Vietnam / With Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam here I am!
I had the opportunity to travel to Asia again, this time with Vietnam Airlines. They invited me to join them on a week-long trip to visit the country and celebrate the launch of their new A350 fleet and direct flights between Paris and Vietnam.
Vietnam Airlines is a Vietnamese national airline and a member of the SkyTeam alliance. Their network includes 21 domestic and 29 international destinations, with over 360 daily flights. The company is headquartered in Hanoi and operates mainly from the airports in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
From Paris, Vietnam Airlines operates up to 14 direct flights per week to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City from Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport Terminal 2E (CDG). Through the TGV AIR agreements with SNCF, passengers can connect to over 19 provincial cities by TGV to reach Roissy station and catch their Vietnam Airlines flight.
Since October 2015, Vietnam Airlines has been operating its France-Vietnam routes with A350 aircraft. With its latest generation aircraft, Vietnam Airlines offers its customers three cabin options: Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy, for a more comfortable journey.
Vietnam Airlines has been rated as a 4-star airline by Skytrax for the quality of its services.
Would you like to join me on this adventure in Vietnam?
Upon our early morning arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, our visit commenced with the Grande Poste, a magnificent architectural gem with French influence, designed by A. Foulhoux and H. Vildieu in 1886. The portrait of the city's founding father is displayed there!
After that, we took a leisurely walk through the streets towards one of Ho Chi Minh's renowned hotels.
Hello The Continental Saigon Hotel ! Situated in the heart of District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s a historical icon that dates back to 1880. It was the city's first hotel and has welcomed famous figures like Jacques Chirac, Graham Greene, and Somerset Maugham. The hotel's colonial-style architecture and luxurious amenities offer guests an authentic and comfortable stay, with impeccable service that reflects Vietnam's rich history. Overall, The Continental Saigon Hotel provides a memorable experience for travelers seeking a glimpse into the country's fascinating past.
It is also very famous for being one of the important places of Indochine movie.
Let's continue the visit of Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon), its buildings, its narrow streets, its markets and its ... very busy traffic!
After spending the night at the nearly century-old Majestic Hotel, which is the only 5-star hotel in the city, waking up to a beautiful morning was a treat. We decided to take a quick stroll through the hotel before enjoying a delicious breakfast. The hotel's rich history and elegant architecture were awe-inspiring, making it a must-visit destination for those who appreciate luxury and style. Despite its age, the Majestic Hotel continues to offer modern amenities and top-notch service, ensuring a memorable and comfortable stay for its guests.
We embarked on a scenic cruise to the Mekong Delta, the region where the mighty Mekong River flows into the sea after a journey of 4900 kilometers. The river originates in Tibet, at an altitude of 5200 meters, and flows through Yunnan, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, before finally reaching Vietnam. Its journey is a remarkable one, passing through diverse landscapes and cultures, making it a significant source of livelihood for the people who live along its banks. We were excited to explore the Mekong Delta, a unique and picturesque area known for its beauty and traditional way of life.
Next, we headed towards Can Tho, which is located in the heart of the Mekong Delta. The city's economy is predominantly based on rice cultivation and river-based activities. While there, we took a quick stroll through Tay Do's night market, which offered a glimpse into the local culture and cuisine. It was a fantastic opportunity to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Can Tho, and we were left with a lasting impression of the region's unique charm.
We woke up exceptionally early on the third morning of our trip to visit the Cai Rang Floating Market, which is the largest and most picturesque market in the Mekong Delta. This experience was one of the highlights of our journey, and it was one of my two personal favorites. The market was a bustling hub of activity, with vendors selling their wares from boats on the river. The vibrant colors, sounds, and smells were incredible, and it was a truly unforgettable experience.
Let's take a moment to talk about Ornella from Les Exploratrices, whom you will see in some of the upcoming pictures. She was truly one of my top three favorite people to travel with in 2017. Ornella was always in high spirits, with a beautiful smile that matched her kind and warm personality. It was an absolute pleasure to meet her and spend time together during our travels. She made the experience even more enjoyable, and I feel fortunate to have met her.
Afterward, we made our way to the city of Can Tho to explore its markets and streets before embarking on a journey to a truly enchanting destination.
On the fourth day, we visited Con Dao, a paradise on earth, and stayed at the fabulous Poulo Condor Boutique Resort. The resort was an oasis of luxury and tranquility, nestled amidst stunning ocean views and lush greenery. Our stay there was truly magical and a highlight of our trip.
Con Dao, the largest island of an archipelago of 16 islets, is situated approximately 180km from Vietnam's southeastern coast. Once a notorious prison colony during French occupation, Con Dao has since transformed into an authentic and preserved seaside destination, known for its natural beauty.
How do you feel about this sunset? I'm absolutely smitten with this place!
On the 5th day, we traveled north to explore Hanoi and were met with a significant change in temperature, a drop of 20°C! However, our flight was delayed, leaving us with limited time to explore the city. Despite this setback, we managed to take a quick stroll through the vibrant streets of Hanoi, hoping to return soon to discover more of its wonders.
I am so grateful to Vietnam Airlines for making my stay so wonderful, especially for providing me the opportunity to fly in Business Class for the first time ever. It was an amazing experience! I hope to revisit Vietnam soon to explore more, especially the legendary Ha Long Bay.
Vietnam Tips:
Language: Vietnamese
Money: Dong
Calling Code: +84
