Author

Kate Durack

Browsing

Vietnam is a fantastic place for families to visit! It is exciting, exotic, inexpensive, and offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, food, adventure, and fun.

I recently spent three weeks exploring this vibrant country with my 15-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son. I felt it was largely an undiscovered destination for Australian families. We generally tend to visit Bali and Thailand, yet Vietnam is so accessible, cheap, and very interesting.

I spontaneously bought tickets on a whim one evening – $1500 for three of us including travel insurance to fly with Scoot Airlines via Singapore. What a great decision that was!

I wasn’t familiar with Scoot, Singapore Airlines’ budget carrier, but it was adequate, despite ingratiating reviews. It was, however, delayed several times and we were compensated with a $90 meal voucher at the airport. The flight was comfortable, professional, and drama-free.

We spent five days in Singapore en route to Ho Chi Minh City.

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City

There is so much to explore in Ho Chi Minh! After complications with my initial accommodation booking, we ended up in the backpacking District 1 – this in itself was an adventure, exploring the nightlife of discos and pole dancers, as we sauntered through the zesty, lit streets filled with music and action. The energy was high and colourful.

Shops and street food fare were open until the wee hours as a mix of tourists, backpackers, and locals took to their delights along the streets, dodging the motorcycles.

The biggest challenge I found in Vietnam was the traffic mayhem and the absence of English-speaking people. A translating app was a Godsend; and crossing the streets was a feat!

After a quick Google phone search, I found a local hotel that had a roof-top pool – this was a priority as the humidity was sweltering.

Cityscape from rooftop pool of Prague Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City
Cityscape from rooftop pool of Prague Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City

We stayed at Prague, which was a budget hotel situated in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, within short walking distance to the nightlife, restaurants, and bars. It only cost $60 a night for the three of us and included a nice breakfast of fresh fruit, toast, cereal, and hot Vietnamese dishes. Fresh spring rolls to start the day were delicious! The rooftop pool was small but clean, and comfortably warm, and offered interesting views of the motley Ho Chi Minh cityscape.

Rip-off designer sunnies from Ben Thang markets and acrylic nails from street salon
Rip-off designer sunnies from Ben Thang markets and acrylic nails from a street salon.

I enjoyed having an assortment of cheap massage and nail salons on our doorstep. $18 for a terrific Vietnamese full body massage, compared with the $85 I pay in Perth, was a treat. We walked to the Ben Thanh markets and purchased impressive replica Prada handbags, Converse and Nike shoes, a North Face jacket, designer T-shirts, activewear, and Ray Ban sunnies.

We had a short-hour flight to Nha Trang for around $70 per head, where we soaked up the quintessential tropical palm-lined, enduring soft sand beaches.

The waves were abundant, and the water was warm. Nha Trang is an interesting centre – many Russian tourists and menus are written in Vietnamese, Russian and French. English speaking was sparse.

Nha Trang beach
Nha Trang beach

We stayed at Novotel, which was ideally situated beachfront in the town centre, so within walking distance to the markets where we bought $9 bikinis and $18 pearl necklaces. The food was exotic and experimental as we deciphered the local menus through a translation app. It was so cheap. Our first night, I had two large cocktails, the kids each had a mocktail and we shared three large main dishes for $20. The service was great despite communication challenges.

Peppered with bars and eateries on the sand, the beachfront in Nha Trang is terrific with bay views of the islands.

It is a resort town popular with the Vietnamese for holidays and international travelers. We were there in May during the Independence Day celebrations so accommodation was scant and travel services such as trains and buses were booked out. (It is advisable to reserve travel plans well ahead if travelling at this time, a rookie mistake I made.) We were unable to get a train or bus on our preferred dates and last-minute accommodation options were limited. We stayed at The Ibis, which was clean, modern and adequate, although not luxury.

Island views from Nha Trang beach

As such, instead of road or rail transport, we flew to the popular beachside resort city of Danang, Vietnam’s third largest city, where we stayed at a basic hotel, A25, for only $40. It was clean, included robes and tea and coffee facilities, an ensuite and breakfast.

I lost my credit card at an ATM in Danang and amazingly someone found it and tracked me down through the company details on my card. This was a great testament to the honesty and kindness I experienced throughout Vietnam.

I hired a private driver to take us from Danang to our next destination, Hoi An, which was an hour away and cost $20.

Hoi An night artisans

Hoi An is a magical city, rich in culture, the arts, and history. It is renowned for tailor-made clothing services. I could have a dress made to measure within 24 hours for under $20! The old town centre lights up at night with a buzzing nightlife, markets and artisans selling their wares. Iconic French-Vietnamese restaurants and music-filled bars are plentiful.

We stayed at Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort and Spa which was a perfect blend of traditional Vietnamese architecture, style, and sophisticated elegance. Nestled between the beach and lagoon, with water winding through the hotel grounds, and a sparkling swimming pool, there was a peaceful naturalistic ambiance that created a feeling of harmony and peace.

Poolside Victoria Hoi An Resort & Spa

We then had a fun train ride of 3.5 hours to Hue. I booked a second-class sleeper berth which was comfortable with six beds, which we shared with several local women.

The views were magnificent – high cliffs over the ocean, dense valleys and hilltops, and small villages amidst emerald fields and jungles, were the scenic entertainment.

Scenic views from the train

Food trolleys rolled outside our cabin and there was a small food service area that offered basic refreshments. I wasn’t game to try the local warm Vietnamese street food on offer but we enjoyed packets of nuts and popcorn.

2nd class 6 berth train carriage

Hue is unique – the Imperial city – abundant in culture and history. We visited the Citadel and took a tour of the old palace which had been home to 13 Emperors and maintained an aura of majesty and regal tradition. The tour was fascinating, learning about the old ways of Vietnamese royalty where one such Emperor had 400 wives and 142 children. I found the history of eunuchs disturbing, learning that adolescent boys born of servants were selected, and had their testicles removed without anesthetic medicine. Many other truths were shared including how the ancient civilization was destroyed by French colonialization, and again by US bombings during the Vietnam War.

Street food in Hue

Aside from the Imperial history, Hue is a rich hub of the Arts. The riverside markets display the artisanship embedded in this city – painting, jewellery, music, and fantastical food creations stream the walkway.

Azerai La Residence

We stayed at the majestic Azerai La Residence, which was the French Governor’s residence and then an embassy, and has since become a luxury resort offering 122 elegant rooms and suites. It offers views over the Perfume River and Citadel and is in close proximity to the downtown shopping and entertainment region.

Azerai Ke Ga Bay
Azerai Ke Ga Bay

We flew back to Ho Chi Minh City and drove out to Ke Ga Bay to the newly opened Azerai resort hotel. It is an oceanside sanctuary of peace and luxury, with a private beach and expansive ocean views. Set on 4.5 hectares of unspoiled landscape, this white stone resort has clean air, open space, and serenity. It has three swimming pools including an infinity pool overlooking the ocean.

After a few relaxing days at the peaceful coastal resort, we headed back to Ho Chi Minh City where we stayed in a modern two-bedroom suite at the Residences, Intercontinental Saigon. This is an exclusive luxury hotel with stylish décor, furnishings and modern facilities. The Residences are ideal for families due to their spaciousness and privacy.

Residences Intercontinental Saigon

We visited the War Museum which was a highly educational but very confronting account of the Vietnam War. It challenged my thinking on the allied forces’ (USA, Australia etc) involvement in the war. The atrocities were illustrated graphically – soldiers’ brutality, Napalm bombings, and Agent Orange – sights that sear the mind. My son didn’t fare well, he chose to sit outside through most parts, my daughter was silent but intrigued and I sobbed through the whole experience.

War Museum, Ho Chi Minh City

I met a local Vietnamese-Australian man, Linh Le, who is the owner of Luxperia, a bespoke travel company that specialises in tailoring travel packages to suit the individual. He was very helpful with our travel arrangements, including a fantastic tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels and a magnificent stay at Mia Saigon.

Cu Chi Tunnels

We took a speedboat tour down the Mekong River to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, which illustrated how Viet Kong conducted warfare from beneath the earth’s surface during the Vietnam War. It was incredible, eye-opening, and worthwhile.

Mia Saigon

We spent two delightful nights in the Presidential Suite at the superb Mia Saigon, a refined boutique hotel situated on the Saigon River. This was a luxurious treat to complete our wonderful trip through Vietnam.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Situated on the Saigon riverbank, Mia Saigon is a majestic boutique resort my two children and I recently had the opportunity to explore while visiting Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. This stunning hotel is a standout – a favourite of which I’ve had the privilege to be a guest, internationally. It offers an unsurpassed experience of luxury and refinement.

It is an elegant hotel, oozing luxury, and timeless class. Embodying early 20th Century Art Deco, the quintessential French Indochine architecture, fine décor and ambiance is a step back in time to colonial opulence, while also providing modern commodities.

Mia Saigon Ho Chi Minh City

We were escorted by the hotel’s private speedboat down the Saigon River where we embarked on Mia’s private jetty and into the luxurious estate of leafy green tropical foliage, two sparkling swimming pools, and stately alabaster façade overlooking the river.

The real treat was spending two nights in the magnificent Presidential Suite. This was an unequivocal luxury.

Entering the 5-Star suite, we were greeted with delectable high tea treats, fruits, and fresh flowers, and in the kitchen, we were presented with an array of complimentary savoury and sweet snacks and soft drinks, and top-shelf alcoholic beverages available for purchase. There was also a Nespresso coffee machine and milk frother.

Our Presidential Suite was expansive – 138 square metres, which encompassed a fully-serviced kitchen with a large eight-seating dining area, a refined lounge area with luxuriant sofas and a stylish bathroom, and a separate toilet.

There was a Bose Bluetooth speaker system and two 55” widescreen LCD TVs with cable TV as well as a 32” TV in the bathroom for relaxing viewing from the claw-footed bath.

The bedroom was decadent, including a writing bureau, King Sized bed, and river views.

It led to a dressing area, with robe and lavish bathrobes, and into the huge, stately marble bathroom, complete with a bath, separate shower, double sinks, a separate toilet, and Molton Brown bathroom amenities.

Our eighth-story residence had a huge private balcony that offered ample space for relaxation with a sofa, chairs, tables, and ambient lighting, from which to absorb the magical sunset views of the Saigon River and the hotel’s sparkling swimming pools and lush grounds.

The hotel’s restaurant, Kitchen by the River, set on the water’s edge, offered an open kitchen experience mixed with romantic outdoor dining. It serves an eclectic menu of fresh Western and Vietnamese a la carte cuisine, and a fresh, delicious breakfast buffet.

The rooftop Muse Bar is an exquisite setting of extensive river and city views over specialised cocktails and tapas.

The Mia Saigon offers a very serene and exclusive experience yet is situated in the trendy Thu Duc city region flowing with arts, culture, and swanky restaurants and bars. By taxi or boat, it is also a short distance to the bustling downtown highlights of Ho Chi Minh City to visit markets and historical landmarks such as the Palace, War Museum, and Cathedral.

My children and I recently had the pleasure of staying at the luxurious Residences at the Intercontinental Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. We were met with a personalised greeting amid fresh fruit, sweets, and delicacies upon entering the magnificent, opulent suite. This IHG resort is modern and sleek – a favourite for discerning travellers as it is regarded as one of the city’s finest hotels.

Treats prepared in our apartment at Residences Intercontinental Saigon

The Intercontinental Saigon has two aspects – the regular hotel and the Residences, which are popular for medium to long-term residents as well as short-term stays. The Residences are ideal for families due to their spaciousness and self-contained facilities.

The Residences include luxury privileges such as private access, 24-room service, a laundry service, a private pool and fitness centre, and very spacious, self-serviced rooms.

We stayed in a two-bedroom suite, which was a massive 129-square-metre luxury apartment. It had a spacious living area, a fully self-contained kitchen and a separate laundry cavity, two bathrooms, and two massive bedrooms with large twin beds and the king suite included a lavish ensuite bathroom with a standalone bath, separate shower, and separate toilet.

The main bathroom was down the hall. Storage was plentiful. The décor was modern and sleek with up-to-the-minute mod cons, including a large TV and excellent sound system. The apartment felt very private and offered towering views over the bustling Ho Chi Minh City. Some rooms offered river or cathedral views.

Set in the bustling business centre or District 1, the location was ideal. We had a 7-minute taxi ride to the War Museum, which is a confronting but highly informative depiction of the Vietnam War. The Cathedral and Reunification Palace are also within close proximity.

Basilico Italian Restaurant

The hotel houses three restaurants. Basilico is an Italian restaurant that serves an extensive menu of authentic, Italian food (the fettuccine con fungi e pancetta was delectable). Yu Chu is the hotel’s signature Chinese restaurant which serves Cantonese and Peking cuisine and buffet dim sum. Market 39 is the hotel’s buffet restaurant. The breakfast buffet could satisfy any palate with pancakes, waffles and omelettes created on demand, fresh fruit and a multitude of fresh juices, and a delicious variety of Asian and Western hot dishes.

The Intercontinental Saigon Hotel can meet travellers’ needs and budgets through a variety of accommodation options including the Classic range, Club Intercontinental rooms, and the Suites Collection. While the suites are extremely luxurious, all of the room types are immaculate, spacious, modern, tastefully decorated, and very suitable for families.

The Intercontinental Saigon is a favourite choice for all types of travellers due to its style, luxury, elegant style, excellent location and top-notch facilities. It has two pools – one for the general hotel and an exclusive pool for the Residences. There are multiple function rooms, meeting spaces, a library, a media room and a Club Lounge that offers exclusive access to a genteel space with complimentary tea, coffee, juices soft drinks, afternoon tea, and alcoholic beverages and canapes during Cocktail Hour.

Intercontinental Saigon Club Lounge
Intercontinental Saigon Club Lounge

There is also a fitness centre and spa which offers facials, body scrubs and massages.

While traveling with my children in Vietnam recently, I was fortunate to meet Linh Le, the fun and knowledgeable owner of Luxperia, a bespoke travel company that tailors holiday experiences to the needs of the individual.

Principal of Luxperia, Linh Le, with Kate Durack, Offspring Magazine at Villa Royale Antiques & Tea Room, Saigon.

Linh is a Vietnamese-Australian man who was raised in Canberra and has been living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for 12 years. As such, he is a rich source of local travel information who also possesses a deep understanding of what appeals to Australian tourists. His intimate knowledge of travel opportunities in Vietnam, as well cultural understanding, make him a valuable resource for local travel.

Linh’s travel company, Luxperia, creates customised travel packages to suit a range of interests and travel styles such as art, culture, culinary, entertainment, adventure, and relaxation, covering everything from tours and experiences to accommodation and transportation. They will tailor travel arrangements according to travellers’ budgets from standard to high-end luxury.

Linh has many contacts in the travel industry and his friendly, affable approach makes him so easy to communicate with when trying to work out the most suitable places to visit in Vietnam and other travel destinations including Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Indonesia, and Japan.

Army tank from Vietnam War at Cu Chi Tunnels

Linh and his team’s local expertise was very helpful, enriching our travel experience in Saigon. They arranged for a fabulous guided tour of the famous Cu Chi Tunnels – the fascinating underground tunnel system created during the Vietnam War by Viet Kong. This tour was so educational and interesting for my children and me and definitely a worthwhile experience for anyone visiting Ho Chi Minh City.

Cu Chi Tunnels

We arrived by speed boat which provided breakfast and a scenic tour along the Mekong River, during which we viewed the range of housing from elite mansions through to riverside shanty homes. Leaving the arrangements in the capable hands of Luxperia also meant we arrived early in the day for our private tour, compared with later in the day when it was swarming with people later in the day. When we finished the tour, we enjoyed a delicious hot Vietnamese lunch.

Another advantage of having Linh’s team involved with our travel plans was the personalised and VIP “fast pass” airport service which was seamless and stress-free. We were collected from our hotel by a private driver who took us to the international airport where we were met by a concierge who escorted us through check-in and a fast-track immigration process.

A real delight of our travel in Vietnam, also arranged by Linh, was our stay in the Presidential Suite at the exclusive boutique resort, Mia Saigon – a luxurious embodiment of olde worlde glamour.

Mia Saigon

Luxperia will create a tailored itinerary depending on a traveler’s interests, desires, and budget, and can be involved in a small part of a travel experience or an entire tour could include:

  • A sample itinerary for a family traveling to Vietnam could include:
    Day 1 Cu Chi tunnels tour by Speedboat
    Day 2 Saigon City tour – The Reunification Palace, The Opera House, Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Ngoc Hoang Temple.
    Day 3 Cruising the Tan Phong islet by a local rowboat. Lunch is served on board. Visit Cao Dai temple at Sa Dec and explore local markets.
  • Day 4: Visit the famous Cai Rang Floating Market
    Day 5: Da Nang. Visit the Golden Bridge, sightseeing Flower Garden, visit a former French wine cellar, Mythology Garden and Sakyamuni Buddha.
    Day 7: Hoi An. Visit the majestic Kwan Temple, Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, Tan Ky Old House, Japanese Cover Bridge, and the Historic and Cultural Museum. Traditional music performance and a visit to Hoi An’s handicraft workshop.

  • Day 8: Wooden boat tour to Cam Thanh water coconut village, learning about the daily life of Vietnamese fishermen, their families, and their community.
    Day 9: Phong Nha. Visit UNESCO-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Tour Elephant Cave, swim into Ma Da Crystal Lake, and visit Tra Ang Cave.

  • Day 10: Halong Bay cruise. Visit World Natural Heritage site Bo Nau Cave and Sung Sot cave and Titov Island.
    Day 11: Sapa. Visit Silver Waterfall, Heaven Gate and Tram Ton Pass, the highest mountain pass in Vietnam. Visit a lush farm in O Quy Ho where different kinds of vegetables, flowers, fruit trees, and medicinal plants are grown.
    Day 12: Hanoi. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a historic Buddhist temple One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, and a Hanoi Street Food Tour.

Villa Royale Antiques & Tea Room

Villa Royale Antiques & Tea Room, Saigon

Linh and his partner, David, have also created Villa Royale Antiques & Tea Room – a gorgeous High Tea establishment in the trendy ex-pat area of District 2 in Ho Chi Minh City.

The range of fine teas is remarkable and David has extensive knowledge on the health benefits of various teas. These teas can be paired with delicious homemade cakes, slices, and pies, including Red Velvet cake, decadent chocolate, lemon meringue pie, and cheesecake.


The setting is worth a visit in itself. Olde Worlde colonial furniture, ambient lighting, and atmospheric music complement the precious antiques and collectibles, which have been sourced from around the globe, and are available to purchase.

I had the privilege of visiting Azerai La Residence in Hue, Vietnam with my two children. The hotel is a majestic, colonial resort set on the iconic Perfume River, named by the scent of flowers falling into the water from local orchards.

Azerai is specially located on the French side of the Perfume River opposite the ancient Vietnamese palace which housed the last emperor. A tour of this ancient citadel was informative and worthwhile and easily accessible from the hotel.

The Imperial city of Hue
The Imperial city of Hue

The original art deco mansion was built in the 1930s and was home to the French Governor of Indochina. It was a popular centre for political and social events before being converted into a resort.

Azerai is a stately, charming residence insinuating royalty, and has been accommodated by many dignitaries including the Princess of Sweden and the Japanese emperor and his wife.

Entering the majestic driveway set the tone for early last century opulence.

High ceilings, native timber wooden floors, ambient lighting, colonial furniture and regal décor created an experience of stepping back in time to aristocratic lavishness.

There were many regions to explore – a lounge area providing complimentary all-day tea, coffee, juices, cakes and fresh fruits; a bar area; a gallery featuring paintings of each Vietnamese emperor; and a classy restaurant that served delicious meals, including a buffet breakfast of fresh pastries, fruits, and international and local cuisine.

The hotel grounds are expansive, encompassing 2.5 hectares of natural vegetation surrounding manicured, tropical gardens.

Overlooking the Perfume River, the saltwater swimming pool was magnificent and the deepest in Vietnam, offering red sunsets through the riverside palm trees.

The hotel was expanded in 2005 to include two additional wings housing 122 rooms and suites.

We stayed in a Deluxe River View room which featured a large private balcony overlooking the lush grounds, swimming pool and river.

It was spacious and the tasteful art deco furnishings were in keeping with the exquisiteness of the hotel. The main bedroom area comprised twin beds, a large TV and adequate wardrobe space including luxurious robes and slippers. There was a separate sitting area with a coffee machine, high-quality teas, fresh fruits and a minibar. A single bed was provided for my son in place of the couch.

The hotel felt very serene and private, a peaceful sanctuary away from the active city, yet was in close proximity to the lively nightlife and local tourist attractions.

The former, imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue is a special place to visit, rich with Vietnamese history and French influence. The French colonial architecture throughout the city provided a romantic backdrop to modern, bustling contemporary living.

The restaurants were amazing, offering a fusion of Vietnamese and French cuisine.

The city has a thriving artistic community, with museums, historical tours and artisans showcasing their music and wares at evening markets. There were great opportunities to purchase original paintings, crafts and jewellery. The street food at the markets was sensational! Everything was on offer from frog legs to prawn and chicken kebabs freshly cooked on demand before our eyes, as well as the infamous Vietnamese rolled ice cream.

The hotel staff was amazing and very helpful. They arranged for a locum doctor to visit my room to inspect a wound and remove stitches I encountered while traveling.

I was also accompanied by the hotel accountant to the local bank where she helped translate and arrange funds transfer after I’d lost my credit card.

Azerai La Residence is a unique representation of the richness of the colonial and imperial history of Hue.

 

 

 

 

Hoi An was one of my favourite destinations in Vietnam and Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort and Spa, was a tropical oasis, offering luxury, peace and an authentic Vietnamese feel.

Hoi An is a fascinating ancient city, abundant with culture, the arts and shopping, including renowned tailor-made clothing options, which are quick, affordable and items made to measure. The nightly markets are vibrant and abuzz with activity.

In keeping with traditional Vietnamese architecture and style, this boutique hotel has a personalised signature, while maintaining high standards of luxury and modern commodities.

Victoria Hoi An is set perfectly between the ocean and a lagoon. The peaceful waterfront energy flows through the whole establishment.

Traditional natural elements construct the architecture with native timber, local vegetation and a stream flowing through the property, from the lobby to the pool area.

The spa facilities are excellent. There is free access to a bath steam room, sauna, jacuzzi and gym. Pampering services are also available.

We stayed in a Junior Suite Ocean View. Our room was exquisite with the ocean at our doorstep. We could hear the waves rolling onto the rocks at night and enjoy an un-spoilt sunset from the comfort of our own private balcony. It was private, serene and so peaceful.

We were greeted by a special ice-cold drink of lemongrass, ginger and dragonfruit.

Our accommodation was so spacious – a large living space with a couch, large TV, beds and another room with a traditional tea setting. There was an outdoor shower contained within our premises and the bathroom was glorious – a large bathtub and separate vanity area. The toilet was separate.

The swimming pool was magnificent, ocean set and surrounded by palm trees. There was bar and poolside service so readily available and the margarita was delicious. I liked the intimacy of this hotel. I met new people from all over the world and my kids made new friends in the pool.

The hotel also had a private beach.

The buffet breakfast was lovely, with a wide array of cheeses, cured meats, fruits, pastries, cereals and hot Vietnamese and Western dishes.

A twice-daily free bus shuttle to Hoi An city centre was provided as well as private tours to local natural and historical attractions such as Marble Mountain and pagodas.

It provided bicycles free for guest use to peddle into the city centre and options to tour the countryside and locally-grown produce on a motorbike sidecar.

The hotel also offered recreational watersports opportunities including sailing, surfing, windsurfing, kayaking and boat excursions.

The staff was exceptional. I made the mistake of losing my credit card in the neighbouring city of Danang and fortunately, a lovely man found it and tracked me down to return it. The hotel staff liaised with him and a local driver, providing a much-appreciated translation conduit, taking care of arrangements to have it delivered to me.

 

My children and I recently stayed at the Novotel in Nha Trang, which is a top pick for gorgeous ocean views and beach access. It offers prime residence in the hub of the energetic tourist resort.

https://www.accorhotels.com/6033

Nha Trang is a 6.5-hour car ride from Ho Chi Minh City, however, we enjoyed a short one-hour plane flight which was inexpensive at just under $100 per head.

Situated in the heart of the city, the Novotel is fantastically located, downtown within short walking distance of evening markets, restaurants and bars. It is also conveniently located to museums, pagodas, scuba diving and golf.

Novotel Nha Trang has its own private beach, with glorious views of islands and sweeping white sands, lined with palm trees. Nha Trang beach was voted one of the 29 best bays in the world. The hotel offers island tours including boat rides to the Disneyland-like amusement park on Vinpearl Island.

The beach was a favourite hangout with bars and restaurants down on the sand. The water was magnificent – clean and warm with decent waves for swimming. The hotel provides free beach loungers.

We stayed in a family room that was comfortable and clean, with a King Size bed and bunks. The bathroom was spacious and included a shower and bath. There were fresh fruits, delicious cakes, and cute towel animal creations awaiting our arrival.

Delicious fruit and sweets awaiting our arrival.

We had a private balcony that offered impressive views of the majestic coastline, which lit up at nighttime.

The hotel’s room service offered an appetising menu and the freshly-cooked food was delivered quickly. All-round, the housekeeping was excellent.

Also with ocean views, was a clean, sparkling outdoor swimming pool with bar service.

The buffet breakfast was extensive with a range of international cuisine from exotic Vietnamese street food to sushi and traditional Western fare. Fresh fruits, juices and pastries were plentiful.

The hotel also included a classy spa as well as a gym and fitness centre.

The staff was lovely and informative about local services, which was helpful given English speaking was limited elsewhere.

I recently explored Singapore with my children for the first time and found it to be such an easy, accessible and enjoyable place for families.

A five-hour direct flight from Perth, in the same time zone, and predominantly English speaking, makes it very convenient for a quick and stress-free getaway.

We flew with Scoot, Singapore Airlines’ budget carrier and, despite reading incriminating reviews, the experience was pleasant. Although our flight was delayed several times, they offered us a meal voucher for $30/head. The flight was comfortable and professional with lovely staff.

We spent five days in Singapore which was adequate to explore the city’s sights and tourist peaks. We didn’t shop as were on-route to Vietnam and only had carry-on luggage. Although, the quality and range of fine-quality clothing were plentiful, but not cheap and on par with Australian prices.

I loved the warm, tropical climate of Singapore, and was surprised by the omnipresence of green, lush vegetation in a bustling international city. It was extremely clean and pleasant to walk through.

The city is so easy to get around. Communication was stress-free, English speaking and services top-notch – from the taxi drivers, or Grab (the Asian Uber equivalent car service), to retail staff and in the hotels.

The Singaporeans and overall energy of the city were relaxed and welcoming; which was surprising given its high density and large population of 5.45 million over a mere 758 km2, compared with Perth’s 2 million people over 6.4 square kilometres.

It was apparent why Singapore Airport was voted the world’s best. It has several tropical gardens, including a butterfly garden, as well as a robotic train that commutes between terminals, and check-in was seamless. High-end shopping was plentiful and food options ranged from Burger King to Singaporean street food.

Pan Pacific Singapore
Pan Pacific Singapore

We stayed three nights at the Pan Pacific Singapore which was a very modern 5-star resort with excellent amenities, including multiple dining options, and a warm, large swimming pool. The hotel’s breakfast and dinner buffets at Edge offered variety and flavours beyond what I had experienced. The Pan Pacific has a fantastic location – within walking distance of the Esplanade and popular Marina Wharf. And the staff service was exceptional.

Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay

On our first day, we walked from the Pan Pacific hotel to the Gardens by the Bay, which was a lush sanctuary of 101 hectares in the heart of the city. Set on the banks of Marina Bay, there were many aspects to explore in among the diverse flora, including winding pathways, majestic tall trees, a children’s playground and a community vegetable patch. My kids enjoyed tinkering on the top-nick piano. I was surprised to see no vandalism or abuse of these free available services.

Gardens by the Bay Singapore
Gardens by the Bay

Adjacent to the Gardens by the Bay, was the exclusive and massive The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands – a mall of luxury brands such as Gucci, Versace, Tiffanys, Chanel and Prada. It featured a waterway, with boats traversing a seemingly endless array of shops. The futuristic architecture along the Esplanade was impressive, including standalone buildings for Apple and Louis Vuitton.

Shangri-La Singapore
Shangri-La Singapore

We spent two delightful nights in the opulent Shangri-La Singapore’s Valley Wing, which, set close to the shopping and dining hub of Orchard Road, was a luxurious treat. Built in 1971, this was the world’s original Shangri-La, and maintained its olde-worlde charm and glamour. The personalised service created a very welcoming feeling. The décor, ambiance and sparkling feel of the exclusive wing was a special experience away from the hubbub of the city. This hotel is in the top five places I’ve stayed worldwide.

Siberian tiger
White Bengal tiger in Singapore Zoo
Red panda
Golden-headed lion tamarin in River Wonders

We visited the famous Singapore Zoo. Set in a rainforest environment, the main zoo featured 4200 animals over 1 zones including Australasia, Africa, China and a Fragile Forest housing lemurs and sloths. We meandered along the flourishing trails admiring the vegetation as much as the animals. The kids were excited to see a Siberian tiger, a red panda, a chameleon and naked mole rats. The zoo also provided complimentary tram rides. Feeding sessions are on offer with animals such as giraffes and zebras, as well as animal shows with elephants in the presentation of Elephants of Asia and sea lions in the Splash Safari. There was also an Amazon River Quest boat ride featuring leopards in River Wonders.

The zoo had two additional parks – a SEA Aquarium showcasing 100,000 animals including sharks, manatees (Sea Cows) and giant otters, and the Night Safari featured nocturnal animals such as the Big Cats, owls and porcupines.

I was hospitalised in Singapore as a result of an unfortunate accident, so can attest to the exceptional medical standards. Communication was effortless, treatment immediate and hotel staff accompanied me to the medical centres to provide personal support, which was unnecessary as the medical teams were extraordinarily diligent.

Throughout Singapore, I only experienced respect, cleanliness, and a free flow of traffic and order.

 

 

 

A luxurious stay at the glamorous Shangri-La was a highlight for my children and me while visiting Singapore recently. This was among the most refined, exquisite hotels I’ve encountered while travelling abroad.

Opened in 1971, it was the original Shangri-La. There are now more than 90 deluxe Shangri-La hotels and resorts worldwide.

The hotel is set in the heart of the city next to the popular dining and shopping hub, Orchard Road. Yet, its 15 acres in lush gardens make it feel like a resort, removed from the hustle and bustle.

Valley Wing exclusive lounge

What made this establishment particularly charming was the classic colonial décor – high ceilings, chandeliers, olde world furniture and luxurious ambience. Decadence and Class with impeccable service.

We were fortunate to stay in the Valley Wing, which offered a sanctuary of elegance and opulence. It is an exclusive part of the original hotel, and preferred accommodation for many international heads of state, executive leaders and discerning luxury travelers.

 

The Wing features 26 suites which offer a personalised butler service and are accessible by a private entrance and elevator, as well as other special benefits including access to the Business Lounge and private dining spaces.

I was able to check in privately, in the comfort of our 47sqm Valley Wing Deluxe Room. A personalised bottle of red wine, fruits, handmade chocolates and other delicacies awaited our arrival.

Our room was spacious, featuring elegant décor and furniture, lavish linen, a Wedgewood dinner set, a coffee machine, a selection of fine teas and coffee and a large LCD TV with satellite channels.

We enjoyed extensive views of the lush grounds and huge, sparkling swimming pool.

The marble-clad bathroom was exquisite – very spacious, with a bathtub, separate shower, double sinks, ambient lighting and quality L’occitane toiletries. My daughter took a couple of moisturisers and shampoo as a souvenir!

The bathrobes were thick and fluffy, as were the towels, which were plentiful. Not a bare thread in sight. There was also a complimentary ironing service.

The West Valley Wing included many special benefits including access to the exclusive lounge, where smart casual dress was required – pyjamas, bathrobes, swimwear, open-toe footwear, room slippers and sleeveless shirts (for Gentlemen) are not permitted at the Summit Room and the Champagne Bar.

A particular treat was the free-flowing Veuve and cocktails paired with delectable canapes offered at the evening cocktail sessions held at the Champagne Bar and lounge.

The lounge offered complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, tea and coffee from noon until 10.30pm. High tea was also included daily.

We were treated to a picnic in the tropical landscaped grounds, which included a generous assortment of delicious crab sandwiches, pastries, fresh and dried fruits, cheeses, cured meats, salads, calamari rings and more.

Buffet dinner at The Line was extensive, offering a smorgasbord of international cuisine ranging from Indian to Middle Eastern, Japanese, Chinese and Western.

The West Valley Wing offered a la carte breakfast at the exclusive The Summit or buffet breakfast at The Line, with fresh ingredients and a wide selection multiple fruits, juices, pastries, traditional western hot breakfast and exotic Asian hot dishes.

The hotel had two swimming pools including a children’s water playground, Splash, which encompasses 1,300 square metres with six unique water play areas. The main pool was huge, clean and a comfortable temperature – not too cold! There was also a large jacuzzi.

The hotel caters very well to families, offering themed family suites and deluxe family rooms, as well as a dedicated family concierge. There is also a Family Pantry that provides childcare amenities, furniture such as high chairs, strollers, and equipment for changing, bathing and feeding.

Aside from the luxury and timeless charm of the Shangri-La, a standout was the exceptional service offered by the staff. They were extremely accommodating, helpful, warm and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble.

My 14 and 10 year old kids and I recently had a fabulous road trip locally near Perth, Western Australia, taking advantage of wonderful properties offered through Hipcamp.

 

We ventured for eight days total, including three days north to Woodbridge and then south to Dunsborough, and on to Preston Valley. Despite being a WA native, I was surprised how vastly the landscape and experience can change within such close proximity to Perth.

 

The Hipcamp properties were well-facilitated and appealing and presented an interesting mix of fun, adventure, relaxation and treasured family time. And, we had plenty to explore in the various regions! Hipcamp is a fantastic service offering properties for tent and caravan camping, glamping and self-contained accommodation, which can be booked online.

Kate Durack, Camplify Joey Expanda
Kate Durack, Camplify Joey Expanda

I didn’t want to travel too far from home these last school holidays, so utitlising Hipcamp properties was ideal. We packed up our uggs, hoodies, firelighters and marshmallows, and headed north, only 50 minutes from our home in Perth’s northern suburbs, to the peaceful locale of Woodridge.

A magnificent Joey Expanda caravan was all set up for us on arrival thanks to Camplify. It was very spacious with double beds which expanded at both ends of the van. It included a fully functioning kitchen, shower, toilet and heating! The Joey Expanda is very spacious and ideal for a family, including big kids such as my teenage and tween-aged children.

Hipcamp, Serenity, Stars & Fresh Air
Hipcamp, Serenity, Stars & Fresh Air

There were bunk beds which converted to a second sitting area with a table and the main dining seating also converted into a large bed, which was great to snuggle up and watch movies.

 

We stayed at the peaceful Serenity, Stars & Fresh Air property in Woodridge which really did live up to its name. Surrounded by local bush, we felt like we shared the property only with the birds. The kids enjoyed the pool table and table tennis at the main residence, which was open to campers and backpackers, and there was a sparkling pool, which would have been inviting in warmer months. The gardens were lovely.

Hipcamp, Serenity, Stars & Fresh Air, Woodbridge
Hipcamp, Serenity, Stars & Fresh Air, Woodbridge

The property was very relaxing and well-appointed with a hot shower, clean toilet and a few hammocks scattered among the gum trees. There was also a boxing bag hanging from a tree which was good for the kids to let off some energy.

 

We went for some long walks and I went for a couple of peaceful runs, and we took the hire canoes down to the river which was good fun.

 

Luke, the property manager, set up a roaring campsite fire for us on the first night and the kids loved roasting marshmallows.

Hipcamp
Hipcamp

The service offered by Camplify was fantastic, as it meant no towing of a caravan and it was all set up for me upon arrival! Kev from KPI Caravan Hire had set the van up on behalf of Camplify and he was at the property on arrival to answer any questions I had about the caravan and show me its functions and answer any questions I had about the caravan.

Camplify, Joey Expanda
Camplify, Joey Expanda

Kev’s caravan even included a portable BBQ and camping chairs, plus some TimTams and a coffee machine with coffee pods and milk which I thought was a nice touch. It was all very easy and appealing, even for an inexperienced camper and busy single mum!

 

Serenity, Stars & Fresh Air was easily accessible from the Brand Highway and a short drive to Guilderton and Seabird.

 

During our days, we enjoyed a relaxing seafood lunch at the Seabird Tavern and explored the Moore River at Guilderton.

Moore River, Guilderton
Moore River, Guilderton

On our last night at the property, the super friendly and helpful owner of Serenity property, Liz, surprised us with some delicious cocktails to enjoy by a bonfire.

 

Day Four, we packed up and headed south to Dunsborough where we enjoyed a different, but equally refreshing, experience.

Hipcamp, Man Cave, Quenda's Rest, Dunsborough
Hipcamp, Man Cave, Quenda’s Rest, Dunsborough

We stayed at Quenda’s Rest, Quindalup. My kids loved this Man Cave! It was stylishly decorated with plenty to keep teenagers stimulated including a pool table, table tennis table, darts, record player and a Smart TV.

 

The property sleeps six and was very comfortable and well-facilitated, with a queen-sized bed and sofa on the mezzanine and sofas on the ground floor, one which converts to a comfortable bed. The coffee machine made delicious coffee!

Hipcamp Quenda's Rest, Quindalup
Hipcamp Quenda’s Rest, Quindalup

Quenda’s Rest has everything you need, including a spacious, full kitchen, bathroom, linen and laundry, with washing machine and dryer. There was a BBQ too.

 

The property is set on the river and provides canoes for visitors.

 

We spent three days at the delightful Quenda’s Rest, which is just three km from Dunsborough, exploring the local tourist attractions, dining out at elegant breweries and walking by the sea.

Coast to Coast Walk
Coast to Coast Walk

We explored the Dunsborough-Margaret River region with a self-guided Coast to Coast walk, delicious lunch at a local brewery and mandatory visit to the Margaret River Chocolate Factory for some chocolate sampling.

 

We packed up and called into one of our favourite ice creams spots, Simmo’s Ice Creamery, before heading 20km east of Donnybrook for our next fun-filled adventure – the Kamarang Eco Cabin for a nature-enriched experience in the Preston River Valley.

Preston Valley region
Preston Valley region

Also offered by Hipcamp, Kamarang is a delightful, serene and peaceful 100-acre property, which is set down a windy little dirt road in the forest. Only 2.5 hours from Perth, Kambarang is also the home to Cycletrek, a well-developed 10km cycle track for the mountain-biking aficionados. The kids and I were able to borrow bikes provided by the owners and try out the challenging tracks!

Hipcamp Eco Cabin at Kambarang
Hipcamp Eco Cabin at Kambarang

Kambarang Eco Cabin is cosy, comfortable and ideal for recharging the batteries. It is off-the-grid, fully serviced and has delicious rain water and a wood pot belly. The beds are super comfortable, with a queen size bed upstairs in the loft which looks out to the treetops and two single beds downstairs.

 

The Donnybrook-Balingup region is so picturesque, with its rolling hills, streams and abundance of forest.

Donnybrook-Balingup region
Donnybrook-Balingup region

We visited Gnomesville, which is 30 minutes from Donnybrook. It houses thousands of gnomes contributed to by people like us, just passing through. I found this a surprisingly fun thing to explore with the kids; it was interesting to see how creative people have been in helping to create this village of gnomes in the Ferguson Valley.

Gnomesville, Ferguson Valley
Gnomesville, Ferguson Valley

With the help of Hipcamp and Camplify, this was a stimulating, fun and relaxing holiday, not to mention affordable and very easy to navigate. I felt like we reconnected as a family and came back home recharged and reinvigorated.