Local Expert
Adam Hurley
Originally from Newcastle Australia, i have been wondering the streets, markets, beaches and noodle soup stalls of Vietnam for the past 7 years. Much of that time has been working as tour guide in…
Originally from Newcastle Australia, i have been wondering the streets, markets, beaches and noodle soup stalls of Vietnam for the past 7 years. Much of that time has been working as tour guide in Vietnam and also Cambodia and Thailand.
Now married, I live in Vietnam's capital city, Hanoi with my wife and son. My work includes photography, tour guiding and blogging!
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Showing on the 13th and 14th of January is the Opera La Boheme by G. Puccini.
On show will be conductor Graham Sutcliffe, Swiss director Marten Forslund along with the singers from the Orchestra & Choir of the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet. Also making an appearance will be the Hanoi International Choir.
Shows on both nights begin at 8pm and you can grab tickets at the Opera House (1 Trang Tien Street) or you can call 091 3489858 or you can head over to www.ticketvn.com.
For some time now, Jetstar Pacific have been flying high over Vietnam and much of Asia.
Originally Pacific Airlines, a State ran airline, it sold a 30% stake to Australian owned Jetstar. It was renamed to Jetstar Pacific and is now operating as a Budget Airline through out the country.
Recently, they announced a new route between the countries capital, Hanoi and the Mekong Delta City of Cantho. Fares are being advertised at 700,000vnd (approx 40USD) and the flight takes around 2 1/2 hours.
For more information on times, fares and bookings head over to www.jetstar.com.
Safe Travels!
If your in Hanoi for Christmas, expect busy, noisy and crazy times!
The Vietnamese love this time of the year and hit the streets in record numbers. Areas such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Ba Trieu Street and the Old Quarter will be packed each evening with people checking out the decorations and lights.Kids dress as santa and locals cruise on their 110cc scooters like kids in a chocolate factory!
If you head out to see it yourself, besure to bring a camera! The best places are around the Hoan Kiem Lake, big hotels such as the Metropole or large department store (Vincom Towers, Ba Trieu Street).
If your in Vietnams largest city, HCMC expect total craziness as this city is mad over the Christmas/New Year period. For the best lights head to Nguyen Hue, Dong Khoi and Le Loi Streets.
Enjoy and Merry Christmas!
If you're looking for some happiness and a little bit of good luck, head out to the Perfume Pagoda. Located in My Duc District, Ha Tay Province, the Pagoda is an easy 70km drive south west of Hanoi.
Just short of the actually Pagoda, you will reach the Ben Duc Wharf from where you can board boats for a lovely 3km cruise along the Yen Vy River. The landscape around here is beatuiful mountians, lush forest all dotted with the greens and yellows of rice paddies.
The area known as Huong Tich Grotto was discovered some 2000 years ago and is regarded by many locals as the most beautiful in the country.In the middle of the grotto is a statue of Bodhisattva Quan An.
The Perfoume Pagoda Festival kicks of after the New Year (Lunar New Year) and continues until the 3rd Lunar month. Expect large crowds of Vietnamese during this time!
To get to the Pagoda book a tour at any travel agent in Hanoi or speak to your hotel.You can easily do this in a day.
If you want something a little different during your visit to Hanoi, check out the Symphony Concert that's happening on the 11th and 12th of December at the Hanoi Oprea House.
It will include French Conductor Pierre Andre Valade, solo alto Siri Torjensen along with the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra.
The shows kick of at 8pm each nightand tickets can be brought at the Hanoi Oprea House (1 Trang Tien Street) or visit www.ticketvn.com.
Vietnam's secend Belly Dancing Festival is on the 11th December at Sum Villa - 10 Dang Thai Mai Street, Ho Tay Villa. (Tel 371 95511)
Tickets can be brought at several locations including:
- Apsara Studio - 137 Nhgi Tam Street
- Foodshop 45 - 59 Truc Bach Street
Along with JAFA, The Club House and also at Ciputra City.
Tickets cost 100,000vnd per person or around $7USD.
Now go and shake those bellies!