Lounging ALL the way to Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh and Danang

[Flyfrequently]

Friday :
Coughed aplenty overnight but testing negative so will mask up and head out for a bit more sightseeing.
I will be just like a local as many wear masks due to the pollution
After breakfast, it was cloudy and as I hadn't had a chance to shop, we settled on a quick trip into Danang city to suss out Han Market.
Going over the Dragon Bridge, seeing it from a different angle

Grab driver dropped us off near the river entrance.

It was just after midday and a crowd was spilling out onto the street Bach Bang

And now we know why

Into the market we go - very, very crowded.

Clothing is on the 2nd floor, all I will say is heat rises!
We lasted about 50 minutes as that was how long it took to barrel our way through the masses to get to the exit on Tran Phu.
On Google Maps, Cho Han is appropriately labelled as a "bustling food and clothing market".

We went, we saw but didn't conquer - I left empty-handed.
Walked along the riverside so Mr Flyfrequently could take some photos. Booked a Grab and back to the Pullman for a leisurely swim.
As Pullman doesn't have an Executive Lounge, it does acknowledge Accor Gold and above with a few perks.
One being complimentary airport transfers, the other, a private, invitation only event called "Social Sundowner" which is held on Fridays at 4pm -6pm.

There was an array of canapes, coughtails, beers and wine on offer.
Very pleasant!
The GM, F& B Manager and other heads of departments mingled with the probably 30 - 40 guests who attended. This area is now under renovation.

Over to Azure restaurant by the beach for a light dinner of Risotto
Prawn for me

Green for him - Pea and Asparagus

Oh and to round the evening off, a Tequila Sunrise for me

 

[Flyfrequently]

At least there was some communication prior to arriving, though obviously it was planned a little more than 3 days in advance... Hope you enjoy the rest of it, Vietnam is very quickly moving up my list of must visit places!

I reckon Surfer Flyfrequently and her husband will look at Vietnam or Japan to surf next. They usually do Indo and fly Garuda - due to their boards!

Yeah I saw the issues with boards. Honestly that's why I drive everywhere for surf trips in Aus and have ironically surfed in more countries overseas than states/territories of Australia (only NSW,QLD and VIC). Overseas airlines seem to understand that not all boards are shorter than 7' a lot better than VA and JQ. And yes damn the shark situation was a bit full on, I also saw stories of cars having slashed tyres at Caba as well...

Such an amazing effort by Tina though, I only heard of her story after she won but wow what a gnarly few years she's had.

And she is a Mum too!
There are lots of backstories for many of the competitiors. Jess only took up surfing 6 years ago as she was sick of sitting on the sidelines watching her husband !

And yes wedding is in 3 months! Getting very excited and fortunately not booking out a whole hotel or having 300 guests but it still doesn't feel any less stressful. Savings mode is in full swing so I don't even have flights booked currently outside of work commitments which feels very strange!

So fantastic that you could have your pre wedding trip - wishing you both every happiness.
Mr Flyfrequently and I have clocked up nearly 47 years. No fancy wedding for us, just at the Registry Office and a 3 day honeymoon in Geelong - my expectations have improved since the '70's!

 

[GarrettM]

Will we see some guitar activity soon? I am curious to see how your hiring experience goes. Or doesn't go as it were.

 

[Flyfrequently]

Will we see some guitar activity soon? I am curious to see how your hiring experience goes. Or doesn't go as it were.

Bit behind with this TR!
Will not keep you in suspense @GarrettM
He didn't hire one and as we are less than 24 hours from home, reckon it won't take long before he brings out an axe!

I did offer the rental but was bit of a hassle.
I can DM the info of the guitar shops that the hotel suggested if you like. Saw a few shops in Danang on our travels.
I did let him have his head though, at his chosen volume, with YouTube clips and tutorials.

Swings and Roundabouts!

 

[jase05]

Great TR and brings back a lot of happy memories from previous visits.
Will be back there in October and staying next door to the Pullman DaNang but will probably head over there for lunch or dinner one day whilst there

 

[GarrettM]

Bit behind with this TR!
Will not keep you in suspense @GarrettM
He didn't hire one and as we are less than 24 hours from home, reckon it won't take long before he brings out an axe!

I did offer the rental but was bit of a hassle.
I can DM the info of the guitar shops that the hotel suggested if you like. Saw a few shops in Danang on our travels.
I did let him have his head though, at his chosen volume, with YouTube clips and tutorials.

Swings and Roundabouts!

I'd appreciate that greatly please.

 

[Flyfrequently]

I'd appreciate that greatly please.

Will do tomorrow @GarrettM
Lounging at present

 

[Flyfrequently]

Saturday :
Our days here in Danang have gone quickly, still with a few things to do. From the beach we could see this statue.

Staff told us it was Lady Buddha and worth a visit.
Also our gkids had found a spot for us to check out that looks like a Greek island. Ok as it was on the way.
Ordered our Grab and lucked into a very friendly, helpful driver named Dung.
He asked if we wanted to stop anywhere on the way for free, no waiting time charge .... mmm ok.
Next he asked if he wanted to have him wait at Lady Buddha and take us back to the hotel - how much? Same as cost up.
Ok, we thought it very reasonable and considerate of him
Later we worked out why*

At his suggestion we played tourist along the way and stopped at the Danang Beach sign

Commemorating 30 April 1975

My An Beach


Further along the beach road Dung explained (via Google translate) there was to be a big Hip Hop concert at 6pm and the beach area would be extremely crowded with young folk


According to Tik Tok and YouTube, it was THE place to be on Saturday night.

Next stop was Son-Tra Marina, the Santorini clone suggested by the teenage gkids. Essentially a few white/blue buildings housing a cafe in and it is an Instagram favourite.
You cannot go in unless your order and pay for a drink and of course there was a queue!

Uniform is mostly white floaty dresses and hats from the '70's
As we didn't quite fit the demographic, we peeked over the brick fence instead. The gkids were impressed we went though!


Next stop:
Lady Buddha is described as a magnificent temple complex at Linh Ung Pagoda in the Monkey Mountains of Danang.


The courtyard has many statues and the surrounding gardens abound beautifully manicured bonsai trees.

Great views back over Danang

And the Lady herself
67 metres tall


As we left the courtyard, we were bombarded by taxi and Grab driver's touting their trade.
* We now know why Dung offered us a return trip.
Many tourists take the one-way trip up and plan to call for transport when they are ready - which actually was our plan!
The drivers can be stuck there for hours without a ride or just head back to town empty, not earning any money.
For Dung, he had a guaranteed fare back with us. A win - win.
For those travelling to Danang, if you are looking for a driver, I am happy to DM his details - looking at you @GarrettM @JackMiles
Needless to say, Dung got a well-deserved big tip!


Time for a swim

before gearing up for Dim Sum and Chinese Buffet at Grand Mercure.

Grab to GMD just on sunset.
No trolleys at this Dum Sum/ Yum Cha, order from an ipad

Took us awhile but we got the hang of it!
Accor Dining discount applied

 

[Flyfrequently]

Sunday :
Still coughing at night - also still negative to Covid.
My sister has made a telehealth appointment for me Wednesday when we get home.

For our last full day, it is "rinse and repeat"

Morning beach walk
Breakfast
Swim
Read (make notes for TR )
Swim - must say, I'm really enjoying a "dip in the briney" as my Dad would say!

Read - still haven't finished my book
Final swim

On line checkin with Vietnam Airlines for DAD - HCMC
Pack

Early dinner Epice at Pullman

and early bed

 

[jase05]

Did you get to go up Marble Mountain?
One of my “must see” recommendations. We cheated and went up via the lift as it was a very hot day but spent several hours exploring the mountain on foot and loved it

 

[Flyfrequently]

Monday :
Woke to the sound of rain and I sat on the balcony embracing the first really cool morning 26° - makes it a bit easier to go home

Staff still in the gardens hand-picking out little weeds


Hotel arranged complimentary airport transfers. Quick 15 minute trip to the airport.
Busy check in

Not for us though, we could utilise Sky Priority as flying J
Through security quickly and up to Plaza Premium

My 2nd last bowl of Pho - wine was undrinkable!

Heading to our air-conditioned Business Class bus

This "fancy bus" stuff indicates you are at a remote stand !

 

[Flyfrequently]

Did you get to go up Marble Mountain?
One of my “must see” recommendations. We cheated and went up via the lift as it was a very hot day but spent several hours exploring the mountain on foot and loved it

Regretfully no @jase05
I didn't really put much thought into our daytrip to Hoi An as I was feeling pretty lousy - the humidity exacerbated my cough and drained my energy.
Now that we are home, we are toying with the idea of returning in April when the weather is more amenable.
So much more that we want to see and do.

 

[jase05]

Regretfully no @jase05
I didn't really put much thought into our daytrip to Hoi An as I was feeling pretty lousy - the humidity exacerbated my cough and drained my energy.
Now that we are home, we are toying with the idea of returning in April when the weather is more amenable.
So much more that we casee and do.

Hope for a speedy recovery.
Our first couple of trips we probably rushed things a bit and didn’t really appreciate it as much as the numerous visits since where we have slowed down and enjoyed it.
Our next visit in October will pretty much be just relaxing at beach resorts for a couple of weeks at Phu Quoc and DaNang.

 

[ellen10]

I Hope your flight home went well @Flyfrequently.
Just a thought on your cough and feeling lousy. When I was sick in Darwin two years ago, coughing just like you. I too kept testing for Covid (negative).

I got so sick that I ended up in Darwin hospital and tested positive for RSV, a very nasty bug, which took me a long time to get over.

Hopefully you feel better soon.

 

[Flyfrequently]

I Hope your flight home went well @Flyfrequently.
Just a thought on your cough and feeling lousy. When I was sick in Darwin two years ago, coughing just like you. I too kept testing for Covid (negative).

I got so sick that I ended up in Darwin hospital and tested positive for RSV, a very nasty bug, which took me a long time to get over.

Hopefully you feel better soon.

Thanks @ellen10
Home now and a bit behind in this TR ! Telehealth with GP yesterday and he thinks could be influenza A, worth testing if I can get a RAT. Checked all our local pharmacies down here - no kits.
Treating it symptomatically and am considerably better, coughing is almost non existent now, maybe once/twice a day.
Think I have turned the corner at day 8. Fortunately, I didn't cough once on the overnight flight yesterday. Masked up anyway.

 

[Flyfrequently]

More on Monday :
VN129 departed on time with excellent crew again and prompt service.
I went the canapes again

He had the chicken - verdict was good but not as good as the pork on the trip to Danang.

HCMC arrival into their new domestic terminal was relatively seamless.

Eventually found the Grab pick up spot. We could have taken the bus to terminal 2 to catch the complementary Hotel shuttle but for the sake of $6, Grab it was.

Quick check in at Ibis.
As Accor Gold, upgraded to a king studio suite. These rooms have a kitchenette with a microwave and a bigger than minibar fridge but no crockery/cutlery.


and are on a higher floor with a better view.

They have also been renovated but have only one bathroom.
The reason we book the Queen studio suite, is because it has 2, albeit small bathrooms - more convenient for our speedy early morning departure showers! We didn't bother going downstairs to change it, just need to get up 15 minutes earlier the next morning.
Upstairs to the rooftop pool for a swim and planespotting.

Early dinner at The Hub on the rooftop

and the most delicious grilled prawns.
Goodnight Saigon - early start for our homeward journey tomorrow.


Can recommend Ibis Saigon Airport hotel as it is inexpensive and convenient for stopovers. Happy to answer any questions.

 

[Flyfrequently]

Tuesday :
Only one bout of coughing overnight but glad my sister, Party Aunty, has booked a Telehealth consult for when I get home.

Down in the Lobby by 7.45am for the shuttle to HCMC Terminal 2.
Staff said to go on the later bus "you too early" but the catastrophiser in me thought otherwise.
And rightly so, the queues for BP departure were lengthy and slow - not as slow as arrivals thankfully, still 45 minutes no priority for Immigration only Security

As we are flying Cathay to Hong Kong, we were invited to La Saigonaisse.

Had to laugh at the Entry a DYKWIA dude was arguing at top volume for his guests' entry. Staff said only 2 guests, he wanted 5. He was using "stack" logic, his J class + his Star Alliance status and his attitude.
Staff won

Last bowl of Pho - no pic
But took this for Party Aunty

Too early for me!

Our incoming bird was 15 minutes tardy.

Lounge announcement, email, text and app communications advising of the delay

Timely boarding
PDB offered

Meal choice taken

Apart from the staff and service, there is a lot I liked about CX A330-300, no overhead bins, in-flight music

and a Cloud Nine

And to amuse my Jetstar flying family, I sent a snap of the closest I will ever get to fly with them
PicView attachment 462155

Prompt, tasty lunch service
Duck Breast starter
Salmon
Ice cream


For a sub 3 hour flight, Qantas take note

Landed 20 minutes late at Chep Lap Kok near Gate 63 - how handy to The Pier First.

Bit of a lie down
Then some sustanance
My comfort food


Did the almost 20 minute walk to QF Lounge, not too busy. Didn't get time to head into The Deck, interim "First Lounge " whilst The Wing undergoes renovations.

Enjoyed simple rice and Char Sui In QF

And Fried Calamari


Our bird is waiting

Prompt group boarding with a great crew led by Adam.
PDB


I wasn't going to order dinner but have to say, the Braised Pork Belly was delicious!


Also, didn't sleep on the plane as I knew lying down might trigger a coughing fit.
A few movies and "Mobland" kept me entertained till sunrise

Almost home.

 

[Flyfrequently]

Wednesday :
Sunrise coming in to land ...... and just like that we are home.



Arrived early, had to wait 30 minutes for our gate.
Egates worked well but bags took another 30+ minutes. From disembarking it was an hour before we stepped outside. The sun was out, a chilly 5° not much wind. Some fog on the way but in 2 hours, we are home.


Reflecting on this trip, Vietnam has so much to see as others have noted. I am glad we did what we did, particularly the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace.
The only thing I would have changed would have been the time of year. But due to other commitments, July this year was our window.

I think we did it wisely - for us.

No dramas, no missed connections, no major delays and importantly we enjoyed every aspect of this trip - and each other's company sans .

I am a journey girl and appreciate slow travel, somewhat different to the experiences and expectations of others.

Using Accor ALL worked for hotel locations, amenities and cost.
Booked the flights during DSC which will have me retain WP with other travel planning to come.

I take my hat off to those who are out all day, every day and then write a TR!

I am less adventurous these days but still enjoy travelling - I do like Premium cabins and Lounges and I ticked those boxes.

My "Here's Cheers to 70 Years" celebrations have now come to a close. Think I have done rather well with Vanuatu, Staycations, the family gathering for lunch and wrapping up with Vietnam.
I did finally buy myself a souvenir.


Super glue to the rescue!


Next journey is purely "flop, drop, rinse and repeat" in Bali for Mr Flyfrequently's birthday in September.
Thanks for coming along and the tips that were shared pre journey.

 

[JackMiles]

Thanks for the TR. Enjoyed reading it and glad you had a great holiday.

 

[OZDUCK]

Thanks for an enjoyable TR.