Vietnam - first visit and first TR
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We picked up some yogurt and cheese to have a breakfast snack before the 0745 pickup. The Sofitel is the only hotel where breakfast isn't included and I wasn't able to bring myself to pay the US30 pp given we just wanted a quick snack.
The checkout was smooth. It really is a lovely hotel and if you're in Hanoi I strongly recommend it. I would love to have had longer to roam the corridors a bit and soak up the history of the place - they had thoughtfully placed plaques around with info on temp embassies etc and I think it would have been enjoyable to sniff around a bit.
The 'luxury' transfer was bang on time (as I found most things to have been so far). 7 seater with a family of 4 Dutch in it already, so we got the back row. The trip was fine. That tourist trap place really is s bit of a nightmare but we just headed to the cafe and got a very nice egg roll and cuppa.
Got to the Indochina Junk offices and joined the throng to pay our balance and get ready.
And then the most hilarious chaos as groups lined up behind their guide to join a transfer boat out to the respective main ship. It felt like D-Day.....almost like landing craft loading up with groups...and then they all tried to back away from the dock at the same time, we clipped a bridge....very odd.
We boarded our ship - Dragon Legend 02 - and were immediately impressed. We started with a briefing from the cruise lead, Happy, and then the guide, Coco.
Then down to the most impressive cabin to settle in. It really is lovely, even with a rollaway in it.
A few minutes later the call for lunch came - 7 courses of yum. Beers at the outrageous price of $3 (joking).
The checkout was smooth. It really is a lovely hotel and if you're in Hanoi I strongly recommend it. I would love to have had longer to roam the corridors a bit and soak up the history of the place - they had thoughtfully placed plaques around with info on temp embassies etc and I think it would have been enjoyable to sniff around a bit.
The 'luxury' transfer was bang on time (as I found most things to have been so far). 7 seater with a family of 4 Dutch in it already, so we got the back row. The trip was fine. That tourist trap place really is s bit of a nightmare but we just headed to the cafe and got a very nice egg roll and cuppa.
Got to the Indochina Junk offices and joined the throng to pay our balance and get ready.
And then the most hilarious chaos as groups lined up behind their guide to join a transfer boat out to the respective main ship. It felt like D-Day.....almost like landing craft loading up with groups...and then they all tried to back away from the dock at the same time, we clipped a bridge....very odd.
We boarded our ship - Dragon Legend 02 - and were immediately impressed. We started with a briefing from the cruise lead, Happy, and then the guide, Coco.
Then down to the most impressive cabin to settle in. It really is lovely, even with a rollaway in it.
A few minutes later the call for lunch came - 7 courses of yum. Beers at the outrageous price of $3 (joking).
After lunch we had a bit of relaxing time before the afternoon excursion of a swim at a beach and a bit of kayaking. Kayaking was so popular it was split into 2 shifts. By lucky Janice the 2nd shift, which we volunteered for, was as the tide was dropping allowing us to head into a sea cave. Kayaks were doubles - me and the 12 yr old. Ours seemed to have a manufacturing issue as it had a propensity to turn right all the time. I found myself wandering 'what would Tony Hancock do?' And was sure a stern letter to the CEO of the kayak company would do the trick.... then again, it might have been user error by the paddlers....
The kayaking and the swim were terrific and we headed back to the ship for showers, a bit of a cool down in the aircon and change for dinner.
We headed up early and grabbed a bottle of nice French sparkling (about $40) to drink as we enjoyed the scenery.
Dinner was another excellent meal and we headed off for a really good sleep.
The kayaking and the swim were terrific and we headed back to the ship for showers, a bit of a cool down in the aircon and change for dinner.
We headed up early and grabbed a bottle of nice French sparkling (about $40) to drink as we enjoyed the scenery.
Dinner was another excellent meal and we headed off for a really good sleep.
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Stock up at any store for about $0.44? Even Coca-Cola costs more...
We do the plastic bag walk of shame into the hotels but it didn't feel right boarding what was a very nice ship with a few cans....! Tonight may well revert to the bag though...
It certainly didn't stop the consumption rate...
This morning I woke at about 0545 and headed to the top deck around 0600. It was lovely - I was the only one there, the sun was already quite high but the bay we were in had the beautiful stillness about it.
Breakfast was good and then we had a few minutes before our morning excursion- a visit to a cave. The small island was overrun with tourists to the point that we had to queue several times just to climb the stairs. The caves were pretty but in the end I was just completely sweaty....first thing I did when we got back to ship was change again...
We checked out of the cabin, ate more food and headed back to port where it was much less chaotic than the embarkation...
Our van ride home included a stop at the water puppets....I get it but it's just not my thing. Finally made it to our last hotel, the InterContinental, around 1700.
Breakfast was good and then we had a few minutes before our morning excursion- a visit to a cave. The small island was overrun with tourists to the point that we had to queue several times just to climb the stairs. The caves were pretty but in the end I was just completely sweaty....first thing I did when we got back to ship was change again...
We checked out of the cabin, ate more food and headed back to port where it was much less chaotic than the embarkation...
Our van ride home included a stop at the water puppets....I get it but it's just not my thing. Finally made it to our last hotel, the InterContinental, around 1700.
I'm an IHG Ambassador and I do like the way they treat members. Checkin was full of 'upgrade this, club lounge that' and I knew we'd enjoy these last couple of nights.
The room is large comfortable and...really odd in design. I'll get photos tomorrow when things are a little...tidier.
We headed straight to the lounge where we were treated like absolute royalty- 2 hrs of coughtails snacks and great service.
At 1900 we headed to a 'cool bar' per TripAdvisor...which turned out to be a dive my wife didn't want to go in. We persisted and had a snack, a beer and played pool before heading back for a shower and early night in front of the final round of the Open...
The room is large comfortable and...really odd in design. I'll get photos tomorrow when things are a little...tidier.
We headed straight to the lounge where we were treated like absolute royalty- 2 hrs of coughtails snacks and great service.
At 1900 we headed to a 'cool bar' per TripAdvisor...which turned out to be a dive my wife didn't want to go in. We persisted and had a snack, a beer and played pool before heading back for a shower and early night in front of the final round of the Open...
We're into the final stretch now....just today and then we leave tomorrow (Tuesday).
We've done so much shifting around and sightseeing that we purposely left the itin blank these last 2 days. Good thing too as there's a bit of tummy soreness going round...
Late start today, a couple of calls to work and then down for the buffet breakfast. InterCons always do spectacular breakfasts I find, the one here being no exception.
They obvious get a fair few Koreans through as they had a full station. A nice touch when a chef brought an oven tray of croissants round - she'd literally just pulled them out of the oven and they were as good as anything I've had in France...
Today will be some swimming, reading and later this evening the all-important final fit of the suits...
Thinking of going to a restaurant called 'Home' for dinner that was recommended by someone on the cruise.
We've done so much shifting around and sightseeing that we purposely left the itin blank these last 2 days. Good thing too as there's a bit of tummy soreness going round...
Late start today, a couple of calls to work and then down for the buffet breakfast. InterCons always do spectacular breakfasts I find, the one here being no exception.
They obvious get a fair few Koreans through as they had a full station. A nice touch when a chef brought an oven tray of croissants round - she'd literally just pulled them out of the oven and they were as good as anything I've had in France...
Today will be some swimming, reading and later this evening the all-important final fit of the suits...
Thinking of going to a restaurant called 'Home' for dinner that was recommended by someone on the cruise.
So we had a really good day... Sometimes you just have to veg, and there's no better place to do that than a 5* hotel.
My wife wasn't feeling great so after some time in the room the boy and I went down for a swim. Nice pool, pretty quiet. Had a chat to a friendly Canadian bloke for a few mins, drank a coughtail, all good.
We had 'afternoon tea' in the lounge which served as late lunch - a very generous serving of savory and sweet.
Then back to the room for a nap....and suddenly coughtail hour was upon us...so back to the lounge. More snacks and all the coughtails and sparkling wine I could manage (which was quite a few) - service was more than enthusiastic...
One of the euro managers came over for a chat and seemed to be pretty genuine in his interest- I think they get a lot of business traffic but not so many 'business on leave' so he seemed interested in our experience.
At 1800 it was time for the big fitting - how would we go?
Shirts - spot on. First suit also. Second suit jacket not quite right so an adjustment needed overnight.....all up though looking really good and I'm pretty excited at the prospect of some well fitting clothes.
We went to 'Home' for dinner and I called it as our best meal of the trip.....really loved it. My wife called Duong (the earlier restaurant in Hanoi) as best.....either way Hanoi was a clear winner over Saigon.
Over dinner we discussed our 'top 3' of the trip - something we always do. The cruises came out on top but one of my favorite memories that I think I'll remember forever was when we saw a lovely painting of 4 women planting rice...clearly well painted and a quality work. "That would be great in our dining room - let's go in", I said. I was thinking $7-10k Aussie....(it was obviously a high end shop). "It's USD92k sir"........****, that's more than the room's worth, was all I could think....."Nice!", I said....shows what I know about art...
Back to the hotel and we headed for bed knowing that tomorrow will be long and arduous as we head home - HAN-SGN-MEL-HBA is a long way....
My wife wasn't feeling great so after some time in the room the boy and I went down for a swim. Nice pool, pretty quiet. Had a chat to a friendly Canadian bloke for a few mins, drank a coughtail, all good.
We had 'afternoon tea' in the lounge which served as late lunch - a very generous serving of savory and sweet.
Then back to the room for a nap....and suddenly coughtail hour was upon us...so back to the lounge. More snacks and all the coughtails and sparkling wine I could manage (which was quite a few) - service was more than enthusiastic...
One of the euro managers came over for a chat and seemed to be pretty genuine in his interest- I think they get a lot of business traffic but not so many 'business on leave' so he seemed interested in our experience.
At 1800 it was time for the big fitting - how would we go?
Shirts - spot on. First suit also. Second suit jacket not quite right so an adjustment needed overnight.....all up though looking really good and I'm pretty excited at the prospect of some well fitting clothes.
We went to 'Home' for dinner and I called it as our best meal of the trip.....really loved it. My wife called Duong (the earlier restaurant in Hanoi) as best.....either way Hanoi was a clear winner over Saigon.
Over dinner we discussed our 'top 3' of the trip - something we always do. The cruises came out on top but one of my favorite memories that I think I'll remember forever was when we saw a lovely painting of 4 women planting rice...clearly well painted and a quality work. "That would be great in our dining room - let's go in", I said. I was thinking $7-10k Aussie....(it was obviously a high end shop). "It's USD92k sir"........****, that's more than the room's worth, was all I could think....."Nice!", I said....shows what I know about art...
Back to the hotel and we headed for bed knowing that tomorrow will be long and arduous as we head home - HAN-SGN-MEL-HBA is a long way....
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And so we come to the end. I hate the last day of a trip....you try to continue on like it's the hols but you have one eye on the clock in the countdown to checkout.
We had a sleep in and a nice breakfast again. Tried not to be too much of a pig as I know how much sitting down and food service is coming up....
I went out to the tailor and picked up my suits and shirts. The alteration to the jacket is complete and looks good. Won't know until I wear them in battle for the first time but I'm optimistic.
Then off to the pool with the boy for a last dip. Mrs beginning to feel better but she hasn't had a good 48 hrs...
We have a 3pm checkout and a 5pm flight. Airport is 30mins away so I might checkout slightly early.
Also have an eye on Optiontown. The news is mixed. Looks like HAN-SGN is showing upgrade to J (subject to seats still available at checkin) but no news on W on the SGN-MEL (which, being overnight, is the one we really want!)....stay calm and positive....!
We had a sleep in and a nice breakfast again. Tried not to be too much of a pig as I know how much sitting down and food service is coming up....
I went out to the tailor and picked up my suits and shirts. The alteration to the jacket is complete and looks good. Won't know until I wear them in battle for the first time but I'm optimistic.
Then off to the pool with the boy for a last dip. Mrs beginning to feel better but she hasn't had a good 48 hrs...
We have a 3pm checkout and a 5pm flight. Airport is 30mins away so I might checkout slightly early.
Also have an eye on Optiontown. The news is mixed. Looks like HAN-SGN is showing upgrade to J (subject to seats still available at checkin) but no news on W on the SGN-MEL (which, being overnight, is the one we really want!)....stay calm and positive....!
After the swim we went to the lounge to have a snack lunch - shared a club sandwich and chips between us washed down with a glass of wine.
The duty manager came over for a chat - a lady who had spent the last 5 yrs in SYD at the Wentworth Sofitel then the InterCon Double Bay. She was interesting to talk to.
Then it was back to the room for final showers and changing into our travel clothes...
Taxi ride to the airport was uneventful and checkin confirmed my suspicions - upgrade HAN - SGN to J but no joy on the SGN - MEL flight....consigned to Y.....oh well...
The duty manager came over for a chat - a lady who had spent the last 5 yrs in SYD at the Wentworth Sofitel then the InterCon Double Bay. She was interesting to talk to.
Then it was back to the room for final showers and changing into our travel clothes...
Taxi ride to the airport was uneventful and checkin confirmed my suspicions - upgrade HAN - SGN to J but no joy on the SGN - MEL flight....consigned to Y.....oh well...
25 July VN259
HAN - SGN
A321 J Seats 4A/B/D
ETD 1700. Delayed to 1730
VN runs 16 seats in J in the A321, 10 of which were occupied. I'm still sore at the thought of being in Y down to MEL so I thought let's just make the most of the space and service and see what the wine is like.....and then turbulence arrived, so even those gods were against me....
The turbulence was over quickly and service resumed - a tasty chicken and ginger with rice dish. I tried the white and didn't like it so switched to the red. That hit the spot nicely and luckily the flight attendant agreed with me as she was happy to keep re-filling.
So in the space of 12 days we will fly all 3 classes VN offers on the 787 - no one can suggest I'm not providing a comprehensive VN review!
Couple of hours to kill in SGN airport. I get a bit toe-y during transits....will see if there's a cafe to waste the time (and wifi for the devices!).....
HAN - SGN
A321 J Seats 4A/B/D
ETD 1700. Delayed to 1730
VN runs 16 seats in J in the A321, 10 of which were occupied. I'm still sore at the thought of being in Y down to MEL so I thought let's just make the most of the space and service and see what the wine is like.....and then turbulence arrived, so even those gods were against me....
The turbulence was over quickly and service resumed - a tasty chicken and ginger with rice dish. I tried the white and didn't like it so switched to the red. That hit the spot nicely and luckily the flight attendant agreed with me as she was happy to keep re-filling.
So in the space of 12 days we will fly all 3 classes VN offers on the 787 - no one can suggest I'm not providing a comprehensive VN review!
Couple of hours to kill in SGN airport. I get a bit toe-y during transits....will see if there's a cafe to waste the time (and wifi for the devices!).....
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