I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1
This was paradise. If this destination isn't already on your bucket list, it sure should be
BACK IN TIME I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1
THE sun warmed my face as we soared through the emerald waters on a traditional junk boat, its large sails steering the way.
Drifting closer to Unesco World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, the landscape unfolded like something out of a dream.
Advertisement
6
Arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm
Credit: Shutterstock
6
For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must - like this in Ho Chi Minh City
Credit: Getty
6
Train Street in Hanoi offers a thrilling close-up as trains speed past tiny cafés just inches from your seat
Credit: Shutterstock
In front of me, nearly 2,000 limestone karsts and islets soared from the jade-green waters, their rugged silhouettes softened by tropical vegetation.
This was paradise. If Vietnam isn't already on your bucket list, it sure should be.
Ha Long Bay was just the beginning for me.
A kayaking excursion was also on the horizon and an evening of cold beers in a local bar — along with the promise of adventure, shared with 12 other keen explorers and crammed into a jam-packed ten-day itinerary.
Advertisement
This is the unique and brilliant thing about a G Adventures holiday: after just a few days a set of total strangers, from all age ranges and with a love for travel, leave as pals.
We were led by a local guide who went above and beyond in recommending the best sights and their expertise made navigating such a vibrant and complex country feel effortless.
From the moment I touched down in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, I knew my trip would be unforgettable.
The city doesn't just welcome you — it wraps you in its embrace with the hum of motorbikes, the aroma of street food, and a culture so vibrant you can't help but fall in love.
Advertisement
One of the most powerful places to visit in this region is Hoa Lò Prison, also called the 'Hanoi Hilton.'
Built by the French to hold Vietnamese revolutionaries, the building later became known for imprisoning American soldiers during the Vietnam War.
Abandoned Ho Thuy Tien water park in Vietnam
And don't miss the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — a grand memorial and the resting place for Vietnam's beloved former leader, Ho Chi Minh, after whom the city is named, his body preserved inside a Soviet-style building.
My favourite memories of Hanoi, however, were on Train Street.
Advertisement
This narrow alley is famed for its railway, which runs straight through the centre, so close to the tiny cafés flanking the street that you can feel the rush of air when the carriages whoosh past.
Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties.
I sat on a small stool with a Hanoi Beer, waiting for the magic moment.
Then, as the train roared towards me, the whole street sprung into action — people moved aside, cameras clicked, and for a few thrilling seconds, it was pure excitement.
The next stop on my epic adventure was the coastal city of Hue, a place where history comes alive.
Advertisement
I'm not usually a fan of overnight trains and the idea of spending 13 hours onboard had me feeling a little anxious.
Emperors and dynasties
But, much to my surprise, the experience was a lot of fun.
My cosy compartment, which I shared with tour group members, came with four flat beds and I slept like a baby after a few beers in the buffet car.
Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical.
Advertisement
Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties.
Exploring the Royal Tombs and the tranquil Thien Mu Pagoda gave me a sense of the city's rich history.
For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must.
I zoomed through the lush countryside, taking in stunning views of the Perfume River.
Advertisement
Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods.
The adventure ended on a high note with a refreshing Huda beer, crispy fried spring rolls, and a mouth-watering stir-fried rice noodle dish — all for less than £8.
In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find a place that charges more than £1 for a beer.
The same goes for the city of Hoi An — except it's the food that captivated me most here.
Advertisement
After a scenic private coach ride through the breathtaking mountain pass of Hai Van, arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm.
If you're craving a break from spring rolls, noodles, and rice, a visit to Madam Khanh's – The Bánh Mì Queen is a must.
Bánh mì is a national sandwich, now known across the world, that blends French and Vietnamese flavours.
The much-loved dish is made from a crispy baguette filled with savoury meats such as pork, chicken, or pâté, along with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, cucumber, and a tangy sauce — an irresistible fusion of textures and tastes.
Advertisement
The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream.
Several hearty mouthfuls were enough to fuel us on a bike ride through lush rice paddies, relaxing on the golden sands of An Bang Beach, before witnessing the incredible skill of local tailors, who crafted two custom suits for me in just a few hours, all for only $250 USD.
It was hard to tear ourselves away, but the electrifying energy of Ho Chi Minh City was calling — a sharp contrast to the peaceful calm of Hoi An.
A tour in a Cyclo (a bit like a rickshaw, but with riders sitting at the front) is the perfect way to experience this vibrant city's pulse and rich history.
We passed the Reunification Palace, where the Vietnam War came to a dramatic end in 1975.
Advertisement
Next, we saw the Landing Zone, the apartment building where US government workers were evacuated by helicopter during the Fall of Saigon.
6
The harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers
Credit: Supplied
6
James enjoys a boat trip to Ha Long Bay
Credit: Supplied
6
Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods
Credit: Getty
Advertisement
The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream.
Then came my highlight: House 287/70 on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, home to a secret bunker that once hid nearly two tonnes of Viet Cong weapons during the 1968 Tet Offensive.
Of course, none of this quite compared to the harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers.
The experience gave a sobering look at the resilience of the Vietnamese people during the war.
Advertisement
If you're claustrophobic, though, you might want to skip crawling along the restored tunnels.
Why not kick back with a beer instead?
It'll only cost you £1, after all.
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Scottish Sun
14 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1
This was paradise. If this destination isn't already on your bucket list, it sure should be BACK IN TIME I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1 THE sun warmed my face as we soared through the emerald waters on a traditional junk boat, its large sails steering the way. Drifting closer to Unesco World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, the landscape unfolded like something out of a dream. Advertisement 6 Arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm Credit: Shutterstock 6 For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must - like this in Ho Chi Minh City Credit: Getty 6 Train Street in Hanoi offers a thrilling close-up as trains speed past tiny cafés just inches from your seat Credit: Shutterstock In front of me, nearly 2,000 limestone karsts and islets soared from the jade-green waters, their rugged silhouettes softened by tropical vegetation. This was paradise. If Vietnam isn't already on your bucket list, it sure should be. Ha Long Bay was just the beginning for me. A kayaking excursion was also on the horizon and an evening of cold beers in a local bar — along with the promise of adventure, shared with 12 other keen explorers and crammed into a jam-packed ten-day itinerary. Advertisement This is the unique and brilliant thing about a G Adventures holiday: after just a few days a set of total strangers, from all age ranges and with a love for travel, leave as pals. We were led by a local guide who went above and beyond in recommending the best sights and their expertise made navigating such a vibrant and complex country feel effortless. From the moment I touched down in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, I knew my trip would be unforgettable. The city doesn't just welcome you — it wraps you in its embrace with the hum of motorbikes, the aroma of street food, and a culture so vibrant you can't help but fall in love. Advertisement One of the most powerful places to visit in this region is Hoa Lò Prison, also called the 'Hanoi Hilton.' Built by the French to hold Vietnamese revolutionaries, the building later became known for imprisoning American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Abandoned Ho Thuy Tien water park in Vietnam And don't miss the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — a grand memorial and the resting place for Vietnam's beloved former leader, Ho Chi Minh, after whom the city is named, his body preserved inside a Soviet-style building. My favourite memories of Hanoi, however, were on Train Street. Advertisement This narrow alley is famed for its railway, which runs straight through the centre, so close to the tiny cafés flanking the street that you can feel the rush of air when the carriages whoosh past. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. I sat on a small stool with a Hanoi Beer, waiting for the magic moment. Then, as the train roared towards me, the whole street sprung into action — people moved aside, cameras clicked, and for a few thrilling seconds, it was pure excitement. The next stop on my epic adventure was the coastal city of Hue, a place where history comes alive. Advertisement I'm not usually a fan of overnight trains and the idea of spending 13 hours onboard had me feeling a little anxious. Emperors and dynasties But, much to my surprise, the experience was a lot of fun. My cosy compartment, which I shared with tour group members, came with four flat beds and I slept like a baby after a few beers in the buffet car. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Advertisement Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. Exploring the Royal Tombs and the tranquil Thien Mu Pagoda gave me a sense of the city's rich history. For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must. I zoomed through the lush countryside, taking in stunning views of the Perfume River. Advertisement Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods. The adventure ended on a high note with a refreshing Huda beer, crispy fried spring rolls, and a mouth-watering stir-fried rice noodle dish — all for less than £8. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find a place that charges more than £1 for a beer. The same goes for the city of Hoi An — except it's the food that captivated me most here. Advertisement After a scenic private coach ride through the breathtaking mountain pass of Hai Van, arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm. If you're craving a break from spring rolls, noodles, and rice, a visit to Madam Khanh's – The Bánh Mì Queen is a must. Bánh mì is a national sandwich, now known across the world, that blends French and Vietnamese flavours. The much-loved dish is made from a crispy baguette filled with savoury meats such as pork, chicken, or pâté, along with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, cucumber, and a tangy sauce — an irresistible fusion of textures and tastes. Advertisement The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Several hearty mouthfuls were enough to fuel us on a bike ride through lush rice paddies, relaxing on the golden sands of An Bang Beach, before witnessing the incredible skill of local tailors, who crafted two custom suits for me in just a few hours, all for only $250 USD. It was hard to tear ourselves away, but the electrifying energy of Ho Chi Minh City was calling — a sharp contrast to the peaceful calm of Hoi An. A tour in a Cyclo (a bit like a rickshaw, but with riders sitting at the front) is the perfect way to experience this vibrant city's pulse and rich history. We passed the Reunification Palace, where the Vietnam War came to a dramatic end in 1975. Advertisement Next, we saw the Landing Zone, the apartment building where US government workers were evacuated by helicopter during the Fall of Saigon. 6 The harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers Credit: Supplied 6 James enjoys a boat trip to Ha Long Bay Credit: Supplied 6 Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods Credit: Getty Advertisement The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Then came my highlight: House 287/70 on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, home to a secret bunker that once hid nearly two tonnes of Viet Cong weapons during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Of course, none of this quite compared to the harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers. The experience gave a sobering look at the resilience of the Vietnamese people during the war. Advertisement If you're claustrophobic, though, you might want to skip crawling along the restored tunnels. Why not kick back with a beer instead? It'll only cost you £1, after all.
The Sun
14 hours ago
- The Sun
I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1
THE sun warmed my face as we soared through the emerald waters on a traditional junk boat, its large sails steering the way. Drifting closer to Unesco World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, the landscape unfolded like something out of a dream. 6 6 6 In front of me, nearly 2,000 limestone karsts and islets soared from the jade-green waters, their rugged silhouettes softened by tropical vegetation. This was paradise. If Vietnam isn't already on your bucket list, it sure should be. Ha Long Bay was just the beginning for me. A kayaking excursion was also on the horizon and an evening of cold beers in a local bar — along with the promise of adventure, shared with 12 other keen explorers and crammed into a jam-packed ten-day itinerary. This is the unique and brilliant thing about a G Adventures holiday: after just a few days a set of total strangers, from all age ranges and with a love for travel, leave as pals. We were led by a local guide who went above and beyond in recommending the best sights and their expertise made navigating such a vibrant and complex country feel effortless. From the moment I touched down in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, I knew my trip would be unforgettable. The city doesn't just welcome you — it wraps you in its embrace with the hum of motorbikes, the aroma of street food, and a culture so vibrant you can't help but fall in love. One of the most powerful places to visit in this region is Hoa Lò Prison, also called the 'Hanoi Hilton.' Built by the French to hold Vietnamese revolutionaries, the building later became known for imprisoning American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Abandoned Ho Thuy Tien water park in Vietnam And don't miss the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — a grand memorial and the resting place for Vietnam's beloved former leader, Ho Chi Minh, after whom the city is named, his body preserved inside a Soviet-style building. My favourite memories of Hanoi, however, were on Train Street. This narrow alley is famed for its railway, which runs straight through the centre, so close to the tiny cafés flanking the street that you can feel the rush of air when the carriages whoosh past. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. I sat on a small stool with a Hanoi Beer, waiting for the magic moment. Then, as the train roared towards me, the whole street sprung into action — people moved aside, cameras clicked, and for a few thrilling seconds, it was pure excitement. The next stop on my epic adventure was the coastal city of Hue, a place where history comes alive. I'm not usually a fan of overnight trains and the idea of spending 13 hours onboard had me feeling a little anxious. Emperors and dynasties But, much to my surprise, the experience was a lot of fun. My cosy compartment, which I shared with tour group members, came with four flat beds and I slept like a baby after a few beers in the buffet car. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. Exploring the Royal Tombs and the tranquil Thien Mu Pagoda gave me a sense of the city's rich history. For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must. I zoomed through the lush countryside, taking in stunning views of the Perfume River. Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods. The adventure ended on a high note with a refreshing Huda beer, crispy fried spring rolls, and a mouth-watering stir-fried rice noodle dish — all for less than £8. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find a place that charges more than £1 for a beer. The same goes for the city of Hoi An — except it's the food that captivated me most here. After a scenic private coach ride through the breathtaking mountain pass of Hai Van, arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm. If you're craving a break from spring rolls, noodles, and rice, a visit to Madam Khanh's – The Bánh Mì Queen is a must. Bánh mì is a national sandwich, now known across the world, that blends French and Vietnamese flavours. The much-loved dish is made from a crispy baguette filled with savoury meats such as pork, chicken, or pâté, along with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, cucumber, and a tangy sauce — an irresistible fusion of textures and tastes. The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Several hearty mouthfuls were enough to fuel us on a bike ride through lush rice paddies, relaxing on the golden sands of An Bang Beach, before witnessing the incredible skill of local tailors, who crafted two custom suits for me in just a few hours, all for only $250 USD. It was hard to tear ourselves away, but the electrifying energy of Ho Chi Minh City was calling — a sharp contrast to the peaceful calm of Hoi An. A tour in a Cyclo (a bit like a rickshaw, but with riders sitting at the front) is the perfect way to experience this vibrant city's pulse and rich history. We passed the Reunification Palace, where the Vietnam War came to a dramatic end in 1975. Next, we saw the Landing Zone, the apartment building where US government workers were evacuated by helicopter during the Fall of Saigon. 6 6 6 The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Then came my highlight: House 287/70 on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, home to a secret bunker that once hid nearly two tonnes of Viet Cong weapons during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Of course, none of this quite compared to the harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers. The experience gave a sobering look at the resilience of the Vietnamese people during the war. If you're claustrophobic, though, you might want to skip crawling along the restored tunnels. It'll only cost you £1, after all.
Time Out
17 hours ago
- Time Out
The Getty Villa is finally back open after the Palisades Fire
Five and a half months after it shut its doors in the midst of the Palisades Fire, the Getty Villa —one of the city's cultural crown jewels—has finally reopened. Thanks to the efforts of both security and facilities staff and firefighters, the museum is still intact —a beacon of hope amid the surrounding landscape. And as of June 27, the Getty Villa is officially welcoming the public again, albeit with limited hours: Friday to Mondays from 10am to 5pm. (You can reserve free tickets here, though the first couple of weeks are already booked solid.) We got to preview the grounds and the Villa's new exhibition, ' The Kingdom of Pylos: Warrior-Princes of Ancient Greece,' earlier this week. Here's what you can expect from a visit to the newly reopened museum. Driving to the museum on Tuesday night, I felt a mix of anticipation and trepidation. I hadn't been close to the Palisades since the wildfires, and I wasn't sure what to expect. After turning a corner on Sunset heading toward the Villa, I suddenly found myself driving through swaths of destruction—innumerable burnt trees, barren hillsides, empty lots where houses once stood, crumbled and hollowed-out buildings. The drive up made me emotional—I was full of both sorrow and love for our city. Once I turned onto the cobblestones of the Getty Villa entrance from PCH, I felt on more familiar ground. At first glance, not much seemed different about the museum grounds. Thankfully, the art and buildings themselves were untouched and are still standing proud. The surrounding landscape, however, didn't fare as well. According to the Getty's website, some 1,415 trees had to be removed due to fire damage—that amounts to 44 percent of the Villa's forest—though thankfully the plants in the courtyards weren't harmed. Sure enough, the hillsides behind the museum building are sparser than you might remember, and the ocean is a bit easier to see from the back of the property. The difference was especially stark in the East Garden, behind the mosaic fountain. Some of the fire-damaged trees have been salvaged and will potentially be used in a memorial, as an art installation or furnishings. In the meantime, the Getty's grounds and garden director and his team are replanting and placing an emphasis on native, more flame-resistant plants and trees. The Palisades Fire also covered the Villa's grounds with ash. Once it was deemed safe to do so, a specialty cleaning company was brought in, who used a multistep process to wash and sweep the ash off of the roof and roads, as well as the balconies and patios—the gorgeous outdoor spaces that make the Getty feel like such an oasis. It took a little more finesse to clean the murals in the Outer Peristyle, though—the colorful paintings reminiscent of ancient Roman frescoes that surround possibly the most photogenic part of the Villa's grounds. To do this involved calling in conservators to vacuum soot off the walls, wipe them down with wet sponges and then carefully inpaint, or fill in, the murals to make them more vivid and bright. Inside the museum—besides an acknowledgment inside the Atrium thanking staff members for their service during and after the fires—you'll find the same permanent collection of Greek and Roman antiquities that fully transports you to ancient times (oil industrialist and collector J. Paul Getty wanted the Villa to emulate a first-century Roman country house). On the second floor, though, is a brand-new exhibition. 'The Kingdom of Pylos: Warrior-Princes of Ancient Greece' is dedicated to the Greek Mycenaean civilization and the kingdom of Pylos, which Homer immortalized in the Iliad and Odyssey. It's the first major museum show in North America devoted to the Late Bronze Age Mycenaeans (we're talking 1700–1070 BCE). Three rooms and a hallway are filled with art and artifacts that excavators unearthed from Messenia, the Palace of Nestor and burial sites including the tomb of the Griffin Warrior (1450 BCE)—think clay tablets, gold cups, ornate weapons and tiny signets and sealstones adorned with awe-inspiring amounts of detail. It's hard to wrap your head around the intricacies of these treasures that are thousands of years old. A slate of public programming will accompany the exhibition, including an opening lecture by archaeologists Sharon Stocker and Jack Davis on June 28 and a Bacchus Uncorked wine program on August 9 and 10. Outside, starting September 4, the Villa's Outdoor Classical Theater will spring back into action with the musical Oedipus the King, Mama!, a mash-up of Sophocles's Oedipus the King and Elvis Presley's music. Seeing a play in the ancient Greece–style amphitheater as you feel the Pacific Ocean breeze is a special experience. My visit to the Getty Villa did a lot to restore my hope in L.A.'s resilience. And the Getty is leading by example, sharing advice on emergency preparedness with institutions around the world. Pacific Palisades and L.A. at large still have a lot of healing to do in the wake of the wildfires, but the Getty Villa's reopening—right on the heels of PCH fully reopening in time for the summer—can serve as a beacon in the city's ongoing recovery.
