Are you planning a trip to Tasmania and wondering what there is to see and do in Hobart? We spent 24 hours in Hobart and are planning a trip back again!
What to see
Salamanca Market: If you’re in Hobart over a weekend (which we weren’t unfortunately) then you do need to get to Salamanca Market. The markets are open from 8.30am – 3 pm on a Saturday and the location is probably one of the most famous parts of Hobart, Salamanca Place.
The area is filled with gorgeous sandstone warehouses which were built-in the 1830’s which were later converted into restaurants, shops, pubs and other shops.
Battery Point: If you take Kelly’s steps up to Battery Point, you will be amazed at how historic this area is. It happens to be the oldest area in Hobart and the houses still look like they were back since the early 1800’s.
Mount Wellington: We had read about how quickly the weather can change in Tassie, so we decided to make that our first stop in Hobart before we checked in to our hotel. The weather was amazing but we opened the door and quickly realised that it was nearly freezing! Luckily, we packed for all types of weather so out come the gloves, beanie and jacket! If you’re unsure what to pack for your trip, click here for our ultimate packing guide for Tasmania.
Being freezing was absolutely worth it for views like this though!
Here is a short video from our time at Mount Wellington!
Hiring a Bike: We were able to borrow bicycles from our hotel at no additional cost and ride around the city. It is a great way to get around, but of course, there are a couple of hills around Battery Park so you may need to walk up those (if you’re anything like us!). It was a heap of fun and I’d recommend doing that as a quick way of getting around on your full day in Hobart.
You can ride past some gorgeous spots!
Richmond: Driving from Cradle Mountain to Hobart, we stopped in at Richard. It is worth pointing out here that the drive through Tassie is gorgeous. So much beautiful farmland.
This gorgeous little town has plenty to offer. There is a famous chocolate and lolly shop called Sweets and Treats which is worth a stop!
Sullivans Cove: The world’s best Single Malt Whiskey… if you’re into whiskey, you should stop in here!
We had a tasting tour and were able to check out the warehouse. The whiskey is delicious and the experience takes about 30 – 40 minutes. Helpful hint: we had the option of two packages, the tasting and tasting and the tour. If you just get the tasting and then use the bathroom – you can see the warehouse out the back anyway as that’s where the toilets are! So unless you want a guided tour with some information, this will show you what you’re after!
Botanical Gardens
Where to eat in Hobart
Machine Laundry Cafe: We ate breakfast at this highly recommended cafe – Machine Laundry Cafe. It was conveniently located in Salamanca Square and the menu was really good with reasonable prices.
It is legitimately a laundry as well so you can do some washing while you’re eating breakfast! It does get pretty busy so best to get in early especially on the weekend.
Smolt: Smolt is an Italian restaurant located in Salamanca Square. The food was nice and the service was good but it wasn’t the most amazing restaurant we went to on the trip.
Ristorante Da Angelo: Our hotel recommended us to visit this place in Battery Point. It was cold and a little rainy but we started the walk to get there. We arrived and all we could smell was the aromas of the most delicious Italian food. We walked into the cozy restaurant and they were fully booked… FULLY BOOKED!! We were so disappointed given it was our only night in Hobart. So, our recommendation to you is to book a table!!! Part of the reason we want to go back to Hobart is to just eat at this restaurant.
Where to stay in Hobart
We stayed at the Hotel Grand Chancellor which is located conveniently across from Franklin Wharf and is within walking distance to everything you need in Hobart. Our room overlooked the harbour and was very spacious.
Bicycles were available for us to borrow and cycle around town and undercover car parking was complimentary.
If we had more time…
We would have visited MONA, Bruny Island & Port Arthur… so next time we’ll add this to our list!
Do you have travel insurance?
Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.
Alternative accommodation
If you’re looking for alternative accommodation to either save some money or share with friends or family, click here for information on Air B&B ($50 discount on your first booking), hotel price comparison websites etc.
Spending some time around Tassie?
Click here to see all of our Tasmania related posts to help plan your trip!
“When overseas you learn more about your own country, than you do the place you’re visiting.” – Clint Borgen
Hotel: Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
Location: Singapore
Room: Premier Room
Perfect for: Couples / friends
Category: 5 star luxury
Are you tossing up whether or not a room at Marina Bay Sands is worth the exorbitant price they ask per night? This article will go in-depth with our personal experience.
Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. It is most famous for the infinity pool that overlooks all of Singapore and those of you who have stayed there, or have looked at staying there knows the price per night is pretty extreme. Rooms starting at S$365 per night (which I might add is on a low-level, no view, no breakfast, just the room) and then you have taxes on top of that… you quickly question yourself if it is worth it?
This post is our personal experience and our opinion. The room we booked, at the time, was the cheapest one available, cost us over S$500… for one night.
Location of Marina Bay Sands
MBS is located at Marina Bay and overlooks the Gardens by the Bay and the city. It has a large shopping centre connected with plenty of restaurants with access to the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT).
It is in a perfect location for the Gardens by the Bay, but that’s about it. For everything else, you will need to take a taxi or public transport but maybe that’s not a bad thing given how hot it is in Singapore?
The Central Business District is 10 minutes by taxi but if you prefer to catch the MRT, the Raffles Place MRT stop is just 2 stops from Bayfront MRT. For Shopping, Orchard Road is accessed by taxi in around 18 minutes or by MRT, which is around 6 stops from MBS.
Our Welcome Experience
We had just landed from Ho Chi Minh City, so thankfully the flight wasn’t too long. We were told by hotel staff that the MRT is conveniently located at the hotel so we decided to take the MRT. It is important to note that you need to get off at Bay Front, not Marina Bay (which seems like the obvious choice!). So after changing trains a few times, we finally made it to Bay Front station, walked towards the exit and attempted to follow the signs to the hotel.
We made it to the foyer and let me tell you now, it is massive. There is nothing personal about this hotel! We arrived in the middle of the towers, not knowing which tower we needed to check into, so we walked towards tower 1. We were pretty exhausted dragging our luggage around and were a little frustrated that there weren’t staff there to help us with our luggage. I would have thought this would have been pretty standard for a 5-star luxury hotel?
Anyways, so we continued over to the check in counter for tower 1. It was so busy it actually felt more like checking in at an international airport rather than a 5-star hotel. We waited in the line and were offered a small ice cream which was a nice touch given how hot it was outside. Having waited for a while, the staff noticed the length of the line and ushered a few of us over to another counter. Again, we dragged our own luggage over the second counter, even after asking for assistance (we had a bit as we just finished a 2 week trip through Vietnam as well). Baggage assistance is only offered AFTER you have checked in…
We started the check in process, which at any other hotel takes around 5 – 10 minutes. Our entire check in process took an hour… AN HOUR!
We booked a double room (obviously) but they had none available for us, so we were going to have to wait for one to be made up for us. Instead, we were offered an upgrade so we could have a king bed. I am glad we got an upgrade because if we didn’t, I think this review could have actually been worse. Our upgrade was only to the 7th floor and overlooking the gardens, not the bay. What on earth do the cheap (S$500 per night) rooms get you??? We asked if we can use the facilities (i.e the pool) after check out and the answer was no as you need a room key to access the pool. They did give us a late check out so we could spend time at the pool.
So we continued the check in process. We had pre-registered all of our details prior to arrival as per their email and signed up for their loyalty card which provides you with the free high-speed internet – we just needed to collect the card at check in. You think this would have been simple? It wasn’t. We had to go to yet another counter.. that would be the third counter during check-in to pick up the loyalty card. We had to wait around 15 minutes before we could see someone to ask about this card. She then had to take down all of our details again, even though we pre registered everything online prior to checking in.
The entire process was extremely poor and not what you would expect from a 5-star luxury hotel. We asked for our bags to be taken to the room, at this point they were taken up for us.
The room
The room they upgraded us to was very spacious. Although, I think it was a little outdated with the carpet and curtains. There were some positives to the room.. the bed was comfortable (but there was no pillow menu), the bathroom was massive and had a separate bath although we didn’t have time to use it.
The balcony was oversized and looked over the Gardens by the Bay. The blinds were automatic so there were a few good features to the room.
The infinity pool
The first thing to note about the pool. You MUST be staying at the hotel to get access to the pool. Each guest must present a room key to get through the gates. You cannot get in as a guest, nor can you pay a fee to use the pool.
After becoming very frustrated with our entire check in process, we needed to de-stress and go for a swim in this infinity pool. Afterall, that is why we decided to spend over S$500 for one night, right? May as well make the most of it?
We got up there, found some sun lounges and ordered some lunch. Which, I must admit was pretty good.
The view is amazing and although it was overcast and cloudy, it did end up clearing for quite a nice sunset.
Here is a short video of the pool area.
We spent a few hours the next morning at the pool and left after lunch.
Where else to stay in Singapore?
For customer service and location, we highly recommend the Holiday Inn Orchard City Centre. Click here to find out why!
The verdict – was it worth over S$500 for one night?
As lovely as the pool is, and regardless of the views and relaxing time we had, I am just not convinced it is worth over $500. When you think that it is more than double the price of our room at the Holiday Inn, and that included breakfast, Executive Club Lounge access which included afternoon tea, alcoholic beverages, cocktails and dinner… I’ll let you decide what you would prefer. It is obviously a personal choice and very much depends on your budget.
Do you have travel insurance?
Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.
Alternative accommodation
If you’re looking for alternative accommodation to either save some money or share with friends or family, click here for information on Air B&B ($50 discount on your first booking), hotel price comparison websites etc.
Here are a few more pics from the pool area, which let’s be honest is the only reason people stay at this hotel.
“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” – Anonymous
Hotel: Paperbark Camp
Location: Jervis Bay, New South Wales, Australia
Room (aka Tent): King Deluxe Safari Tent, also known as King Parrot
Perfect for: Couples
Category: Luxury Bush Camping (aka glamping)
When we arrived at the entrance to Paperbark Camp and followed the gravel road down to the house, we knew it was going to be something special. If you’re looking for the ultimate glamping experience, or you want to take someone camping, who doesn’t enjoy camping – this is the place for you!
Our welcome experience…
We arrived just as the sun was going down on the Friday night. We went up to reception to check in and the staff explained how everything worked, where dinner was and how to charge our devices. We were then showed us to our King Deluxe Safari Tent.
The Room…
If you try and think about what a 5 star tent is like, I’m guessing it is something like this. As you walk up the stairs to the front veranda, you unzip the tent and walk in to what is a fancy tent! The king sized bed is surrounded by a mosquito net, and you also have two single beds as well (which is great if you have a family).
When you walk around to the bathroom, it just keeps getting better. The plunge tub is nice to relax in after a day of exploring the beaches and then of course you have the outdoor shower and toilet! Yep, Jenna wasn’t too sure about this but the setting is super private so it really just adds to the affect.
Take a quick tour with this short video.
The Grounds
The grounds are absolutely beautiful. You really do feel like you’re out of the big smoke and relaxing in nature. There is a fire pit and lovely walkways to get around and down to the lake.
You might even see some birdlife around!
Why not have a go on the gorgeous giant swing?
Meals…
Breakfast and dinner are included in your room rate. It is a set 3 course meal for dinner which alternates each night. Upon check in, they ask if you have any allergies which they will happily cater for. The food was fresh and the portion sizes were really good.
For breakfast, you got to choose of the menu between a couple of choices. Again, it was delicious and fuelled us up for the day ahead.
Health and Fitness…
If you’re wanting to stay active and healthy while on holidays, then you can try your luck at stand up paddle boarding on the lake within the grounds! It is seriously hard work so you could consider this a workout!
If that doesn’t take your fancy, you can jump in one of the many kayak’s there and go for a paddle up and down the lake. There are also bicycles you can borrow to ride into town.
Good to know…
The dining room have plenty of power points for you to charge your devices as there are no power points in the rooms. Bring everything up at breakfast time to charge up for the day, and then again when you arrive for dinner so it can charge up while you’re eating or having a drink.
There is also a communal fridge available if you bring your own drinks. Simply write your name on your stuff and put it in the fridge!
The reception also has these lovely boards which change daily to let you know the weather and also suggestions on what you could do on the day!
Checking out…
Simple and easy! Nothing to really report here.
Above and beyond…
The fact that you’re in absolute luxury, in the bush, in a tent.
The not so good…
If you don’t like bugs or bees, then you may not like showering outside! The bees took a liking to the shampoo and conditioner. I didn’t have an issue with it, but Jenna does have a fear of bees, so she was a little scared at times. But, when you’re camping of any sorts, you’re bound to see a few unwanted pests!
The verdict…
It was really a wonderful experience. We were recommended to stay in the King Deluxe Safari Tent and looking at the other tents, I can honestly say that this one does seem to be the best! It isn’t cheap, but when you think about where you are, what is included (like the meals etc) then it doesn’t seem too bad.
Do you have travel insurance?
Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.
Alternative accommodation
If you’re looking for alternative accommodation to either save some money or share with friends or family, click here for information on Air B&B ($50 discount on your first booking), hotel price comparison websites etc.
“We travel, some of us forever, to seek other places, other lives, other souls.” – Anais Nin
So, you want to start your own business whether it be a travel blog, bookkeeping or a coffee shop or are a freelancer, you will need to set up an ABN.
This post will help you understand what and why you need an ABN.
What is an ABN?
An ABN, also known as an Australian Business Number is a unique 11 digit number that allows the Australian Government to recognise your business.
How do you know if you need an ABN?
If you’re looking at running your own business, or undertake freelance/contract work outside of your normal day job then you will need an ABN to add to your invoice in order to get paid.
If you don’t have an ABN and you have payments over $75, the company who is paying you is legally bound to withhold 47% of the invoice as tax which unfortunately you don’t see again until you submit your tax return.
If you’ve started your own blog and have registered a website domain name that ends in .au, you will also need an ABN in this instance.
How much does it cost to get an ABN?
The good news here, is that applying for an ABN is completely free!
Ok, so you think you need an ABN. How do you go about setting up an ABN?
If you’re still not sure if you require an ABN or are eligible for one, you should check out the Australian Business Register website to review the Entitlement Checklist.
So, you do need an ABN. How do you know what type of business structure you should be applying for?
This bit is important. You need to select the correct structure in the beginning as it will determine how much tax and ongoing costs you may be required to pay.
There are four commonly used business structures in Australia:
It’s important to understand the responsibilities of each structure because the structure you choose may affect:
- the tax you’re liable to pay
- asset protection
- costs.
You’re not locked into any structure and you can change the structure as your business changes or grows.
The above is an extract from the ATO which is, of course, a great source of information- however, feel free to give them a call, and we would always recommend you talk to your tax, business or legal adviser if you’re unsure.
Hopefully, that’s helped you a little bit!
What did The Well Travelled Man choose?
Clearly, you’ve visited a travel blog and looking for ABN information- so if you’re about to register your travel blog, this is what we have done (although you should consider your own circumstances).
The Well Travelled Man was established as a Sole Trader, which can and will subsequently be changed to a partnership or company depending on how the business continues to grow. The business name was subsequently registered, however at this stage we have not registered for GST.
I’ve extracted some helpful information from Business.gov.au for further information on being a Sole Trader:
A sole trader business structure is a person trading as the individual legally responsible for all aspects of the business. This includes any debts and losses, which can’t be shared with others. This is the simplest, and relatively inexpensive business structure that you can choose when starting a business in Australia. As a sole trader, you’ll generally make all the decisions about starting and running your business, although you can employ people to help you.
Key aspects of a sole trader structure
- Is simple to set up and operate.
- Gives you full control of your assets and business decisions.
- Requires fewer reporting requirements and is generally a low-cost structure.
- Allows you to use your individual Tax File Number (TFN) to lodge tax returns.
- Has unlimited liability – all your personal assets are at risk if things go wrong. Your assets can be seized to recover a debt.
- Any losses incurred by your business activities may be offset against other income earned (such as your investment income or wages), subject to certain conditions.
- Doesn’t require a separate business bank account, unlike a company structure. You can use your personal bank account but must keep financial records for at least 5 years.
- As the business owner, you’re not considered an ’employee’ of the business. You should pay yourself, which is usually a distribution of your profit, but this is not considered ‘wages’ for tax purposes.
- If you’re a business owner without employees, there’s no obligation to pay payroll tax, superannuation contributions or workers’ compensation insurance on income you draw from the business. You can choose to make voluntary superannuation contributions to yourself though, to help you build up your superannuation.
- You can employ people to help you run your business. There are compulsory obligations that you must comply with, such as workers’ compensation insurance and superannuation contributions.
- It’s relatively easy to change your business structure if the business grows, or if you wish to wind things up and close your business.
- You can’t split business profits or losses made with family members and you’re personally liable to pay tax on all the income derived.
Applying for an ABN
Ready, set go!
Click on the link business.gov.au – apply for your ABN and get started! Please share your thoughts and experience in the comments section below.
“We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfilment.” – Hilaire Belloc
Having been named the beach with the whitest sand in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records, does Hyams Beach at Jervis Bay live up to the hype? You’ll have to keep reading to find out!
This post will focus on all of the lovely beach spots to visit on your weekend trip to Jervis Bay.
2.5 day itinerary for Jervis Bay
Day 1: Arrive late afternoon, check in to accommodation
Day 2: Hyams Beach, Chinaman’s Beach, Huskisson, Booderee National Park (including Murray’s Beach, Hole on the Wall and Green Patch)
Day 3: Callala Bay, Callala Beach, Point Perpendicular Lighthouse, Honeymoon Bay
Where is Jervis Bay
From Sydney, the drive down to Jervis Bay is around 3 hours. It is a pretty good drive as long as you avoid leaving at peak hour! If you have an extra full day, I’d recommend driving through the Royal National Park, Wollongong or Kiama.
Hyams Beach
It may have the whitest sand in the world, but I certainly wouldn’t rank it the number 1 beach in Jervis Bay! Don’t get me wrong, the beach was lovely but there wasn’t a ‘wow’ factor for us… but then again, we’ve seen some incredible beaches over the past couple of years! We actually preferred the beach next door… Chinaman’s Beach
Chinaman’s Beach
Located next to Hyams Beach, Chinaman’s beach is much smaller and personally, I think it is much nicer than Hyam’s Beach.
Huskisson
Huskisson has a couple of beaches, but probably none that I’d spend a few hours at. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, the Huskisson Bakery is amazing and the food is delicious!
Booderee National Park
Booderee is an Aboriginal word from the Dhurga language meaning ‘bay of plenty’ or ‘plenty of fish’. The park is pretty big, 6379ha to be exact! It is located south of Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay and includes 875ha of the marine environment. You do need to buy a permit to enter the park, and because we went via car, this cost us $11 (for the car, not per person). You can find the current prices here and a map of the park here. Check out where we stopped below.
Murrays Beach
Our absolutely favourite beach in Jervis Bay! This beach was pretty much empty, the water was perfect, crystal clear and it was just relaxing. You can easily spend hours at this beach!
Hole in the Wall
On our way back from Murrays Beach, we stopped into Hole in the Wall.
Cave Beach
If you’re hoping to see some kangaroos or just relax on a nice beach, Cave Beach has both covered.
Scottish Rocks
We popped in here to see what it was all about. It was pretty, but not somewhere we would spend any amount of time there. It isn’t really the spot for relaxing.
Green Patch
The same as Scottish Rocks for us – worth a stop in, but that’s about it! There is a nice spot for a picnic and to see some birds though if that’s what you are looking to do!
Callala Bay
You can probably skip Callala Bay and head straight to the Bay – don’t get me wrong, it’s nice but Callala Beach is nicer, you will see why by the photos below!
Callala Beach
What a pretty place! Not as nice as Murrays Beach, however, Callala Beach is gorgeous if you didn’t want to drive as far down as the National Park. Callala Beach is on the northern shore of Jervis Bay and is in the city of Shoalhaven.
Point Perpendicular Lighthouse
Located at the northern entrance to Jervis Bay, Point Perpendicular Lighthouse is located at the southern tip of the Beecroft Peninsula.
You need to register your vehicle and passengers when you enter and this is because it is a Department of Defence training ground and they often run Naval gunnery training exercises. Once you’ve registered, you drive through some pretty nice landscapes to get to Point Perpendicular Lighthouse. However, let us warn you – this gravel/dirt road is not kind on your car so I would think twice about using any sort of sports car / low profile car. At the time we have a VW Golf R and it was not a good idea taking that car… a 4WD is a better option!
Was the drive worth it? For us, no it wasn’t but I am sure if the drive is less stressful for you then you will probably enjoy it a bit more!
Honeymoon Bay
On our way out, we stopped in at Honeymoon Bay. It was a lovely little spot, really busy as there is a camping ground just off the beach. It would be perfect if you wanted to spend a few days here relaxing! The water is calm making it perfect for families.
Where to stay in Jervis Bay
We can highly recommend Paperbark Camp for a unique bush camping experience. Click here for our full review of this accommodation.
Do you have travel insurance?
Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.
Alternative accommodation
If you’re looking for alternative accommodation to either save some money or share with friends or family, click here for information on Air B&B ($50 discount on your first booking), hotel price comparison websites etc.
“You don’t have to be rich to travel well.” – Eugene Fodor
The Tasmanian Devil – a fascinating Aussie animal which happens to be the largest living marsupial carnivore. Yes, they eat meat!! They are around the size of a small stocky dog. The best place to learn about these creatures is at Devils@Cradle.
Where is Devils@Cradle?
Devils@Cradle is located in Cradle Mountain, Tasmania. Cradle Mountain on the western side of Tassie and directions on where they are located can be found here.
Devils@Cradle Night Time Feeding Tour
We decided to participate in the night-time feeding tour. Simply because these animals are primarily a nocturnal species which means you have a better chance of seeing them active in the evening. In the summertime, there are two nighttime feeding sessions as daylight savings is in place. We chose the earlier of the two sessions simply because there was a little more light for photos and videos.
Devils@Cradle use environmentally sensitive lighting which allows tourists and the keepers to monitor the social interactions and feeding habits of these little creatures.
Being able to watch these guys eat up close and personal is amazing. I didn’t realise how much I didn’t know about them until I was listening to the keeper explain their habits and then watching them in their natural environment. I don’t think there is anywhere else in Australia that you can watch these carnivores be fed this closely.
A bit about the Tasmanian Devil
Probably the most impressive fact about these guys is that they are the largest living marsupial carnivore… that’s pretty impressive! As in most cases, males are the larger and weigh around 8 – 10kgs and females are only around 6-7kgs. They are stocky animals with their head and chest often making up 40% of their weight.
Tassie Devils hunt alone but often gather around a carcass and as they hunt alone, they normally develop an order between the devils as to who is going to get the carcass first. The devil who takes the carcass continues eating until they have had enough. This can often be up to 40% of its weight and they can eat that in only 20 minutes. When they are done, they will leave the carcass for the other devils to enjoy.
Here are a few more photos of the Tasmanian Devils.
We also witnessed the spotted quoll being fed.
Take a look at this short video of the Tassie Devils at feeding time.
“Every man can transform the world from one of monotony and drabness to one of excitement and adventure.” – Irving Wallace
Hanoi, or Hà Nội is the capital of Vietnam and is around the second largest cities in Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh city being the largest). But there is plenty of things to see and do in this gorgeous city.
We had a couple of days in between our cruise along Halong Bay and found it just enough time. Between the many market stalls, restaurants or street food, there is something for everyone.
How to get to Hanoi
Hanoi has its own airport and is only around 30 minutes from the airport to the city centre where most hotels are located. Just remember to get into a Vinasun or Mailinh taxi and ask them to put the meter on.
Have you got a Visa?
Check out our post which goes into detail on how to get a Vietnam visa. Click here to read more.
Packing Guide for Vietnam
Click here for your ultimate packing guide for Vietnam!
Getting around Hanoi
Walk! Yep, the best way to get around Hanoi is to walk – we walked absolutely everywhere and it was easy (much easier than Ho Chi Minh City!). If you haven’t travelled to Asia before, you may not be aware of how challenging it is to just cross the street.
You might think it is easy – wait until you get a green walking man, or go to a pedestrian crossing? WRONG! It doesn’t matter if the lights are red, or if there is a crossing – the cars and bikes just keep going. You need to be confident when starting to walk across the road, don’t walk too fast otherwise the drivers won’t be able to work out where you will be and this way they can avoid you – this is why you also don’t stop – just keep going! They don’t want to hit you so they won’t.
What to see in Hanoi
Hoan Kiem Lake: Located in the old quarter, the lake is home to the famous red bridge and Ngoc Son Temple.
We walked around the lake numerous times and witnessed some interesting things! There were many groups of people exercising, doing yoga or running. We also saw a couple making ornaments out of bamboo. We bought a couple and they were super cheap.
Hanoi Night Market: The market really comes alive in the evening. The markets start just past the red bridge and you can walk and walk for ages up and down streets for different things.
You will notice all of the building supplies are on one street, all of the antiques are in one street, the garden products are in one street – it is very organised actually! Then, of course, all of the streets leading up to the lake are there for tourists mainly (although, we see locals shop there too!).
The Old Quarter on the weekend: Our hotel manager told us that from sunset Friday night through to Sunday evening, the streets surrounding the old town and lake are closed to cars.
This means pedestrians can walk along the roads. Well, this was a sight! All of the locals come out and enjoy games for the children, food stalls, and just enjoying a spot of shopping without the fear of being run over by a car or scooter! If you can plan your trip over a weekend, definitely do that.
Railway Track: This is truly something special. To walk along the railway tracks that is hugged by houses and locals making their dinner. It really does make you think how lucky you are to live in such a fortunate country. We went on quite a drizzly and misty day so it added a bit of effect to the setting.
The houses in Hanoi are really narrow and this is because the tax is based on the width of the building. So when you look inside some of these houses, you do wonder where they fit their entire family?
Street food: You should experience some street food and sit in some of the small plastic chairs on the footpaths!
Halong Bay from Hanoi
If you’re planning on visiting the beautiful Halong Bay, you will no doubt start and finish in Hanoi. Click here to see a full review, photos and video of our 2 night, 3-day cruise along Halong Bay and what company we recommend going with.
Where to stay in Hanoi
We stayed at the gorgeous Hotel De L’Opera and were not disappointed. The room was amazing and extremely spacious.
We were upgraded due to our Accor Plus and Le Club Platinum membership and were not disappointed. The staff were friendly and the food at the restaurant was delicious. I even got a lovely surprise for my birthday (and yes, my real name is actually Hendrik!)!
It was an easy 10-minute walk to the old town markets which meant it was nice and quiet in the evenings so you could get a good nights rest.
Do you have travel insurance?
Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.
Alternative accommodation
If you’re looking for alternative accommodation to either save some money or share with friends or family, click here for information on Air B&B ($50 discount on your first booking), hotel price comparison websites etc.
More on Vietnam?
Click here to see all of our posts on Vietnam.
Photo essay of Hanoi
Enjoy some more photos of Hanoi.
“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” – Bill Bryson
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Brisbane
Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Room: Guest Queen Room
Perfect for: Couples, Executives
Category: 4 Star
If there is one thing that is consistent with all of the Holiday Inn hotels we’ve stayed at and that’s the level of customer service! It simply can’t be faulted and that includes our stay at the Holiday Inn Express Brisbane. The hotel certainly has everything you need, and nothing you don’t! The location of this hotel is pretty central to everything you need. Click here for a list of things to do while you’re in Brisbane.
Our welcome experience…
Chris and Melissa were very welcoming. The check in process was quick and easy. The room was ready for us early and they directed us to the car park. Breakfast and dinner times were explained and we were given a map and information on how to get to the closest city cycle bikes.
The Room…
The guest rooms have everything you need. Our room was well equipped with modern features, comfortable bed, a choice of pillows (and let’s be honest how many people like the same style, it’s good to have a choice!).
What I really liked about the room is that there are several USB charging points as well as ample power points. I don’t know about you but we can never get enough USB ports. we have two phones, an iPad and a GoPro all requiring a USB for charging – this is perfect!
The hotel and rooms have complimentary high-speed wi-fi (uncapped!) which for us if you like to stay connected during your holiday is a really important aspect of picking a hotel!
Everything else you would expect from the room is there as well such as safe, well-equipped bathroom, desk if you happen to be visiting for work and there is also complimentary tea and coffee-making facilities!
And if you happen to forget some essentials, they are available complimentary.
The view outside the bedroom window is pretty good as well. We were on level 10.
Take a look at our video so you can experience the feel and space of the room.
Meals…
Included in your room rate is breakfast in The Great Room! If you’ve read any of our other reviews, you will know how we feel about breakfast – it is, of course, the most important part of our day! At the Holiday Inn, you have the option of what sort of breakfast you want (or have time for). There is the typical breakfast buffet together with some Grab and Go options for those who are limited on time or have to hit the airport for an early flight.
You also have the option of dining between 5 pm – 9 pm in The Great Room for dinner during your stay. They have a good range of healthy and classic meals for you to choose from. Or, if you’re wanting a night in, you can always get in-room dining with their 24-hour menu.
We had dinner during our stay and the service was good and the food came out quickly. The restaurant would be ideal for a business dinner. The larger tables are equipped with power points and USB chargers which are great.
Health and Fitness…
If you like to stay active and healthy while on holidays, you can stop by the gym and have a quick workout before exploring the city. The gym isn’t massive, but it does have everything you need in there for a holiday workout such as a treadmill, bike and some free weights.
Good to know…
This is pretty good to know… if you’ve been travelling quite a bit and you’re sick of wearing the same recycled clothes or washing out of a bathtub, you have the opportunity here to use the hotels on-site guest self-laundry facility! There is a chair and a TV in there as well to keep you occupied, or you can duck over to the gym in the next room while you wait for your clothes to be ready!
The hotel also has parking facilities which are helpful if you have rented a car and in the middle of a driving holiday! If you’re looking at renting a car for your trip, click here for more info on how you can do this.
There is also a corporate shuttle service available so if you’re travelling here for work, this option might work for you!
Checking out…
Very quick and seamless check our process for us!
Above and beyond…
The USB charging ports in the room and restaurant.
The not so good…
There wasn’t really a not so good for us here. If we had to pick on one thing it was that the restaurant for dinner time lacked a little bit of atmosphere. Again, this is probably because the hotel is basically brand new so we were the only two eating. But, I think if the restaurant had a few more patrons it would increase the atmosphere!
The verdict…
If you’re looking for a sneaky weekend getaway to Brisvegas, or you’re visiting for business, I would recommend this hotel.
Do you have travel insurance?
Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.
“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta
Hoi An, probably one of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam and it isn’t difficult to work out why. Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1999 by UNESCO, Hoi An is a quaint old town and at night-time is lit up with these amazing lanterns. Whether it be the pastel shades of yellow on all of the buildings, the lanterns lining the streets or the cobbled streets – there is something that everyone will fall in love with.
Getting to Hoi An
If you’re searching for Hoi An Airport, you won’t come across one. You need to fly into Da Nang and then take a taxi or hotel car to Hoi An. The journey time is around 45 minutes. Remember my piece of advice in the Ho Chi Minh City blog post about taxis?
Take the Vinasun or Mailinh Taxi service and make sure they turn the meter on!
Have you got a Visa?
Check out our post which goes into detail on how to get a Vietnam visa. Click here to read more.
Packing Guide for Vietnam
Click here for your ultimate packing guide for Vietnam!
How long to spend in Hoi An
We stayed 3 nights in Hoi An and it was perfect. It gave us two days to explore the old town and relax by the pool and one day to join a bicycle tour and explore the countryside.
Entrance Fee to Hoi An old town
You do need to pay a small fee to get into the old town, and this is to simply keep the town as gorgeous as it is, so just visit the hut at the entry and get your ticket (which you will have to show each time you walk into the old town).
What to do in Hoi An
Visit the old quarter: It is such a beautiful old quarter, you could spend hours walking around.
Visit the old quarter at night: We arrived in the evening and went straight out. I am glad we did because the old quarter is even more beautiful at night than during the day. The streets are lit up with traditional paper lanterns in all different colour and it is really beautiful.
As you walk along the river, you’ll notice countless floating lanterns and I can guarantee you that you will be asked by many locals if you want to buy a lantern and candle to put into the river – it is meant to be a symbol of good luck!
Bamboo Bicycle Tour: The best way to see the countryside in Hoi An is by bicycle. If you’re looking for a unique tour, then look no further than this one! Click here to read the full story, get the info and see some cool pictures and a video.
Get a suit or something made: You can get just about anything made to measure in Hoi An. I got some linen shorts made and I simply took a pair of my favourite shorts in and asked her to copy them – simple as that. Jenna also got some sorts made as well as a dress. They’re fast so don’t worry if you only have a short amount of time in town.
It was our second last day, at around 5.30pm and we were walking around and I saw a leather laptop bag. I didn’t like the colour they had on display so they offered to make one for me. We told them we were leaving the very next day at around 2.30pm – they said – that’s ok, we’ll make it for you and deliver it to your hotel! And they did, well they were a bit late, so if you are needing to go to the airport, give them a deadline of about 1 hour before you actually need to leave to allow for them to be running late!
We also picked up a few pairs of leather shoes and sandals – they can also make these for you and anything else such as boots, work shoes – anything!
Enjoy a drink or a meal overlooking the streets in the old quarter: It is nice to just sit down and enjoy what’s happening around you.
Where to stay in Hoi An:
We stayed at the Hotel Royal Hoi An MGallery by Sofitel. We chose the MGallery as we are Accor Plus as well as Le Club Platinum members of the group so normally choose to stay at the Accor group hotels. We were not disappointed.
The staff were exceptionally friendly and each of them went out of their way to greet us and welcome us to their hotel. We honestly felt like royalty. A drink on arrival, cold washers to wipe our hands and face down with. We were shown to our room and it was incredible, I am sure it must have been the best room in the hotel.
We were upgraded due to our platinum status and the room was absolutely incredible. Breakfast was added to our booking complimentary due to our platinum status and with our Accor Plus card we got 50% off food and 15% off drinks from the hotel restaurant. Needless to say, we ate at the hotel, next to the pool quite a bit, it was too good not to!
There are also several Airbnb listings right in Hoi An old town if you prefer to go down that path.
Where to eat in Hoi An
We spent a lot of time by the pool as it was so hot. Because we are Accor Plus members, we were entitled to 50% off dining at the hotel, so we decided to sit by the pool and make the most of the perks of our membership!
Do you have travel insurance?
Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.
Alternative accommodation
If you’re looking for alternative accommodation to either save some money or share with friends or family, click here for information on Air B&B ($50 discount on your first booking), hotel price comparison websites etc.
More on Vietnam?
Click here to see all of our posts on Vietnam.
In case that wasn’t enough to get you to Hoi An, check out these photos.
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” – Helen Keller
If you’re looking for motivation to visit this incredible country this Summer, here are 5 reasons why you should book your flights immediately!!
#1 Because you can sail from top to bottom!
It is just amazing that you can sail from Split to Dubrovnik, stopping in at some incredible islands along the way. The weather is perfect, the water is perfect and these islands are just paradise after paradise. If you think you would like to spend a week sailing on a 42-foot yacht from Split to Dubrovnik, click here.
#2 14th and 15th-century history and the city walls of the Old Town of Dubrovnik
Whether you’re a Game of Thrones fan or not, Dubrovnik is a city that everyone falls in love with… Yes, you can see some of the famous Game of Thrones filming spots, but more importantly, you can walk the old city walls taking in the 14th and 15th-century history.
An interesting piece of information about the walls, they are 6,360 ft long, 20 feet thick and up to 80 feet high! There is nothing taking these walls down. Not only did they survive sieges by invaders but it also survived a horrific earthquake in the 17th century!
#3 The changing coastline
The beauty of Croatia is that the north of the country is very different from the south.
The north has plenty of vineyards and the further south you go the more you experience the pebbly beaches. When we sailed from Split to Dubrovnik, it was amazing to spend time at each of the different islands and just how different each of them was.
#4 How close you are to Bosnia & Herzegovina
We enjoyed an awesome day trip from Dubrovnik to Bosnia & Herzegovina to visit Kravice Waterfalls and Mostar and the famous Stari Most. We can highly recommend this as a day trip – it is absolutely worth it. For advice on what to do and what not to do, click here to read our full story, look at some pictures and watch a short video.
#5 The people
The Croatians are ridiculously nice people.
They are friendly and go out of their way to help you. If you’re lost or need help with something – they are happy to do so. The Croatian economy is struggling and when you get to know the locals, you find out that they have got really great uni degrees, but there is nowhere to work in the country so they are often driving taxis or working in a restaurant. It doesn’t seem to matter what they have been through, they are still welcoming, friendly people.
Do you have travel insurance?
Before travelling, make sure you get a travel insurance policy – you never know when you might need it! Click here for information on travel insurance, what company we recommend and a link to get an instant quote.
Alternative accommodation
If you’re looking for alternative accommodation to either save some money or share with friends or family, click here for information on Air B&B ($50 discount on your first booking), hotel price comparison websites etc.
“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta
