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Tourer - Travel Information -
February 2019 to December 2022
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25th December 2022
Merry Christmas from
Nha Trang, Vietnam
Still not a lot of travelling going on - I had been planning
another trip to Europe in April/May but have changed my mind as
I may be moving by then. The reason I may be moving is the fact
that the rent in
Scenia Bay is rising at about
10% Per Month! I have a twelve month lease which finishes April
26th next year and based rent rises I expect my rent to double
and so I will either downsize in Nha Trang or move to Vientiane,
Laos. The rents in Vientiane are similar to here but the visa
options are more friendly.
----
5th December 2022
Nha Trang, Vietnam
Back in Nha Trang after a quick trip - 2 nights in Hanoi and 1
night in Bangkok. Hanoi seemed very quiet compared to pre Covid
plus my hotel experience was spoilt (see below).
----
4th December 2022
Delica Hotel Hanoi, Vietnam
I booked and paid for 2 nights at the Delica Hotel Hanoi but I
am extremely disappointed with the result of that booking. The
hotel operates a scam (it is not the only hotel in Hanoi that
operates this scam) - this is how it works - a group of hotels
get together and the one that is rated the highest on agoda,
booking.com etc. (Delica Hotel is rates 8.9 on agoda) advertises
a good price for their hotel and then accepts bookings for more
rooms than they have available - then when the customer arrives
they are told a sad story that varies (eg. a customer got sick
and was unable to leave, the A/C is broken, there is a water
leak, etc. etc) but is all lies! - then the customer is told
they will be transferred to a nearby hotel (a lesser, cheaper
hotel) thereby the hotel booked makes more money by being an
agent for the cheaper hotels. I cannot comment on what the
Delica Hotel is like because I did not get to stay there - I was
told that my room (that I had booked and paid for weeks before)
was unavailable because the occupier got sick, was taken to
hospital, then returned to the hotel but was still to ill to
check out.
My suggestion is to AVOID THE DELICA HOTEL.
This scam is illegal in many countries and rightly so as it is
fraudulent but apparently in Hanoi it is OK (this is the 3rd
time I have struck this scam in Hanoi and I have only been there
5 times)
----
28th November 2022
Nha Trang, Vietnam
I have not been doing any travelling other than the monthly
"Visa Run" to renew my Vietnam Visa. This month's visa run is
slightly different as I am flying north to Hanoi for 2 nights
before flying to Bangkok for 1 night and then returning to Nha
Trang via Ho Chi Minh city. I am looking forward to Hanoi as I
have not been there since 2018.
----
22nd October 2022
Nha Trang, Vietnam
After another slow month I will on the move again next week. On
Friday 28th October I fly to Bangkok and then on to Luang
Prabang, Laos, the following day. I will be spending 2 nights in
Luang Prabang before catching the high speed train to Vientiane.
I will stay in Vientiane for 2 nights and then catch the
"International Bus" to Udon Thani in Thailand. After 1 night in
Udon Thani I fly back to bangkok and then the following day fly
home to Nha Trang.
----
20th September 2022
Nha Trang, Vietnam
I had been seriously considering a move to the Philippines once
the lease on my apartment finishes next year but I have since
cancelled the idea. I am now planning to stay in Vietnam for as
long as I am able (even if that means doing a monthly "Visa
Run"). I have been trying different routes for my visa runs and
have decided that I wll probably settle on 2 standard routes -
1) Nha Trang to Bangkok (via Saigon) spend 1 or 2 nights in
Bangkok and then fly Bangkok to Nha Trang direct with Air Asia.
- 2) Nha Trang to Bangkok direct with Air Asia then Bangkok to
Luang Prabang (Lao) with Air Asia - train from Luang Prabang to
Vientiane, International bus from Vientiane to Udon Thani
(Thailand), Udon Thani to Bangkok with Air Asia and Bangkok to
Nha Trang direct with Air Asia.
----
4th September 2022
Nha Trang, Vietnam
I am still in Nha Trang and considering my future. The visa trip
to Danang and Bangkok went without any dramas but I would not
choose it my prefered option. I am planning to go back to Laos
this month and then consider my future. Unless the visa options
change in Vietnam I will be going elsewhere next year. If
Vietnam do not want visitors they should say so.
Most people seem to have the impression that retired single
males survive on beer and pizza - I can assure you that I am not
like that - I survive on beer and a sensible healthy diet.
My Dinner
----
20th August 2022
Nha Trang, Vietnam
I have settled into my daily life back in Nha Trang although I
am undecided if I will stay here long term. The main reason for
my indecision is the new visa rules in Vietnam - at the moment
the only visa I (and most visitors) can get is a 30 day single
entry eVisa which does not really suit me as I like to be
flexible. This eVisa means that I have to leave the country
every 30 days and apply for a new visa. There have been rumours
that it may change soon but I am not optimistic.
I fly to Danang on Sunday week and then on to Bangkok - I am
only staying overnight simply to renew my visa but next month I
plan to investigate apartment rental options in Jomtien,
Thailand where I have previously lived for 4 years. I would
prefer to stay in Vietnam but unless the visa rules change I
doubt that I will.
----
29th July 2022
Back in Nha Trang, Vietnam
Back in Nha Trang after a few days in Kuala Lumpur to renew my
visa. My arrival in Nha Trang was eventful - first the pilot had
to abort the landing and go around for a second try (I am fairly
sure he was about to land on the wrong runway - Nha Trang now
has 2 runways) - then when I got to immigration my passport
would not scan (when I left the guy had to try several times)
and that got many people involved and eventually I was alowed in
(well after the rest of the passengers had gone) although I have
no idea what the problem was and was told nothing (it will be
interesting to see what happens next time I leave the country).
----
25th July 2022
Nha Trang, Vietnam to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
I am now in Kuala Lumpur after flying from Nha Trang today. Air
Asia started direct flights from Nha Trang to Kuala Lumpur which
makes it easier to fly out of Vietnam (I don't have to fly via
Ho Chi Minh City). Next month Air Asia starts direct flights
from Nha Trang to Bangkok so that will probably be my next trip.
Photos of Kuala Lumpur Taken on a Previous Trip
----
24th June 2022
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Lao
Another wonderful trip on the new Lao high speed train from Vang
Vieng to Vientiane. The trip took just on an hour which is 3
hours quicker than the bus takes (and so much smoother). I have
not mentioned that the Lao trains are very popular despite only
been in operation for 6 months - the 3 trains I travelled were
almost full. I am sure I will be back to do this trip again.
Train Seats 1st
Class Train Seats
Arriving Vientiane Station
----
23rd June 2022
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Lao
I was pleasantly surprised with todays's trip as I thought I was
going on the slow train again but it was the high speed train.
Apart from the obvious speed difference for me the best thing
was the seats - the slow train had bench type seats that were
uncomfortable and had little leg room - the high speed train has
"Airline Like" seats but with more leg room and so it was a
"MUCH' better experience. The last time I did this trip was on a
"VIP EXPRESS" bus that took 16 hours (no toilet on board) mainly
due to multiple landslides - but the advertised duration was
between 5 and 5.5 hours - todays trip took 45 minutes!
I am only staying in Vang Vieng overnight before continuing on
to Vientiane. I think my train for tomorrow is the high speed
train and I will try to take a couple of photos. I forgot to
mention that the slow train has no food or drink available on
board but the high speed train has a catering car (according to
online info - I have not checked) that I will visit tomorrow if
possible.
The Fast Flowing Nam Song River
----
22nd June 2022
Trip to Thailand & Lao
I am now in Luang Prabang in Lao after flying from Nha Trang to
Bangkok via Saigon on to Udon Thani and accross the Thailand
border to Vientiane in Lao. I had planned to catch the new high
speed train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang but it was not
running (no reason given) and the only option was the standard
speed train. The seats on the train were uncomfortable and had
little leg room. The trip took just under 3 hours with 3 stops
along the way.
My hotel in Luang Prabang is right on the bank of the Mekong
river. This evening I took a walk around the night market and
also had a great stir fried chicken and ginger dish that cost
20,000 Kip (less than $2 Australian).
Tomorrow I am booked to travel by train from Luang Prabang to
Vang Vieng (I
have done this trip before by bus that took 16 hours)
again on the slow train and it should take less than 1.5 hours.
I am spending only 1 night in Vang Vieng before travelling back
to Vientiane for 3 nights and then back accross the border into
Thailand on to Udon Thani. Only 1 night in Udon Thani and the
fly back to Nha Trang via Bangkok and Saigon.
The 2 main reasons for the trip were to renew my Vietnam visa
and travel on the new high speed Lao train. Hopefully when the
Chinese border with Lao reopens the high speed train will
operate and I may try again.
Vientiane Railway Station Luang Prabang Hotel
View Lunch
Mekong
Ferry Across The Mekong
----
28th April 2022
Scenia Bay Swimming Pool
The Scenia Bay swimming pool on the 31st floor.
----
27th April 2022
My Apartment
Today I moved into my
Scenia Bay Hotel and Apartment complex
apartment and all is well. Tomorrow I will go shopping to stock
up on food etc. The apartment is furnished and includes bed
linen, microwave, rice cooker, pot, pans, cutlery and crockery.
Scenia Bay Balcony View Hon Chong Beach View
Lounge/Bedroom Kitchen/Dining
Spare Bedroom Bathroom
----
25th April 2022
Apartment Arranged
I have arranged to lease a furnished apartment in the
Scenia Bay Hotel and Apartment complex
for 12 months - I move in on Wednesday - the rent is 7.5 million
a month which sounds a lot but equates to $326 US a month (or
$105 Australian/week) and includes cable TV and unlimited high
speed internet. The sea view apartment (I think all of the
apartments have sea views) faces southeast and is on the 12th
floor.
There is now a new local bus service (started 22nd April)
operated by Futa Bus and has all new buses (orange). The 05-2
bus runs from north Nha Trang to the Vinpearl jetty - the route
is very similar (but not exactly the same) as the previous
number 4 bus.
----
24th April 2022
So Deserted
I have been coming to Nha Trang for more than 10 years and 10
years ago it was relatively quiet with only a few tourists
(mainly backpackers) but it was not like it is now. It is
deserted and not just missing tourists but even the locals seem
to be staying home. The number of restaurants that have closed
is amazing. Also the main central beach multi level shopping
centre has lost 50% of its businesses - the supermarket is gone
and also the top floor food court.
I visited the
Scenia Bay Hotel and Apartment complex
this morning and that has also suffered badly from the pandemic.
Despite being a new development the bottom few floors that were
supposed to become a shopping centre are empty and fenced off.
It is hard for me to imagine that there will be a shopping
centre there anytime in the next few years.
I got so hot and sweaty walking around that I stopped at the
Blue Sea beach bar for a cold one.
"Paradise Is" an ice cold beer at a tropical beach bar
----
23rd April 2022
Back in Nha Trang After Almost 3 Years Away
I am finally back in Nha Trang after a very long wait to return.
Nha Trang has obviously suffered badly from the Covid Pandemic
as the main beach area that is known (was known) as the "Tourist
Area" is deserted without any tourists - also almost all of the
restaurants have closed down (gone completely) plus a lot of the
travel agents, cash exchangers, mini marts and even ATM's have
gone. Also I noticed whilst coming in on the airport bus that a
major beachfront waterpark has closed (it catered mostly to
Russian tourists).
I am booked into the 4 star
Maple Hotel ($20 US/night) in
the central Nha Trang beach area for the next 4 nights whilst I
find an apartment to rent. I am hoping to have a look at a few
apartments tomorrow in the new 5 star
Scenia Bay Hotel and Apartment complex
in Northern Nha Trang.
Maple Hotel Pool Nha Trang Beach
Vinpearl Land
----
22nd April 2022
Day Trip to Mekong Delta
I spent today on a day trip to the Mekong Delta. I have done a
version of this tour before but decided to try it again. The
Mekong Delta is a 1.5 hour drive from Saigon. Our group
consisted myself, a Danish couple, a French couple, a Polish
man, a German Girl and three Singaporean girls. Our first stop
was the Vinh Trang Pagoda. Once we arrived at the Mekong we
caught a boat to one of the Mekong islands to visit a honey
farm. We then caught a smaller boat to another island where the
main business was candy making using only natural ingredients
(coconut, malt and natural fruit flavours) and no sugar. We then
travelled to another farm for a folk music demonstration and
lots of fresh local fruit. Then back on another boat to travel
via one of the island canals for lunch at a local restaurant.
All up an enjoyable day out.
Buddha Statues
Vinh Trang Pagoda
Tourist Boat
Canal
Lunch
----
21st April 2022
Here Again at Last!
I am now in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) after flying from Sydney
yesterday afternoon - I flew Jetstar "Business Class" which is
not business class and should be called "Premium Economy"
because that is what it is (That is "Premium Economy" compared
to Jetstar's standard "Budget Economy".
So a new chapter of travels begins although the Covid situation
will be affecting things for a long time to come.
The check in procedure at Sydney airport was daunting,
complicated and time consuming. But I do not have much sympathy
for the airport management that blamed travellers for
congestion, confusion etc. (particularly over the Easter period)
the main cause was obviously the failure of airport and airline
management to prepare for a return to more normal travel
patterns. The arrival procedure at Saigon airport was well
organised but still took people by surprise. A lot of people had
the understanding that once they had provided all the health
check and other information at Sydney check in that they would
not have to do the same again on arrivaval - which is incorrect
as the officials at Ho Chi Minh Airport were checking all
passengers for "Health Declarations", Covid tests and
Vaccination Status.
As a welcome back gift my taxi driver tried to charge me 10
times the charge on the meter and I had to get someone from my
hotel to assist me.
I am staying at the
Central Palace Hotel in
downtown Saigon (Area 1, close to Ben Thanh Market), it is a 4
star hotel (no more "Mr. Cheap") and cost $27 US/night including
breakfast. I spent most of the day in and around the rooftop
pool relaxing (I have trouble relaxing), but also took a
stroll down to Ben Thanh market which was completely deserted.
Central Palace Hotel Rooftop Swimming Pool
I have booked a Mekong Delta tour for tomorrow to pass the time
- I have previously done a Mekong Delta tour and was not
impressed.
On Saturday morning I am flying to Nha Trang where I will be
staying (for how long is unknown) - Nha Trang is were I have
previously lived for 3 years. In keeping with the "No More Mr.
Cheap Theme" I have booked 4 nights at the 4 star
Maple Hotel whilst I get
organised. I got a good deal I think at $22 AUD/night including
breakfast (the hotel also has a private area on the beach with
free sun lounges)
----
21st March 2022
Ready to Go!
I have booked my flights and hotel for my return to Vietnam. I
still do not have a visa but am waiting on my application. I am
leaving Cairns on 20th April - flying to Sydney and then on to
Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon. I have booked 3 nights in Ho
Chi Minh City at the 4 star
Central Palace Hotel - $27
USD/night including breakfast! I will then book my flight to Nha
Trang where I will be living.
----
3rd January 2022
Happy New Year!
Another year with very little travel due to Covid but I am an
optimist and believe that (finally) the worst is over. Despite
ongoing high infection numbers the death rate is falling.
I am back in Cairns after flying to Sydney for the Xmas/New Year
period (I had to get tested and get a Border Pass to be allowed
back into Queensland).
I am still planning to return to Nha Trang, Vietnam to live but
at this stage that will not be possible until the beginning of
April. I may well go to Bali for a month as the border there is
going to open early February.
----
30th
November 2021
Brisbane Trip
I am now back in Cairns after my 2 day trip to Brisbane. Whilst
I had no plans of what to do whilst there it was a refreshing
break. I actually did nothing but walk around - The City, the
river, the Botanical Gardens and South Bank. The weather
forecast had been for rain both days but I struck no rain at
all. I was surprised that the flight down and back were both
almost full but the airport terminals at Cairns and Brisbane
were deserted compared to the pre pandemic era and several
businesses had closed.
Brisbane city was quite busy and the centre was operating as
normal (compared to Cairns where the city centre is mostly
deserted with many empty properties).
----
25th
November 2021
1st Trip for More Than 2 Years
This coming weekend I am flying to Brisbane for two days just to
go somewhere. I have not travelled away from Cairns since I
returned here in July 2019. I am not going to Brisbane for any
reason - just to "Get Away". I will not be doing anything whilst
I am there (which is good as the weather forecast if for heavy
rain). The pandemic appeared to be easing over the past few
weeks but has now taken off again. I still plan to return to
Vietnam to live but do not know when. My current plan (not
really a plan) is to leave Australia at the end of Januarly next
year - depending on conditions at that time this may change -
plan A is to fly to Nha Trang, Vietnam to live as my base - Plan
B is to go to Bali for 1 or 2 months and then on to Vietnam -
Plan C is to go to Phuket, or Jomtiem, Thailand for 1 or 2
months and then on to Vietnem.
----
3rd June 2019
Time Off
I am about to take some time off travelling - perhaps a year or
more. Feel free to browse all the photos etc. on this site.
----
7th May 2019
Working, Working, Nha Trang,
Vietnam
I have been working to update the
City Directory Sites (and all
their listings) to make everything up to date and secure. This
will be an ongoing effort for several months (like having a real
job).
----
4th April 2019
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Visa Trip
On Saturday I fly to Kuala Lumpur to renew my Vietnam visa -
this is something I have to do every 3 months now as Vietnam has
stopped issuing 12 month Business visas (except for US
citizens).
I do not have any trips planned for the rest of the year (other
than visa renewal trips) as I am trying to save money. I will
probably be returning to Australia to live within the next 12
months.
----
3rd March 2019
Bangkok,
Thailand
Back in Thailand after a week in Laos - I will only be in
Bangkok for 2 days before flying to Dalat, Vietnam, where I am
staying overnight before catching the bus down the mountains to
Nha Trang.
----
27th February 2019
Vang Vieng,
Laos
Today I caught the bus from Vientiane to Vang Vieng - I arrived
very relaxed probably due to the rough road as I imagine the 4
hour trip equates to a 4 hour massage. I visited Vang Vieng
several years ago but arrived at 2am (during a major storm) and
had to leave at 7am. Vang Vieng reminds me of Koh Chang
(Elephant Island in Thailand) because it is a small, relaxed,
hard to get to, location - but it is quite authentic (despite
the backpacker tubing bars etc.)
Liquid Gold, BeerLao, Vang Vieng, Laos
----
25th February 2019
Vientiane, Laos
After a relaxing 3 weeks in Thailand I have moved on to
Vientiane,
Laos, where I have been several
times before. I am here for a week, during which time I will be
eating the local food and having a few beers (Beerlao, my
favourite beer). It is unseasonally hot in Vientiane at the
moment (36-37C) but thankfully not very humid. On Saturday I fly
back to Bangkok for a couple of days before returning to Nha
Trang, Vietnam, via Dalat.
----
4th February 2019
Smiling in
Thailand
I am now in
Jomtien, Thailand, where I
lived for 4 years from 2009 - I am visiting friends and having a
holiday - I will be here for 3 weeks before flying to Laos for a
week and then home to Nha Trang, Vietnam. I am staying at the
Arcadia Beach Resort, a new condo resort complex - I have rented
a 1 bedroom apartment and so far am impressed - it is "Up
Market" compared to my usual "Mr. Cheap" locations but at around
$20 US a night it is good value.
I have no special plans whilst I am here other than to try and
force myself to relax.
The View From My Apartment at Arcadia Beach Resort
----
2nd February 2019
Dalat,
Vietnam
Caught the bus from Nha Trang to Dalat yesterday on my way to
Thailand
- Dalat is about 130 kilometres from Nha Trang in the
mountains and it was quite cool this moring at around 12C which
is about 10 degrees colder than Nha Trang.
I am flying from Dalat to Bangkok today and then catch the bus to Jomtien
tomorrow - I will be spending 3 weeks in Jomtien visiting
friends and relaxing before flying to Vientiane, Laos, for 1
week - then back to Bangkok for 2 days, Dalat for 1 night and
then bus back to Nha Trang.
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