I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1

The Irish Sun

2 days ago

THE sun warmed my face as we soared through the emerald waters on a traditional junk boat, its large sails steering the way.
Drifting closer to Unesco World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, the landscape unfolded like something out of a dream.
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Arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm
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For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must - like this in Ho Chi Minh City
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Train Street in Hanoi offers a thrilling close-up as trains speed past tiny cafés just inches from your seat
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In front of me, nearly 2,000 limestone karsts and islets soared from the jade-green waters, their rugged silhouettes softened by tropical vegetation.
This was paradise. If Vietnam isn't already on your bucket list, it sure should be.
Ha Long Bay was just the beginning for me.
A kayaking excursion was also on the horizon and an evening of cold beers in a local bar — along with the promise of adventure, shared with 12 other keen explorers and crammed into a jam-packed ten-day itinerary.
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This is the unique and brilliant thing about a G Adventures holiday: after just a few days a set of total strangers, from all age ranges and with a love for travel, leave as pals.
We were led by a local guide who went above and beyond in recommending the best sights and their expertise made navigating such a vibrant and complex country feel effortless.
From the moment I touched down in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, I knew my trip would be unforgettable.
The city doesn't just welcome you — it wraps you in its embrace with the hum of motorbikes, the aroma of street food, and a culture so vibrant you can't help but fall in love.
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One of the most powerful places to visit in this region is Hoa Lò Prison, also called the 'Hanoi Hilton.'
Built by the French to hold Vietnamese revolutionaries, the building later became known for imprisoning American soldiers during the Vietnam War.
Abandoned Ho Thuy Tien water park in Vietnam
And don't miss the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — a grand memorial and the resting place for Vietnam's beloved former leader, Ho Chi Minh, after whom the city is named, his body preserved inside a Soviet-style building.
My favourite memories of Hanoi, however, were on Train Street.
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This narrow alley is famed for its railway, which runs straight through the centre, so close to the tiny cafés flanking the street that you can feel the rush of air when the carriages whoosh past.
Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties.
I sat on a small stool with a Hanoi Beer, waiting for the magic moment.
Then, as the train roared towards me, the whole street sprung into action — people moved aside, cameras clicked, and for a few thrilling seconds, it was pure excitement.
The
next
stop on my epic adventure was the coastal city of Hue, a place where
history
comes alive.
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I'm not usually a fan of overnight trains and the idea of spending 13 hours onboard had me feeling a little anxious.
Emperors and dynasties
But, much to my surprise, the experience was a lot of fun.
My cosy compartment, which I shared with tour group members, came with four flat beds and I slept like a baby after a few beers in the buffet car.
Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical.
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Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties.
Exploring the Royal Tombs and the tranquil Thien Mu Pagoda gave me a sense of the city's rich history.
For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must.
I zoomed through the lush countryside, taking in stunning views of the Perfume River.
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Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods.
The adventure ended on a high note with a refreshing Huda beer, crispy fried
spring
rolls, and a mouth-watering stir-fried rice noodle dish — all for less than £8.
In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find a place that charges more than £1 for a beer.
The same goes for the city of Hoi An — except it's the food that captivated me most here.
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After a scenic private coach ride through the breathtaking mountain pass of Hai Van, arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm.
If you're craving a break from spring rolls, noodles, and rice, a visit to Madam Khanh's – The Bánh Mì Queen is a must.
Bánh mì is a national sandwich, now known across the world, that blends French and Vietnamese flavours.
The much-loved dish is made from a crispy baguette filled with savoury meats such as pork, chicken, or pâté, along with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, cucumber, and a tangy sauce — an irresistible fusion of textures and tastes.
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The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream.
Several hearty mouthfuls were enough to fuel us on a bike ride through lush rice paddies, relaxing on the golden sands of An Bang Beach, before witnessing the incredible skill of local tailors, who crafted two custom
suits
for me in just a few hours, all for only $250 USD.
It was hard to tear ourselves away, but the electrifying energy of Ho Chi Minh City was calling — a sharp contrast to the peaceful calm of Hoi An.
A tour in a Cyclo (a bit like a rickshaw, but with riders sitting at the front) is the perfect way to experience this vibrant city's pulse and rich history.
We passed the Reunification Palace, where the Vietnam War came to a dramatic end in 1975.
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Next, we saw the Landing Zone, the apartment building where US government workers were evacuated by helicopter during the Fall of Saigon.
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The harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers
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James enjoys a boat trip to Ha Long Bay
Credit: Supplied
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Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods
Credit: Getty
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The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream.
Then came my highlight: House 287/70 on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, home to a secret bunker that once hid nearly two tonnes of Viet Cong weapons during the 1968 Tet Offensive.
Of course, none of this quite compared to the harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers.
The experience gave a sobering look at the resilience of the Vietnamese people during the war.
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If you're claustrophobic, though, you might want to skip crawling along the restored tunnels.
Why not kick back with a beer instead?
It'll only cost you £1, after all.
GO: VIETNAM
GETTING THERE:
Vietnam Airlines flies from Heathrow to Hanoi, daily, and to Ho Chi Minh City three times a week, with fares from £376 each way (£755 return). See vietnamairlines.com.
TOUR WITH:
G Adventures Classic Vietnam ten- day tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, via Ha Long Bay, Hue and Hoi An costs from £705pp when booking directly at gadventures.com or via trailfinders.com.