembarked at 11:00 am and our transfer was already waiting for us at the marina.

• The Cabin: Our cabins were great and super comfortable. Upon entering, we found a small room with a sofa, desk and a closet with a minibar and a fruit bowl. The room is large and the beds are comfortable, TV and air conditioning, each cabin has a small terrace with chairs to admire the view of Halong which is accessed through a sliding glass door. The bathroom is a good size, with a good sink counter, a bathtub and a great shower, in addition to all the amenities we find in hotels such as shampoo, conditioner, cream and soap and a bathrobe with slippers for each guest.
• The Food: The food is not very good, there are options but everything is made in volume, even though the boat is small. We think it left something to be desired.
• The Crew: The entire staff is extremely helpful and very polite. Some didn't speak English but were always smiling and tried to understand and help with whatever was needed.

Overall, I thought the boat was good. It is in need of maintenance, it is a bit old, the carpets are a bit dingy and smelly. But after some research and talking to Xavier, Abercrombie & Kent's sales director in the Southeast Asia region, I discovered that the pattern of boats is more or less this, especially boats in this traditional style.

It's a beautiful experience that should be included in your Vietnam itinerary, my family loved it, especially the men.