Sustainable / Wellbeing S2-22 Wild Monkeys of Danang Go to Episode S2-12 Health and Wellness Retreats Go to Episode S2-18 Masterminding your trip Go to Episode S2-10 Dental Holiday in Vietnam Go to Episode S2-14 Social Enterprise Travel Go to Episode S2-02 Shopping Vietnam Go to Episode S2-13 Skin Wellness retreat Go to Episode S3-23 Your next wellness destination Go to Episode S3-17 Mui Ne Beach bliss experiences Go to Episode S3-15 Travel time in Vietnam P2 Go to Episode S3-07 Positive tourism Go to Episode S4-18 Luxury Brand Travel Experiences Go to Episode S4-03 Travel Outlook 2022-23 Go to Episode S4-02 Fine Dining Vietnam Go to Episode S5-E11 Out and About in Ho Tram Vietnam Go to Episode

Out & About in Hồ Tràm Vietnam Kerry Newsome : Xin chào and welcome to What About Vietnam. So today here we are in Ho Tram and this is the second installment in the What About Vietnam series which I'm kind of calling Out and About and Out and About is today in Ho Tram. Now, Ho Tram is a very small beach town located in Vietnam's, now you're going to kill me with this, I'm not going to be able to pronounce it correctly, but it's Ba Rai Vung Tau province. And it's kind of situated about 125 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City. Now, the purpose of this episode is to look at the situation where you're going to choose a hotel as your location. Not a city, not a township, not an adventure. You're not going to go hiking, you're not going to go caving. You're going to come to a hotel. And I did an episode back in season four, episode 18, where we featured luxury brand experiences in Vietnam. And I did that with a lovely luxury expert. And she was able to share with me some places that she said, you know, you just go there the hotel. You don't go there to do anything else but to experience the hotel. The hotel is the place, it's the destination, it's the location. So today I'm joined with my partner in crime here, Kelley McCarthy, and I was able to ask her to come with me to do this together so that we could share and compare how we viewed this kind of experience. I'm sure you're going to get a bit of a giggle because she's all about giggles. And definitely I think some ideas because I think for most people they are short on ideas for about a two hour or three hour venture out of Saigon. Like typically those would be Mekong Delta, Ben Tre or out to Can Tho. So this is an alternative, but this is five star, so I'm going to ask my five star girl to join me here. Hello Kelley McCarthy. So here we are girl, we need to maybe give everyone a bit of a heads up into, let's tell them how we got here, as I think you might be the best to just recall that little trip. Kelley McCarthy : So our little adventure started when we left Saigon You can arrange with the hotel to use the courtesy bus that will bring you out here, which is a great saving because it's probably 1.5 to 2 million each way if you were to arrange transport, so it's a great little bonus in your package and You just book in advance you're out there and return. My suggestion will be get on that bus a little quicker than we did and don't think you're cool by going to the back. You end up sitting over the two back wheels which means really you should bring a kidney belt to hold everything in place as you bounce up and down on the great little roads out here. Kerry Newsome: Yes, there was a few twists and turns there and we did, you know, we're the type that just go to the back of the bus. That's just our thing. And we had, you know, a fair bit of luggage. But one of the, I think, smart things we did was do this on a weekday. So we didn't come on the weekend where traditionally I think a lot more local Vietnamese would come. So we did this on a Monday. So the Starting point was a cafe where everyone met. We were very welcomed at this cafe to leave our bags while the bus came to get us. And then we piled into that little bus and we trotted along at a very even speed. We could holler for a bath stop if we needed to. But yeah, we were on the back wheels there, and we were jogging along the way. And there's a bit of video that I think Kelly was so kind to capture during that part. So let's talk about, like, Kelly, for you, when we decided to do this, like, what was your headset around coming out here and, like, not going anywhere else other than the hotel? Kelley McCarthy : Well for me, for starters, anyone that knows me, I'm a shopper, so Saigon is my favourite city, getting out and about. So coming out here I knew it was all about relaxation, so we planned that we would make it a short stay of only a couple of days. um coming out here so on the way out it was a case of right let's get into wind down mode cocktails wine nibbles on the beach putting the swimsuit on and just floating in the pool if you could see me now you would definitely see that i've been floating in the pool today i'm like a little lobster so Don't forget to pack that sunscreen and take it down to the pool. It's all about relaxation when you come out here. Don't come out to a destination hotel and think you're going to go off to a little township. By all means, if you were out here for more than a couple of days, you can arrange tours to go and see the local area but you don't really want to leave the resort because it's got everything here. It's beautiful, it's got day spas which we sort of indulged in today which was magnificent. You've got a cafe, you've got a couple of choices of restaurants, it's got everything that you need just to unwind. Kerry Newsome : And I think unwind is a good word. I think I was mouthing the word chill, chill everywhere. I mean, we're in close vicinity to Vung Tau. So if you wanted to, you wanted to make a day trip, that would be a very easy one. Kelley McCarthy : It's very close by. About 22 k's for anyone. Yes. Interested. Kerry Newsome : So I mean, that would be a city and obviously with its own history and its own culture and its own story to tell. So you could do that. But getting back to, I hate to harken on this everyone, but like the purpose of this trip was to really find a destination hotel. In other words, a hotel, and I'm not by means saying that where we chose to say is the only hotel to do this, or the only hotel in this region. It's the one we chose to do, and we chose it because I'd had some great advice and some recommendations to do so. But, you know, in my mind I was thinking, now, you know, it's a short trip, it's two hours, I'm coming here with a fun girl, so, you know, I've got entertainment actually sitting alongside me if it all else fails. But the chill factor was, a great thing because we had been super busy in Saigon. And when you come to Saigon, it's so easy to get caught up in the electricity of that city and you're kind of doing things all the time. So if you are looking for just a breakaway, you've got the villas here for a family. You know, we walked past, you know, the pool tonight when you're coming down and they had a movie set up on the lawn with bean bags and they were selling popcorn. So I'm trying to get in that fulfill, I guess is the other word, that out and about story, but talk it through with you in regards to the headset you have. So if you are wanting to come out and about in Ho Tram and you're choosing a hotel, chill's got to be your number one factor. Come out here to literally do nothing. Now I'm going to put it on Kelly and I'm going to say, okay, what do you think are the standouts for this location as a hotel? Kelley McCarthy: I think it's got an amazing pool right with an infinity over the beach. So for those people that are just traveling and might be doing a quick seven day trip in and out of Ho Chi Minh City, you can get a little bit of variety by coming out here because you're actually getting to a beach where in Saigon there is no beaches. So you get out here. So that's a standout for itself. You don't have to take a flight. So there's none of those check-in times to go to a further away area. It had great food. We've tried all the restaurants here on site. It had a pool bar. Like I said, we tried the day spa today, which was exceptional. Kerry Newsome: The day spa, I have to say, is now, I've now decided that Vietnam has got the quality of day spas that you need and expect as a Westerner. It was just die for. Kelley McCarthy: Yeah, using Thalgo products, so it was a fabulous day spa, not using sort of a product that might have been a Vietnamese product that we didn't. And there is a kids club here, at the moment it is currently under renovation, so you could come out as a family if you wish to. But a little joke aside, Kerry and I did note that it was a lot of loved up couples out here. and over 55, so of course that sort of cut us out on both angles. We did talk about tonight being loved up coming back from dinner just to fit in with the crowd, but definitely a romantic place if you're wanting to bring your partner here for a couple of days to wow them or for those guys out there, pop the question. It's a great location for that. Kerry Newsome: But don't come out here thinking that you'll find somebody to pop the question. All loved up. No, they're definitely with somebody else and they do not have eyes to spare for you. Sorry about that. But so definitely families, couples of any descriptions. Probably misfits like us who you know like we could pretend to be a couple any day but like probably not have the full length of that. but like it was just very very noticeable for us as we walked around. Kelley McCarthy: It's where you seek a little bit of privacy as well because if you're a traveler that's been to some of the other resorts of places you know that got pool bars such as Bali or Thailand this is not that kind of destination it's not party crowds by the pool. It's more intimate. I think everyone comes here for a little bit of intimacy. But very beautiful. The wind blowing. The beach is divine isn't it? It is really lovely. Kerry Newsome: White sand for miles. Very easy access. I really liked the openness. No gating. hard security kind of feel around it. It was very, very relaxed. Staff were mostly good. I think, you know, we're still experiencing some issues with language where, you know, lots of hand gestures goes on and lots of kind of pointing to things. And I think staff is still trying to, you know, step up to the ability to be able to converse with us with English as well as they did pre-COVID. Kelley McCarthy: I think a really important point to note here, if there's any travellers out there that are mobility impaired, it would be an easy resort to get around. Wide pathways, there's also, even if you're a little bit older, as in the over 55s we spoke about, There is golf buggies that can drive you around the resort as well so it would cater to those sort of people that were just wanting to relax but really couldn't sort of walk too far or anything because it is quite a spread out resort so that would give you that opportunity if you are that way to enjoy it as well. Kerry Newsome: Yeah, and I think I tried to bring it up in the sense too that it's kind of an escape from Saigon. It's got beautiful golf courses. In fact, Ho Tram has been known mostly for golf in previous years. It's only really just come to the fore again in trying to promote itself as a luxury five-star resort location. So, you know, I get a lot of people that say, look, you know, they've been to Saigon or they're coming through Saigon and they've got a couple of days spare. They don't want to go out in the heat and do the Mekong Delta. They don't. They've already done the Cu Chi Tunnels. They just want somewhere else to go and I thought I needed to find somewhere else that could just give that escape. Sure, it's five star and it is a little bit more costly. Let's talk about cost just into the field of things today. What do you think? Kelley McCarthy: I think, well, Kerry and I did the package where you have a choice. You can come out here and you can either just do your room stay, which includes breakfast, or you do have the opportunity to do half board or full board. We went for half board, which gave us breakfast and dinners, and that made it extremely affordable. I think for the five-star resort that it definitely is, it made it extremely affordable because you got, at your dinner time, you got an entree, a main, a dessert, and one beer or soft drink. There was no wine or spirits, but for anyone out there that wants a nice cold beer sitting on the beach, looking out over the ocean, it was a great opportunity. So I think the board package definitely makes it affordable. Because just keep in mind, you are isolated, so you're a captured audience. So costs are a little bit higher when it comes to your drinks and your food. So if you can do that half board package, it just makes it really affordable, I feel. Kerry Newsome: Absolutely. And you've got to remind yourself too, you are in a five-star resort. So, once again, we're sort of saying it's a destination, but it's still a hotel. It's a five-star hotel. And it's got restaurants, and it's got bars, and it's got beach, and it's got drinks in the pool, and it's got spa, and it's got everything. The room sizes are definitely ample. We're staying in a two-bedroom apartment, which is just delightful. We've got, you know, water provided, we've got coffee, beautiful breakfast. So, you know, I think if you can get your head wrapped around the idea of, you know, being out and about in Ho Tram but at a hotel. I think that's the caveat I need to put to this that it, we didn't go out into Ho Tram. You know, we looked out the windows and we've kind of seen some farming areas and we've thought, you know, maybe next time we would venture out and look, you know, further. Both of us have already been to Vung Tau, so, you know, that's not a city that we wanted to go to on this trip. So I really honed in on the fact that the hotel is the destination. So I hope if you've got any further questions you'll get in touch. We're certainly keen for you to share these episodes as I'm going out. I'm really enjoying the fact of being out and about and trying new places. and even some old places, to be honest, and finding new things. And doing this with Kelly has just been an absolute joy. So please share, please send me your reviews, please follow us on our Facebook, our Instagram and TikTok and LinkedIn pages. and we'd love to hear from you. Thanks, Kel, for being on the show. Kelley McCarthy: Yeah, and I think we should also note that we haven't been paid to come out here and review The Melia Resort. Kelley McCarthy : This came out of our own back pockets, so to bring you the best reviews on this, and I would highly recommend it for a couple of days out of Saigon. Kerry Newsome : Right with you. Anyway, thanks, everyone.

Cultural S1-07 8 Tips for travel during TET Go to Episode S1-06 Culture and Visas Go to Episode S1-01 Vietnam Travel Planning Go to Episode S2-24 Explore Bac Ha Markets Go to Episode S2-07 Hoi An Top 10 must dos Go to Episode S2-14 Social Enterprise Travel Go to Episode S2-04 Tam Ky and Tam Thanh Beach Go to Episode S2-05 Explore Mai Chau Go to Episode S2-06 Top 5 Photography locations Go to Episode S4-22 Trekking in Sapa A wide lens view Go to Episode S4-16 Mystical Ninh Binh Go to Episode S4-07 Hue the city Past Present Future Go to Episode S4-21 Beyond the Phong Nha caves Go to Episode S4-12 Contemporary Art in Vietnam Go to Episode S4-05 Nha Trang 10 best things Go to Episode S4-18 Luxury Brand Travel Experiences Go to Episode S4-10 Hanoi A Foodies Paradise P2 Go to Episode S4-01 Art in Vietnam Go to Episode S4-17 Vietnam Traveller Insights 2022 Go to Episode S4-09 Hanoi A Foodies Paradise P1 Go to Episode S3-23 Your next wellness destination Go to Episode S3-07 Positive tourism Go to Episode S3-11 Saigons Covid Recovery Outlook Go to Episode S3-04 Dishes of Danang Go to Episode S3-10 Top 5 Travel Podcasts Go to Episode S3-03 Saigon HCMC Districts Go to Episode S3-09 Photographic experiences Go to Episode S3-02 Mu Cang Chai Go to Episode S5-E12 Out and About in Mui Ne - Laying bare the winds of change Go to Episode S5-E3 Heritage and Discovery in Saigon Mekong Delta & Dalat Go to Episode S5-E7 - The Rise of Vietnam's Unique Dining Experiences Go to Episode S5-E1- Vietnam Visa Update and Land Travel Tips Go to Episode S5-E6 Explore the ‘Land of Lychees’ – Bac Giang Go to Episode S5-E5 Hai Van Pass Experience from a seasoned traveller Go to Episode

Staying Vigilant or going in “Eyes wide open” Recent Vietnam Scams and How to Avoid Them There has been a lot of recent hype about Vietnam and scams causing people serious concern and often outrage. While I continue to travel to Vietnam many times in a year, I am mindful of these scams. However I certainly don’t give them any more weight than I would do for any other country I visit. While it’s said a holiday is about chilling out and being super relaxed, that doesn’t mean switching off your normal antennas for trouble or things that don’t sound right, or feel right. That gut feeling is there for a reason. I prefer to recommend “staying alert” rather than being “vigilant’ as vigilant sounds so unnecessarily aggressive, and for the most part, I have not found myself caught by any of the scams I am about to tell you about. That isn’t to say they don’t exist. Maybe because I am well versed in the country’s eccentricities, I don’t confuse issues that rise up as being scams. Sometimes they are just miscommunications. However, I did have a Taxi issue I will explain more about below. 1. Taxi Scams: Reports suggest that some taxi drivers in major cities have been involved in scams where they manipulate meters or take unnecessarily long routes to inflate fares. To avoid this, opt for reputable taxi companies ( VinaSun, Mai Linh) or ride-sharing apps GRAB, BE ; check on Google Maps prior to leaving the approximate time and distance away, and always check there is a meter running. Personally, I prefer to use the GRAB App, as I get to match my name, with the drivers booking, cost of trip and the name of place. I pay in cash and I always tip and give a rating. Trust me, it’s a good thing to do on many levels. My Taxi scam experience: One thing to watch for is taxis lurking in areas close to markets, kind of alone. In the beginning I thought, “great” I am tired and here is a taxi, so my 2 sisters and I jumped in. I showed him the address of our hotel on my phone and he hardly looked at it. I instantly got a bad feeling. I said ‘meter’, he nodded. But no meter was on. I asked how much in Dong? He said 200k for a 50 K trip. I said no. He immediately locked all the doors. I had a moment of panic. I immediately started taking photos of his face, his license on dashboard, and I said “let us out or I will call the POLICE. I shouted police and started to wind down windows. He was going to start driving when I said to my sisters to bash on windows of car. He stopped, opened doors, and I forcefully ushered my sisters to get out of the car fast. Which we did. He drove off at a fast pace. Good riddance. That was it. A reminder that I’d taken my eyes off my game by not sticking to what I would normally do. I used my Grab App and we got picked up by a lovely driver in nice car and made our way back to hotel. So, you see it can happen to the best of us. 2. Street Vendor Overcharging: While street food is a highlight of Vietnamese cuisine, there have been instances of street vendors overcharging unsuspecting tourists. To avoid falling victim, establish the price before making a purchase and consider checking with locals for reasonable price ranges. This is always hard to mitigate as each area may endure different cost factors for the same item, so if its 50c extra you pay and think worth haggling over versus OVER the top $10 extra, then I suggest don’t buy it. Look further afield for better value. The same thing happens when buying water in my country. Shops in the same shopping centre, can vary from $2.50 to $5.00. Isn’t that a scam or overcharging? It’s a hard one to measure and find what to measure it by? 3. Fake Tour Operators: The rise of online booking has given scammers the opportunity to pose as legitimate tour operators. This is scary, and I raise a flag here. Be cautious when booking tours online, especially if the prices seem too good to be true. Research reviews and book through reputable platforms or agencies. Facebook is prolific in Vietnam so there is always the option to check the company out by their FB page and communicate directly with operator. Be thoughtful about how you pay for services. Say you will pay cash on completion if you are doubtful or type the tour company name into a Vietnam travel group page like Vietnam for Smart for tourists and Vietnam - The Travellers Experience and see if it gets any hits? Or reach out to yours truly to design you a private tour through my What About Vietnam Trip planning services. 4. Motorbike Rental Scams: Reports indicate scams involving motorbike rentals, where unscrupulous operators claim damages to the vehicle that were already present. Thoroughly inspect the bike before renting, take pictures of any pre-existing damage, and ensure clear communication about terms and conditions. This is a must. Especially for longer trips, I would advise going through a reputable bike company who can back you up if you have a breakdown, or if you need any further assistance during your ride. One very well known company is Easy Riders, and if you are planning a long trip you shouldn't go past Vietnam Coracle for this trips and local bike riding advice 5. Fake Tickets: In popular tourist destinations like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, there have been reports of fake tickets being sold for attractions. Purchase tickets directly from official vendors or the venue to ensure their authenticity. Or if you have a tour Operator, ask your Guide to purchase for you to ensure you get the exact tickets you want. That way nothing gets lost in translation. Tips to Avoid Scams: Research and Plan: Familiarize yourself with common scams reported by other travelers. Platforms like travel forums, facebook groups and blogs can provide valuable insights. However, be warned some situations can be over dramatized and toxic. Without sounding like I am blowing my own trumpet, you might like to listen to some travellers in your area of interest on the Podcast, as we don’t pull any punches and if there is a local scam we usually put it out there. 2. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on local news and travel advisories for updates on prevalent scams. 3. Use Reputable Services: Choose well-known taxi companies, established tour operators, and trusted accommodation options. 4. Bargain Wisely: Bargaining is common in Vietnam, especially in markets. However, do it with respect and be aware of the reasonable price range for goods or services. I can’t stress this one enough. I warn people to only bargain if you really are interested in the product. If not say “I just want to know YOUR final price” and if it’s not what you want to pay, then walk away. Special Note: It is becoming increasingly more popular for shops to present fixed price options so if you see a ticketed item, the price is non-negotiable. Unless you buy many and you then you may get a discount. 5.Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your instincts and be cautious in unfamiliar situations. Vietnam's beauty and warmth are best enjoyed when travellers are informed and they go in with “eyes wide open”. Not everything is going to go exactly to plan, so plan on that, and you will be fine. By using those god given instincts, and implementing a few simple precautions, visitors can make the most of their time in this captivating country without falling victim to any unscrupulous practices. Top of Form Written b y - Kerry Newsome - Founder and Host - What About Vietnam

Nestled amidst the lush highlands of Vietnam, the city of Dalat is a haven for nature lovers and enthusiasts of all things beautiful. Renowned for its picturesque landscapes and pleasant climate, Dalat boasts an impressive array of flowers that paint the city in vibrant colors throughout the year. From stunning gardens to vibrant markets, there's no shortage of places to immerse oneself in the captivating world of Dalat's flowers. In our latest Podcast talking with Vicki Thai, we delve into some of the most memorable elements of her stay in Dalat. You can check out the whole Episode here A little bit about The Everlastings that Kerry and Vicki discuss on the podcast. The "Everlasting flowers", scientifically known as Helichrysum bracteatum, are a remarkable and cherished botanical feature of Vietnam's natural landscape. These unique flowers are commonly referred to as "everlastings" due to their ability to retain their vibrant colors, shape, and texture even after they have been harvested and dried. This exceptional trait has made them popular choices for various decorative and ornamental purposes, including flower arrangements, crafts, and even herbal remedies. If you have never been to Dalat you will notice some very distinguishable differences about the city, in comparison to the rest of Vietnam. A stay here is made extra special if you have time to check out some of the lovely displays of flowers in and around the city and in many of the gardens that adorn hotels and local establishments. In the podcast Vicki refers to Dalat's unique climate, with its cool temperatures and ample rainfall, it provides an ideal environment for a diverse range of flowers to flourish. As a result, the city has earned its moniker as the "City of Flowers" in Vietnam. Visitors can expect to encounter an array of both native and imported flowers, creating a breathtaking symphony of colors and fragrances that captivate the senses. However, it may be the "mist" that accompanies some days while you visit that may give it some of its magical charm. Prime Locations to Admire Flowers Dalat Flower Park Valley of Love Dalat Market What you can hope to see! Dalat Flower Park: A visit to the Dalat Flower Park is a must for anyone looking to be enveloped in a sea of blossoms. The park boasts an extensive collection of flowers, including roses, hydrangeas, and orchids. Each season brings a different set of blooms, ensuring that there's always something new and captivating to see. The park's annual Flower Festival, typically held in December, is a highlight that draws visitors from around the world. Valley of Love: Beyond its romantic reputation, the Valley of Love is also a botanical wonderland. Among the rolling hills and tranquil lakes, visitors can discover a variety of vibrant flowers, from colorful pansies to delicate daisies. The lush landscapes make this destination perfect for a leisurely stroll while enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds you. Dalat Market: For a taste of local life and an opportunity to bring some of Dalat's floral charm back home, a visit to the Dalat Market is a must. Here, stalls are adorned with an assortment of fresh flowers, potted plants, and handcrafted floral arrangements. It's an excellent place to experience the local flower culture and purchase a piece of Dalat's beauty. The Best Time to Visit Dalat's flowers are a year-round spectacle, with different seasons showcasing varying blooms. However, to make the most of your floral adventure, consider planning your visit during these key times: Spring (January to March): During this time, the city comes alive with vibrant colors as various flowers, including peach blossoms and cherry blossoms, bloom. The Tet Festival (Lunar New Year) adds to the festive atmosphere, making it an ideal time to experience the city's culture and flowers. Summer (April to June): As temperatures rise, a plethora of exotic and tropical flowers come into full bloom, including roses, hydrangeas, and orchids. The Dalat Flower Festival, typically held in December every other year, is a grand celebration of the city's floral beauty. Autumn (September to November): The autumn months bring a sense of tranquility to Dalat's landscapes. Marigolds, chrysanthemums, and dahlias dominate the scenery, providing a soothing palette of warm hues. Find out more about this amazing city from the podcast with the lovely Vicki Thai - https://www.whataboutvietnam.com/series-5/episode-3/heritage-and-discovery-in-saigon-the-mekong-delta-and-dalat

Hoi An, located in central Vietnam, offers a range of popular day trips to nearby attractions that provide a diverse range of experiences, and many of those are very popular with children and families who love the beach, culture, food, entertainment and local experiences. Here are some of the most popular experiences in easy reach of Hoi An: 1.My Son Sanctuary: A UNESCO World Heritage site, My Son Sanctuary is an ancient Cham temple complex located approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Hoi An. It was once the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom. Explore the well-preserved ruins and learn about the history and architecture of this significant archaeological site. It’s one of those places you will want to take your kids to see so they can appreciate the culture of the region and the age of the landscape they are walking on. 2. Marble Mountains: Situated just 9 kilometers north of Hoi An, the Marble Mountains are a cluster of five limestone and marble hills, each representing one of the five elements. Climb to the top of the mountains for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, explore Buddhist pagodas, and discover intricate cave systems adorned with statues and carvings. This is best done with a guide. There are many public tours offered around town, or we recommend Tommy Dao tours 3.Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham): Embark on a boat trip to the Cham Islands, a group of beautiful islands located about 18 kilometers off the coast of Hoi An. Enjoy pristine beaches, go snorkelling or scuba diving to explore the coral reefs, and immerse yourself in the relaxed island atmosphere. The islands are also home to a fishing village where you can learn about the local way of life. It’s a super fun day out, and on a sunny day we cannot think of anything more fun to do. Find out all you need to know here. 4. Ba Na Hills: Located about 40 kilometers from Hoi An, Ba Na Hills is a popular hill station and amusement park set amidst beautiful mountain scenery. Take a cable car ride to the top and enjoy breathtaking views, visit the French-inspired Le Jardin D'Amour gardens, explore the Golden Bridge (a stunning architectural feat), and experience various entertainment activities. This is a full day of exploring a major Theme park sitting on top of the mountain looking down on Danang. We likewise suggest you plan this day and arrange through a credible guide or tour operator. Again we suggest Tommy Dao Tours for this area. 5. Hue City: If you have a full day and a half to spare, consider an overnight trip to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Located approximately 130 kilometers north of Hoi An, Hue offers a rich history and cultural heritage. Visit the UNESCO-listed Imperial City, explore the ancient tombs of emperors along the Perfume River, and take a boat ride to the Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Hue. Some say the best way to get there and experience some wonderful views along the way is to travel by train from Danang. That way as a family you get to enjoy the journey there, as well as take in the views during the 3 hour journey. Once in Hue, we would suggest staying overnight and exploring the citadel and Perfume river with the assistance of a guided tour. Check out more about Hue here. If Hue feels like a place too far, maybe a good rainy day activity is a fun visit to the 3 D art in Paradise in Danang. Find out all you need to know here. 6.. Tra Que Vegetable Village: For a more immersive and local experience, visit Tra Que Vegetable Village, located just a few kilometers from Hoi An. This rural village is known for its organic vegetable farming. Participate in farming activities, learn traditional farming techniques, and enjoy a cooking class to prepare a meal using the fresh ingredients you harvested.. This is a very unique experience and the children love working with the local farmers to collect the vegetables and see how the buffalo works to plough the gardens. 7. For a delightful day in the Old Town, we suggest you include Lantern making as an option after exploring the 5 main pagodas. Read here about these main ones in the old town that are included as part of your Old Town entry ticket explained here. As a wonderful souvenir to take home your family will love the colours and lightness of the lanterns. Check out Hong Van – 12/11 Bach Dang Street, Hoi An or email Van at phamvan230986@gmail.com to arrange directly a time and for your group. Oh, and don’t forget to visit the Precious Heritage Museum featuring 54 of the minority groups in full costume and with amazing photography by Réhahn who can be found sharing his adventures with visitors, signing books and promoting the beauty and enchanting diversity of Vietnam. It’s FREE to visit and we suggest you allow at least an hour to go to the upstair rooms that showcase the models and stories collected by this famous photographer. 8. Another great day trip is a 30 minute drive to visit the Mural Village located at Tam Thanh village. Have your driver take you to the village and enjoy a day exploring all the alleys to see how many you can discover. Find more detail about this area on the podcast page here - https://www.whataboutvietnam.com/series-2/episode-4/tam-ky-and-tam-thanh-beach---not-on-the-regular-tourist-track 9. There is nothing better than a day at the beach. An Bang beach is only 10 mins from the old town region of Hoi An and offers gorgeous white sand and shallow waves ideal for the whole family. In addition, local eateries offer FREE sun shaded chairs and access to many water sports like parasailing at affordable prices. Some of our favourite places to set yourself up for the day are The Deck, The Shore Club and Soul Kitchen. 10. This list would be incomplete if we did not mention the shows and theme parks. Firstly, one show that is a must to fit in your stay is the Hoi An Memories show. An extravaganza with 500 performers it is compared to something like the opening of the Olympic games. The whole stage is set on water and attached to a theme park for a very colourful night of tasty food, culture and entertainment. It gets our biggest “WOW” every time. The second show which is not always in town is the Ao Show. Check out the Lune production website for more information and dates. Lets’ hope they are there when you visit as we like to refer to it as the Cirque du Soleil of Vietnam..Traditional storytelling and skilled performers make this show mesmerising. Just one more that likewise deserves mentioning is the Vin Wonders Theme park extravaganza. While you think you may not want to visit a Disney experience like this while in Vietnam, I know families who go there and spend the whole day and have to drag their kids away!! These are just a few of the popular day trips from Hoi An. There are also options to explore the countryside by bicycle, visit local fishing villages, or take a coracle boat tour through the water coconut forests or a sampan along the Thu Bon River. The choice of day trip depends on your interests, time available, and preferred activities.