I Vietnam: Unveiling the Secrets of This Hidden Gem
I Vietnam: Unveiling the Secrets (And a Few Headaches) of This "Hidden Gem" – A Review That's Actually Real
Okay, folks, buckle up. I'm back from I Vietnam, and let me tell you, my experience was…well, it was an experience. They call it a "hidden gem," and while that's partially true, let's just say I'm bringing the magnifying glass, the chisel, and maybe a Hazmat suit. I mean, this review is going to be messy, honest, and hopefully, a little bit helpful (and maybe a wee bit hilarious, if I do say so myself).
First Impressions (and a Near-Miss with a Gecko)
Getting to I Vietnam was a breeze thanks to their airport transfer. Thank goodness, because after a 16-hour flight, my brain was smoother than a baby's bottom. The doorman was friendly, but I swear, the initial impression was slightly overshadowed by a gecko the size of my thumb that decided to make a grand entrance in reception. Apparently, wildlife is considered a "feature" here. And hey, at least they have CCTV in common areas – proof I wasn’t hallucinating!
Accessibility & The Wheelchair-Friendly Dreams (Slightly Tarnished)
Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I ALWAYS check for accessibility because it's vital, and frankly, a decent hotel should be open to everyone. Facilities for disabled guests are listed. The elevator is there, which is a HUGE plus. However, reading the fine print… some areas might be a little… challenging. I spotted some narrow doorways around the restaurants, and while they say it's wheelchair accessible, I'd call ahead and confirm the exact specifics if that's a deciding factor for you. They definitely tried, and I give them credit for that, but execution… well, let's just say it needs work.
The Internet Saga: WiFi, LAN, and the Great Disconnect
Alright, let's talk internet. Because, let's be honest, in the modern world, a solid internet connection is as essential as oxygen. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – Hooray!… Until you try to actually use it. It cut out more frequently than my ex-boyfriend. Thank goodness there’s Internet access – LAN in some rooms. But setting it up was like wrangling a grumpy octopus. The IT guy kept saying “it’s a cultural thing!” I had to call my mom to connect me… or not, the signal dropped as I was typing this. This is where the "hidden" aspect truly shines – the hidden Internet services are hidden.
Food, Glorious Food… and Some Questionable Choices
The dining experiences at I Vietnam were… diverse. The Asian breakfast was genuinely delicious – the pho was a dream! They also offer a Western breakfast, which, let's just say, needed more bacon. A LOT more bacon. They have Restaurants – plural! – offering different cuisines (including Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant – and the Vegetarian restaurant was actually good!) and a Snack bar, which was a lifesaver during my late-night sugar cravings.
A major plus: They have a Poolside bar! Sipping a cocktail by the Swimming pool [outdoor]? Perfection. They're offering Breakfast [buffet] and Breakfast service, even Breakfast in room!! It was a lovely touch. One thing I particularly appreciated was the Bottle of water left in the room – essential for rehydrating after a serious afternoon of… you know… sightseeing.
The not-so-great: the Buffet in restaurant started looking a bit sad by the end of the week. Also, one evening the A la carte in restaurant was a bit… slow. Like, "contemplating the meaning of life while waiting for your soup" slow. The coffee/tea in restaurant was adequate, but I had a serious hankering for a good espresso, and that just wasn't happening.
One day I did order Room service [24-hour], and honestly, it was a culinary masterpiece compared to some of the other options.
Relaxation Station: Spas, Saunas, and (Maybe) a Little Sanity
Okay, this is where I Vietnam REALLY shines. The Spa and Spa/sauna were gorgeous. And when I say gorgeous, I mean like, "Instagram-worthy" gorgeous. The Pool with view? Stunning. The Sauna? Blissful. The Steamroom? The perfect antidote to the stress of unreliable internet.
I went for a Body scrub and a Massage, and heaven. The masseuse was a miracle worker! They also offer a Foot bath – perfect after all that exploring. The whole experience was so good, I forgot all about the errant gecko.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did They Get it Right?
During these trying times, safety is a major concern. Now, I must admit, I'm slightly obsessive-compulsive about cleanliness. And I'm happy to say, I Vietnam mostly delivered. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, and Daily disinfection in common areas. They provide Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff are trained in – I was not entirely sure – safety protocol. There are Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher, and a Doctor/nurse on call (thankfully, I didn’t need them). Rooms sanitized between stays – good! They are also supposed to have Rooms sanitized between stays.
They even had Individually-wrapped food options and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. I felt they really tried to provide a sense of security (and a place to wash my hands constantly).
However, they are a little… enthusiastic about the Room sanitization opt-out available. And they do Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, but let’s just say, some of the staff were "closer than recommended".
Things To Do: Beyond the Pool and (Maybe) Beyond the Hotel
I Vietnam has a lot going on, especially with the whole On-site event hosting thing. They have Meeting/banquet facilities, a Meeting stationery, and even Audio-visual equipment for special events. I'm not sure what the events are, but they sounded fancy!
They also have a Gift/souvenir shop. (I bought a t-shirt that said "I Survived I Vietnam" – mostly a joke, but also… truth.)
Beyond the hotel… well, that's where the "hidden gem" aspect comes in again. Information isn't readily available, and my inquiries went unanswered. You'll need to step out to locate Taxi service and get around town.
The Rooms: A Mixed Bag of Comfort and Quirks
My room (a Non-smoking one, thank goodness) was… okay. It had Air conditioning, a Refrigerator, and a Coffee/tea maker (essential!). The Bed was comfortable enough, but the Extra long bed wasn't as extra--I would describe the Bed more as the standard, not as extra, at all. It had Blackout curtains (blessedly effective), a Closet (big enough), and a Desk (perfect for ignoring emails). They did have Complimentary tea.
One thing that was a definite plus: Free bottled water!
The not-so-stellar: the Wi-Fi [free] was, again, unreliable. The Soundproofing could be improved. And the bathroom… well, the Shower could have used some updating. My Toiletries were basic. And there was no Additional toilet (always a plus).
The Verdict: Should You Book?
Okay, here's the messy, honest truth: I Vietnam is… complicated. It has moments of brilliance – that spa, the breakfast pho, the friendly staff. But it also has its quirks – the questionable internet, the occasional cleanliness hiccups, and the slightly disorganized feel.
So, who is this hotel for?
- The Adventurous Traveler: Someone who's okay with a few imperfections and embraces the "hidden gem" aspect.
- Spa Junkies: If you're all about relaxation and pampering.
- Budget-Conscious Travelers: The prices are competitive, and you get a lot for your money (even if it's slightly wonky).
If you're looking for:
- Perfect internet
- Immaculate perfection
- A stress-free experience
Then, perhaps, I Vietnam isn't for you.
But if you're open to an adventure, a little chaos, and a whole lot of relaxation, then go for it! Just pack your patience, your sense of humor, and maybe… a portable WiFi router. And tell me all about it!
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Vietnam: A Chaotic Symphony (and Probably a Stomach Bug) - 14 Days of Glorious Mess
Alright, so here's the idea of a plan. Let's be honest, though, it'll probably morph into something else entirely. This is less a rigid itinerary and more a vague suggestion with the potential for glorious, beautiful disaster. Buckle up, buttercups.
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi - Oh God, the Motorbikes!
- Morning: Touchdown in Hanoi. The air? Thick. The smells? A bizarre cocktail of pho, exhaust fumes, and something vaguely fishy. The immediate emotional reaction? Panic. And a sudden, overwhelming urge for a strong cup of coffee.
- Afternoon: We'll try to navigate the chaos of the Old Quarter. "Try" being the operative word. I'm picturing myself getting mowed down by a motorbike while gawking at a smiling vendor selling conical hats. Pro Tip: Accept you'll probably almost get hit by something at least five times a day. It's part of the charm (maybe). Checked into my hotel, which, frankly, looks a bit like a quirky, slightly-falling-apart French colonial something-or-other. Charming, in a "waiting for the ceiling to collapse" kind of way.
- Evening: Street food adventure! Found a little place that smelled heavenly (and suspiciously delicious). I ordered the bun cha, which was amazing. I'd eat it every day. Followed by a beer. Maybe two…or three. Already feeling a kinship with the Vietnamese locals. We are connected by a shared love of good food and cold beer.
Day 2: Hanoi - Culture Shock and Coffee Addiction
- Morning: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Honestly? A bit unsettling, but the sheer scale of the place is impressive. Plus, it's a masterclass in people-watching. Saw a guy wearing a leopard-print Speedo with his family. Only in Vietnam, people. Only in Vietnam. Afterward, had to get away from the crowds and got myself some nice coffee. I love the strong coffee they have here, and the way I am so addicted.
- Afternoon: Temple of Literature. Really lovely. Peaceful, calm…totally needed after the Mausoleum. Then, back to the Old Quarter, because, well, it's impossible to stay away. Got completely lost, found a hidden gem of a shop selling silk scarves, and spent way too much money. Worth it.
- Evening: Water Puppet Theatre. It's…weird. And charmingly so. The music is a bit repetitive, but the puppeteers are incredibly skilled. And the story? Who knows? But for a fun experience with an odd show, it's worth it.
Day 3: Ha Long Bay - The Majestic Disappointment (And a Rescue)
- Morning: Bus to Ha Long Bay. The scenery is STUNNING. Like, jaw-droppingly stunning. The bus journey, however…let's just say it involved a lot of honking, questionable driving, and a soundtrack of Vietnamese pop music. I'm half-convinced the bus driver was also a DJ.
- Afternoon: Cruise on Ha Long Bay. The views were spectacular and the food was great. My emotional state shifted between "awe" and "utter relaxation." This is the life! Until the water tour boat's motor cut out. Chaos. Panic. Then, a collective moment of laughter as the boat was towed back to shore by a smaller boat. Humbling and hilarious.
- Evening: Sleep in a cute hotel room, which felt like a dream after being towed. Still, I loved the view and the experience.
Day 4: Ha Long Bay - Kayaking and the Unexpected Friendship
- Morning: Kayaking! I have to say it was a lot more exercise than I was anticipating. I went with two other travelers and we became a little team of three. We spent too much time laughing while trying to navigate some tight spots between islands, and we even saved the local people from a boat accident that was on the edge of sinking. It felt good.
- Afternoon: After a hearty lunch, we visited the Sung Sot Cave. The place was vast, and the stalactites and stalagmites were incredible to behold. After we finished, we talked for hours. We have become friends.
- Evening: Dinner together, where we shared stories and created more.
Day 5: Hoi An - Tailor Troubles and Tasty Treats
- Morning: Fly to Da Nang, then a taxi to Hoi An. The journey itself was an experience. The scenery was beautiful. The taxi driver, however, was a speed demon. I swear, I aged five years in that hour.
- Afternoon: Hoi An! It's gorgeous. The lantern-lit streets, the tailor shops…pure magic. Immediately, I booked myself for a suit…Then, I picked a nice hotel to stay at for a few days.
- Evening: Tailor fitting. This is where the fun began. I'd envisioned myself looking effortlessly chic. The reality? A lot of pinning, adjusting, and me looking like a slightly bewildered tourist. But! The final product? Actually pretty good. Dinner at a riverside restaurant. Delicious.
Day 6: Hoi An - Food Tour and Lantern Festival Fever
- Morning: Food tour! So. Much. Food. Banh mi, white rose dumplings, Cao Lau… My taste buds are in heaven (and my waistline is already protesting). I also ate some street food that may or may not have been entirely safe. Crossing my fingers I don't get "Hanoi Belly."
- Afternoon: Relaxing by the pool!
- Evening: Lantern Festival! Thousands of lanterns lighting up the town. Absolutely magical. Saw a street performer playing a haunting melody on a bamboo flute. Tears were definitely shed. (And I definitely bought another scarf. Don't judge me.)
Day 7: Hoi An - Cooking Class and a Moment of Calm
Morning: Cooking class! Learned to make spring rolls and pho and other things. I now feel confident in my ability to recreate Vietnamese food at home…which is probably a lie. But the experience was incredibly lovely.
Afternoon: Visited a local tailor who would make some new clothes for me. I also bought some gifts for my loved ones back home.
Evening: More lantern-lit evenings. I explored the beautiful night market. \ Day 8: Hue - The Citadel, the River and the Rain
Morning: Travel from Hoi An to Hue by car. The scenery was so beautiful that it made me forget all my worries.
Afternoon: The Imperial City! I felt as if I was being transported back in time. The architecture was awe-inspiring, and it was so peaceful. I just wandered around, letting the atmosphere surround me.
Evening: Went to have a meal by the river, and unfortunately, the weather turned ugly, and there was a heavy rain. But, it was nice.
Day 9: Phong Nha - Caves, Caves, and More Caves
- Morning: Bus to Phong Nha. The journey took so much time. But, the scenery made the trip better, so I was not bored.
- Afternoon: Paradise Cave! The first cave I went to, and my jaw dropped. It was like stepping into another world. Every turn was more beautiful than the last. The color of the rock was also amazing.
- Evening: Dinner and drinks with other travelers in the quiet town of Phong Nha.
Day 10: Phong Nha - The Dark Cave Adventure
- Morning: Dark Cave adventure. This was the peak! I slid through mud, swam through its waters, and conquered the challenges.
- Afternoon: After showering, I met up with other travelers and explored the area.
- Evening: More adventures, and I discovered a new place.
Day 11: Back to the South - Flight and the First Real Taste of Saigon
- Morning: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
- Afternoon: Checked into my hotel. So much to see, I went for a walk, and the city's energy was electric.
- Evening: Had a delicious dinner, which was a treat for my tastebuds.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants and Rooftop Views
- Morning: The War Remnants Museum. Heartbreaking. Difficult, but necessary. It's a stark reminder of the horrors of war. I left feeling heavy and thoughtful.
- Afternoon: Going to see the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The city is full of history.
- Evening: Drinks at a rooftop bar overlooking the city. The views were amazing. The drinks were strong. The night was good.
Day 13: Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mess of Departure
Montclair, NJ: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of This Charming Town
So, Vietnam... Is it just, like, *cheap*? And is that *all* it is?
Ugh. Here's the thing. Everyone *always* brings up the price. YES, Vietnam is budget-friendly. Seriously. You can eat like a king (or queen!) for a couple of bucks. I'm talking mountains of pho, crispy spring rolls spilling out of every vendor's cart, and enough fresh fruit to make your dentist weep with joy. But to say that's *all* it is? That's like saying the Mona Lisa is just a painting of a lady. (Okay, maybe not *that* dramatic, but you get my drift.)
It's SO MUCH MORE. It's the chaotic symphony of motorbikes weaving through traffic, the hazy morning light over Halong Bay, the scent of freshly brewed cà phê dripping into your tiny glass. It's the way a grandma, with about three teeth, will try to sell you a bag of lychees and then insist on taking a photo with you. It's... well, it's a lot. And the cheap part? Yeah, it helps. It lets you stay longer, experience more. Embrace the cheapness. Your wallet (and your soul) will thank you.
What should I actually pack? I always overpack.
Alright, listen up, fellow chronic over-packer! I feel your pain. I've been *there*. I once hauled a suitcase that could probably house a small family, only to wear the same three t-shirts the whole time. Vietnam is HOT. And humid. Like, jungle-in-the-Amazon kinda humid.
Essentials: Lightweight, breathable clothing. Seriously. Think linen, cotton, the kind of stuff that dries quickly because you'll be sweating more than you ever thought humanly possible. Sturdy walking shoes (sneakers or sandals with good support – cobblestone streets are a thing). Bug spray. HIGH SPF sunscreen (seriously, don't skimp on this). A basic first-aid kit. Reusable water bottle. And, okay, a small pack of tissues! No one wants to be *that* person wiping their brow with a dirty napkin in a busy market.
Leave the fancy dresses and the stilettos at home. Maybe throw in a light rain jacket, but honestly, you'll be fine buying one there if you need it. They're cheap! And embrace the fact that you'll probably buy clothes there anyway. The markets... oh, the markets.
Is it safe? Like, really safe? For a solo female traveler?
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room. Safety. Yes, Vietnam is generally considered safe, and yes, solo female travel is perfectly doable. I've done it. My best friend has done it. My *mother* (who has a permanent look of worry etched on her face) has done it!
Of course, you still need to be smart. Common sense applies. Don't walk alone at night in poorly lit areas. Be aware of your surroundings. Don't flash loads of cash. Trust your gut. That gut instinct you have? Listen to it. If a situation feels off, get out.
The biggest annoyance? Petty theft. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. Motorbike drivers will try to snatch your bag/phone, so be vigilant. But mostly? The people are incredibly kind and helpful. You'll probably be offered more help than you know what to do with. Which, honestly, is a delightful problem to have.
What about food poisoning? I'm terrified of getting the runs.
Ah, the dreaded food poisoning. The bane of every traveler's existence. Yes, it's a possibility. No, it's not guaranteed. Listen closely:
Drink bottled water ONLY. Brush your teeth with bottled water. Refuse ice unless you're 100% sure it's made with purified water. Seems excessive? Maybe. But trust me, it’s worth it. (I learned this the hard way. Let's just say a certain beach in Nha Trang saw more of me than I'd planned.)
Street food is amazing AND a gamble. Eat where the locals are. See the food being cooked. If it *looks* clean and busy, it's generally a good sign. Avoid anything that's been sitting out for hours. And if your stomach starts to rumble in a way that isn't pleasant, find a toilet, STAT.
Pack anti-diarrheal meds. Trust me on this one. And maybe some hand sanitizer. Those tiny plastic chairs in some of the restaurants? Not always the cleanest.
Okay, I'm sold! Where should I *actually* go? Tell me your favorite spots!
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because this is where I could talk all day. Seriously, I *love* Vietnam. It's in my blood. And I have a million recommendations. But let's narrow it down:
Hanoi: The chaotic, beautiful capital. Explore the Old Quarter, wander around Hoan Kiem Lake, eat bun cha like Obama. Don't be afraid to get lost. You'll stumble upon something amazing. And watch out for those motorbikes! They're everywhere!
Halong Bay: A fairytale. Seriously. The limestone karsts rising out of the emerald water are breathtaking. Take a cruise, kayak through the caves, and just soak it all in. It's magical. (Just maybe avoid peak season. Tourists. Lots.)
Hoi An: Picture-perfect. Tailor shops, lanterns, a charming river. Get clothes made (they're SO good and cheap!). Eat Cao Lau. Wander the ancient town at night. Romantic, beautiful, and a foodie paradise.
Mui Ne: The sand dunes! The surfing! The funky beach towns. If you like a slightly more chilled-out vibe, it's the place to be.
And the best thing of all? Just pick a direction and go. Seriously. Get lost, make friends, and see what the adventure brings.
Motorbikes... oh god, the motorbikes. Are they *that* crazy? Should I drive one?
Prepare yourself. Motorbikes are the bloodstream of Vietnam. They're everywhere. Like, *everywhere*. And yes, the traffic can seem insane. It's a symphony of honks, swerves, and near misses.
Should you drive one? My advice: think long and hard. If you're a confident driver (and used to similar chaos, if you're from SEA), go for it. Otherwise, maybe stick to the taxis. I rented one once. Once. TheExplore Hotels
