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. 

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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.

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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!

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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.

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historic douwntown brenham

Things to Do in Brenham, Texas

While in Katy for some horseshows, I took a side trip to Brenham, just an hour drive away.  Brenham, with a population near 19,000, is most famous for being the home to Blue Bell Creameries, maker of “the best ice cream in the country.”

While Blue Bell may be one of the most popular attractions in this darling town, there are many things to in Brenham from strolling its historic downtown to riding the Flying Horse Carousel to camping at nearby Lake Somerville State Park.  Historians, nature lovers, and shoppers will all enjoy a weekend getaway in Brenham.

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fisherman's wharf victoria

A Day In Victoria BC

I recently visited Vancouver and spent most of my time adventuring on its west coast in Ucluelet and Tofino.  While I prefer small towns like these, city goers should not overlook beautiful Victoria!

There ae many things to do in Victoria for all tourists, from families to solo travelers.  I saved one day of my weeklong trip to Vancouver Island for a self-made walking tour of the city.

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vrbo in ucluelet

Things to Do in Ucluelet

Up until a few months ago, I had never heard of Ucluelet.  I was interested in visiting Tofino, and upon researching places to stay and things to do in Tofino, I found nearby Ucluelet met all my needs for a more affordable price.

Located on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast, Ucluelet is smaller and the less hipster sister of its famous northern neighbor Tofino.  With a population of just over 2,000 and growing, the small downtown features several coffee shops, a few retail stores, and some nice restaurants.

Hiking trails and beaches surround the village whose names comes from the local Nuu-chah-nulth language and translates to people of the safe harbor.  Below are a few things to do in Ucluelet.

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New York City: Weekend Walking Itinerary

You’d have to read a thousand blogs to find all the things to do in New York City.  While I always stay in midtown, hit up a broadway show, stroll through Central Park, and find a few fancy places to eat, I change up the rest of my Big Apple visit.

During my most recent weekend stay in March, I logged a good 15 miles each day as I explored parks, neighborhoods, and few tourist attractions.

WANDER!
silver springs state park in ocala

Things to Do in Ocala

Ocala, located in North Central Florida, has a growing population of 63,000+ and counting.  With hundreds of horse farms and the famous World Equestrian Center, Ocala is known as the “Horse Capital of the World.” Though Lexington, Kentucky would argue that claim.  While the horse industry in the area is substantial, there are other things to do in Ocala.

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