All posts tagged: Travel

Must Do’s – Local Favorite Eateries in Hue, Vietnam

Published by

Every year and a half, I will travel to Hue, Vietnam to visit orphanages as part of Orphans’ Futures Alliance due diligence trip. I am always excited to visit the kids and also to sample my family’s favorite restaurants in the city. Hue is known to have the best authentic traditional cuisine stemming from its imperial history. My family is originally from Hue so I grew up eating many of the local specialties. Locals take great pride in the food culture and I am excited to share with you some of my family’s must eats when we are in Hue. Huyen Anh (52 Kim Long Street, Hue, Vietnam) This place specializes in fresh rice rolls (bánh ướt thịt nướng) and bbq pork (thịt nướng). This is a local favorite and the people there do not speak English. Don’t be intimidated as there are only 3 items that you can order. You can always just show them a picture. I would advise bringing your own wet naps as the place can be a little grungy like …

Hotel Review: Pilgrimage Village Resort (Hue, Vietnam)

Published by

Hue is Vietnam’s most historically significant city located in the central region of the country. Between 1802 and 1945, Hue was the imperial city under the Nguyen dynasty. The city is well known for historical sites such as the imperial city, the royal tombs and numerous temples. The city is still very rural compared to HCMC, Hanoi and nearby DaNang as most of the city was heavily damaged during the Vietnam War. The government continues to make progress to restore the city to its former glory but the process is slow.  Hue does not have world class accommodations that have been springing up all over the major tourist cities in Vietnam.  However, there is one resort in Hue that is worth checking out. Pilgrimage Village is an oasis on the outskirt of city center that provides a retreat from a hot and humid day of sightseeing. It is one of the few high end hotel catering to luxury jet setters. La Vie Partagee has stayed at this resort over the past few years and we …

Must Do’s: Select Local Eateries in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)

Published by

Ho Chi Minh City (“HCMC”) is the center of a diverse food and modern culture in Vietnam. HCMC is also the largest city in Vietnam and home to approximately 9 million people and growing. The city has gone through many iterations from an important Khmer seaport up to the 17th century to a romantic city under French colonization and now a vibrant metropolis in 2016. With its diverse history, it is no wonder that the variety of food is present in HCMC. I asked a good friend of mine to scout her favorite places to eat in HCMC and the following places are her recommendations. Ốc Đào (Seafood Restaurant) Address: 214/C84 Nguyễn Trãi St, Nguyễn Cư Trinh Ward, District 1 Hồ Chí Minh, Việt Nam Open: noon – 9:00 pm This is a quintessential local hangout for friends and co-workers. This restaurant serves many different types of snails and seafood at reasonable prices and has good quality. Don’t be afraid to check this restaurant out as they have pictures for non-Vietnamese speakers. Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (Vietnamese Sandwiches) Address: …

Review: Vietnam Airlines’ Business Lounge in Ho Chi Minh City

Published by

I had the pleasure of visiting Vietnam Airlines’ business lounge in Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport during my recent Asia trip at the end of 2015. Stepping into the Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge feels like you just stepped back into the 1980’s. The lounge is very basic and is in need of a renovation. The lounge is also small for an international airport lounge but does have some basic necessities and free WiFi for its guests. There are power outlets in between the chairs which are convenient for those that need to recharge their electronics. The food options are adequate with choices of noodles,snacks and fruits. The taste of the food was decent but I felt that the food could have tasted fresher and better. Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge is not a bad option since you will get some peace and quiet before your next flight. The plus side is that you get to see a Hello Kitty plane which you would not see in other parts of the world. For related articles, visit the TRAVEL page. Author: Chau Hoang Featured Photo: …

Hotel Review: Lotus Blanc Resort (Siem Reap, Cambodia)

Published by

On my recent 3.5 day trip to Siem Reap, I decided to check out a local boutique hotel instead of staying in better known international hotels. I combed through the offerings for 5 stars hotels on booking.com and other similar sites and decided to give Lotus Blanc Resort a try. I did not know what to expect from this hotel when I arrived in Siem Reap. There are some positives and negatives to staying at this resort. Even though the hotel is listed as a 5 stars establishment, it is really on par with 3.5 to 4 stars international rating. Overall, I rated this hotel 4 out of 5 stars as explained below. Website: http://lotusblancresort.com/ Room (3.5/5) The hotel was built approximately 10 years ago and recently changed owners.  All the rooms and public spaces were renovated two years ago.  I had the Landmark room that comes with a double bed and is very spacious. The room décor is a mix of modern with a lot of wood furniture that is typically seen at Asian resorts. Even though it was …

3.5 Days in Siem Reap, Cambodia (Part 2)

Published by

In part 2 of my article on Siem Reap, I will explore the attractions outside of the city. A private car is necessary to get to the attractions as tut tut will not make the trek outside of the city area. It is also a wonderful way to see the Cambodian countryside and the locals’ daily lives. For the trip to Koulen Mountain, you will need to pack your swimsuit and a towel so you can swim under a waterfall. Surrounding Area of Siem Reap Day 3: Banteay Srei, Koulen Mountain, Banteay Samre and sunset at Phnom Bakheng Start the day at 9:00 am and head to Banteay Srei. This temple complex is also known as the “Citadel of Women” or “Citadel of Beauty”, presumably referring to its size and delicate carvings. Unlike the major sites of Angkor, Banteay Srei was not a royal temple. It was built not by kings, but by Brahmin priests. The temple is significantly smaller than the temples at Angkor, but the decorations on the outside are much more detailed. …

Three and a Half Days in Siem Reap, Cambodia (Part 1)

Published by

Siem Reap, Cambodia, was my first solo trip to a non-western country. I was nervous about traveling as a girl in a country that had limited English. To ensure that I would have a good time and be safe, I had a guide and/or a driver with me at all time. I was not bothered by the locals peddling goods. Additionally, the guide/driver also provided translations and enjoyable conversations to learn more about local life in Cambodia. Siem Reap and Angkor Wat Tips: A.  I recommend getting a tour guide for Angkor Wat on Day 2 (approximately $45 + tip) and hiring your own driver for Day 2 to Day 4 to make the most of your time there. I hired a private car which was approximately $45 for Day 2, $80 for Day 3 and $100 for Day 4. The rates depend on your distance. It was very hot and dusty in Siem Reap in November so I was happy to splurge on an air conditioned car. B. I would also recommend visiting Siem Reap …

Weekend Unexplored: Bakewell, England

Published by

As a weekend excursion from London, I traveled with my family to Bakewell, a small town in Derbyshire in the heart of Peak District National Park.  It was their first trip to the United Kingdom, and my parents were eager to see the countryside of this region as well as the grand estate of Chatsworth House, the setting of Pemberly in Joe Wright’s 2005 film adaptation, Pride and Prejudice (also my mother’s favorite Jane Austen novel).      Getting there: We took to our destination by public transportation, setting off at London’s St. Pancras to catch the East Midlands train to Chesterfield.  From there, a 12 minute walk through town brought us to the 170 Hulleys of Baslow bus stop to Rutland Square in Bakewell.  In total, the trip from London took about four hours.   Where to stay: Although tired, we were met with warm hospitality by our Bed and Breakfast hosts, John and Marie, of Melbourne House. The rate for a double room is 70 GBP/night. A short distance from the town’s center, the …

Hotel Review: Fusion Maia Resort (Danang, Vietnam)

Published by

Fusion Maia Resort (Danang, Vietnam) Address: Truong Sa, Vietnam (+84 511 3967 999) http://maiadanang.fusion-resorts.com We stumbled onto Fusion Maia accidentally when a friend of mine decided to stay at the resort for a short holiday and invited me to join her. The resort is so well hidden that even the entrance from the main road can easily be missed. Driving through the bamboo lined driveway to the front lobby, you can’t help but feel like you are being transported to a secluded oasis.  Fusion Maia is completely different from other top luxury resorts dotting the beach. It’s a luxury boutique resort that specializes in spa and holistic living. La Vie Partagee would describes the resort as a cross between a five star spa and being on a private island getaway in Vietnam with a dash of Bali thrown in.  The resort is a “villas only” establishment with each villa having its own private pool.  Your one night stay includes 2 days of spa service per person.  There are 2 hours of spa service per day per …

Weekend Unexplored: Gatsby Afternoon

Published by

Held annually on the second Sunday of September, the Gatsby Afternoon picnic attracts hundreds of American 1920 and 1930 enthusiasts to the Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate in Oakland, California.  From approximately 1 pm until 5 pm, revelers can immerse themselves back to the time of flapper dresses, the foxtrot, and fashionable hats.  New York may have its own version of this event on Governors Island but it pales in comparison to the event hosted by the Art Deco Society of California and its East Bay residents. All guests must be in vintage-style attire.  It’s required, meaning there are no spectators.  Only participants are allowed on the grounds.  Maintaining the vintage atmosphere is indeed enforced:  no jeans, shorts, sneakers, polo/tee-shirts, baseball hats, pantsuits.  If an attendee arrives without appropriate attire, he or she is directed to the Costume Closet, a vintage rental/sale station on-site.   I arrived early before the gates opened to grab one of the front spots in line at the entrance.  Wearing a printed vintage style dress, I dressed it up with white …