The Blonde Abroad

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20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Vietnam

Peach 20 Photos Vietnam

Sapa

Food in VietnamVietnam Photos Vietnam Flower MarketVietnam Photos-2Photos Inspire Trip to Vietnam-3 1Photos Inspire Trip to Vietnam-2

Hoi An

VietnamVietnam Photos-3

Bai Tu Long Bay

VietnamVietnam Water Buffalo

Hoi An

Boats in VietnamWaterfall in Vietnam

Bai Tu Long Bay

1Photos Inspire Trip to Vietnam-3blonde in vietnamPasture in Vietnam

Vietnam is one of my favorite budget travel destinations. I spent 10 days exploring the vast country during my three-month trip across Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand back in 2011.

I started my adventure by flying into Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. From there, I went on an iconic Ha Long Bay cruise. You can also take day trips to beautiful destinations like Ninh Binh and Ba Vi National Park if you’re looking for more natural beauty and an escape from the bustle of the city.

Be sure to book a street food tour in Hanoi for a true local’s experience!

From there, I booked a three-day homestay tour in Sapa, and it was easily my favorite destination in Vietnam. I’ll never forget my female guide, Hong, showing me her favorite places and riding past the beautiful vistas of the rice paddies on my motorbike! If you’d like to get Hong’s contact info and arrange a stay with her—head over to this post to get the details!.

Next, I flew down to Hoi An—many travelers choose to take an overnight bus too. The town is famous for its unique architecture, and clothing shops with tailors who can make anything you want in only a couple of days! The Old Town is painted in hues of yellow and blue, and the coffee culture here is exceptional.

There are also some beautiful white-sand beaches right on the coast that you can easily motorbike to for the day. Enjoy the sunshine while sipping on a Tiger beer. 😉

I ended off my whirlwind trip through Vietnam by flying into Ho Chi Minh. I didn’t have too much time here but I managed to eat my weight in pho, the iconic Vietnamese noodle soup, so I consider it a success! I would definitely love to spend more time exploring southern Vietnam in the future.

I’d love to return to Vietnam one day to cruise the Mekong Delta, visit the My Son Sanctuary and explore Ba Na Hills.

Recommended Tours in Vietnam!


Have you traveled to Vietnam before? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments!

 

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    1. Sandra Carson

      Hi Pictures look fab can I ask what month you travelled to Vietnam in ? Thanks

      October 30, 2019 at 4:29 pm · Reply
      • The Blonde Abroad

        Hi Sandra! I was there in August/September. 🙂

        October 31, 2019 at 3:26 am · Reply
    2. Jessica Volke

      I was in Vietnam for about two weeks, but I only spent time in Ho Chi Minh, and Mui Ne. Both were AMAZING. Mui Ne is a coastal town in Southern Vietnam and I stayed right on the beach attending a yoga and mindfulness retreat. After seeing this post, I’m going to have to go back, to explore the other parts!

      July 14, 2022 at 10:28 am · Reply
      • The Blonde Abroad

        Wooooo! That sounds amazing!!

        August 1, 2022 at 9:13 am · Reply

    Instagram

    Welcome to day 8 and the finale of my Autumn New England Road Trip (with a toddler) series autumn 🍂🍁 🚗

    Be sure to save this post for all the best Boston has to offer!
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    After a leisurely breakfast and 2 hour drive from @trappfamilylodge, we concluded our 10-day road trip with a couple of days in the historic town of Boston—staying at the @fsboston!

    This hotel treats kids like royalty, with lots of luxury for adults too (full review coming soon)!

    If you find yourself visiting Boston in the Fall with a little one, here are some must-sees:

    - @bostonducktours
    - @museumofscience
    - @campstores x Bluey (ending soon)
    - Public Garden
    - Beacon Hill
    - Tadpole Playground
    - @bplboston
    - Childrens Wharf Harborwalk
    - @bostonteapartyships
    - @rosekennedygreenway
    - Commonwealth Avenue Mall
    - Esplanade Playground
    - Charles River Esplanade

    And for the foodies, you know I got you covered!

    - @tattebakery
    - @saltiegirl
    - @faneuilhallmarketplace
    - @maproom_lounge
    - @bovasbakery
    - @bostonpublicmarket
    - @parishcafe
    - Quincy Market
    - Legal Sea Foods - Burlington Mall

    After traveling around New Hampshire and Vermont, it was nice to get a glimpse of this bustling and historic city.

    If you’ve made it this far, thanks for joining us on our epic autumn road trip! Be sure to follow along for more adventures! There’s plenty of tips and tricks to come this Fall season!
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    @meetbostonusa @visitma
    #visitmassachusetts #boston #newengland #fallroadtrip

    377 14
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    Welcome to day 8 and the finale of my Autumn New England Road Trip (with a toddler) series autumn 🍂🍁 🚗 Be sure to save this post for all the best Boston has to offer! ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• After a leisurely breakfast and 2 hour drive from @trappfamilylodge, we concluded our 10-day road trip with a couple of days in the historic town of Boston—staying at the @fsboston! This hotel treats kids like royalty, with lots of luxury for adults too (full review coming soon)! If you find yourself visiting Boston in the Fall with a little one, here are some must-sees: - @bostonducktours - @museumofscience - @campstores x Bluey (ending soon) - Public Garden - Beacon Hill - Tadpole Playground - @bplboston - Childrens Wharf Harborwalk - @bostonteapartyships - @rosekennedygreenway - Commonwealth Avenue Mall - Esplanade Playground - Charles River Esplanade And for the foodies, you know I got you covered! - @tattebakery - @saltiegirl - @faneuilhallmarketplace - @maproom_lounge - @bovasbakery - @bostonpublicmarket - @parishcafe - Quincy Market - Legal Sea Foods - Burlington Mall After traveling around New Hampshire and Vermont, it was nice to get a glimpse of this bustling and historic city. If you’ve made it this far, thanks for joining us on our epic autumn road trip! Be sure to follow along for more adventures! There’s plenty of tips and tricks to come this Fall season! ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• @meetbostonusa @visitma #visitmassachusetts #boston #newengland #fallroadtrip

    🎶 The hills are alive with the sound of music 🎶
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    Love the Sound of Music? What if I told you that you can visit the real Von Trapp family’s lodge from the famed musical starring Julie Andrews in the quiet town of Stowe, Vermont?

    Day 7 of my Autumn New England Road Trip (with a toddler) started the day by driving through Smuggler’s Notch—it’s a short and super windy drive through a mountain pass that’s seriously beautiful.

    Helpful Tip: Get started on the drive as easy as possible. Traffic is notorious during foliage season so we hit the road at 7am and had it to ourselves!

    We then spent the entire day exploring nature trails and hanging with animals at @trappfamilylodge, an Austrian-inspired mountain lodge with 300 acres of farmland in the middle of Stowe.

    The Von Trapps, made famous from the movie The Sound of Music, fled Austria during WWII and ultimately landed in Stowe, VT where their hospitality lives on today. Did you know the Sound of Music is one of the top 10 highest-grossing films of all time??

    Had we had a little more time, we also would have added:

    🥾 Moss Glen Falls
    ⛪️ Stowe Community Church
    🍻 @alch3mistb33r
    ☕️ @blackcapvermont
    🥞 @butlers_pantry_stowe

    We did manage to catch a glimpse of the famed Stowe Community Church from afar, but any closer meant fighting traffic and huge crowds.

    Come back for day 8 and the final video of the series as we explore the beautiful and family-friendly parts of Boston!
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    @vermonttourism @visitnew_england
    #vermont #newenglandroadtrip #stowevermont

    714 10
    Open
    🎶 The hills are alive with the sound of music 🎶 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Love the Sound of Music? What if I told you that you can visit the real Von Trapp family’s lodge from the famed musical starring Julie Andrews in the quiet town of Stowe, Vermont? Day 7 of my Autumn New England Road Trip (with a toddler) started the day by driving through Smuggler’s Notch—it’s a short and super windy drive through a mountain pass that’s seriously beautiful. Helpful Tip: Get started on the drive as easy as possible. Traffic is notorious during foliage season so we hit the road at 7am and had it to ourselves! We then spent the entire day exploring nature trails and hanging with animals at @trappfamilylodge, an Austrian-inspired mountain lodge with 300 acres of farmland in the middle of Stowe. The Von Trapps, made famous from the movie The Sound of Music, fled Austria during WWII and ultimately landed in Stowe, VT where their hospitality lives on today. Did you know the Sound of Music is one of the top 10 highest-grossing films of all time?? Had we had a little more time, we also would have added: 🥾 Moss Glen Falls ⛪️ Stowe Community Church 🍻 @alch3mistb33r ☕️ @blackcapvermont 🥞 @butlers_pantry_stowe We did manage to catch a glimpse of the famed Stowe Community Church from afar, but any closer meant fighting traffic and huge crowds. Come back for day 8 and the final video of the series as we explore the beautiful and family-friendly parts of Boston! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• @vermonttourism @visitnew_england #vermont #newenglandroadtrip #stowevermont

    Arguably the MOST “autumnal” day of the trip: 🍎 🍂 🍩
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    Welcome back to my Autumn New England Road Trip (with a toddler) series! We’re over halfway through our road trip on Day 6 and this was the perfect day of all things autumn.

    After a slow morning leaving @woodstock.inn, we were on our way to the famous town of Stowe, Vermont!

    I had originally created a jam-packed itinerary, but traveling with a toddler can definitely call for some readjusting and going with the flow. We made 2 of the stops I had planned:

    🍎🌳 Hunger Mountain Orchard
    🍎🍩 @coldhollowcidermillvt

    If we had a little more time, a lot of people add the 🍦 @benandjerrys factory tour on this day.

    We ended our day by checking into the @trappfamilylodge —owned by the real family from the Sound of Music where we enjoyed the lodge and property before dinner and bedtime.

    Be sure to come back for Day 7 with more on this amazing property and all the furry friends that live here!
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    @vermonttourism @visitnew_england
    #vermont #newenglandroadtrip #stowevermont

    566 22
    Open
    Arguably the MOST “autumnal” day of the trip: 🍎 🍂 🍩 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Welcome back to my Autumn New England Road Trip (with a toddler) series! We’re over halfway through our road trip on Day 6 and this was the perfect day of all things autumn. After a slow morning leaving @woodstock.inn, we were on our way to the famous town of Stowe, Vermont! I had originally created a jam-packed itinerary, but traveling with a toddler can definitely call for some readjusting and going with the flow. We made 2 of the stops I had planned: 🍎🌳 Hunger Mountain Orchard 🍎🍩 @coldhollowcidermillvt If we had a little more time, a lot of people add the 🍦 @benandjerrys factory tour on this day. We ended our day by checking into the @trappfamilylodge —owned by the real family from the Sound of Music where we enjoyed the lodge and property before dinner and bedtime. Be sure to come back for Day 7 with more on this amazing property and all the furry friends that live here! ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• @vermonttourism @visitnew_england #vermont #newenglandroadtrip #stowevermont

    Fall fashion is my favorite! What about you? 🍁
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    My recent trip to New England was the perfect opportunity to pack my @meet.nex bags with some cute new styles perfect for any trip!

    Nex luggage is super high-quality and will hold up on any adventure. Their Million Mile Care program is also one-of-a-kind. You can trade in your used luggage towards credit for new luggage!

    I get so much use out of the Nex crossbody and backpack in Lanikai Amber—they’re my go-to for camera gear and toddler essentials. And you can style them with just about every outfit!
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    Click my link in bio for my luggage and favorite fall styles! #ad

    700 16
    Open
    Fall fashion is my favorite! What about you? 🍁 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• My recent trip to New England was the perfect opportunity to pack my @meet.nex bags with some cute new styles perfect for any trip! Nex luggage is super high-quality and will hold up on any adventure. Their Million Mile Care program is also one-of-a-kind. You can trade in your used luggage towards credit for new luggage! I get so much use out of the Nex crossbody and backpack in Lanikai Amber—they’re my go-to for camera gear and toddler essentials. And you can style them with just about every outfit! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Click my link in bio for my luggage and favorite fall styles! #ad

    Bienvenidos a Oaxaca! 🇲🇽
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    I recently visited this vibrant, colorful city just in time for some of the Dia de los Muertos celebrations and it did not disappoint! From walking the cobblestone streets lined with colorful murals to witnessing centuries’ old architectural marvels, this entire city is an UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful sites around every corner.

    There are tons of epic @vrbo vacation homes in Oaxaca—perfect for a group trip!

    One of the major highlights of Oaxaca is the FOOD 🤤 Traditional cuisine like mole, mezcal, tlayuda, quesillo, and even… chapulines (aka fried grasshoppers! 😱) are a must. Foodies and adventurous diners alike will find themselves with more than a few delicious options here in Oaxaca.

    Add these highlights to your Oaxaca bucket list:

    🇲🇽 Shop at the artisan markets
    🇲🇽 Get down on some delicious street food
    🇲🇽 Try a traditional cooking class
    🇲🇽 Take a day trip to Hierve el Agua
    🇲🇽 Experience a temazcal ceremony
    🇲🇽 Discover the countless murals
    🇲🇽 Visit during Dia de Los Muertos

    Did you know you can also book activities with some of the best local, hidden gems, through @expedia?

    Try a traditional cooking class, book a local photographer, or enjoy a mezcal and mole tasting with a certified sommelier through the @Expedia app!

    Have you been to Oaxaca? What time of year did you go and what was your favorite part??
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    #mexico #oaxaca #diadelosmuertos

    1177 34
    Open
    Bienvenidos a Oaxaca! 🇲🇽 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• I recently visited this vibrant, colorful city just in time for some of the Dia de los Muertos celebrations and it did not disappoint! From walking the cobblestone streets lined with colorful murals to witnessing centuries’ old architectural marvels, this entire city is an UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful sites around every corner. There are tons of epic @vrbo vacation homes in Oaxaca—perfect for a group trip! One of the major highlights of Oaxaca is the FOOD 🤤 Traditional cuisine like mole, mezcal, tlayuda, quesillo, and even… chapulines (aka fried grasshoppers! 😱) are a must. Foodies and adventurous diners alike will find themselves with more than a few delicious options here in Oaxaca. Add these highlights to your Oaxaca bucket list: 🇲🇽 Shop at the artisan markets 🇲🇽 Get down on some delicious street food 🇲🇽 Try a traditional cooking class 🇲🇽 Take a day trip to Hierve el Agua 🇲🇽 Experience a temazcal ceremony 🇲🇽 Discover the countless murals 🇲🇽 Visit during Dia de Los Muertos Did you know you can also book activities with some of the best local, hidden gems, through @expedia? Try a traditional cooking class, book a local photographer, or enjoy a mezcal and mole tasting with a certified sommelier through the @Expedia app! Have you been to Oaxaca? What time of year did you go and what was your favorite part?? •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #mexico #oaxaca #diadelosmuertos
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