After having a taste of South East Asia just recently, I would love to explore this vibrant region further and Vietnam is at the top of my travel wish list.
Vietnam is located on the east side of the Indochina Peninsula and is bordered by China, Laos and Cambodia. The beautiful coastline stretches over 3400km with unspoilt fine white sand beaches with crystal clear waters, lagoons, exotic flowers and plants and rare wildlife.
Vietnam is a large, expansive country, so the best way to experience it is to choose a province that appeals and if possible, visit the areas around it. I am particularly drawn to the beautiful island of Phu Quoc and Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi.
One of Vietnam’s most up-and-coming holiday destinations, Phu Quoc is known for its tranquil beach, exotic flowers and sprawling jungle with rare wildlife. The most picturesque, romantic and peaceful beaches can be found at Long Beach, Ong Lan Beach and Bai Sao.
My dream day in Phu Quoc would be visiting the local market for authentic souvenirs, relaxing with a cocktail on the beach and heading back to the stunning Chen Sea Resort & Spa for a Vietnamese Body Massage, followed by a dinner of clay pot curries and blackened fish at The Spice House at Cassia Cottage.
Phu Quoc’s calm waters are perfect for diving, however I am most drawn to the boat tours where you can spot dolphins and sea turtles.
Hanoi is a modern city that hasn’t lost its old world charm. It’s packed full of culture with the Ho Chi Minh Museum, the pretty One-Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the National Museum of Vietnamese History and the Fine Arts Museum. The idyllic parks and temples offer a slower pace in the city and a chance to absorb the everyday culture and traditions of Vietnam.
The Old Quarter bears the original architecture of Hanoi and is filled with artisans and silk shops, as well as a bustling night market. I would also plan to see the nearby scenic Hoan Kiem Lake with the striking Turtle Tower at the centre of the lake.
After a day spent in the downtown Hoan Kiem district, a few cocktails at the city’s coolest rooftop bars would be in order. The retro-chic Rooftop Hanoi boasts incredible views from the 19th floor of the Pacific Tower while Summit Lounge is the place for an expertly-mixed cocktail and 360-degree panoramas of the city.
I regularly eat at the excellent Vietnamese restaurants in east London, but I would love to try Vietnam’s authentic regional cuisine. Vietnamese cooking is based on the five taste elements and dishes are typically spicy, aromatic and healthy. I’m particularly tempted by the mouth-watering Bún bò Hu (spicy beef noodle soup), Gà Xào Gung (chicken in a ginger and fish sauce), Bánh bèo (rice flour pancakes topped with minced shrimp) and Xôi (sticky rice with coconut milk).
For my dream trip to Vietnam, I would choose Malaysia Airlines, as it conveniently offers Airbus A380 double daily flights and great connections to South East Asia. Friends and travel writers have recommended Malaysia Airlines for its superior hospitality, with the best Cabin Crew, 5 star service and generous baggage allowance. In fact, it has now been increased to 30kg for economy class, 40kg for business class and 50kg for first class.
Malaysia Airlines is offering the chance to win two tickets to Vietnam via the Malaysia Airlines Facebook page. Simply vote for this stunning destination to enter and you could discover the delights of Vietnam.
For more information and to enter the competition, visit: https://www.facebook.com/malaysiaairlines
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