Getting to explore (and eat) my way through Vietnam was very high on my list of things to do for 2019, so I was so excited when Acanela Expeditions invited me to spend a week with them and a bunch of other amazing bloggers and photographers. We flew into Hanoi where we spent out first 2 nights so I was excited to get out of the city to all the beautiful mountains and rivers I knew Vietnam for. These are some of my favourite must-sees if you’re visiting Northern Vietnam.
Hang Múa: Lying Dragon Mountain
500 stairs to the top doesn’t sound like much, but in 100% humidity it didn’t feel that fun. There’s a nice breeze once you’re up at the top and there’s 2 different view points so you can truly have 360 degree views of the surrounding country side.
Tam Coc Canoe Ride
This is probably the most popular activity in Ninh Binh. These local Vietnamese canoes generally fit 3 people (plus a lovely lady rowing the boat), and take you along the river past the mountains, limestone cliffs and through a cave. It was a 1 hour return trip but I hard some people had gone on 3 hour trips, so you might want to check how long you’ll be sitting in a canoe before jumping in.
While we were in Ninh Binh we were staying at the very large Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh, that offers villa-style rooms, 3 swimmings pools and is located on the edge of a beautiful nature reserve.
Bich Dong Pagoda
This ancient pagoda is tucked away in the mountains and surrounded by a lotus pond. It’s another popular sight on the tourist trail, but if you’re patient you should be able to get a moment in between the groups of tourists crossing the bridge for a quick photo.
Pu Luong Retreat
This has got to be one of the most scenically located hotels in all of Vietnam. With panoramic views of the surrounding rice terraces and mountains plus an infinity pool, you’ll never even want to leave the hotel.
The best thing about the location of Pu Luong Retreat are the rice terraces just a few metres from your private balcony. If you want to have a little walk through the terraces then you better have some good balance and be prepared to get a little muddy. I was still trying to scrub the dirt out from under my toenails days later.
Hoi An
Ok so as much as I love the mountains and rice terraces, you know I’m obsessed with colourful towns so it should come as no surprise that my favourite location in Vietnam is of course Hoi An. This ancient town is a UNESCO World Heritage sight that has a mix of canals, Chinese shophouses and temples, pagodas, French colonial buildings and lots and lots of lanterns. It’s also only 20 minutes from the beach!!
If you’re visiting during the the hot hot hot season like we did, think 40 degrees and 100% humidity, then I recommend you explore the town in the early morning before retreating to A/C or the beach/swimming pool in the middle of the day.
There’s lots of cute boutique shopping (warning most places only have fans), Sunday in Hoi An was one of my favourites so I highly recommend a visit there. They also have a cute cactus courtyard with a swing, very Insta worthy. Hoi An is also famous for all the tailor shops, so if you want to get any clothes made then is the place. Come sunset time everyone heads into town, including all the bus loads of tourists from Danang to watch the lanterns light up. Hoi An seems like a really sleepy town during the day but come evening it’s all of a sudden very very busy. People also put floating lanterns in the river so the town in well and truly lit up.
Best Things to Spend Your Money On
Make sure you purchase a fan because you’ll need it in the heat and it makes for a great photo prop. I didn’t go anywhere without my fan in the 40 degree heat. The traditional Vietnamese hats are also really fun to wear and can be purchased pretty much anywhere you look. My hat and fan were the best $4 I spent in Vietnam. Well that and all the foot massages I had.
Where to Stay
I highly recommend staying at The Mansion Hoi An if you want to instantly feel like you’ve been transported to Morocco. The decor and design here is beautiful and provides plenty of photo ops. They also have a floating breakfast option here.
