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< Back 3 Days 2 nights Indulgent Escape package Cam Ranh - Indulgent Escape to Movenpick Resort Experience highlights A 3 day/ 2 night indulgent escape to MÖVENPICK RESORT carefully crafted:- ● For people who are looking for a relaxing and indulgent escape from everyday life ● For foodies who enjoy great choices in restaurants and food that satisfies the most sophisticated palettes ● For people who want to travel differently and enjoy the touches that 5 * luxury brings ● For those wishing to explore Nha Trang including the local culture and cuisine in a relaxed way ● For those who want a family holiday with all the trimmings ● Ideal for couples solo travellers, and small groups. If you’re feeling like you need a bit of spoiling, this 3 day/2 night indulgent escape to the 5-star Movenpick Resort is perfect for you. This escape at Movenpick Resort in Nha Trang has been designed and crafted by Kerry Newsome, the Host of the "What About Vietnam Podcast and the Movenpick Resort team. The aim of this escape is to indulge in the finer things in a beautiful setting that you won’t soon forget. At an easy 45 min flight from HCMC, this offer is ideal for Vietnamese locals, expats and for weekends away. This incredible experience will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, as well as spoiled rotten by your choices in restaurants, beaches, and exciting things to do in Nha Trang. What to expect Round trip transfers – Pick up from Cam Ranh Airport Nha Trang and return Full breakfast daily Welcome beach dinner for 2 , perfect for couples or friends traveling together A full hour massage per person, for 2, in Movenpick’s superior treatment rooms Choice of delicious dining that will satisfy the most sophisticated palette For the adventurous - One time free access and use of the Rope Park Exploration of the surrounding area in Nha Trang including sandy white beaches, cultural history and amazing seafood Remarkable technicolor sunsets to enjoy with your partner, friends or solo Top Things To Do In Nha Trang Near Movenpick Resort Visit some of the 19 beautiful islands and islets of Nha Trang Beach hop and soak up the sun at Tra Phu Beach or Long Beach Enjoy fresh seafood in the Seafood Capital of Vietnam Check out the mineral rich Mud Baths Explore VinWonders, the island playground and sprawling amusement park Discover culture at Nha Trang Cathedral, Long Song Pagoda, or the Buddhist Meditation Institute Challenge yourself at the Rope Park with 145 obstacles while 35 feet in the air For more information or to book click here Rates for your stay explained The great thing about this stay, is that it has most of your stay costs covered with great access to everything the property offers. For those choosing the pool Villa, even your own private pool. The rates detailed below are for the entire stay of 2 nights, 3 day stay with 12 midday check out Rates are for 2 nights’ stay/room/villa (the price is for the entire stay) Rates are applicable for single / double occupancy rooms. Up to maximum 2 children 6-years and below eat and stay for free , however, sharing bed with parents. Extra bed charge (Maximum one rollaway bed allowed/room/villa) is USD23/bed/night. *For the Seaview Superior Room and Seaview One-Bedroom Pool Villa, the rates are for 2 persons, and 4 persons for the Seaview 2-Bedroom Pool Villa We recommend accommodation either in our SUP (for couples) or our 2-BRVilla (for family of 4) Black out dates – 2-4 Sept 2022 Valid till 30/12/2022 PACKAGE PRICES: USD$374.00++ (Seaview Superior Room ) USD$540.00++ (Seaview 1-Bedroom Pool Villa ) USD$652.00++ (Seaview 2-Bedroom Pool Villa )(Recommend for family – children eat for free)

< Back Food Tour and Bonfire BBQ on the Beach Danang - Vietnam Experience highlights Travel with your private guide on this culinary journey through the markets of Danang. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of a busy Vietnamese marketplace as your guide will explain in detail all about Vietnamese culture and food. However, this is just where your food journey begins, as we finish our day by dining by candlelight and a bonfire on the beach at a secret location with wine, music and your own private chef cooking up a Vietnamese BBQ feast. What to expect After being collected from your hotel you begin the taste tour of some of the famous and busiest markets in Danang with your expert food guide and chef Enjoy snacking on the many amazing traditional Vietnamese foods you will see, as we slowly move our way around the marketplace, collecting some of the ingredients for the BBQ feast we will enjoy on the. beach at sunset. Following your hour tour of the markets, you will be picked up by our driver and taken to your secret destination for your sunset gourmet Vietnamese BBQ feast. Complete with arrival cocktails and canapes. Enjoy a cooking demonstration by your private chef as he prepares your Vietnamese BBQ feast. Sitting by candlelight beside a beach bonfire, enjoy the delicacies specially prepared by your chef. Following your night of Vietnamese indulgence, you will be returned to your hotel by a Private driver. This joyful experience will gift you with a new found sense of food discovery in Vietnam at the hands of a highly regarded chef living in Danang. For more information or to book click here Tour schedule 3.00pm - Pick up by private car. Introductions, discuss itineraries, food allergies, and special requirements 3.30pm - local markets Food Tour Travel to local markets of Da Nang for the food tour and enjoy tasting a few Vietnamese local street food along the way. As we move around the markets, we will pick up a few of the ingredients we will need for your traditional Vietnamese BBQ feast later. 4.45pm - Pick up by driver to take you to next location Travel by private car for dinner at your secret beach BBQ. 5.00pm - Arrival at beach BBQ Overlooking DaNang Bay arrive at your beachside BBQ with awaiting cocktails and canapes as you kick off your shoes and walk barefoot in the sand enjoying the beautiful ocean views. 8.30pm - Return to Hotel The BBQ Beach bonfire experience At the conclusion of your arrival drinks, your personal chef will demonstrate the cooking techniques and methods used to prepare your Vietnamese BBQ feast. Spend time in a carefully chosen secret beach location : Your table awaits beside a beach bonfire and is styled with fresh flowers and flickering candles to provide an intimate star-filled evening, you’re sure to remember for a long time to come! Take time to enjoy the sunset: Let the evening unfold overlooking DaNang Bay and Hai Van Pass as you enjoy your feast of barbequed delicacies washed down with local wines and beers. Dance like no one’s is watching - Following your meal, dance barefoot in the sand to chilled music, or just enjoy the sea breeze and the stars, before being whisked back to reality as your private car returns you to your hotel. PRICE - INCLUDED SERVICES: PRICE PER PERSON $USD Validity: from 01 Apr 2022 – 31 Oct 2023 (black-out dates apply)

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.