As a great way to mix up your adventure in Hoi An and Vietnam, we had to throw into the mix a tour on four wheels! Not just your ordinary 4 wheels. We are talking Jeeps. Jeeps made to travel all sorts of terrain and over all sorts of landscapes. One of the tours this company has on offer takes you way up into the mountains to visit a tribe called the Co Tu Tribe. There is some amazing scenery along the way and if you are looking for a unique experience to acquaint yourself with one of the most remotes tribes closest to Hoi An, this is the trip to do. See their website at http://www.vietnamjeeptour.com/view/contact-us/vietnamjeeptour.html If you would like to add this kind of tour into your experience and have one of our guides accompany you, then please email us at hellohoianvietnam@gmail.com and we can arrange it for you.

Hoi An translates as "peaceful meeting place". The town could be viewed in some ways as a place that time forgot. It’s old world charm has had a fascination for tourists for a long time now. Some say if you want to see the real Vietnam from a historic perspective, this is the place to visit. While only a short drive from Danang, (less than 30 mins) it’s historic buildings largely remained unscathed by the Vietnam war. In 1999 the old town was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO as a well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port of the 15th to 19th centuries, with buildings that display a unique blend of local and foreign influences. Most prominent in the city's old town, is its covered "Japanese Bridge" dating from the 16th-17th century. In fact most of the “must see” places in the town are jam packed into only a few streets beginning at the Japanese bridge or Pagoda bridge as it is also known. There are 5 famous Assembly Halls in Hoi An. 1. Quang Dong Assembly Hall 176 Tran Phu Street 2. Duong Thuong Assembly Hall 64 Tran Phu Street 3. Phuc Kien Assembly Hall – the biggest 46 Tran Phu Street 4. Hai Nam Assembly Hall 10 Tran Phu Street 5. Trieu Chau Assembly Hall 57 Nguyen Duy Hieu Beyond the Assembly halls, there is this amazing place called: THE OLD HOUSE OF TAN KI 101 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street This place is special for many reasons in addition to its amazing architecture, design and ornaments dating back to the 16th century. It is mostly recognised for its national heritage, as it used to be the place where heads of state from other countries would come to be welcomed to Faifo. As a tourist they will also show you how they have managed to save their building and magnificent furniture from the floods as they point you to the watermark lines showing how high the waters have come in the building during years when the old town has flooded. However, through Vietnamese resilience and ingenuity by lifting the furniture up into the roof they have managed to keep the building in good condition. For a good read on all the sites in the town and their history check out this blog https://blog.inspitrip.com/7502/hoi-an-ancient-town-a-guide-to-vietnams-unesco-world-heritage-town/ About your ticket to the UNESCO Ancient town The UNESCO town visit involves purchasing a ticket at any one of the various entry points to the town. As a tourist you may often look very obvious to these stand holders, so they have been known to call out to you to make sure you have purchased a ticket. The ticket entitles you to enter the buildings and view the various rooms and various presentations. Without the ticket you can only view the buildings from the outside. The ticket is very cheap and well worth the money. The trick with the ticket is you don't have to visit all the sites in one day. Just make sure you bring it with you as they tear off a portion that belongs to the site you have visited on entry. If you have done the old town prior and don’t wish to do again, you just tell them this at the counter and they will nod with approval. And then just keep walking!! YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PURCHASE A TICKET JUST TO WALK THE OLD TOWN. It’s only required if you wish to go inside any of the UNESCO sites listed here. Please email us hellohoianvietnam@gmail.com if you would like to include this into your experience of Hoi An and we will arrange a guide to join you and possibly take you to other places to make your day complete. Allow about 2 hours to do this tour thoroughly and check on times for the cultural dance shows as they vary from season to season.

Is a cluster of five marble and limestone hills located in Ngũ Hành Sơn District south of Da Nang city in Vietnam. The five mountains are named after the five elements: Kim (metal), Thuy (water), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire) and Tho (earth). All of the mountains have cave entrances and numerous tunnels, and as part of your tour you get to climb to the summit of Mt. Thuy. Several Buddhist sanctuaries can also be found within the mountains, making this a noted tourist destination. The area is known for stone sculpture making and stone-cutting crafts however direct rock extraction from the mountains was banned recently. The Marble Mountains are home to several Buddhist and Hindu grottoes. A stairway of 156 steps leads to the summit of Thuy Son, the only Marble Mountain accessible to visitors. The view the summit is amazing taking in Danang and the beach strip. It also allows a panoramic view of the surrounding area and the other marble mountains. There are a number of grottoes, including Huyen Khong and Tang Chon, and many Hindu and Buddhist sanctuaries, the temples of Tam Thai, Tu Tam and Linh Ung, and the pagoda of Pho Dong. The sanctuaries feature statues and relief depictions of religious scenes carved out of the marble. It’s definitely worth seeing. Some of the climbing is rigorous and at times some of the gaps you need to squeeze through are tight. Definitely make sure you are okay with confined spaces and are wearing appropriate footwear. For a family experience, it’s something the whole family will enjoy and delight in as some of the caves and grottoes open out into massive rooms housing amazing statues and altars to Buddha. At one point during the Vietnam war, the Vietcong had a fully operational hospital hidden in the caves right under the noses of their enemy. You need to allow a half day to take in this experience from Hoi An. Please advise us if you would like us to arrange this for you and include in your experience. We can do this with a private driver to collect you from your hotel Email us hellohoianvietnam@gmail.com

The act of having a “cuppa”, takes on a whole new meaning in Vietnam, if you can slow yourself down to enjoy the ceremonial aspect of it. Although not quite as steeped in tradition as the Japanese, the tea houses in Hoi An offer you a special aspect of peace and tranquility. If it is silence, and quietness of the mind you seek, then you cannot go past the Reaching Out Teahouse. https://reachingoutvietnam.com/teahouse/the-teahouse/. The unique aspect of this tea house is that the staff do not speak (due to hearing impairments) and you as a customer, out of respect, do not speak either. This means all ordering is done by writing your request on a special order form, and using the notepaper and pencil for other requests. It’s absolutely delightful and I always find if I need a place to quiet my mind and take in the exquisite aromas of the beautiful teas they offer, then this is where I head. In addition, it offers a special experience of Meditation and tea called - Quiet Tea A Tea Meditation Workshop for an Individual All are welcome and no experience of tea or meditation is needed. Tea meditation is a perfect example of the fact you can experience magic in the most ordinary activities of your everyday life. Whether you’re drinking tea alone or with a loved one, be fully aware of drinking of the tea and open your heart to the world around you. Learn how to do this and everyday can be transforming. Bonus: one of our fine Vietnamese teas and home-made cookies included! Ages 16 and up | Most Sundays | February – December 2018 | 9:00am- 10:00am | USD$20 per participant In addition throughout the tea house you will see they sell designer jewelry. These pieces are crafted locally, using a mix of old and modern design. Each piece is unique and made by hand. If you haven't picked it up yet you will realise that your tea experience and purchases at the Reaching Out Tea House offer a double bonus. All purchases go towards funding the skilled artisans and staff who serve your tea and take your orders; This gives people with a disability (PWD’s) the opportunity to learn skills and gain meaningful employment so that they are able to integrate fully with their communities and lead independent and fulfilling lives. It’s a little bit of a tea and coffee paradise where you get to give something back, and at the same time find your own sense of peace.

It's been a long time in the baking. I fell in love with Vietnam a long time ago, and now through this podcast I get to share some of my learnings as a travel blogger and regular traveller over the last 14 years. I continue to work with travelers to Vietnam, and inspired by them, I feel confident I can bring you the information I know I have found hard to find about Vietnam before you actually book. I hope to answer all those burning questions you have about Vietnam. Like:- When to go? Do you need a Visa’s? Is it safe? Where are the hot spots and what are the “must do” things? I hope to bring this information to you in such a way you feel like you are there already !! So, stick around I have lots of information coming your way. In this session, I’d like to get your taste buds salivating about the food. I’d like to share with you my experiences with the people and maybe give you some insights into the kinds of experiences you can choose to have,.......... and where to find them. I want to invite you…. to the Vietnam I know and love So lets dive in, When I think of Vietnamese food, I think about fresh seafood, ….fresh vegetable salads, …...juices, …..noodle soups with amazing broths,..... Baguets that are filled with varieties of pork, called Banh Mi, and colour. Aromas that draw you in from the street.But to silo Vietamese food into one strand of flavours marked as traditional,...... you would be missing out on the fusion of asian flavours it offers.To get the full frontal of the basics at a street level, I urge new travellers to do a street food tour in one,... or all of the main cities. I have always believed that you never know a country…. or its people until you immerse yourself in its food. So, if your palette and digestive system allows, try and be open to exploration. Check out local markets, and while the smells and views of food vagrantly sitting out on benches may be overwhelming at first, ...Put your “when in Rome, do as the Roman do hat” and try some of the traditional dishes at least. A little tip here, so your tummy doesn’t know what hit it with the flavours about to come its way, I strongly suggest maybe starting a probiotic, a week before you leave, and bringing with you some anti diareahea medication. The food, while fresh is grown in different soils to possibly our country of origins and often this can bring about a digestive upset for the first few days as it settles down. So precautionary only as not a biggy. Those who cannot eat peanuts, or chilli, may want to ask a lot more questions about the way it was cooked. I hate to bring this up now, but I’d be remiss if I didnt mention as I have seen to many cases, including my own, in a bit of shock when the rumbling starts….Okay enough of that, lets get stuck into those 5 delicious dishes that Vietnam is world renowned for:- Five main foods Vietnam is known for:- No 1 - Banh Mi - No 2 - Pho - explain No 3 - Banx Xeo pancake - No 4 - Cau Lau - No 5 - Ban cha - Bun Cha is a traditional Vietnamese pork dish that's a speciality of Hanoi. Seasoned pork patties (I call them squished meatballs) and caramelised pork belly slices are served in a broth alongside rice noodles, fresh vegetables and herbs. And try if you can….. try not to get caught up in all the taunts about eating strange animals as it is NOT common practice, and in fact I have not gone down those streets so I can’t even tell you exactly where they cook dog, which does occur in the north, or pigeon, rat, or snake. So as Im not an authority after 14 years of travelling to Vietnam, I’ll leave it there. I will tell you that there is definitely a difference in flavours and cooking between the North and the south. Even their spring rolls are different. And distinct to some regions will be dishes like White rose dumplings - famous in Hoi An, as is Cau Lau. Crazy as it sounds it is hard to find Cau Lau out of Hoi An. Despite its simplicity of being a noodle dish with crunchy pork crackling bits, and a broth that is to die for. It’s everywhere in Hoi An. But you will search high and dry for it in HCMC.As a rule of thumb, with very blurred lines in the centre, The north tends to be more meaty and the south sweeter and seafood orientated. A word of warning, if you think your kids are a bit hyper and you don’t know why…….Mind the sugar, as you will find they put sugar in almost everything, even fruit juices like Pineapple, watermelon, etc But you can say NO Sugar. Obviously, beach locations like Nha TRang, Danang, Hoi An, Halong Bay, and the Mekong Delta are rich in seafood which they regularly sell the days catch to local restaurants who will offer it to customers in buckets that are displayed at the front of their restaurants …...so you can pick what you want to have cooked in whatever way you wish. While it may look cheap and chearful you will usually be surprised at how good it tastes. And you can’t beat that freshness. And while you have seen plenty of those Vietnam tourist photos with little red chairs. They are standard seating in very local places. They are also part of what a “pop up” restaurant is all about. You can be walking along a street in Hoi An, and before you know it, the chairs come out and all of a sudden you will see set them set up…... grilling tasty sticks of pork or skewered prawns and you can just grab one and sit on one of those chairs for less than a couple dollars. It’s the aromas, and relaxed state of being that draws you in. No fuss, no parking to organise, no booking to be made. On the other hand you can walk further down the street and see restaurants side by side touting their daily specials. Like any other country Vietnam has morphed into a multicultural society, and amongst the craziness is some amazing chefs emerging with new restaurants and bringing their culture to the table, in Australian, Japanese, Korean BBQ and Asian Fusion. I can honestly say, I dont think I have had a bad meal in Vietnam. Sure Ive had those that have not been to my liking, But for the most I am with people that guess me well or I am on a food tour and learning new tastes and dishes. I still do food tours as i love learning more about Vietnam through its food. For #Vegetarians ...you will love it, as #Vietnam has you covered well with their juices and fresh vegetables and noodles. #Coffee is a culture all of its own. Its an outing. Its not just a drink, its a way to say hello and make a new friend. Along with their teas, you will want to find any excuse to have a coffee or a tea possibly in a old shophouse that has been converted to a Tea House. A very beautiful ornamental shop house in Hoi An, is also known as the Quiet American as it was featured in the film and the house is still owned by the family. I got to visit the upstairs bedrooms one time to see old family photos on the walls dating back centuries. Just amazing to see. Every frequent visitor has their favourites. A place called Cocobana in Hoi An is one of mine for tea. It offers foot baths while you enjoy your cup of something specially grown for them, with lots of herbs and stuff. Your feet and your senses always feel fabulous when you walk out. a great respite from the heat. And so with things like #Eggcoffee, it is not found everywhere. Mostly in the north and central districts.and not one of my fav things, but maybe if it’s on the menu you should try.Vietnamese are not well known for drinking alcahol. While people love their beer, they are not traditionally big drinkers. Of course with influence from other cultures that is changing. The best thing to try in the drinking department is #BaiHoi. This is A beer they brew mostly in Hanoi, on the day, and you drink it as it comes ( not necessarily cold) until its gone. There is a kind of ceremony thing that goes with it , with cheers and more cheers. The alcohol is said to be less alcahol (40% less) so that you can sit with the locals and drink with them all day. Easily done at around 5,000 - 10,000 Dong a glass. 0.45 cUSD there is actually a corner in the old town called bai Hoi corner, ask any guide they will show you where it is. By the end of your drinking session, I guarantee you will have made new friends despite the fact you won’t understand a word they are saying. Its all got to go... in the day, and usually is, so make sure you get there early if you happen to stumble on a stall in the Old Quarter. They are easy to spot as the barrell comes out and the plastic glasses are handed out. The party has begun.10am to 10 pm most days. If I move on now to describe to you something about the people, you will need to be aware I am speaking from my experiences…. and from those shared with me from some of my travellers and the suppliers I deal with. For a country that has experienced so much hardship I am still amazed at how gracious, kind and generous the Vietnamese are. I work with Vietnamese people and I have travelled with Vietnamese, and for the most part they are kind, caring and always willing to help where they can. They do have a bit of a fascination with us. They would like to understand us, but as we, the collective force of tourists cannot understandably all be clumped together. It makes it difficult. I get the Aussie Aussie c’mon often or Gidday mate… and thats about it! One example... I have dropped my hotel door key card, in the middle of a market place and had the person who found it chase me to give it to me. Another ….I have been staying in a hotel in Hoi An for a long stay and before I knew it after many conversations was offered a job. I have met a lady who gave a cooking class and has since become one of my best friends who I continue to travel around Vietnam with. Vietnamese are open, warm and slightly conservative in my experience. They aren’t flashy or whimsical. They mostly follow Buddhist traditions and favour anyone who does also. Family is everything and so is looking after their older generations which is why they may have done so well with Covid as they generally don’t tend to house the old in old peoples homes. In fact there are not many of these types of places in Vietnam. Mostly someone will be looking after that older person, be it some…... better than others. History Vietnam - They are a war ravaged country and there are distinct differences between the north and the south, but for many years the voices of unrest are quietening and as the young replace the old, the dissent is almost gone.As far as how they feel about the Vietnam war, likewise the generation x don’t really understand it as they don’t get taught too much about their own country’s political history… I am not sure if that is a good thing or not. So as a traveller and like in any city, keeping your wits about you for the those criminals you will find anywhere;- typically ...that pick pocket lives everywhere unfortunately,...if you sticking to common sense rules you should feel very confident travelling solo as I do often…. or if you bring children and the elderly,.... other than dealing with the motorbike traffic in the main cities that will be the biggest things you will need to contend with. While I am recording this in the middle of the pandemic, it will be interesting to see how the country moves forward as there were reported cases in the country areas of locals being aggressive to foreigners, which is what we are called, specially us white ones, if I can say that… there were cases of aggression as they blamed us for bringing the virus to their country. Of course that is only partly true as it did come from other countries but to bundle every foreign traveler as a potential risk, was not warranted. So...I will be keen to see how that relaxes once the pandemic is under control or we have a vaccine. As I was in Vietnam right in the middle of March, I was temperature checked and at all times I felt safe amongst the Vietnamese but I did conform to wearing a mask and social distancing. As the people differ by regions, so do the experiences you can expect to find. For simplicity I have broken experiences into 4 main categories. I am only only going to dust the surface on experiences as my next series- A TRAVELLERS GUIDE TO EXPEREINCES, will feature first hand accounts with interviews with people who have had their own experiences such as these,.... and many others and they will give you their version. Much more fun, and nothing you will find in a travel book.But as the purpose of this series is to get you set for a trip to Vietnam, the least I can do is get you excited as Vietnam, has so much to offer. So here goes - Water - Vietnam offers so much to experience in the way of water. Beaches - there is 3200 kms of coastline for starters. Your hot spots being Danang, Hoi An, Nha Trang and if an island is your thing, then Phu Quoc is the go and Visa free. Just transit through HCMC. The north features some of the most staggering waterfalls near the China border, and lets not forget the beautiful Phung Nha underwater caves, ... which seems to be opening up before our eyes with 12 new caves discovered only last month. My all time favourite for off the beaten track in water, is Be be Lake, so pristine and unspoilt, mix it with the White Thai people and Hmong tribes, you will get a feeling you are lost in time. Visit magical caves by boat and take in a world of stalik mights and staliktights. And of course you must veer south if you want a taste of the Mighty Mekong: enjoy a trip up through to Phnom Penh or visit its Delta region at Can Tho where you still can see family sellers selling their wares on the waterways. Don’t forget to take your mosquito repellant. Lets get Historical and explore the culture of the country for an expereince. If you are a history or war buff, this country can take you across many countries of domination including Chinese, French, Portugese, Dutch and Japanese. If you start your historical adventure in Hanoi that will kick you off well. Divided into 12 districts, Hanoi can offer you a deep view into history through its museums and places of history, with a Woemns Museum being one of my favouirte due its amazing story telling of how women supported the country with NO glass ceiling it seems. If they could don a uniform and fight …..they have just as many rights as anyone else. And you will see that many women hold roles of importance in the country and in family businesses they tend to be the entrepreneurs. Still in a culture mindset you can travel to Hue to enjoy a treasure trove of Imperial history. Then on the Hoi An where you can stay in a 16th century old town, visit shop houses and pagodas; see live art perfromances telling you stories of love and loss over the spice trail period of time. A great place to mix up the old and new with fantastic short wave beaches, ideal for families, you can’t go past Hoi An as a multi faceted stay as many of my guests in the next series will test. Adventure seekers - you need to pick your time of year if you want to avoid disabling heat exhaustion. Head to the north of Vietnam in the months between Feb and May, rug up and you will expereince some amazing vistas either visiting tea plantations, climbing mountains in Sapa, kayaking in Ninh Binh or crawling through caves in Cat be National Park: Exploring the national parks could consume your old stay, while enjoying local homestays, with families taking care of you with home cooked meals. Or maybe you’d like the on road expereince of a bike, then get the right advise from people lile Mark Bowyer at Rusty Compass and others who have made alife doing just that. I hope to have on my show in the next series so he can tell us first hand what its like. Now for those who are looking for Shopping - eating - luxury - pampering - relaxing - golf You might like to check out a shopping and appearing tour I happen to be co hosting next year, 2021 - www.shopeatloveourvietnam.com Designer shopping is now a thing in Vietnam all you need is to know where to go… I may be able to give you a steer there as I am co hosting a pamper shopping tour next year. Hanoi has the joy factor there and likewise in HCMC with the up and coming designers wanting to make their mark in clothing, gifts and sustainable wares. Eating - Oh god don’t get me started on food again, but if I want to relax,..... I am always going to get out of the main cities and head to Danang as the busiest of cities and then to Hoi An for food. However, in saying that:- Hanoi and HCMC have some sensational places to eat, from street food to rooftop bars, you can get it all. Or you might like to explore the city in HCMC on a dinner cruise, looking back over the city. If you are prepared to pay what you would back home then the food on these dinner cruises is sensational. See my notes for a recommendation. Pampering is in abundance, 350,000 dong can get you a very nice massage and with a spa centre every 5 metres in Hoi An, it would be my recommendation….to stay…. for a flop and drop stay either, ….before or after…. some other adventure. At this price, you can afford to have more than one during your stay. Be like me, have one every second day, which is why in another episode I have suggested to stay 5 days in Hoi AN….go home feeling like you have had a holiday. I mention golf in here, as there is a new trend of golfers coming in small groups and with partners. 5 courses in easy drive from Hoi An. I brought a group over last year, they tell me the courses are first class and as you can add in the culture and food to the trip, it makes for a great round trip of enjoyment for the golfer and non golfers alike. So in wrapping up this episode,... Please check with the Episode notes for any links mentioned and feel free to contact me anytime. I look forward to paving the way for you to have a magical time in Vietnam as I share more trip planning tips over future episodes ...Thanks for listening. Bye for now... Listen here or choose your favourite channel - https://whataboutvietnamtripplanning.buzzsprout.com/ #Vietnamtripplanning #Vietnamtravel #whataboutVietnam #bestdestinations #whouldshouldiavoidinVietnam #traveldestinations #trips #Postcovid #Travelagain

Rocking, rolling and spinning around on these famous coconut boats is an absolute basket of fun. The Basket Boat is known locally as “Thung Chai” and is very popular among the local fishermen in the central regions of Vietnam. The longer you stay in Vietnam the more you will see fishermen use them to catch fish with a fishing net and to carry oil, wood, food and other things they might need while fishing. The safe capacity of the boat is normally 5 people max (4 guests + 1 rider). For fun, the tour operators will often spin the boat on its axis using the oar to push it round and round. You don’t necessarily have to spin it, but it takes some practice to manoeuvre and the only way to get the hang of it is to have a go. The Basket Boat is also called “The Round Boat”, for obvious reasons. Another name for it is “The Coracle Boat”, from Wales in The Great Britain. Now that's a bit of trivia we bet you didn't know. The boats are well managed by mostly very experienced tour operators who get much joy from taking tourists out through the water coconut forests and showing their guests how to throw the nets and catch fish. It's a fun day and we strongly suggest if you and your family decide to do it, you will have a ball. Contact us for details of the best operators in the area to book with. It’s no sweat off us to do so Enjoy!

The virus plaguing our world at the moment is a 'hot' topic and on the mind of all travellers, no matter where they are traveling. #Vietnam as a country which borders China and received over 4 million tourists last year was quick to implement strategies to mitigate the risk of further contamination, and to keep elements of fear and concern at a reasonable and rational level. Has that been achieved? What we know as of today 17.2.2020 It's a fact. There is a lot of media out there about the #Coronavirus epidemic/pandemic – #COVID -19 sending elements of fear into the minds of potential travellers to Vietnam. It's fair to say that many travellers have concerns. Based on perception or fact, they remain real. Let us take a look at what we know so far to hopefully put things in perspective. Lets first address the most recent news concerning a community of 10,000 people being quarantined to their village in Son Loi, approximately 60kms north of Hanoi; This recent quarantine measure in Son Loi is an example of Vietnam’s quick and decisive approach to mitigating risk. The community reported a 50-year-old man in Sơn Lôi Commune, Bình Xuyên District in Vĩnh Phúc Province. He is the father of a 23-year-old patient among eight Vietnamese workers sent to Wuhan for training last November and confirmed positive for the virus in January. To stamp out any further spread, the government acted promptly by zoning off, and quarantining the affected region in total. This approach, along with the following key actions has meant that in a population of approximately 96.2 million people, Vietnam has reported only 16 cases. Thankfully with good medical care, 7 of the patients have recovered and been released after receiving treatment. Please see below some of the current Vietnam Government strategies in place to mitigate risk and manage the spread of the virus:- 1. Closure of overland border crossings between China and Vietnam. Travellers in more remote border crossings into Vietnam are being denied entry if they possess any China visa history in their passport. 2. Vietnam stopped issuing visas for Chinese tourists on January 30 as a temporary measure. Flights to and from mainland China are suspended indefinitely. 3. Foreign visitors who have visited China (including transit) 14 days prior to arrival will also be denied entry into Vietnam. 4. Epidemic prevention training has been implemented for flight crews. 5. 14 day quarantine of all travellers from affected areas in China 6. Increased disease screening at International points of entry 7. 4 hospitals designated by the ministry of health to handle potential cases 8. Increased prevention measures adopted at all health care facilities 9. 45 Quick Response Medical teams to set up and manage hospitals nationwide to handle cases if they appear. 10. Cancellation of many festivals in Vietnam 11. Temporary closure of public schools in 63 provinces 12. Zone off and quarantine of affected areas in Vinh Phuc Province for 20 days It is important to keep things in perspective and note that while the Virus has appeared worldwide:- In regard to Vietnam: * The first confirmed cases of COVID-19 appeared in Vietnam on Jan. 23, 2020. Of the confirmed infections in Vietnam to date, 13 are Vietnamese, two are Chinese and one is American. The confirmed infections were found in the northern province of Vinh Phuc (11), in Ho Chi Minh City (3), Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa province (1), and Thanh Hoa (1). Vietnam tour companies and allied businesses are taking their own steps to manage traveller safety. Many businesses are being fully trained and versed in all the recommended Government safety measures. In addition, eateries are paying extra attention to their cooking processes and quality of ingredients used. Whilst the virus continues to plague our world, in Vietnam you can see everyone is doing their best to ensure traveller safety and protect their borders. Like many other countries Vietnam is feeling the pinch badly, and wants to allay as many concerns as possible for its tourists. Please see below the links that may provide you more in-depth information. https://www.vietnam-briefing.com/news/vietnam-business-operations-and-the-coronavirus-updates.html/ https://vietnamnews.vn/society/592219/special-task-force-sent-to-vinh-phuc-as-16th-coronavirus-patient-confirmed.html * https://vietnam.travel/things-to-do/information-travellers-novel-coronavirus-vietnam I hope this article helps you make an informed decision about your next trip and we look forward to seeing you in Vietnam very soon. Please feel free to reach out to me at hellohoianvietnam@gmail.com if you have any further queries.

Just to mix things up a little, we strongly urge you to consider taking a Vespa Tour around Hoi An. There are many kinds of tours available; short around town and local village tours, evening restaurant hopping or longer tours of 2-3 day tours. Its crazy to say but once you get the bug, you will find it hard to want to go to places any other way! The riders are all well-trained, experienced, friendly and safety conscious, so don't worry, it’s just as important to them to make sure your journey is hazard-free. Its so worth checking out the website for all the options: http://vespaadventures.com/hoi-an-tours/ However, hellohoianvietnam has selected this tour as their favourite because it takes you to Hue via the Hai Van Pass and Langco Beach. So many great vantage points to shooting amazing vistas and steeped in history. But we don't want to give it all away…. You have to see it for yourself. You begin your Vespa Adventure as your experienced drivers bring you out of Hoi An & along the coastal road stopping at the North end of the world renowned Da Nang Beach. Then after a quick break on the suspension bridge overlooking Da Nang City & the fishing port, you head along Da Nang Bay and stop for a local-style coffee. Heading up the famous Hai Van Pass by motorbike, you’ll take in the amazing views over the bays before stopping at the top to see the old war battlements and bunkers & learn about the fascinating history and strategic importance of the pass. Then it’s back down the Hai Van Pass for fun hairpin bends and windy hill roads, before taking a brief stop to take in the amazing view of Lang Co Beach & Lagoon from near the level crossing. It’s back on the Vespas and after riding around a lagoon adorned with stilted houses & oyster farms, you’ll have a well-deserved Vietnamese lunch in a delightful local setting. The fascinating ride continues as we head north on to the quieter coastal road, passing through the magnificent rural countryside. You ride past many ancestral houses & tombs which play an important part in Vietnamese culture, known as the ‘City Of Ghosts’. You’ll then jump off the bikes and head up to a hilltop Buddhist pagoda with stunning views of the huge lagoon. After a break in a local cafe, you visit & learn about the history of a thousand-year-old Cham Temple and the Champa Kingdom. The final stretch takes us through yet more beautiful rural landscapes and local villages; you visit a local family making fish sauce, pass by many ornate tombs and ancestral houses and check out a local boat building yard before arriving in Hue city. The day and Hai Van Pass tour will conclude in Hue with drop off at the hotel. Please email us hellohoianvietnam@gmail.com and we can arrange either transport for your return and or hotel overnight. *Highlights* – Da Nang Beach, Hai Van Pass by Vespa motorbike (like Top Gear!), old war bunkers, hilltop Pagoda, ‘City of Ghosts’, Cham Temple, classic Vietnamese lunch, local fish sauce making family, boat building yard, conclude in Hue. If you would like to know more about the tours and book through us as an add on to another experience of your choice, please email us at hellohoianvietnam@gmail.com and we will work it into your stay. *Please note that your travel insurance may not cover if you have an accident so be aware that while this company is highly reputable, accidents do happen. Photo Credit: Vespa Tours facebook page. Thank you.

This incredible depiction of Vietnam’s lifestyle, ethos, and heritage will leave you spellbound. The talent you will see in contemporary dance, visual arts, optical illusions and melodious background music is sure to impress the most discerning critic. Originally, A-O Show was only staged in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. So locals and foreigners in Hoi An, either used to miss this enthralling performance or needed to travel far to experience it. The show is based around “Lang Pho” life, meaning village and city. With all the contrasts that brings, it has a great dynamic of emotion and amazing skills in story telling. If you were to compare it with anything, think “Cirque de Soleil”, but as purely a Vietnamese story. For a lovely thing to do on any evening in Hoi An, at 6pm, we would highly recommend. The AO shows are not on every night, please check the calender on their website for your dates to make sure you don’t miss out. https://www.luneproduction.com/ao-show Feel free to contact us for any further information or if you wish us to make the booking for you when you arrive. hellhoianvietnam@gmail.com

Nobody worries too much about spending money on a holiday, but nobody likes getting ripped off! So maybe try these few things before you go to make the most of your holiday dollars. 1. Download some handy Apps and set them up with the settings as you want them prior to you going: That way as soon as you land you are GTG! ie EXE I suggest you set up with currencies you want to compare with so when you are changing your money you know how close to the mark you are. PS: Remember the EXE App is to be used as a guide. I suggest the following Apps for starters: a) Exe b) WhatsApp or Viber c) Grab - ride sharing service d) Google Maps e) Google translate f) The App belonging to your Online travel bookings ie Booking.com etc Makes it so easy to keep track of your bookings. 2. Check out some cool websites that cover a wide range of things that are relevant to your trip and have earned a long time following like @hellohoianvietnam, Hoiannow.com and other travel groups on Facebook that you think fit your type of trip like; First time travel to Vietnam: What's Happenning? Hoi An & Danang: Vietnam Wonderful. 3. Check out local prices for ordinary things like water for instance - see my handy chart here. 4. Create what I call a "Ready Reckoner" of levels of currency starting with what 10,000 Dong = in AUD, currently that is around about .62c, so if you are charged 10,000 - 20,000 for a bottle of water which is standard on the streets, you can check your "Reckoner" and find you are paying about $1.20AUD. 1,000,000 VN can take you a long way. It might be the first time you feel like a millionaire in your life! 5. Free WIFI or use a daily rate with your service provider - Check your Mobile Phone service provider - Telstra and Vodafone offer a very good daily rate if you prefer to not get a sim and put in your phone with a new number. I mention this as a friend uses Optus and they did not support Vietnam with such a good daily plan; it was on direct usage basis and very expensive. Telstra I know I can get for $10 AUD a day and it covers me more than adequately for when I want to access Google Maps for example.Plus I can swith it on and off as I please or need. FREE WIFI is everywhere so if you want to, you don't need to get a sim at all. Just use the Apps like Viber, Whats App or Messenger for your calls and text messages. 6. Re Phone usage and data roaming - you can turn it on and off, and I suggest you do, as you will chew through very quickly. I know this might sound like common sense, but you'd be surprised how many people, including yours truly forget to do it. The best plan of action should be to only turn it on when you are in your hotel, or local establishment to use their WIFI to download and search. Saves on your plan level. As a safety measure, I put my phone on "Flight" mode so it wont do it automatically..hahah! 7. If you have prescriptions, bring the packets, not the prescriptions, as much easier to fill at a pharmacy and could save you a doctors visit. If it is something special make sure to get it filled to cover your stay. 8. Check your baggage allowance on your flights, both Internationally and domestically. Vietnam has only recently as of August, 2019 changed their International check in baggage on certain routes. It may serve you to pre purchase "check in" luggage for domestic flights to ensure you are covered. It is such a trap if you are a shopper like me. 9. Make sure you have the correct Visa for your stay - in the names that match your passport and for the journey you are taking. ie If you plan to cross the border out of Vietnam to Cambodia for example you will need a Multiple Entry Visa, the EVisa wont cut it. See detail here on my Handy hints for details.I mention the Visa as I have sen many caught out and had to spend crazy amounts of money with service providers to get a suitable or correct Visa. 10. Buying Dong before you leave? I wouldn't suggest buying Dong at your city of departure in Australia, prior to leaving. The exchange rate is ridiculous. Plus you often to have to order it weeks in advance through your bank. Wait to get to Vietnam where ATM's are plentiful and you can easily withdraw 3,000,000 per day, at some machines even more, with only one transaction fee for about 22,000 - 50,000 Approximately. This changes regularly and depends on which bank ATM you use. These are just a few ideas to help you save on the things you don't want to pay for when you don't have to. If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact us here at hellohoianvietnam@gmail.com