Vietnam Holiday: Unbelievable Adventures Await!
Vietnam Holiday: Unbelievable Adventures Await! - A Review That's More Real Than Your Last Relationship (Hopefully)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (or, you know, the pho) on Vietnam Holiday: Unbelievable Adventures Await! Let's be honest, the name is a tad hyperbolic, but after spending a week there, I can see where they're coming from. This isn't your average cookie-cutter resort; it's a whirlwind of chaos, charm, and surprisingly good massages. Now, let's dive in, shall we? I'm gonna be honest, I don't have the patience for a completely clean, ordered review. So, prepare for a bit of a stream of consciousness journey.
Accessibility: (It's a Mixed Bag, Folks)
Okay, so a HUGE shoutout to Vietnam Holiday for trying. They score points for having an elevator (essential!), but the actual accessibility is a bit, shall we say, "Vietnamese." I'd give it a strong "needs improvement" rating. It’s great to see that the elevator is available. The facilities for disabled guests are technically there, but navigating the grounds with a wheelchair could be… an adventure. Be sure to inquire specifically about room accessibility – don't assume!
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On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: (Again, Ask Before You Book)
Again, a big ol' question mark. The hotel does have several restaurants and a poolside bar, but I didn't see any explicit information about accessibility. My advice? Call ahead, ask specific questions about ramp access, and be prepared to be flexible. You might end up having to get creative.
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Rooms: (Spoiler Alert: Pretty Good)
Let's face it, the rooms are where you spend the most time. And honestly, the rooms at Vietnam Holiday are a delightful blend of modern and traditional, and almost worth the price of admission.
- Air conditioning: Essential. You'll sweat like you're auditioning for a mud wrestling competition otherwise.
- Complimentary tea/Coffee Maker: Great start to the day, every day
- Wi-Fi [free]: Hallelujah! Seriously, free Wi-Fi is a must these days.
- In-room safe box: Always a good idea. Protect those precious valuables… like your passport and your emergency chocolate stash.
- Additional toilet, Private bathroom, Separate shower/bathtub: All the good stuff. Trust me, after a day of exploring, a long soak in the tub is heaven.
- Alarm clock, Wake-up service: You’ll need to get out of bed for the adventures, right?
- Satellite/cable channels, On-demand movies: For those lazy evenings when you just want to veg out with a movie.
- Non-smoking rooms: Thank you, sweet baby Jesus.
- Blackout curtains: Crucial for escaping the oppressive heat and getting some solid sleep.
- Desk, Laptop workspace: Handy if you, like me, need to work from anywhere.
- Refrigerator, Free bottled water, Mini bar: Stay hydrated.
- Bathrobes, Slippers: Little touches of luxury that make a difference.
- Hair dryer, Toiletries: The essentials.
- Additional features: Interconnecting room(s) available and Extra long bed are a plus if you happen to travelling in a family and need to make sure your travel companions are comfortable!
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Cleanliness and Safety: (Surprisingly Solid!)
Okay, this is where Vietnam Holiday truly shines. After all, you want to feel safe and comfy while on vacation, right?
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays: They are seriously taking the cleanliness very seriously.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. You can't escape it. (Which, in this day and age, is a good thing.)
- Individually-wrapped food options, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol: These measures make a big difference, especially if you're a bit of a germaphobe, like yours truly.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Peace of mind.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Security [24-hour], Security feature: The hotel is well-secured.
- Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms: Standard but essential.
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Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (Food Glorious Food!)
Alright, let's talk about the most important thing: the food! The food at Vietnam Holiday is… phenomenal. Seriously, I could have moved in just for the breakfast buffet.
- Breakfast [buffet]: A MUST. It's a sprawling feast of Asian and Western delights. I swear I gained five pounds just from the pastries alone.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: The pho! Oh, the pho! It's a culinary hug in a bowl.
- Buffet in restaurant, A la carte in restaurant: Options, options, options.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: The perfect fuel for your adventures.
- Poolside bar: Happy hour is a must. Cocktails by the pool after a hot day? Yes, please!
- Restaurants, Snack bar, Room service [24-hour]: You will not go hungry.
- Alternative meal arrangement: This is important for those picky eaters.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Catering to everyone.
- Happy hour: The best way to end a day.
- Desserts in restaurant: Worth ruining your diet for.
- I'll be Breakfast in room.
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Things to Do & Ways to Relax: (Spa Day! Spa Day! Spa Day!)
This is where Vietnam Holiday really delivers on its "Unbelievable Adventures Await" promise. And the relaxation options are top-notch.
- Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view: Gorgeous! Perfect for a refreshing dip.
- Spa, Sauna, Steamroom: Ahhhh, the spa. I highly recommend booking a massage.
- Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: I spent a glorious afternoon there. I got a massage. Hands down the best massage of my life. I still dream about it. The masseuse was a gentle wizard who kneaded away all my travel stress. I felt like a new person. That alone makes Vietnam Holiday worth it. The fact that they have a Gym/fitness on site can't be overlooked.
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Services and Conveniences: (Everything You Need!)
They really have thought of everything.
- Air conditioning in public area: THANK YOU.
- Concierge: Super helpful for booking tours, making restaurant reservations, etc.
- Currency exchange, Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Doorman, Daily housekeeping: The staff is attentive and efficient.
- Elevator: Crucial!
- Facilities for disabled guests: (See above – a mixed bag, but they try!)
- Gift/souvenir shop: Perfect for picking up last-minute presents.
- Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Because who wants to do laundry on vacation?
- Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes: Peace of mind.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: If you need to work on your vacation.
- Airport transfer, Taxi service, Valet parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Getting around is easy.
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For the Kids: (Family-Friendly But Not a Theme Park)
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids meal, Kids facilities: Vietnam Holiday is suitable for kids.
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Getting Around: (Easy Peasy)
- Airport transfer, Taxi service, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking: Getting to and from the hotel is a breeze.
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The Verdict: (Go…But With Realistic Expectations!)
Vietnam Holiday: Unbelievable Adventures Await! is a fantastic hotel with some caveats. It's clean, the staff is friendly, the food is incredible, and the spa is divine. The accessibility could be improved, but it's generally a great experience.
Overall Score: 4 out
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-polished travel itinerary. This is my attempt to wrangle Vietnam. And believe me, Vietnam is a LOT.
Vietnam Holiday: A Chaotic Adventure (and the Ghosts of Pho Past)
Day 1: Arrival – Saigon, or, Where Did My Luggage Go?!
- Morning (or, what feels like morning after 36 hours of travel): Land in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Humidity slaps you in the face. It's a humid, beautiful, chaotic slap. Immigration is a blur of stern faces and indecipherable forms. My inner monologue is screaming, "Is this worth it?! (Yes. Yes, it is.)"
- The Great Luggage Heist of '23 (or, the airline's fault, probably): My suitcase? MIA. Gone. Vanished in the ether. Cue panic, followed by the weary resignation of a seasoned traveler. The airline promises to locate it. I'm betting my lucky socks on a prayer circle.
- Afternoon: Check into a tiny, charming hotel in District 1. The receptionist, bless her heart, speaks barely any English, but she offers me a refreshing iced tea with a smile that melts away some of the travel-induced grumpiness. I immediately flop onto the surprisingly comfortable bed and battle jet lag.
- Evening: Wandering around Ben Thanh Market. OMG. The sheer vibrancy! Colors exploding everywhere. The hawkers are relentless, but I find myself charmed by a woman selling silk scarves. I haggled for a bit. The price wasn't the point, it was the performance. I am already obsessed. Dinner is Pho. I crave, eat, regret eating so much, and crave more. The best pho I have ever had. Life-changing. Seriously. I'm on a mission to find The Next Pho.
Day 2: Saigon Soul Searching (And Vespa Shenanigans)
- Morning: The suitcase has not reappeared. I briefly consider burning the airline to the ground. Instead, I buy some emergency clothes.
- Cu Chi Tunnels: This is the history lesson that genuinely captivated me. It's a sobering experience. Cramped tunnels, ingenious traps… It's a testament to human resilience. I am a tiny human with claustrophobia, but I make it through the tunnels (mostly). It's a humbling experience, and I'm left with a strange mix of horror and admiration.
- Lunch Back to Saigon and pho craving (as always as if you're hungry). I'm starting to be known at the pho stand. The staff starts preparing my bowl before I even order. I start to think pho is my soul food.
- Afternoon: Vespa Tour of Saigon. This is where things get wild. We’re weaving through the crazy traffic like pros (well, the drivers are; I'm clinging on for dear life). The guide offers me a conical hat. I immediately feel like a local. We stop at hidden alleyways, sample exotic fruits (dragon fruit! Rambutan!), and visit a neighborhood temple. It's a sensory overload in the best possible way. My opinion? Do it. Do it NOW.
- Evening: Find a local bar and order a Bia Saigon. People-watching. Contemplating the meaning of life (or at least, how to get my luggage back). The streets of Saigon at night are magical. The air hums with energy. I am utterly and completely in love.
Day 3: Mekong Delta – Boats, Bridges, and Too Much Coconut Candy
- Morning: Early start for a day trip to the Mekong Delta. The scenery is beautiful. The sheer volume of boats is insane. The pace is slower, more relaxed.
- Boat tour: We explore the intricate waterways. We visit a coconut candy factory. Sample the cand. The coconut candy is overwhelmingly sweet. They're everywhere. I become slightly obsessed because I want to leave the boat. But, mostly, I loved it.
- Afternoon: A cooking class. I make spring rolls. Mine look like sad, misshapen worms. The others look like works of art. The flavor, though, is delicious!
- Evening: Back in Saigon. Dinner at a rooftop restaurant, overlooking the city lights. I order a cocktail. Take a sip. Regret the alcohol. Remind myself that I am not, in fact, 21. I start to plan my pho reconnaissance mission for tomorrow.
Day 4: Hue - The Imperial City and Ghostly Whispers
- Morning: Flight to Hue. The plane is tiny. I'm convinced it should be illegal to fly on a plane this small.
- Hue Citadel: The old Imperial City. It's stunning. It's also incredibly hot and humid. I walk around the citadel, imagining what life was like back when it was the seat of the Nguyen emperors. It's a history buff's dream. It's also a location that inspires thoughts of the afterlife.
- Afternoon: Cruising by Perfume River. This river holds so much history. Everything is alive: markets, restaurants, museums, temples, and the mausoleums of the emperors. They're all near this river. The Perfume River has a smell of old flowers.
- Evening: More Pho. I am not going soft. I am determined to find the perfect bowl. This is a mission. One that may determine my purpose on Earth. I'm starting to think I could live on Pho.
Day 5: Hue to Da Nang - The Hai Van Pass and the Dragon Bridge
- Morning: Motorbike from Hue to Hoi An! A thrilling ride along the Hai Van Pass, where you travel high in the mountains, and you feel like you're on the edge of the world. The view is awesome.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Da Nang and explore the city. I have a beer at the Dragon Bridge.
- Evening: Head to Hoi An. Arrive at a stunning boutique hotel. I have the best sleep of my life.
Day 6-7: Hoi An - Tailors, Lanterns, and Riverside Romance
- Hoi An: Tailor-made clothes are cheap, so I get some. I can't resist the lanterns, they're everywhere, and so pretty. The river seems like time has stopped.
- An Bang Beach: I find the beach to be beautiful and quiet. This is where I recharge.
- Evening: It is too easy to get lost in Hoi An's beauty. I love the evening, and you sit on the river. It is romantic. It is gorgeous. I drink wine, stare at the lanterns, and think I could die happy on this riverbank.
Day 8: Departure – Sayonara, Vietnam (for now!)
- Morning: Last pho. Stare at the photo of my luggage, which is probably still wandering the globe alone.
- Afternoon: Fly home (or onwards, depending on your travel plans). The flight is long. I sit there, replaying the memories, the chaos, the beauty, the food… Vietnam has burrowed its way into my soul. I know I'll be back. And next time, I'm bringing an extra suitcase. And maybe a personal Pho scout.
Important Notes & Ramblings:
- The Food: Eat everything. Don't be afraid. Try the street food. Wash it all down with Bia Saigon or a yummy Vietnamese coffee (add condensed milk! You won't regret it!).
- The Traffic: Embrace the chaos. Cross the street with blind faith. Look, don't look, just go.
- The People: The Vietnamese people are incredibly friendly and welcoming. They're also excellent at haggling (a skill I'm still working on).
- The Weather: It's hot. It's humid. Dress accordingly. Drink plenty of water.
- Lost Luggage: Still haven't found it. Maybe it's on a separate adventure of its own. I hope it's having fun.
Vietnam is a whirlwind. It's beautiful, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable. Go. Just go. And bring an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a hearty appetite. You won't regret it. And if you happen to see my suitcase, send it my way, will ya? I miss my socks.
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Vietnam Holiday: Unbelievable Adventures (and Utter Chaos!) Await!
Okay, Vietnam. Sounds amazing! BUT... Is it actually safe? Like, *really* safe?
Alright, let's get the safety elephant in the room out of the way first. Generally? Vietnam *is* pretty safe. Like, way safer than I expected, honestly. I mean, petty theft can happen (keep an eye on your stuff, duh), but you're not exactly living in a Mad Max movie. I felt safer wandering around Hanoi at midnight than I sometimes do walking my dog at 7 PM back home.
That said... the traffic. Oh. My. God. The traffic. Picture a river of motorbikes, flowing constantly, with a few cars bobbing occasionally. Cross the road? Forget the pedestrian crossings; they're decorative. You basically have to develop a zen-like detachment from your impending doom and *slowly* walk. They’ll weave around you. More than once I thought I was going to die. Nearly had a heart attack in Hoi An trying to get across the street. But, I lived! And you probably will too. Just be aware of it. And maybe practice your 'deer in headlights' impression beforehand.
Also, food poisoning. It's a potential hazard. I got it. It wasn’t pretty. Spent a day glued to a toilet in a tiny hotel room in Sapa, wishing I’d packed more Pepto Bismol. Stick to places that look busy (i.e., where the locals eat). And avoid the street iced tea unless you have a cast-iron gut. Lesson learned. Now, back to safety! (Because my stomach's still recovering and I want to get back to the good stuff.)
What's the best time to visit Vietnam? I’m imagining a tropical paradise.
Ha! Tropical paradise... with caveats. It really depends where you're going. Generally, the dry season (November to April) is your best bet. But Vietnam is long and thin, so the weather varies massively.
I went in February and it was glorious down south, but utterly freezing in Sapa. Like, layers upon layers of thermals and a thick jacket freezing. I mean, seriously... freezing. Remember, I'm from a place where 50 degrees is considered 'cold'. Sapa in February was like a Siberian wind tunnel disguised as a mountainside. I saw people literally shivering. And then you have the rainy season (May to October), which can be, well, wet. Very, very wet. I've heard horror stories. I will *never* go during the rainy season. No thanks!
So, do your research! Don't be like me and just assume 'Vietnam = warm'. Do your research. Or you'll end up wearing a puffer jacket in a place you expect to be wearing a bikini. (Been there, done that, still traumatized... a little.)
How much money should I budget for a trip to Vietnam? I'm on a budget, but I don't want to live like a pauper.
Vietnam is *incredibly* affordable. Seriously, it blew my mind. You can eat like a king for a few dollars. Accommodation? Dirt cheap compared to, say, Europe. Transport? Also shockingly affordable. I mean, you can get a private car for a day for a price that would barely cover a taxi ride in London. It felt weirdly *wrong* to spend so little.
The real killer, though, is the internal flights. If you want to see a lot of the country (and you should), flights add up. Consider how much time you *really* have. Do you *really* need to fly? Consider the train! (More on that later). And... well, the shopping. Oh, the shopping. The temptation is real. I bought so many silk scarves and knock-off handbags... Don't be like me. Set a budget. And then stick to it. Or at least try. Or just... give in and buy the silk scarf. They're beautiful.
I’d say, without flights, you could easily manage on $30-50 a day comfortably. But, you could do it for less! Heck, you possibly spend more than that on coffee in a single day. But, hey, you’re on vacation!
What are the absolute MUST-DO things in Vietnam? Give me the highlights!
Okay, buckle up, because the list is long! Vietnam is packed with incredible experiences. Here's my (slightly chaotic) take:
- Hanoi's Old Quarter: Sensory overload in the best way possible. The smells, the sounds, the chaos... It's incredible. Get lost! Get a Bia Hoi (local beer) and watch the world go by. Just try not to get run over by a motorbike.
- Ha Long Bay: The limestone karsts rising from the emerald waters are truly breathtaking. Do a cruise! It's touristy, but for good reason. Just choose a reputable operator (do some research).
- Hoi An: This is where you get everything tailored. Seriously, everything. Clothes, shoes, even a leather handbag. It’s so beautiful! And you feel like you've stepped back in time. But it's also *very* touristy.
- The Mekong Delta: A world away from the more frantic pace of the cities. Floating markets, lush greenery, and a slower rhythm of life. I nearly fell out of a tiny boat here. That was... unexpected.
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: Caves! Giant caves that will make you feel like an insignificant speck. The biggest cave in the world! It’s amazing... and utterly exhausting if you actually hike in it.
- Sapa: Stunning rice terraces. Trekking! But, as mentioned before, potentially freezing. The views though are absolutely worth it. The locals are so kind (even though their English might be a little lacking).
Honestly, that's just scratching the surface. Each place has its own magic. Get out there and discover it! And take a camera. Because you will want to remember it, even if some of the memories are a little... blurry (thanks, Bia Hoi!).
Let's Talk Food. What should I eat in Vietnam? Give me the lowdown.
Oh, the food. This could be its own entire FAQ! Seriously, the food alone is worth the trip. Here’s the crash course:
- Pho: Duh! The national dish. Noodle soup. So good. Eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I probably did.
- Banh Mi: Crusty baguette filled with all sorts of deliciousness. A taste of heaven in a sandwich.
- Fresh Spring Rolls (Goi Cuon): Light, refreshing, and addictive. Don't judge me for eating a dozen in one sitting.
- Bun Cha: Grilled pork with noodles and dipping sauce. Heaven on a plate, especially in Hanoi.
- Cao Lau: Only in Hoi An! Thick noodles, pork, and herbs. So unique.
- Coffee: Vietnamese coffee is strong and delicious. Try the egg coffee for something truly unique. (It sounds weird, but trust me.)
And don't be afraid to be adventurous! Try the street food! Try *everything*! Just... maybe start slowly. I got a slightly dodgy prawn early on. Not the best experienceTrending Hotels Now
