Our Vicky, Brand and Campaign Manager here at Netflights HQ, got whisked off to Vietnam recently and wrote us a (pretty long!) postcard all about it. If you’ve ever wanted to learn your Hanoi’s from your Ha Long’s, give this a read. Missed Part 1? Read it here.

We’re glad you came back, ‘cos you’re in for a good one! In the last blog I arrived in Hanoi and spent a lush 2 days in Ha Long Bay. Oh, and don’t forget I’ve put this all on Instagram, so have a little lookie right here.

Need a quick reminder of the plan?

Day 3

Where I am: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi
What I’m doing: Kayaking and sightseeing
Climate: Ha Long Bay – not boiling, still cloudy | Hanoi – sorta chilly, actually
What I’m wearing: AM – Top, leggings, denim jacket and sandals (bad choice) | PM – Thin jumper dress, massive shawl, denim jacket and flip flops

Back on dry land and sad to leave Ha Long Bay, we boarded the fancy minibus and tried to get our heads down for the 2 hour drive back to Hanoi. Pulling into Hanoi you notice just how busy it is and how many mopeds there are, it’s mega!

We check into our hotel, the Pan Pacific Hanoi, and have a spot of lunch – another buffet and massive banquet, we are so spoilt! This is where I try jackfruit for the first time, too. I don’t know if you’ve tried it, but it’s so sweet, its like nothing I’ve ever tried – and it’s totally addictive.

Up in the room, my view of Hanoi is amazing. It’s so high up and has lovely big windows so I can see for miles. But never mind that, let’s talk about the bog (hee hee). I’ve only gone and got Balmain toiletries, vanity sink, a bath, enclosed shower, and – wait for it – an enclosed Japanese toilet!!! I’ve seen these exist but have never experienced for myself… until now! But let’s leave it at that!

Now, I don’t know if you know, but Hanoi is like the political capital of Vietnam, it’s where the big government buildings are and has a strong military presence. It’s also the home to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum which is so popular with visitors. This is where my massive shawl came in handy for covering legs while we visited this special place.

Before dinner, we got to explore Hanoi by cyclotour (the new word for rikshaw, you know, where you are cycled along). It was sooooooo good, I’d defo recommend. We went through the old town and it was crazy to see the number of mopeds (so, so many), carrying anything from 1 to 4 people! I kid you not, I saw a father and three kids on one – plus the dog!

After dinner at Koto – a great restaurant that gives back to the community (a bit like Jamie Olivers’ ‘Fifteen’) – we had to stop at one of the most exciting and TikTok-able places in Vietnam: Train Street.

You’ve probably seen it, it’s that tiny street lined with coffee shops where a train brushes right past you. It’s a proper experience. Ah, and that was where I added another coffee to my collection – Egg Coffee.

Now, I know what you’re thinking… what the hell, Vicky?! But omg, it was delicious – it was like a coffee with custard on top. I had to try it – as I’d been told I must by a fellow traveller at Heathrow – only problem was, I drank it at 9.30pm so I got zero sleep 😬.

Nothing to do with the cocktails on the hotel’s rooftop bar either, but that’s just between us!

Day 4

Where I am: Cam Ranh
What I’m doing: Chilling at the hotel
Climate: Oh, this is better!!! ☀️
What I’m wearing: AM – Slinky sleeveless dress and flip flops | PM – lovely dress and heels

Up and out first thing for our flight to Cam Ranh.

Two hours later and we walk out of the airport to that heat, that HOT HOLIDAY HEAT! Now, we’re on our holidays!

We get on our minibus and 15 mins later we’re at our hotel, and what a hotel it is! The Anam Cam Ranh is a five star colonial style beachfront resort.

It’s made up of a hotel block and villas, and these rooms really are stunning. The bathrooms… well, they’re probably the best I’ve ever seen.

After a quick bag drop in my Terrace Room (wow, it’s nice), we eat at the Beach Club Restaurant & Bar, where the views are STUNNING!!! I never knew Vietnam would have such blue seas and perfect beaches.

I’m itching to get my cozzie on, but no, I must be patient – it’s food time.

Now, I have to describe what I ate here as it was perfection!

STARTER: Squid Salad
Okay, this needs to be renamed the best Squid Salad of your life. Stuffed baby squid with Vietnamese plum, pear dragon fruit, and carrot – with a dressing to die for!

SOUP: Cauliflower and Mussel
You know when the waiter pours the sauce right in front of you? That’s where we’re at. Served over a sweet confit mussel and smoked cauliflower.

MAIN: Salmon
Now, my hubby hates salmon – so this was the perfect time to have it! And what a dish it was – pan-fried salmon with potato and wasabi puree, stir fried peas, and wild mushrooms with a lemon emulsion. ‘Nuff said!

DESSERT: Raspberry cheesecake
WOAH, WOAH, WOAH. You think you know cheesecake. FORGET IT. This is the king of all the cheesecakes in all the land. Nothing more to say. Look at the evidence.

P.S. – This cheesecake is probably the best food picture of my life.

Just saying.

After lunch we were treated to a Signature Spa treatment. It was absolute bliss, perhaps a bit firmer than I’m used to but I think that’s the Asian way? Anyway, it was heaven.

Whilst we were reflecting in the relaxation lounge, we get some very good, mega exciting, pee-your-pants kinda crazy news. We’ve been upgraded to a Three Bedroom Hilltop Pool Villa.

Erm, sorry, a POOL villa? With a private pool? YESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!

So, we walk into our Pool Villa and I feel like I’ve won the actual lottery. My very own mansion in Vietnam. I mean… WOW. I take a video of it (see it here), all 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, kitchen, and dining room – even the downstairs loo!

Obviously, we had a dip in the pool pre-dinner. And post-dinner. And pre-check out.

Dinner was served at the Beach Club Restaurant and it was perfect. Such a lovely spot. Couple of gorgeous cocktails, famous Anam Burger, and I was set. Might have had one too many cocktails in Saigon Bar, but they were handcrafted! I had to have them.

Day 5

Where I am: Cam Ranh – Mui Ne
What I’m doing: Day trip, cooking class, road trip
Climate: Lovely and warm️
What I’m wearing: AM – Another slinky sleeveless dress and flip flops | PM – another lovely dress and heels

So, I wake up in my paradise villa – like the queen I am – and stroll down to The Indochine restaurant for breakfast. So much choice.

We take a little trip to Na Trang, up to the Ponagar Temple (remember to cover your shoulders if you fancy going) and then Na Trang market. I think the humidity hits me a bit as I feel all wobbly, so not many pictures taken today.