Mark and Rie Johnson headed off on their Honeymoon to Vietnam and Cambodia, looking for cultural adventure, relaxation and a bit of romance. Here are a few highlights from their special trip….
From sensory overload in chaotic Hanoi (the smells, the crowds and playing chicken with the bikes!), to a rustic homestay in Mai Chau with super friendly staff and getting lost in a maze of rice paddies with our guide. Our overly enthusiastic rower in Ninh Binh took us through some spectacular mountain scenery before a full on Halong Bay cruise complete with upgraded jacuzzi suite room (nice!), night squid fishing, a cave excursion bought to life by a very animated guide and not forgetting superb on board food.
Two nights in idyllic Hoi An and a visit to our now favourite tea/coffee house in the world “Reaching Out” serving a fantastic range of teas and coffees with delicious home-made biscuits and supporting local deaf people. A tranquil haven to reflect on life and watch the world go by – orders are taken by placing the relevant block on the table. Hoi An also deserves a special mention for it’s stunning beaches, some of the best craft boutique shops in Vietnam and the vibrant colourful lanterns at night – very romantic!
Next stop Ho Chi Minh – the big surprise, certainly not a city to be overlooked. More great food, cosmopolitan hidden cafes and a history lesson at the War Remnants Museum (not for the feint hearted) before jetting across to Cambodia for our final nights.
Sunset at Angkor Wat, an elephant ride on the slowest, oldest elephant, $2 massages and nails manicured. Finally, a visit to S21 and the Killing Fields revealing the darker side of the chilling Pol Pot regime and we were exhausted and ready for our return to Bristol.
Our baby due in January nearly made an early appearance on a few occasions (a rather bumpy 8.5 hour car ride from Siem Reap to Phnomn Penh) and Rie’s face when I downed the local speciality – crispy fried tarantula.
Thank you all at IVT for a wonderful honeymoon with lots of great memories.
Thanks for sharing your special trip with us. All the best to you both from all at IVT!!
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