I have just returned from visiting Vietnam and feel compelled to share my reflections from this beautiful, chaotic and inspiring country. We only spent eight nights there, giving us only a glimpse of the culture, food and history of the Vietnamese, but that glimpse has inspired me to want to return again, as we enjoyed such an awesome time.
Amy and I travelled with my cousin Susanne and her partner Trina. Susanne was the inspiration for the trip, as she wanted to get away from winter and spend some time in warmer climes and she was happy for us to tag along. Our trip also coincided with Amy and Trina’s birthdays, so it was also a celebration of them. We contemplated visiting Thailand or Indonesia; however, we have been there before so we decided that Vietnam should be our destination as none of us had visited there and we already had an inclination that the food would be great. We would also have loved to include some time in Cambodia, but that will have to wait for another trip.
Our itinerary included three nights in Hanoi, one night on Halong Bay and four nights in Da Nang.
Hanoi
After a long day of travel including a short stop in Singapore (we joined up with Susanne and Trina in Singapore), we landed in Hanoi at around 7pm. It wasn’t until around 9pm that we arrived at our lodgings, the Flaxur Apartel. We chose the Flaxur due to its location right in the centre of the Old Quarter and the fact that it has a balcony, which was a must for Susanne and Trina who are both smokers. I also love a balcony and this one didn’t disappoint as we were able to watch all the action in the streets below from our vantage point.
The first thing that hit us on arrival was the heat and humidity which meant I was coated in sweat for the majority of the trip. The average temperature for our time in Vietnam was around 34-350C with 70 to 80 percent humidity, a big shock compared to the 15 or so degrees at home with bugger all humidity in comparison. However, it could have been worse as only a couple of weeks before we arrived in Vietnam it had experienced a heat wave with temperatures hitting 40 plus degrees. Whilst I sweated my way around Vietnam, Susanne was in her element, she loves the heat having lived in San Diego for many years prior to returning to Australia a couple of years ago.
On our first night we took a stroll around the Old Quarter, visiting Beer Street (or as known by the locals as Ta Hien Street) which was pumping and the Hoàn Kiếm Lake. I suspect if we had visited Hanoi a decade or three ago we would have ended up partying in Beer Street until the early hours of the morning. But tonight we just had a look and behaved ourselves.
Hanoi is located on the banks of the Red River and is the capital of Vietnam, its population is over 8.8 million making it the second largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City whose population is over 14 million being the largest. The population of Vietnam is 107 million.
Hanoi is described as a city embodying the heart and soul of Vietnam, the pulsating heart of a resilient civilisation that has endured through centuries of turmoil and transformation. It has witnessed the rise and fall of powerful dynasties and its strategic location on the Red River Delta makes it a vital trading, political and cultural hub.
In 1010, under the Lý dynasty, king Lý Thái Tổ established the capital of the imperial nation here, naming the city Thăng Long (meaning ascending dragon). In 1428, King Lê Lợi renamed the city to Đông Kinh (or eastern capital), and it remained so until 1789. The Nguyễn dynasty moved the national capital to Huế in 1802 and the city was renamed Hanoi in 1831. Hanoi served as the capital of French Indochina from 1902 to 1945. After the August Revolution and the fall of the Nguyễn dynasty in 1945, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) designated Hanoi as the capital of the newly independent country.
During the American War in Vietnam, Hanoi faced an onslaught of aerial bombings by the United States as part of ‘Operation Rolling Thunder’. The city’s infrastructure was devastated, and its people forced to endure hardships beyond comprehension. Bombing civilians is manifestly unethical and cowardly but it also does nothing to break the resolve of humans, in fact, all evidence points to catastrophe bringing out the best in people, and when faced with catastrophe brought about by aerial bombing campaigns, it also hardens our resolve against the aggressors. This lesson was learned in World War Two, the civilian bombing of Germany actually strengthened the German wartime economy, thereby prolonging the war and the bombing of Britain inspired greater resilience of the British to fight, so it should have been no surprise that the same happened in Vietnam.[1]
Despite the severe challenges brought about by the constant bombing, Hanoi persevered. The city became a symbol of Vietnamese resilience and resistance, a beacon that kept the spirit of national unity alive. Underground tunnels and bomb shelters became part of daily life, manifesting the city’s grit and determination.
In 1976, Hanoi became the capital of the unified Socialist Republic of Vietnam and has been ever since.
Our first day in Hanoi started with coffee at the Loading T café. Amy had picked this café out before we arrived and it was an opportunity for us to sample the famous Vietnamese egg coffee. Well Amy and Trina did, Susanne and I aren’t coffee drinkers so we enjoyed a juice instead. We then wandered down to Train Street which is a narrow railway alley in the Old Quarter where trains pass just inches from homes and cafes. After watching the train pass we headed over to the Temple of Literature which was on top of my ‘to-do’ list for Hanoi.
The Temple of Literature was founded in 1070, almost 1000 years ago, by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong as a temple to worship the Chinese philosopher Confucius. In 1076, the Imperial Academy was established, considered the first university in Vietnam. It operated for 700 years, educating hundreds of well-known scholars and public servants.
The Temple of Literature is enclosed by an ancient brick wall and is divided into five distinctive courtyards. The First Courtyard (Đại Trung Môn) is a peaceful, green sanctuary. The two side entrances, the Virtue Gate and Talent Gate, reflect the King’s aspirations for students’ academic achievement.
The Second Courtyard (Khuê Văn Các) features the iconic Khue Van Cac (Pavilion of Constellation), built in 1805 and recognised as Hanoi’s symbol. It also appears on the 100,000 Vietnam dong note. The pavilion takes its name from Khue, the brightest star, whose constellation forms the Chinese character for ‘Literature’.
The Third Courtyard (Thien Quang Well) is known as the Well of Heavenly Clarity, this square-shaped well holds deep symbolism. Its square form represents earth, while the circular pavilion above symbolizes heaven, creating cosmic harmony.
The Fourth Courtyard (Đại Thành Môn) includes the ‘gate to great success’ and features the House of Ceremonies and Confucian sanctuary. The central altar, incorporating the five elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth), follows traditional Vietnamese worship customs. Decorative cranes and turtles flank the altar, symbolizing harmony and eternity. I had a conversation with a young girl in the altar. She started the conversation so she could practice her English and it was the highlight of my visit. She was an angel and I wish her and her family all the success and happiness in the world.
The Fifth Courtyard is the grounds of the Imperial Academy.
I write about Confucius in my book. I refer to him as one of humanity’s great radicals, alongside Buddha, Laozi, Jesus and Ashoka the Great. He was born in 551 BCE, a government official, who upon being disillusioned by the behaviour of the Duke of Lu, decided to travel across China looking for a state which might adopt his reforms for good governance. He taught that education and reflection led to virtue and those who seek to lead others must cultivate discipline and moral authority in themselves. Confucius was largely ignored during his lifetime and only had around 3000 students when he died. Those students devoted themselves to preserving his teachings which resulted in The Analects, an ancient book containing many of Confucius’ ideas and sayings. Confucianism emphasises public moral behaviour, good government, social responsibility and human-centered virtues for living a peaceful life. The Han Dynasty in the second century BCE adopted The Analects and it has guided governments and individuals for millennia, informing and influencing Chinese history and civilisation in the process.
We wandered back to our hotel taking in more of the sights of the Old Quarter on the way. Unfortunately I had a migraine so had to return to bed for the afternoon while the others explored Hanoi. Thankfully Trina had some potent pills that did the trick and I was able to rejoin the girls again in the evening, which we spent at the Diamond Sky Bar. The girls enjoyed a cocktail or three (or four), or maybe more, as we took in the skyline of Hanoi. We were also treated to a thunderstorm which brought much lightning, thunder and heavy rain. Coupled with great company and much laughter this was the perfect tonic to end our first full day in Hanoi.
Ha Long Bay
The Flaxur Apartel is located above a pottery shop and Amy had noticed a teapot she liked. So today being her birthday I bought her said teapot and it will now take pride of place in our home.
But to celebrate Amy’s birthday we decided to spend the night on Ha Long Bay. We were picked up early at around 8am and driven to Ha Long where we boarded our cruise at around lunchtime.
Ha Long Bay is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It includes some 1600 islands which form a maze of channels and coves and natural towers that are rich with wildlife. Many of these islands are uninhabited although people have lived in this region for thousands of years with historical research surveys indicating the presence of prehistoric human beings in this area tens of thousands of years ago. We didn’t see much wildlife, in fact we were surprised at the little number of birds that we saw, however Amy did see a monkey when we were canoeing.
The name Ha Long is Vietnamese for descending dragon. According to one legend, when the Vietnamese faced invasion, a dragon flew down from heaven to their defense, spraying not only fire but also emeralds and jade jewels that became the green archipelago. The limestone in this bay has gone through 500 million years of formation in different conditions and environments. The rock formations are known as karst and for millions of years, seashells and sediments fell to an ancient sea floor, forming solid rock. Tectonic activity raised the resulting limestone above water. Later, rainfall and rivers carved valleys that flooded after the last ice age, creating this rare example of a karst field at sea.
After a delicious lunch on our boat, we joined the other travelers on our cruise for some canoeing. This was a great way to get out and appreciate this beautiful part of the world.
Upon our return to the boat, it was time for happy hour and we enjoyed drinks on the top deck of the boat as the sun set. Our cruise operator, La Regina Cruises, ensured Amy’s birthday was special, providing decorations for our table at dinner as well as a birthday cake.
The following morning Susanne and I enjoyed some Tai Chi, a Chinese martial art initially created for combat and self-defense. However, the Tai Chi we tried is more an exercise and relaxation technique that is practiced in set sequences known as forms. The form we were taught included gentle flowing motions but our lack of knowledge and coordination meant we didn’t achieve the ‘meditation in motion’ that Tai Chi is often associated with. Be that as it may I really enjoyed it and can appreciate the benefits it can bring. I am interested in learning more about it and who knows, maybe I will learn enough to benefit from the improved balance and flexibility, reduced stress, mental clarity, enhanced mood and better sleep that Tai Chi brings its practitioners.
The Ha Long Bay cruise was a highlight of our trip, the staff on the boat were awesome and we enjoyed the company of our fellow travelers who came from as far as the United States, Singapore and Germany (as well as some other Aussies).
Back in Hanoi
We arrived back in Hanoi, enjoying a foot massage at the massage shop next door to our hotel. The girls had a massage while I was dealing with my migraine, enjoying it so much they decided to get another one. I love massages so joined them this time and it didn’t disappoint. We also did a bit of shopping, purchasing the obligatory fridge magnet which we collect from each destination we visit.
That night we dined at the Met Vietnamese Restaurant, where we enjoyed Bun Cha. Bun Cha is a traditional Vietnamese dish that is a speciality of Hanoi. It includes seasoned pork patties and caramelised pork belly served in a broth alongside rice noodles, fresh vegetables and herbs. This dish really epitomises everything that is great about Vietnamese food, providing that perfect balance of fresh, savoury, sweet, herb, citrus, tender noodles, and that juicy caramelised pork … easily the best dish we have had so far this trip. I must also mention their Pineapple Rice which Susanne enjoyed, saying it’s the best pineapple rice she has ever eaten.
On our last morning in Hanoi, Amy and I wandered down to the Hoàn Kiếm Lake. We had previously visited the lake at night, but visiting first thing in the morning was a highlight, the vibe was brilliant and it was a great experience to end our time here. It was awesome to see all the locals enjoying the lake, gathering in conversations, or exercising or doing Tai Chi.
According to the legend, after defeating Ming China, Emperor Lê Lợi was boating on the lake when a Golden Turtle God (Kim Qui) surfaced and asked for his magic sword. Lợi concluded that Kim Quy had come to reclaim the sword that its master, a local God, the Dragon King (Long Vương) had given Lợi sometime earlier to defeat Ming China. Emperor Lê Lợi gave the sword back to the turtle and renamed the lake to commemorate this event with Hoàn Kiếm Lake meaning Sword Lake. The Turtle Tower (Tháp Rùa) standing on a small island near the centre of the lake is linked to the legend.
We visited the Temple of the Jade Mountain (Ngọc Sơn Temple) which is located on a small islet within the lake. The temple was constructed in the 18th century to honour the 13th-century military leader Trần Hưng Đạo who distinguished himself in defeating the Mongol invasions of Vietnam. The islet is connected to the shore by the wooden Thê Húc Bridge, painted bright red. The bridge’s name is translated as ‘Perch of the Morning Sunlight’.
Da Nang
We flew from Hanoi to Da Nang, arriving at our new lodgings, the Son Tra Resort in the afternoon. Resorts are not usually my choice, but I was happy to stay here and enjoy relaxing by the beach which was a great contrast to the energy and commotion of the Old Quarter of Hanoi. We didn’t venture far today, content with enjoying the pool, the beach, and for the girls, cocktails.
Our first full day in Da Nang was Trina’s birthday. She was keen to enjoy the resort so we didn’t plan a lot of activities today. However, we did visit the Lady Buddha in the morning which is only 5 minutes down the road from our resort.
The Da Nang Lady Buddha, also known as the Statue of the Bodhisattva of Mercy is an amazing and imposing structure, standing at a height of 67 metres, the equivalent of a 30-storey building. The statue represents the Buddhist figure of Quan Thế Âm, known for her compassion, mercy, and protection of those in need. The statue is part of the Linh Ung Pagoda, a significant Buddhist site in Da Nang that holds immense religious significance. The intent of creating this religious site is to promote Buddhism and bring peace to the local community and the nation.
The statue’s height and grandeur symbolise the immense compassion of the Bodhisattva, who is considered one of the most beloved figures in Mahayana Buddhism. Standing tall on the Son Tra Peninsula, the statue gazes serenely out over the sea, providing blessings of protection and goodwill for the city of Da Nang. Its prominent position means it can be seen from almost anywhere in Da Nang.
Whilst we enjoyed exploring the statues, temples and pagodas another attraction of the Lady Buddha is the monkeys, and we loved watching them.
After visiting the Lady Buddha, we ventured into Da Nang as we needed to find a shop to get supplies such as water, drinks, snacks, smokes and exchange some cash. Our driver Chinh took us to a supermarket in the middle of town and we enjoyed exploring it. The supermarket was three stories high and of course, the water and drinks were the furthest away from the entrance. But we didn’t mind as we love visiting supermarkets in different countries to see what’s on the shelves.
We made the most of the resort during the heat of the day but ventured back into Da Nang for tea. Trina requested we go somewhere special for tea, and on the recommendation of Susanne and Trina’s friend, Vivian (who we will meet later in the blog), we dined at Le Petit Bistro, enjoying probably our best meal of the trip. The food was awesome, made all the better by the staff at the restaurant, especially Cameron the maître d, who really made our evening a delight.
It was a great night and a fitting way to celebrate Trina.
Here is some food porn from our meals.
The next day Trina, Amy and I ventured off to My Son Sanctuary, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. We left at 6am in the hope of beating the heat. Visiting My Son was another highlight of the trip. Being up so early we also saw several monkeys at our resort, climbing on the roof of some of the villas as well as searching through the bins.
The My Son Sanctuary is a remarkable architectural ensemble that developed over a period of ten centuries, from the 4th to the 13th centuries CE. It is located within an elevated geological basin surrounded by a ring of mountains, which provides the watershed for the sacred Thu Bon River. The source of the Thu Bon River is here and it flows past the monuments, out of the basin, and through the historic heartland of the Champa Kingdom, draining into the South China Sea at its mouth near the ancient port city of Hoi An. The location gives the site its strategic significance as it is also easily defendable.
The tower temples at My Son were constructed over ten centuries of continuous development in what was the heart of the ancestral homeland of the ruling Dua Clan which unified the Cham clans and established the kingdom of Champapura (Sanskrit for City of the Cham people) in 192 CE. During the 4th to 13th centuries this unique culture owed its spiritual origins to the Hinduism of the Indian sub-continent. Under this influence many temples were built to the Hindu divinities such as Krishna and Vishnu, but above all Shiva.
The tower temples have a variety of architectural designs symbolising the greatness and purity of Mount Meru, the mythical sacred mountain home of Hindu gods at the centre of the universe, now symbolically reproduced on Earth in the mountainous homeland of the Cham people. They are constructed in fired brick with stone pillars and decorated with sandstone bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Their technological sophistication is evidence of Cham engineering skills while the elaborate iconography and symbolism of the tower-temples give insight into the content and evolution of Cham religious and political thought.
We loved wandering around the My Son Sanctuary. Not only marvelling at the temples and monuments but also the jungle and mountains surrounding the site. There were also heaps of butterflies with one landing on Amy, we interpreted this as a sign of good luck!
We spent a couple of hours at My Son and by the end the heat of the day was well and truly kicking in so it was time to return to the resort for a swim. However on the way home Chinh took us to the Madame Lan Restaurant where we enjoyed breakfast. The food was awesome, Trina and I enjoyed a Banh Mi with omelette plus some rice and Amy had the Pho.
After spending the heat of the day back at the resort we headed off to Hoi An in the afternoon where we met Vivian, Susanne and Trina’s friend who recommended Le Petit Bistro. Viv has been in Vietnam for several weeks and was loving her time in Hoi An.
We dined at MangoMango which was right in the middle of the Old Town and where tourists come in the thousands, and there were shitloads out and about tonight. It gave a great vantage point to watch the canal and the lights of the lanterns. We had mixed reviews for our meals however I enjoyed their Miss Mango Salad of vermicelli noodles with mango and herbs in fish sauce and roasted peanuts topped with pork. It was delicious.
After our meal Susanne and Trina went to a bar with Vivian while Amy and I wandered into the night market as well as around the old town. Contending with the sea of tourists was interesting however we did manage to find ourselves in some of the back streets which were much quieter giving us a chance to appreciate the architecture of the homes and shops.
Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an interesting history. Located on an estuary of the Thu Bon River, it was founded sometime between the 7th and 10th centuries as part of the Champa kingdom. Hoi An’s strategic location meant it became an important centre of the spice trade during the 16th and 17th centuries with traders coming from as far away as China, Japan, India, The Netherlands and Portugal. Trade was rich in silk, ceramics, and, of course, spices, and at its peak in the 17th century, more than 1000 foreign traders visited annually, making Hoi An a true crossroads of cultures. However, by the 18th century, changing political situations, and the silting up of the river meant that much of the trading activity moved north to Da Nang.
One of the instantly recognizable features of Hoi An are the yellow walls. In Vietnamese culture, yellow symbolizes prosperity, balance, and longevity. From the 19th century under the Nguyen dynasty, it was the color of emperors, representing both power and spiritual harmony. For merchant families in Hoi An, painting their homes yellow was a statement of wealth and aspiration, a declaration that they had found fortune through trade and hope to live in harmony with the universe. There was also logic in the choice. In a tropical climate, where summer temperatures often exceed 350C with high humidity, yellow reflects sunlight better than darker pigments, keeping interiors cooler and more livable.
Another feature is the roofs made of terra cotta tiles, some dating back more than 200 years, are not only beautiful but also ingenious. They are made with a yin yang system of clay tiles, one convex, one concave, overlapping like dragon scales. This design, introduced to Hoi An during its trading peak in the 17th century, reflects both practical engineering and cultural symbolism. The overlapping structure creates natural air pockets that regulate temperature inside the house, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer during the winter. When the monsoon season arrives from September to December, the curved tiles also guide rainwater swiftly downward, reducing leaks and protecting the wooden beams inside.
During storms, rain cascading over the tiles creates a rhythm locals describe as the lullaby of Hoi An. For generations, that sound has formed the backdrop to evenings by oil lamps, becoming part of the town’s living memory. Whilst we did get some rain when we were in the restaurant it wasn’t a lot, however there was one particular clap of thunder that was incredibly loud. Anyway, one evening in Hoi An doesn’t do it justice, but our small taste was enough to see that it would be a great place to stay, especially as it would provide an opportunity to explore the town when there are not many tourists around.
On our last day in Da Nang we visited the Lady Buddha again, only to see the monkeys however they weren’t located where we saw them the other day. Amy and I headed off to Da Nang but Trina went exploring some more and found the monkeys in another part of the pagoda complex.
Amy and I were keen to visit the Da Nang Museum, however on the recommendation of our driver, Chinh, we first visited the Museum of Cham Sculpture. We were so grateful for this recommendation as visiting this museum was the perfect complement to visiting My Son Sanctuary yesterday.
The Museum of Cham Sculpture houses the world’s largest collection of Cham artifacts, displaying approximately 300 sandstone and terracotta sculptures made between the 7th and the 15th centuries. These are impressive works typical of the Cham culture with most of the artifacts being masterpieces of Champa art and some are considered to be equal to works anywhere in the world. I was comparing the works to the statues we have seen by the likes of Michelangelo who was also able to capture human anatomy and emotion.
The museum offered a vivid glimpse into the glorious past of a people whose artistic passion and creative talent had reached an extraordinary level. Its sculptures bring to life a mysterious world of deities, legends and religious symbols, capturing the graceful movement of dancers, the human form, and the faint smiles of a distant age in remarkable detail.
Our next stop was the Danang Museum (Bảo Tàng Đà Nẵng). This is an excellent museum with some interesting and poignant exhibitions, especially those regarding the American War in Vietnam. The museum also provided a great overview of Da Nang’s history. We learned that the name ‘Da Nang’ is thought to come from the Cham language, meaning ‘Great River’, a reference to its position at the Hàn River estuary. Da Nang’s early history is tied to the Champa Kingdom, which ruled much of central and southern Vietnam for nearly 2,000 years. As a Cham settlement near the coast as well as sacred sites such as My Son, it became an important trading, political and cultural centre.
In 1306, the area passed from Champa to the Đại Việt state through a dynastic marriage, beginning a stronger Vietnamese influence. Its coastal position, mountains and the Hải Vân Pass made it a key site for trade, defence and expansion.
In 1858, French and Spanish forces attacked Da Nang, marking the start of the French invasion of Vietnam. Despite heavy shelling and reinforcements, they failed to break through the city’s defences and withdrew in 1860.
During the American War, Da Nang became a major military base, leaving lasting damage from bombs, mines and dioxin contamination, particularly around the airport. Even today, some 50,000 hectares of land is still contaminated with bombs, mines and explosives. However, one of the most devastating impacts from the war came from the use of Agent Orange. From 1961 to 1971 the United States sprayed 80 million litres of herbicides in South Vietnam, with about 2/3 of that being Agent Orange. Approximately 2.6 million hectares, nearly 10% of South Vietnam’s land area, was impacted resulting in millions of Vietnamese soldiers and civilians being exposed to dioxin. According to the Vietnam Red Cross up to 3 million Vietnamese people have suffered health problems due to the dioxin exposure, including at least 150,000 children born with birth defects. Vietnam still lives with the legacy of Agent Orange, with millions affected across generations. In Da Nang, victims and families have received government and community support through care, rehabilitation, education and vocational programs.
The war caused immense suffering for both Vietnamese civilians and soldiers on all sides. Its physical and psychological scars, including the effects of Agent Orange and trauma among veterans, continue to be felt long after the fighting ended.
The pictures that will stay in my mind following this visit were of the torture by US soldiers on the Vietnamese people.
After the war, Da Nang gradually rebuilt and developed a new economy. Since 1996, the city has pursued a broad program of reform and renewal, becoming one of Vietnam’s standout success stories in economic, political and social development. Its urban space has expanded and living standards have steadily improved.
In 2023, the Prime Minister approved Da Nang’s development plan through to 2050. The city aims to become a major socio-economic centre, with a focus on startups, tourism, commerce, finance, logistics, high-tech industry, information technology, culture, sport, education, healthcare, science and international events. Da Nang aspires to be an ecological, modern, smart and highly liveable coastal city.
We really enjoyed visiting these two museums and I would recommend them to anyone visiting Da Nang.
We spent the rest of the day at the resort, enjoying the pool and beach. Our final night in Da Nang was spent at the Son Tra Night Market. This was my opportunity to enjoy two local dishes that I had picked out prior to arriving, Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancakes) which is crispy rice flour pancakes filled with prawns, pork and bean sprouts, served with fresh herbs and a sweet-and-sour dipping sauce, and Mi Quang (Quang Noodles) which is turmeric-coloured rice noodles served with a broth, topped with shrimp, pork, chicken, or frog, garnished with roasted peanuts and fresh herbs. I ordered mine with the pork. It was delicious and probably the best Vietnamese meal I had during the visit. But I could easily have picked the Bun Cha we had in Hanoi as well. The Pho we ate during the trip was pretty special too.
My three favourite local dishes would be Mi Quiang from Da Nang, Bun Cha from Hanoi and Pho. Our favourite restaurant experience was at Le Petite Bistro in Da Nang.
The market is located next to the Dragon Bridge and following our meal we wandered up to the adjacent rooftop bar for a drink and to take in the view of the market and bridge.
So that was our trip to Vietnam, certainly not long enough to fully appreciate all that Vietnam has to offer but long enough for us to all agree that we would travel back in a heartbeat. We loved Vietnam,. Its people, culture and food …. Especially the food!
Thank you to Susanne and Trina for letting us join them on their holiday. We had a ball and loved your company. As mentioned previously, Susanne lived in the US for 30 years and our age difference meant we really didn’t hang out much before that. But we are making up for this, and I love hanging out with Susanne and hope to do so much more in the future. She is one of my favourite people in the world, love you Susanne. 😊
And with that we parted ways at the Da Nang Airport, Amy and I started our long trek home while Susanne and Trina headed to Singapore to explore that beautiful city.
Thanks for reading my blog.
All the best.
[1] Bregman, R., 2020, ‘Humankind’, Bloomsbury Press, pages xix to 7.