Nov 9, 2024 | Florida, USA
If you are a Florida resident, you are lucky enough to say- we live where you vacation.
What happens when you go on vacation, but stay here? Then you have participated in a Staycation. If you want to stay local, decide your itinerary, and not be beholden to flight time departures and arrivals, this is not a bad idea. Another advantage, you can pick as much or as little as you want. You are literally in the driver’s seat. Last year, we traveled to the furthest side of the globe, we went to Vietnam. This year, we decided to do the opposite.
Putting together the itinerary was actually fairly easy. Just like any trip, carve out your dates, let your work know, make boarding arrangements for your pet, book your hotels, and if applicable purchase tickets ahead of time to any attraction you’re interested in checking out.
We decided on this agenda
-Day 1 Disney Theme Park (Hollywood Studios)
-Day 2 Orlando (local)
-Day 3 Cocoa Beach -Kennedy Space Center
-Day 4 Fort Pierce -National NAVY UDT-SEALS Museum
-Day 5 Palm Beach -Jupiter Lighthouse, Jupiter Inlet
-Day 6/7 Fort Lauderdale -Beach, Sawgrass Mills Outlet
Day 1- Disney’s Galaxy Edge
I’ve wanted to check out Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge since it opened in 2019. Located in Hollywood Studios in Florida transports you to a galaxy far, far away. As we stepped into this fantastical world, we saw numerous encounters with iconic Star Wars characters, including the imposing Darth Vader himself. Many Stormtroopers were walking around in front of the Millennium Falcon.
Millenium Flacon, Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios, FL
Our first stop was a different kind of thrill, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror offers a chilling journey into the unknown. Step into the eerie Hollywood Tower Hotel and brace yourself for a drop into the Twilight Zone, where the supernatural awaits. With its spine-tingling atmosphere and heart-pounding surprises, this ride is a must for fans of the macabre and mysterious. Standing in line, I kept staring at the tower’s height, trying to gauge how tall the drop was going to be. I finally Googled it. It’s 199 feet, but it didn’t feel like it, because it’s 3 separate drops on the way down. So it wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be.
One of the highlights of Galaxy’s Edge is the homage to the entire Star Wars saga through original movie posters. As you walk through the themed areas, you’ll come across posters representing all nine films, from the classic “A New Hope” to the epic conclusion of the Skywalker saga in “The Rise of Skywalker.” Each poster is pretty amazing to look at, although none of them compare to the original trilogy (episodes 4,5,and 6) in my opinion.
I talked my husband and teenager into waiting in line for the Millennium Falcon’s “Smuggler’s Run”. I think this was worth the wait. The group we were paired with took on daring missions as pilots, gunners, or engineers. I was the pilot, my son was a gunner and my husband got stuck with being an engineer. This interactive ride put us in the heart of the action, as we navigated through space, evade Imperial patrols, and worked together to complete our mission. It’s an adrenaline-fueled experience. I was surprised at how realistic it felt sitting in the pilot seat. I loved everything about it.
The last part of the battle against the First Order in “Rise of the Resistance.” This was my favorite part. You join the Resistance and embark on a harrowing mission to escape Kylo Ren and his forces. This ride placed us right into storytelling, technology, and heart-pounding action as we were right in the middle of the action. We faced off against stormtroopers to encounter life-sized AT-AT walkers, “Rise of the Resistance” was an unforgettable experience!
Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios is a must for all Star Wars fans. It offers an immersive escape into a galaxy. Whether you’re piloting the Millennium Falcon, exploring the original movie posters, or joining the Resistance, every moment in this galactic adventure is sure to ignite your imagination and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Day 2- Lake Eola, Orlando, & Disney Springs
On our second day, while we were still in the area, I wanted to check out Orlando. So I asked a friend what he recommended for a wide open Sunday with no set plans. He recommended we check out Lake Eola and their farmer’s market.
Lake Eola is in the heart of downtown Orlando. It’s a serene oasis offering both locals and visitors a peaceful escape from the bustling city life. Fun fact, it was originally a sinkhole! The lake has a rich history dating back to the 1800s when Orlando was first settled. Over time, it has evolved into a beloved focal point of the city, surrounded by a beautifully landscaped park that invites leisurely strolls, picnics, and moments of quiet reflection.
The lake itself is a stunning sight, covering nearly 24 acres and boasting a brilliant fountain, the iconic Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain. This fountain, affectionately known as the “Lake Eola Fountain,” has become a symbol of Orlando and is often illuminated with colorful lights, adding a magical touch to the surrounding scenery, especially during evening walks. Visitors can rent swan-shaped paddle boats to glide across the lake’s shimmering waters, taking in views of the city skyline that provides a striking backdrop.
Every Sunday, Lake Eola has a vibrant energy of the Orlando Farmers Market. This weekly event transforms the area into a bustling marketplace filled with the aromas of freshly baked goods, the colors of locally grown produce, and the sounds of live music drifting through the air. I decided to get my energy by caffeinating at Black Brew Bros coffee with an iced coffee called Tiramisu.
After exploring the lake, we walked around downtown Orlando. Orlando on a Sunday morning, seemed sleepy. There was very little to no traffic or pedestrians like us walking around. We walked up and down Central Blvd and all around Church St.
I was getting hungry- so we headed back down towards the Lake and decided to eat at Metro Espresso. You can smell the pizza dough from the sidewalk. I ordered a colossal calzone. It was bursting at the seams with gooey cheese, and savory meats, and I added spinach. I highly recommend this place, and even though it destroyed my diet- it was worth it!
Metro Espresso., Orlando FL
Disney Springs
If you’ve never been to Disney Springs, you may not know what to expect. When pulling into the parking lot, you’re going to want to park in the large parking garage. It’s free. It’s huge and has many levels. It feels like an airport parking garage. There’s even a digital counter on every floor and aisle stating if that area is full, or the number of open spaces. Once you park and exit through the garage on the ground level, you’ll have to go through security.
Once you enter Disney Springs you’ll feel like you’re at Disney. Same look and feel. Only it’s the biggest outdoor shopping mall you can imagine. There’s an endless number of stores, restaurants, and lots of entertainment. Disney Springs is nestled in a waterfront setting, with large named areas called The Landing, Marketplace, West Side, and Town Center.
Here’s a list of the top restaurants and retail shops.
Top Restaurants at Disney Springs
- The BOATHOUSE
- Morimoto Asia
- STK Orlando
- Wine Bar George
- Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’
- Jaleo by José Andrés
- T-Rex Café
- Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant
- Paddlefish
- The Edison
Top Retail Shops at Disney Springs
- World of Disney
- The LEGO Store
- DisneyStyle
- UNIQLO
- Anthropologie
- Sephora
- Coca-Cola Store
- Star Wars Galactic Outpost
- Alex and Ani
- Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories
After some retail therapy, we decided to do Happy Hour at the Rainforest Cafe. There was about a 35-minute wait, but it was worth it, as we were able to get a table near the water. You can see the rest of Disney Springs from where we were sitting. There were even tourists sitting in small paddle boats that were converted to look like cars. Even though the Rainforest Cafe has closed many locations, the one at Disney Springs doesn’t seem like it’s hurting for business. I highly recommend the Awesome Appetizer Adventure. Basically a super large plate of calories that consists of Chimi Cha-chas, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, cheese sticks, and chicken strips. Of course had to get a margarita on the rocks in their signature souvenir glass.
Rainforest Cafe at Disney Springs, FL
Day 3- Kennedy Space Center
Next on our list, we were to head over to Florida’s east coast and work our way north to south. Our first stop on the East Coast begins at Cape Canaveral: Kennedy Space Center. I had previously taken my son when he was a Cub Scout. They actually did an arranged overnight trip and we got to sleep under the Atlantis. This time, we wanted to take our time going through as much of the Space Center as we could.
The Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center has 4 major facitlities:
- Launch Complex 39- This was used for Apollo, Space Shuttle, and npw the SpaceX Falcon rockets
- Vehicle Assembly Building- Thhis is called the VAB. It’s actually one of the largest buildings in the world by volume, and it’s where they assemble the rockets, before they take them to the launch pad. We drove by this on the bus tour
- Crawler- Transporters- These vehicles are massive. These are used to transport the rockets from the assembly building to the launch pad. We also saw these from the road while on the bus tour.
When you go, make sure you carve out time to go on the bus tour, to see the above-mentioned 3 areas. The really exciting part is the destination: the Apollo/Saturn V Center. If you do the tour first, you can take your time coming back, and not have to worry about rushing through the tour to catch a bus back to the main complex. Allow around 2-3 hours. There are multiple return buses to choose from when you’re ready to leave
Here are all of the sights you can see at the Apollo/Saturn V Center
- Saturn V Rocket: This was my favorite, and is the jewel. The rocket is fully restored. Fun fact: 363-foot-long rocket is displayed horizontally id 60 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty.
- Lunar Module and Command Module: Exhibits include a Lunar Module (LM) and a Command Module (CM), here, you can take a close-up look. This was used during the Apollo missions.
- Moon Rock: I touched the real Moon rock that was brought back by Apollo astronauts.
- Firing Room Theater: The tour includes a multi-sensory experience in the Firing Room Theater, simulating the launch of Apollo 8 with the original consoles and countdown sequence.
- Apollo Treasures Gallery: This gallery houses a collection of artifacts, including spacesuits, tools, and personal items used by Apollo astronauts.
- Lunar Theater: Visitors can watch a reenactment of the Apollo 11 Moon landing, featuring actual footage and an immersive presentation.
In summary, my favorite part was standing under the Space Shuttle Atlantis. The sheer size of it, only can be realized when seeing it in person. Suspended in mid-air, the shuttle its displayed with its payload bay doors open, and it really gives you an an unparalleled view of the design and engineering. The close-up view of this iconic spacecraft forces you to appreciate the incredible complexity and scale of human space exploration.
My second favorite part, was definitely the bus tour to the Apollo/Saturn V Center. It stories an immersive journey of NASA’s storied past and present. The tour itself is a highlight, providing fascinating insights from the guide. I was very impressed with the level of detail of their knowledge. It didn’t seem like they were using memorized scripts. The Vehicle Assembly Building and the Saturn V rocket up close are worth the 2-hour investment.
Day 4- Fort Pierce The National Navy UDT- SEAL Museum
As we continued our trek down the east coast, heading south, we were going to spend the day/evening in Fort Pierce. If you’ve never been there before, you are missing out. If you a history, buff and you want to see how and why the NAVY seals were started, this is where it all began! The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum, is dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of the U.S. Navy SEALs and their predecessor units, the Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs). Here I am sitting inside a Blackhawk chopper.
Blackhawk chopper The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum, Fort Pierce (St. Lucie, Florida)The museum was established in 1985 to honor the elite warriors of the U.S. Navy SEALs and their forerunners.
I really like the way the museum was laid out. Like most museums, it takes you on a chronological journey. It goes through the history of the Navy SEALs and their predecessor units, the Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs). It begins with World War II, the origins of UDTs, and then covers the post-war era and the Korean War.
My favorite part, that drew me to this museum wasthe information about the Vietnam War, and how the SEALs were formed
Here’s how they covered that era:
Vietnam War and Formation of the SEALs
- Establishment of SEAL Teams: A significant section of the museum is dedicated to the Vietnam War era, during which the U.S. Navy SEALs were officially established in 1962. Exhibits explain the formation of SEAL Teams ONE and TWO.
- Vietnam Operations: Displays include weapons, uniforms, and equipment used by SEALs in Vietnam. Personal stories and accounts provide a vivid picture of the challenging jungle and riverine warfare SEALs engaged in.
- Notable Missions: The museum highlights key missions and operations in Vietnam, showcasing the SEALs’ versatility and effectiveness in unconventional warfare.
Post-Vietnam to the Cold War
- Expanding Roles: This section covers the SEALs’ expanding roles during the Cold War, including counter-terrorism, reconnaissance, and special operations around the globe.
- Training and Development: Exhibits detail the rigorous training processes, including BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) training, and the development of SEAL tactics and strategies during this period.
The Vietnam War display Navy SEALS museum Ft. Pierce, Florida
Day 5- Palm Beach, Jupiter
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse
On our 5th day, we drove through Palm Beach, heading to Jupiter. Our destination was to check out the historic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. This lighthouse was first lit on July 10, 1860! It’s 105 steps to the top. I know this because I completed the trek myself and earned the certificate. Here’s a pic from the top of the lighthouse.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, Jupiter Florida
The lighthouse was designed by George Meade and constructed between 1859 and 1860. It was built to guide ships along the treacherous waters off the Florida coast. During the Civil War, the lighthouse was extinguished by Confederate sympathizers to disrupt Union shipping. It was relit after the war in 1866. The lighthouse was first lit on July 10, 1860. Its light has been a critical navigational aid for mariners ever since. The lighthouse stands 108 feet tall, and its light can be seen from 24 nautical miles away. The height and strategic location provide a wide range of visibility for maritime navigation. It is built from brick and painted red, which makes it a distinctive and easily recognizable landmark. The lighthouse originally used a first-order Fresnel lens, which has since been replaced with a more modern light source.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, Jupiter, Florida
Days 5 & 6- Fort Lauderdale
Sawgrass Mills
Of course, I had to get some shopping down while on vacation. I wanted to go back to one of the largest outlet malls (the 11th to be exact) in the US called Sawgrass Mills. Here’s a fun fact, the mall is actually designed in the shape of an alligator. This is one of the older outlet malls, and one whose construction began in the late 80s, and it actually opened in 1990. When it first opened, they named areas of the mall after Florida wildlife. Some of the names back then, included Oasis and Avenue. The mall continued to grow and expand, and word spread quickly. It began attracting not just locals but tourists. In 2006 they opened an upsale section for high-end retailers, called The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass. The Oasis section also expanded where they added a variety of dining and entertainment. The mall has over 350 stores and outlets including Gucci, Tory Burch, Michael Kors Outlet, Ralph Lauren, Lululemon, and Prada.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
When visiting Fort Lauderdale, several people told me I had to grab lunch or dinner at Coconut’s. This restaurant is the perfect waterfront location that sits on the Intercoastal Waterway. The views are incredible especially if you’re able to watch the sunset. They are known for their paella- and fresh lobster rolls. If you enjoy fresh seafood, you have to add this to your itinerary. There was about an hour wait but it was worth it.
Coconuts Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Coconuts Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Overall, this was an amazing trip, and next time I explore other parts of this beautiful state I’ll be sure to share. Sometimes you don’t need to travel far to explore, there are amazing things to see right here. That’s why I love to travel locally and globally.
Check out additional pictures from my trip on my Gallery page.
Top of the Rock!
Apr 16, 2024 | NYC, USA
Exploring New York City or Manhattan for the first time might seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With some thoughtful planning, you can tailor your visit to fit exactly what you’re looking for, at your own pace, while hitting all the must-see spots. NYC is a city teeming with people, vibrant noises, and constant activity. It’s a whirlwind of energy, clamor, and yes, even some less-than-pleasant smells. Yet, it’s no wonder why it’s often hailed as the greatest city on Earth by millions.
When mapping out your itinerary, consider where you’ll be staying in relation to what you plan to do. For instance, if catching a Broadway show and visiting iconic tourist attractions is on your agenda, a stay near Broadway is ideal. If your interests lean towards exploring the art scene in Chelsea, mingling in the East Village, or venturing out to Brooklyn, consider accommodations closer to those areas. Regardless, with the extensive subway system, the city is yours to traverse.
When I mentioned my upcoming trip to New York, the common questions were whether I’d be catching a Broadway show or visiting the Statue of Liberty. While these are top draws for many, having visited New York several times before, these weren’t on my agenda this time. My goal was to absorb as much as possible on a self-guided walking tour. The allure of staying in Times Square was undeniable—it’s Times Square, after all. Exploring Battery Park, strolling through Central Park, and ascending to the Top of the Rock was at the forefront of my plans. Every sight was within walking distance, keeping my expenses minimal without extensive museum visits or guided tours. The one culinary must for me? Joe’s Pizza—a nod to its fame in the Spiderman movies.
Care to join me on this virtual tour?
Day 1
After we got off the train and landed in Columbus Circle (Central Park) we grabbed a quick bite to eat from one of the food trucks there. Nothing significant, but I was hungry so it didn’t matter. Then it was time to hit the first place on my list- the Top of The Rock (Rockafeller Center). The view did not disappoint.
Top of the Rock!
An amazing view!
Also part of the Rockefeller Center, is the Atlas statue on Fifth Avenue. This looks just as worldly as you see in the history books. We all know the history, where Atlas was forced to carry the world on his shoulders as a punishment when he helped with the war against the Olympic gods.
Atlas, at Rcokefeller Center
Our afternoon walk continued, and we came across St. Patrick’s Cathedral. I loved looking at this church and its amazing architecture. I couldn’t have planned this shot any more perfectly, capturing your typical New York cab parked out front! According to Wikipedia, this is the largest Gothic Revival Catholic Church in North America, and first of its kinds in the US. The cathedral is so large it can seat up to 2,400 people. Alec Baldwin married Hilaria there in 2012. I for sure, don’t know that many people!
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
One of the joys of walking around Times Square, is seeing all the artists. They’re either trying to sell you something, or trying to get you to take your picture with them. This guy kind of looks like the tin man, but he kind of doesn’t. I’m not really sure what he’s supposed to be. Either way, his costume is great. We’re definitely not in Kansas anymore.
Not the Tin Man, but he’s wearing siilver. In Times Square
The Big Button, The Garment District
So after a day of flying, riding the train, lunch, and checking out Top of the Rock etc, we checked into our hotel, (we stayed at the Westin, Times Square) we decided it was finally time to check out the famous Joe’s Pizza. They have several locations, but we went to the one at 40th St/Broadway. Their original location is in Greenwhich Village. If you’ve never heard of Joe’s Pizza, you may be wondering why they’re so famous. In the Marvels movie, Spider-Man 2 Peter Parker works there. The pizza is your typical large triangular sliced NY style pizza. It’s good, but not great. The restaurant is super small, and basically set up for carryout. Our line wrapped around the corner from 40th Street down Broadway. They are constantly opening the ovens putting in pizzas and taking out the cooked ones- so it delays the cooking time. Here are some of my favorite pics!
Joe’s Pizza 40th St/ Broadway- Manhattan, NY
Day 2
After a good night’s rest, our second day of adventure began in Central Park. And boy did we have perfect weather for it.
Central Park, New York
We wanted to check out the Blockhouse. This is the oldest building in Park, and was ressurected before the park was created, built back in 1814. This was used to defend the British during the War of 1812.
The Blockhouse, Central Park New York
After this quick hike, we decided to go ahead with our walking tour of Manhattan. We headed south and walked the full lenth of Central Park via 5th Avenue. Check out our pics.
Museum Of The City of New York
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, NY
Day 3
On our third day, we ventured to Hudson Yards, passing by The Vessel—a striking structure consisting of 154 interconnected staircases soaring 150 feet tall. This architectural marvel was a centerpiece of “public art” in the area, offering a magnificent sight to behold. Sadly, in 2021, it was closed to the public due to a series of tragic events involving multiple suicides.
The Vessel, Hudson Yards- Manhattan, NY
While we were walking through Hudson Yards, I felt like I was being watched by this guy
The artwork displayed on the High Line in Hudson Yards is great. This nearly 1.5-mile elevated pathway was repurposed from an old railway line. Positioned on Manhattan’s west side, it meanders amidst condominiums, commercial spaces, and mixed-use buildings. Walking this route, tranquility envelops you, offering relief from the city sounds and crowds. It took us roughly half an hour to traverse its entire length, and the best part? It’s free to wander through.
Sarabeth’s, Chelsea Market
When you go to NYC, you should definitely check out the Chelsea Market. You can grab a cup of coffee and you can even watch them make some fresh baked goods at Sarabeth’s
After walking through the Highline, and refueling at Chelsea Market- we headed south and had to check out the view across the Hudson River. These views did not disappoint!
Little Island, The Hudson River
Hudson River Park
The Amph on Little Island, The Hudson River
We took a walk through Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park
After leaving the Park, we continued to head south, and grabbed lunch at a great diner called The Waverly. This across from the park at the corner of Sixth Ave and Waverly Place. It has those old fashioned leather booths, and the grilled cheese with tomato and bacon sandwich hit the spot. I definitely recommend. From there, we headed back out and walked through Little Italy and Chinatown.
Little Italy was crowded, but smelled exactly like you’d think it would. There’s nothing better than smelling garlic, fresh pasta, and even taking a few sneak peaks at diner’s plates ad you are walking by their sidewalk tables. Next time, I am definitely going back for dinner and a slice of tiramisu.
Little Italy
My experience walking through Chinatown was not what I was expecting. For some reason, I though there would be a lot more restaurants, than what we actually saw. It was difficult watlking by the sidewalk vendors that had blocks and blocks of premier, high-end designer labels’ counterfeit products. This went on for many blocks, and it didn’t really clear out until we finally made our way to the next subway station.
After we wore ourselves out, we headed back to the hotel for a quick nap. We decided for dinner that evening, we were ging to hang out in what was called Hell’s Kitchen. This area has grown so much and gone through so many changes. We ate at a place called Mom’s and I absolutely loved it. The music was loud, the menu was super colorful, and the drinks were huge! Here’s my Mom’s Margarita (16 ozs!)
Mom’s Margarita at Mom’s (Hell’s Kitchen)
Day 4
On our last day, we had to start the day off right. I was going to finally try a proper NYC Bagel. Across the street from our hotel, we stepped into The NYC Coffee Shop, where”Life Begins After Coffee”. I ordered the All Time New Yorker, this terrfic egg and cheese bagel sandwich. Let me tell you. It was deelish! This is where you should grab a bagel and a coffee if you’re in Times Square.
Grind, The NYC Coffee Shop
On our last day, our remaining agenda was to visit the World Trace Center Memorial to pay our respects, head over to the financial district, and also see if we had time to see the Statue of Liberty. We weren’t going to go to Ellis Island on this trip, but I would like to go back with my son, so he can experience it much closer up, as I did, when I went as a kid.
The World Trade Center Memorial was very touching to see. I was overhwheled with emotion as I laid eyes on both fountains and read through all the names. It didn’t feel right to snap a lot of pictures and videos, but I wanted to catch a few, in case anyone reading this does not have the opportunity to go visit it themselves in person.
After we visited the World Trade Center, we headed on over to the Financial District. We saw the Bull on Broad St.
Bull of Wall Street, Financial District
The Fearless Girl statue is located across the street from the New York Stock Exchange building.
As I left the hustle and bustle of the city, and iconic skyline of Manhattan, I’m amazed at sense of the relentless energy of the people. Manhattan has historic landmarks and many hidden gems, each corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. Manhattan, with its blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy, remains a testament to the spirit of New York City—an enduring beacon of art, culture, and limitless possibilities. Until next time, Manhattan, thank you for an unforgettable journey amidst your skyscrapers and dreams.
Check out all of my pictures from my trip on my Gallery page.
Dec 16, 2023 | USA, Vietnam
Visting and exploring my homeland of Vietnam and the wonderful cities of Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City. What an experience!
My return trip to Vietnam has been a long time coming. I was born there, and have not returned until this year. As a Vietnamese refugee, I’ve heard so much about my home country. I’ve seen pictures, watched movies, documentaries and read books. There was really nothing that could properly prepare me for what to expect, returning four decades later. This was going to be a trip of a lifetime for me. There’s more meaning to my trip, than that as a tourist or your typical travel blogger. This was going to be personal and emotional. It was also going to include all of the excitement of going somewhere so highly anticipated.
Since I didn’t have any personal connections or family to contact, I decided the best way to set this up was through a tour company that knows the area. I wanted to leave a lot of the logistics up to the local people, so once I was there, I would not be scrambling with the details of my itinerary and and how I was going to get from place to place, I also wanted to make sure I hit the cities that I really wanted to see, since I do not know when was going to be the next time I could return to Vietnam.
We decided to use a travel tour company called BestPrice Travel. They took care of all of the arrangments for us. We supplied them with all of our travel documents, our budget, and our dates, and they took care of the rest. They booked all of our flights, including the in-country ones. They took care of getting our Visas for us, and they took care of having a guide for all of the tours, and a driver for all of the tours and trips to and from the airport.
I hope you enjoy taking a look at my journey.
Hanoi
My arrival in Hanoi was everything I imagined. It took us a while to get here, as we flew from our home state, to LA. We then flew from LA to Taiwan. Then Taiwan to Hanoi. When we arrived, we exchanged some currency, swapped out our SIM cards for our phones, and connected with our driver.
We stopped at the hotel, The Hanoi Pearl. I loved this hotel. It had all of the great details of a boutique hotel, but the amenities of a large hotel. We were greeted in the lobby promptly with tea service, whiile my husband went to check us in. Our room wasn’t ready, but we were able to drop off our luggage. We decided to walk around the Old Quarter. We grabbed some food and a beer at The Balcony Bar & Cafe. Below us we had a great view of bustling Hanoi and the lake. My first Vietnamese beer, Hanoi Beer hit the spot!
The Balcony Bar & Cafe, Hanoi, Vietnam
While exploring the Old Quarter, we found this place, where we’d eat dinner overlooking the Hoàn Kiếm Lake for the next two nights. There was some live music and a great night market. I really wanted to go to Train Street, however, it’s closed during certain hours. After talking to our tour guide, he said now you need to be invited by one of the local business hours. to grab a table right there.
Old Quarter, Hanoi Vietnam
After a good night’s rest, we connected with our tour guide the next day. Our first stop was the Temple of Literature. This was Vietnam’s first national university. From what our tour guide Lee explained to us, it was only offered to a very few elite handful of propsective students each year. This temple also served as a site historically and to this present day- as a desitnation for students to come pray for the success of their academic endeavors. Here are some of the original documents and texts for the students.
Temple of Literature Hanoi, Vietnam
Later that morning, we finally got to try a Vietnamese egg coffee. And there’s no better place to try it, than where there the ORIGINAL egg coffee was invented at Cafe Giang, which opened in 1946!. Egg coffee is made up of 3 eggs, coffee and condensed milk. This place serves over 1,000 cups of coffee a day!
Cafe Giang Hanoi, Vietnam
Halong Bay
After leading Hanoi, we headed up to Halong Bay. We went with our tour group via a charter bus. Along the way, we stopped at the pearl farm. The size of the oyster shells really suprirsed me!
We booked our boutique cruise with Seneca Cruises. The ship had amazing woodwork detail in all of the cabins. The ship had 3 floors which included a rooftop dining area, and bar. The second floor had most of the cabins along with a nice sitting area and small library tucked next to the staircase.
The cruise staff prearranged an action packed activies schedule that included a canoe ride through the caves, a cooking class, and some night fishing. My favorite part was trying the cocout vodka!
The views of Halong Bay are magical. The islands that popped up over time (over 2,000 of them) are very majestic. I took so many- but here’s my favorite one. Please see more in the gallery link on the front page of my website.
Hoi An
Our next step in our travels, took us to Hoi An. Since we were only going to be in Vietnam for two weeks, we did not do one of the sleeper buses. We decided to fly. Once landing, we had quite a bit of miscommunication from our driver. He took us to the wrong hotel. Once we arrived at the correct hotel, he dropped us off at the wrong entrance, but we finally made it. We stayed at the beautiful Mulberry Silk Village. This is a small resort with restaurants, a spa, a bar, and as the title says- a silk museum. In the middle of the courtyard was this beautiful fountain and statue of a large silkworm.
The night market in Hoi An is exactly how you see pictured in all of the YouTube videos and Instagram pics and TikTok posts.
The beautiful colors of the lanterns really light up at night when they are reflecting upon the water. If you are so inclined, you can hop in a small canoe and go around the lake. You can light a lantern for good luck.
The next day, while touring Hoi An, our tour consisted of : Trieu Chau Assembly Hall, Ba Le Well, and lastly, my favorite part: a demonstation of making sweet black sesame soup. They serve it to everyone that explores their town. It’s served cold, and it’s really good. After that we ventured on to the Tan K’y National Heritage Merchant House, walked across the Japanese Covered Bridge, had lunch at Mai Fish, and a coconut coffee at Vi Que restaurant.
xi ma phu (sweet soup of black sesame seeds) made by two generations of Ngo Thiểu’s family Nguyen Truong To Street
Hue
On our way to Hue and then DaNang, we had a driver take us to Marble Mountain. Marble Mountain was so tall! The mountain is made up of 5 limestones fromed into peaks. They are named after the 5 elements:metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Walking through different areas of the mountains you can see numerous Buddhist sanctuaries.
One of the 5 peaks of Marble Mountain. Da Nang, Vietnam
We took the elevator up, and then walked through all of the areas on the way down. Here is one of the Buddhist statues.
Buddhist Statue Marble Mountain Da Nang, Vietnam
Da Nang
Once we arrived in DaNang, we saw so much. This might have been my favorite part of the trip. On our way, we passed the famous dragon bridge. Next time when I return, I want to go back to the bridge in the evening, when it’s all lit up and actually spits fire! It’s really supposed to be an amazing sight for sore eyes.
Hue
Our first stop, in Hue, we toured The Citadel and walking around The Imperial City. The Imperial City was the former imperial capital of Vietnam back in 1802, during the Nguyen royal dynasty. There are many monuments, gardens, statues and shrines to view.
We went to the Mekong River. We took a ride on a dragon boat.
We went to a tiny village along the Mekong River, I tried some snake wine. It was strong! That will probably be the last time I try it.
We had a traditional Vietnamese 7-course lunch in a nearby fishing village. The fish tastes better than it looks. We also had some enormous tiger prawn shrimp.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Our last destination and end of our trip took us to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saignon. While here, we stayed at the Harmony Hotel. It was a really nice hotel. It was unique, because the pool was on the top floor. It had a great view of the city and a nice fitness center, and relaxing sitting area near the pool. I loved relaxing, and it gave us a chance to recharge, before the last set of tours before we were to fly home.
The first part of our tour we went to was the Cu Chi tunnels. This was very somber, ane very difficult to imagine. We viewed the tunnels where the Viet Cong soldiers would hide. The tunnels are very narrow, and you need to be smaller, and physically fit to walk or crawl through them. It didn’t feel right to take pictures while down there, but I did walk through 60 meters.
The second place we went to was The War Remnants Museum. The museum has 4 floors divided into different parts of the war from 1946- 1975. The museum displays some aircraft outside the main entrance, there’s artillery and armor. There’s many large posters displaying people, soliders, journalists. This museum is the largest toursist attraction in HCMC. We only spent about an hour here, but I’d definitely like to go back and take my time going through each floor. This was also very somber to walk through, and it didn’t feel right to take pictures inside of here either.
War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Our last stop in HCMC, was probably my favorite part. We visited Independence Palace. This was the site of the Fall of Saigon. But it’s original purpose was the residence and workplace of the president of the Republic of Vietnam.
The Independence Palace, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Check out all of my pictures from my trip on my Gallery page.
