Hanoi

Hanoi Highlights

Established over a millennium ago as Thăng Long, Hanoi has weathered centuries of imperial rule, French colonialism, and the ravages of war. Today, Vietnam’s bustling capital blends this ancient soul with rapid modern development. For tourists, exploring the narrow alleyways of the historic Old Quarter and tasting world-famous street food are absolute must-do experiences.

Whether you’re sipping egg coffee or marveling at French colonial architecture, navigating the city’s rich past is unforgettable. Plan your walking tour of Hanoi with this guide.

On my tour with G-Adventures, we only had a few afternoons in Hanoi, as we used the Northern Vietnam City as hub for trips to Ha Long Bay and Mai Chau. Consequently, I added an extra day to my itinerary to explore the Soaring Dragon City. 

DISCOVER!
Ha Long Bay

Overnight Cruise in Ha Long Bay

The next stop on our nine-day G-Adventure Tour of Vietnam was in Ha Long Bay.  Ha Long Bay is a dramatic, ancient seascape where nearly 2,000 limestone pillars rise from emerald waters like a “rock wonder in the sky”. Sculpted over 500 million years by tectonic shifts and marine erosion, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a maze of hidden caves, secluded lagoons, and floating villages that preserve a unique maritime heritage.

Having only seen some Instagrammable moments showcasing the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay, I was very excited to visit the area.  While I expected some tourism, I was dismayed to find a boat highway in Ha Long Bay, rather than tranquility among the towering karst islands!

While I am glad I visited Ha Long Bay in person and checked it off my bucket list, I must advise nature lovers who don’t mind missing the iconic sites to look for quieter cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay or otherwise be prepared for lots of tourists.

SAIL AWAY!
reflection of mountains in the rice paddies of Mai Chau

Mystical Mai Chau

Nestled in Hoa Binh Province, Mai Chau is a serene, verdant valley serving as the cultural heartland of the White Thai people, who settled here from Southern China around the 13th century. Historically, this area served as a remote, rugged corridor connecting northern mountainous tribes, maintaining a deeply traditional, rural lifestyle that has largely resisted modernization. Known as a “Province of Peace,” its history is rooted in traditional subsistence rice farming, unique stilt-house architecture, and a resilient, vibrant culture that has maintained its identity despite colonial influences and modern tourism.

Today, Mai Chau has transitioned from a hidden highland gem into a model for sustainable community-based tourism. While it offers a peaceful alternative to the bustling streets of Hanoi, the valley retains its soul through the stilt-house villages of Lac and Pom Coong. Visitors can immerse themselves in slow-paced, eco-friendly activities in a landscape highlighted by towering karst peaks.  Mai Chau is ideal for nature lovers seeking both adventure and peace.

During our nine-day tour of Vietnam with G-Adventures, we spent one night in Mai Chau.  In addition to Hoi An, it was one of our favorite stops in Vietnam.  I sure wish we spent an entire weekend in Mai Chau as its culture and outdoor activities deserve more time.  But when you are trying to get an overview of Vietnam in just a few weeks, we only got a glimpse of Mai Chau. 

EXPLORE!
Selfie in fron of Hue Imperical City

24 Hours in Hue

After a day in Hoi An, we took a four-hour bus ride to Hue.  It is closer to a three-hour drive, but many stop to explore Hai Van Gate, a defensive fortification used by many dynasties.  Perched atop the mountain with expansive views, Hai Van Gate was very important to the frontier passage of Vietnam.   It is free to enter and across the street are few open air restaurants catering to tourists.

About Hue

Founded as the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty in 1802, Hue served as the imperial heart of a unified Vietnam for over a century. This era of high Confucian culture and grand imperial construction eventually shattered during the mid-20th century, as the city became a brutal focal point of the Indochina Wars and the devastating 1968 Battle of Hue.

The city is split in two by the Perfume River, with the historic Citadel on the North Bank and the new city on the South Bank. We stayed at the Asia Hotel on the South Bank, where the city’s modern pulse, French colonial history, and vibrant nightlife converge.   Having arrived in the late afternoon, we had a few hours to take a stroll before dinner.

EXPLORE!
Hoi An at night

The Highlights of Hoi An

Have you ever been someplace that you have never previously heard of and then been pleasantly surprised?  Hoi An was just that for me.  All I can say is…WOW!  This city was my favorite during my ten-day G-Adventure tour of Vietnam that took us to Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Ha Long Bay, Mai Chau, and Hanoi.

This former trading port is a living museum of architectural fusion, where ornate Chinese assembly halls, weathered Japanese bridges, and mustard-yellow French colonial villas line the banks of the Thu Bon River. As night falls, the town sheds its quiet morning charm for a surreal, lantern-lit brilliance.  Whether you’re navigating the bustling central market or floating a paper candle down the river, Hoi An’s special heritage is delightful.  As a photographer, I couldn’t enough of this vibrant city!

EXPLORE!

Ho Chi Minh City: History, Culture, and Commerce

History of Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is a city with a storied past.  Formerly known as Saigon, the city was ruled by many dynasties with the last being the Nguyen dynasty, thus many Vietnamese carry this as their last name.

The French attacked and captured Saigon in 1859 and officially named it the capital of the colony of Cochinchina in 1862.  For a brief period between 1887-1901, it even served as the administrative center for the entire Indochinese Union which included Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Though eventually the capital was moved to Hanoi, under the 100 year French Rule, Saigon was known as the Pearl of the East.

After the Japanese occupation during World War II and the First Indochina War (or the French War as the Vietnamese call it), the country was split in two at the 17th parallel and Saigon served as the capital of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam).

Saigon remained the capital of South Vietnam from 1954-1975 until the reunification of the north and south at the end of the Vietnam War or the American War as the Vietnamese call it.  Saigon was renamed to Ho Chi Minh City in 1976 to honor the late revolutionary leader of the Viet Minh, Ho Chi Minh who died before seeing his country reunified.

Though no longer the capital of Vietnam, HCMC is the largest city in Vietnam with a population of 14 million people.  As Vietnam’s economic hub with a complex history, HCMC features a combination skyscrapers and French colonial architecture. Vibrant street culture mixes with an increasingly cosmopolitan lifestyle, providing a variety of things to do for visitors.

EXPLORE!
leopard in tree in pom pom

How to Prepare for Photography in Botswana’s Remote Landscapes

Botswana offers some of the most spectacular photographic opportunities on Earth. From the sprawling wetlands of the Okavango Delta to the incredible Makgadikgadi salt pans, this amazing country presents landscapes and wildlife that captivate photographers of every skill level.

However, capturing these moments requires more than just showing up with a camera. Botswana’s remote wilderness areas present unique challenges that demand careful preparation. Infrastructure is limited, conditions can be harsh, and the distances between locations are vast.

Photographers who arrive unprepared often find themselves struggling with equipment failures, insufficient storage, or physical exhaustion that prevents them from making the most of extraordinary moments. Those who plan thoughtfully return home with images that reflect the true magic of this remarkable destination.

Understanding what to expect and how to prepare can mean the difference between a frustrating experience and the photography trip of a lifetime.

CAPTURE THE MOMENT
river in Sleeping Turtles Preserve

Hikes in Venice

I recently visited Venice for three weeks of horse shows at Fox Lea Farms, and on my time off I like to escape to nature while hiking with my dog Annie.  Venice affords nature seekers a variety of places to hike including preserves, reserves, state parks and beaches.  Below are five places I hiked in Venice.

HAPPY HIKING!
Diving in the Red Sea

Wreck Diving on a Budget: Your Guide to Short Egypt Liveaboards

The lure of the Red Sea’s wreck cemetery is powerful, isn’t it? For those of us who feel a deep connection to maritime history, the legendary Northern Wrecks of Egypt are practically a pilgrimage. You want to see the famous SS Thistlegorm, sure, but maybe you don’t have 10 days or $5,000 to spare. The good news is that you can absolutely secure a world-class wreck diving experience without sinking your savings account.

The key lies in bypassing the standard, week-long safari and opting instead for a focused, short-format liveaboard Egypt trip. This “wreck express” approach lets you pack the absolute best sites into three or four days, proving that a premium Egypt diving liveaboard experience doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag. It’s about being smart with your time and money, transforming an expensive dream into an accessible reality for the dedicated wreck enthusiast.

DIVE IN!