In the spring of 2018 I found myself in the manager’s office at school thrashing out the possibility of a second year in Rui’an, China. Ah nuts, I remember thinking, when  she immediately agreed to my terms. I definitely should have aimed higher.

I’d worked my ass off that year. Consequently, I felt in desperate need of a break. And I really had my heart set on a visit to Vietnam, a country that had long been on my radar. Happily, she also agreed to my request for a month off between contracts.

Thus it came to pass that I flew into Hanoi from Guangzhou with a glorious four weeks stretching before me. Following a wonderful seven days exploring the capital, I made tracks all over the country, staying in some of Vietnam’s most handsome and historical towns and villages.

First came some days on Cat Ba Island and a cruise along the stunning Halong Bay. Next, I found myself biking through the sand dunes of Dong Hoi and taking in the wondrous caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

Moreover, I recall an incredible afternoon touring The Imperial Palace in Hue. And marveling at the impressive fire and light show at Dragon Bridge in Danang.

I certainly won’t forget Hoi An either, with its collection of ancient wooden houses and bridges. Nor indeed my four night stay on The Cham islands. Or cruising down The Mekong Delta feeling like Martin Sheen in Apocalypse Now.

Vietnam was everything I’d hoped it would be and more. In fact, I’d put it right up there among the best of my Asian adventures. Hence I’ve had a lot of fun writing that trip up. For the full lowdown on all of the above, and much much more, why not visit Vietnam through my travel articles on:

Hanoi

Cat Ba Island

Halong Bay

Dong Hoi

Paradise Cave & Phong Nha Cave

Hue

Da Nang

Hoi An

Cham Island

Ho Chi Minh

The Mekong Delta

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