‘Off the beaten track’ is the magic word for getting travelers’ attention. We want something different. Funny, when you think about the old days when not many people were traveling, doing typical things were the best. Doing things that everyone knows. I call it the well beaten track.
The well beaten track can be dull, but it’s easy, convenient and simply pleasant. Maybe it won’t give us the satisfaction of the explorer, but at least we won’t be fail. Don’t forget; there are reasons why the track is so well beaten.
Here are few of the well beaten track in Vietnam I followed.
Getting tailor made clothes in Hoi An
“Did you go to a tailor shop?” is the first question you ask to fellow travelers when they said they’ve been to Hoi An. When you include Hoi An in your itinerary, you have to make a room in your backpack to fit the new clothe in. I, as well, got tailor made dresses. It was a pleasant experience with unusually low budget price. I got two formal dresses made for 42 USD total. And they are pretty.
Cruising in Halong Bay
As a UNESCO heritage site, Halong Bay is certainly one of the top places to visit in Vietnam. And the answer to how to enjoy the view is cruising. There are numerous cruise ships that you can arrange from your hotel or local tour operators. No matter what you choose, you’ll go the same route and stay at the same part of the bay. Moreover, the view would be amazing from any kind of a boat. I went swimming in the bay at the back of our boat, and the sunset was amazing that evening. It’s a beautiful place.
Shopping at Old Quarter of Hanoi
The Old Quarter, near Hoan Kiem lake, has the original street layout and architecture of old Hanoi. The little streets are connected like a spider web; and literally you can get whatever you want from this area. From backpacks to broom, from silk to a doorknob, anything you can think of. It is one of the most touristy areas in Hanoi, but there are more parts of the old quarter that where local people shop. Certainly, a doorknob isn’t really a souvenir. I got my new carryon backpack from here for only 200,000 VND (10 USD).
Enjoying a laid back beach in Nha Trang
Look at the map of Vietnam; the country is long and half of the land is along the beach. Nha Trang is particularly popular town with their pristine beach. If you enjoy scubadiving, Nha Trang is the place to go. There are numbers of backpackers and restaurants with English menu; it makes easier to be around. Most of all, the places along the ocean has excellent facilities to enjoy the beach. You can rent a beach chair and an umbrella for just 2 USD. Portable seafood restaurants are there with lobsters, shrimps and beers. Sky’s blue and water’s warm; Nha Trang deserves to be popular.
