Just Cruisin'

Magnificent Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is spread across a 1500 sq km area, with over 2000 pinnacle-shaped limestone and dolomite outcrops scattered across it. Legend tells of how the bay was formed when a gigantic dragon (ha long means 'descending dragon') plunged into the Gulf of Tonkin, lashing its tail and thereby creating the islands.

An overnight cruise from Halong City is the perfect way to take in the sights of Halong Bay, easily reached from Hanoi....

Port at Halong City

Our cruise boat

 Dining galley

 Comfy cabin

En suite bathroom

Unfortunately, the weather was a bit dull and overcast during our cruise - I think changing my photos to black and white works better... click on any photo to enlarge as a slideshow.

 

Kayaking is a great way to explore the isolated coves....

Next up.... a tour of Hang Sung Sot (Cave of Awe) in Halong Bay

Learning To Cook, Vietnamese Style

Vietnam is renowned for its food... an emphasis on fresh ingredients and balanced flavours. It has a reputation for being one of the healthiest cuisines in the world too... and I can vouch for that! I came back from my travels half a stone lighter.... it's not often that I can say that after a fortnight's holiday!

Pho - noodle soup with chicken (often served with beef)

While in Hoi An, we had the chance to learn to cook some delicious Vietnamese food at the Red Bridge Restaurant and Cooking School.

A half day at the school costs around US$27 and includes a tour of Hoi An's lively market....

 Rambutans

 Dragon fruit

 Durian fruit

 Where's the Colonel?

 All your eggs in one basket

The Spice of Life

Then a boat cruise down the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Restaurant....

Where we were taught some of the skills of Vietnamese cooking....

 Making fresh rice noodle paper

 My attempts at fresh rice noodle rolls

 and crispy pancakes

and eggplant in clay pot

and edible decorations

And after all that food.... we had the chance to sample even more dishes prepared by the restaurant!

Hoi An, I Think I Love You...

Perhaps I am just a dumb tourist, but of all the places we visited in Vietnam.... Hoi An was my favourite by far! It's relaxed feel, charming old buildings, restaurants and endless shops filled with gorgeous silks just won my heart.

It seemed like the restful holiday bit of the tour, sandwiched between the bustling cities of Hanoi and Saigon. Possibly, this was because we stayed in the fabulous Hoi An Riverside Resort, on the banks of the Song Do River.....

Song Do River

Restaurant and bar

Accommodation

Resort pool

Exotic fruit breakfast

Private beach, a short shuttle trip away

The resort was just a quick taxi ride from Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site...

Hoi An is particularly pretty in the evening....

I developed a bit of an obsession with lanterns....

The Old Quarter is home to the Japanese Bridge (16th to 17th Century)....

And just loads of shops selling lovely things...

Hoi An is a town full of expert tailors... I had two evening dresses made to measure in under 24 hours, delivered to my hotel, B had an exceptionally sharp suit and shirt made, and I could have easily bought a dozen other outfits but restrained myself to two shirts and two pairs of trousers!

Next up... A Cookery Class in Hoi An