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Eating Saigon 2: A lot more than pho

Jimmy Thomson
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Eating Saigon 2: A lot more than pho

Continuing my sojourn in Saigon, and having spent the first week (see this report) in a three-star serviced apartment ($70 a night, if you must know) I then treated myself to what was supposed to be my last three nights in the four-star, twice as pricey, Silverland Ben Thanh hotel.

Then, not quite getting my work done, I extended my stay with a few nights in the two-star La Paix hotel, half a block from the Opera House. The changes of scene led to a change of cuisine too, with some unexpected pleasures … and maybe one disappointment.

Breakfast, Silverland Ben Thanh

I tend to avoid hotel breakfasts, recalling the views of the late Anthony Bourdain on breakfast buffets, that you should think what the kitchen has done to the food so it can sit in bain maries for a long time, then think of what the other guest have done since it was put there.

However one of the hotel hosts, Jennifer, insisted I should try theirs.  It was OK, and Vietnamese hotel breakfasts can be good as you often get a mixture of American, French and local food. Then I was presented with the a la carte menu (included in the price) which a had a breakfast tortilla and a vegetarian pho. 

I couldn’t decide between two of my favourite brekkies, so I ordered both. Delicious! However, having already braved the buffet, I was so full I had to go back to the room for a lie down.

From the breakfast buffet at the Silverland Ben Thanh. Those are fish balls on the right.

Then the vegetarian breakfast empanada turned up.

The Gaudi inspired Smiths restaurant in the Silverland Ben Thanh

Vegetable curry, dahl and roti at the Gujurat restaurant.

Smashed avo, crushed peas, pomegranate seeds and poached egg at L’Usine, Le Thanh To.

Vegetarian banh mi (with omelette) and ca phe deng da at Banh Mi 74

Fake food truck, really good banh mi

The courtyard at 74 Hai Ba Trung, with several restaurants and a bar.

Fish, shredded papaya, fried rice and dipping sauce at Song

Jennifer prepares black beans with coconut milk and crushed ice

Inside the elegant Song Family Restaurant

Very Japanese, very quirky – great food and atmos

Vegetarian pho at Ben Thanh Market (again)

By the way, the Silverland (like its big sister hotel, the fabulously quirky Myst Dong Khoi) provides a free afternoon tea from 2pm, featuring cakes and pastries, nibbles and freshly baked waffles while you are serenaded by musicians playing traditional instruments (although not always traditional tunes).

Indian Vegetarian, Gujarat restaurant, Le Loi

Venturing out from the Silverland on my first evening there, I strolled past the Gujarat Indian restaurant on Le Loi, the broad boulevard from Ben Thanh market to the Opera House. Then I turned around and went in.

This was the real deal, on both counts: the restaurant was packed with Indian  families and the menu had not a shred of meat or fish on it. There are a few Indian restaurants in Saigon, hardly surprising when you realise that the sub-continent  provides one of the fastest growing cohorts of tourists to Vietnam.

Very Japanese, very quirky – great food and atmos

Vegetarian pho at Ben Thanh Market (again)

Smashed avo, crushed peas, pomegranate seeds and poached egg at L’Usine, Le Thanh To.

Then the vegetarian breakfast empanada turned up.

From the breakfast buffet at the Silverland Ben Thanh. Tose are fish balls on the right.

Jennifer prepares black beans with coconut milk and crushed ice

Fish, shredded papaya, fried rice and dipping sauce at Song

Inside the elegant Song Family Restaurant

The Gaudi inspired Smiths restaurant in the Silverland Ben Thanh

Vegetable curry, dahl and roti at the Gujurat restaurant.

Vegetarian banh mi (with omeletee) and ca phe deng da at Banh Mi 74

Fake food truck, really good banh mi

The courtyard at 74 Hai Ba Trung, with several restaurants and a bar.

Thius was better than I expected. A vegetable curry, dahl, roti and a mango lassi hit the spot nicely.

Poached egg on smashed avocado, L’Usine, Le Thanh Ton

I hadn’t realised this was part of a chain until I got home but it turns out there is a much bigger L’Usine in the Saigon Centre mall, and others elsewhere.  I used to pass this one every day the last time I stayed in Saigon (across the road in the Sunny Serviced Apartments) but never went in.

It is very smart and trendy looking and the food is good and the coffee very drinkable. For a taste of home, I had the smashed avo with eggs which came with peas and pomegranate seeds in the smash.

It was okay but the weird thing was a young guy who walked in with his phone on a selfie stick, talking loudly to someone elsewhere, while filming the place. Even stranger, the staff appeared not to notice. Personally, if it had been my café, I would have selfied him back out the door … but maybe that’s just me.

Japanese Fish, Kushi Katsu Ebisu Shoten, Thai Van Lung

There is an area about half a kilometre from Saigon city centre called, variously, Little Tokyo, Little Japan or Japan Town. It is a maze of streets that is a hub for Japanese restaurants, “hostess” bars and happy ending massage parlours (or so I am told).

I ate in one of the restaurants there but they seem to be very specific and authentically Japanese so unless you speak the lingo, you may not know exactly what you are getting until it arrives.

My second outing, I didn’t get as far as Little Tokyo itself but stopped off at Kushi Katsu Ebisu Shoten on the corner of Thai Van Lung and Le Thanh Ton.  The Dot magazine describes it as “like a joyful Japanese fairground has come to town.” 

These places are popular with Japanese tourists as well as locals who want a quick bite and a few beers after work. This one, says the Dot, serves Osaka-style kushikatsu skewers – breaded and deep-fried with a dipping sauce – raw oysters in a ponzu sauce, eel and cucumber in a vinegar sauce, and clams steamed in sake.
The interior is a relaxed jumble of makeshift tables. I had grilled fish, prawn tempura, miso soup, rice and a beer for the princely sum of about $15.  Gotta love this city.

Eggs in Hell, the Running Bean

I was looking for a different vegetarian brekkie and I found this place just a few blocks from my last hotel, the La Paix on Hai Ba Trung ($50 a night for a huge room).  I was expecting a ferociously spicy variation on shakshuka.  It turns out “hell” is food that has been blanded down for British and American palates.

On the other hand, I missed being hit by a hurtling scooter by the width of my lapels, so maybe I was closer to ending up in Hell than I imagined.

Banh Mi 74, 74 Hai Ba Trung

Just up Hai Ba Trung, past the rear end of the Opera House, there’s a restaurant that I’ve been dragged to as both guest and host of tours to Vietnam.  It’s call Hoa Tuc and it’s in a building that used to be an opium refinery. It’s a classy joint – too classy for this trip – but out in the courtyard there’s a food truck serving Bahn Mi and not much else.

On three different days I had at least two made with omelettes and one with deep-fried fish balls.  It looks a bit touristy but local office workers stop in so it must have something going for it. It’s a nice spot just a few steps off the main drag, and the banh mi and iced coffee make it well worth the detour.

Fish and chau dau den, Song Saigon Home Cuisine

In my fruitless search for something to replace the chilli snapper from the Ben Thanh night market, I was always looking for a good fish restaurant. Jennifer from Silverland Ben Thanh said she’d take me to one after work which sounded great.

There were two things I didn’t realise when I said yes.  One, it would require a hair-raising 30-minute ride on the back of her scooter through rush-hour traffic.  And secondly, the restaurant was run by her sister.

That said, this was fantastic.  It’s in a converted mansion at 212 Nguyen Van Hong, District 6 and a lovely quiet location for my last meal in Saigon (for now).

The fish was great (“song” means river in Vietnamese) and Jeniffer insisted on preparing a dessert of black beans and coconut milk over crushed ice called chau dau den in Vietnam, although everywhere from Thailand to Kenya and beyond claims the dish is theirs.

As for getting there, I don’t think Jennifer fully realise what having an 85kg Scot on the back of her scooter would mean until we hit swarming traffic heading for the tunnel under the river. We made it but I took a Grab (the local equivalent of Uber) back to the hotel

Ultra-Chic Peregian Beach Resort Sunshine Coast

Michael G Browne
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Ultra-Chic Peregian Beach Resort Sunshine Coast

THE DEAL: A time-limited offer of three nights from A$699 /studio with
LuxPlus valued up to A$1,225, a super chic saving of 43%

THE APPEAL: Experience a new era of bespoke beachside luxury in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, just 15 minutes from Noosa, in this collection of boutique studios and apartments.

This is the holiday escape you’ve been dreaming of: refined coastal design meets high-end resort living, where guests have access to two heated pools, one with an exclusive bar, all while staying in supreme luxury.

Escape to a trendy boutique studio with someone special where no stylistic stone has been left unturned – from the rich textures to the streamlined design – or take a family holiday in a high-end two-bedroom apartment complete with a balcony for enjoying the tropical breeze.

With a backdrop of Noosa’s verdant UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve, a short walk from the white sands of Peregian Beach and a 15-minute drive from Noosa’s Hastings Street, this is laidback coastal living at its best.

Every detail is finely curated, from signature bathroom products to specially designed bathrobes and minibars fully stocked with everything you need to create your perfect cocktail.

From the bespoke bar to the to-die-for decor, find comfort, ease and enjoyment hidden around every corner at this exclusive resort.

For bookings with Luxury Escapes CLICK HERE or call 1300 88 99 00 and for more details on their new LuxPlus status (Lux and Plus? A Mildrover slam-dunk, surely?) CLICK HERE

Eating Saigon, dish by dish, Part 1

Jimmy Thomson
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Eating Saigon, dish by dish, Part 1

Having recently spent two weeks on a working holiday in Saigon, eating and drinking where I wanted, rather than at the behest of a tour guide, I realised I had accumulated an impressive range of culinary experiences, from the grand to the bland and everything in between.

So here is the first part of my guide to the dishes that made my stay even more memorable than it would otherwise have been. By the way, as a pescatarian (fish-eating vegetarian), finding a variety of food was a little more challenging than if I’d been up for pork, chicken or beef.

The food ranged from real Vietnamese street food to tourist tucker and even Mexican.  Hey, I would eat Vietnamese in Mexico, so it all evens out.

The real deal – seafood at Oc Oanh

The real deal – seafood at Oc Oanh

SHAME: Fish tacos at the StreetFood Market

Seafood Noodle soup in Ban Thanh Market

The signature dish at Vua Cha Ca

Rivia restaurant

Seafood croquette at Rivia

DIY fish rice paper rolls at Rivia

Veggie curry and tofu fried rice at Chill Thai

Banh Xeo at the Street food market

DIY Banh Xeo – they even provide instructions

Summer Experiment cocktail bar

Shots, not jellies, at Summer Experiment

District K drinking barn near Ben Thanh Market

And bear I mind that my heart was broken from the discovery that I would no longer be able to eat chilli snapper at the Ben Thanh night market barbecue as it has gone, never to return.

Everything else threatened to be a poor substitute… but in that, at least, I was wrong. Come with me on a culinary safari while I revisit some of the places you mustn’t miss and others to avoid like the plague.

Oc Oanh Singapore Seafood (Corner of Co Giang and Nguyen Kha Nhu)

First night in Saigon, I decided to get real and chose this corner noodle stall complete with tiny stools and cheap food.  There is a university just up the road so there were plenty of students making a mess of their shared tables as they tucked in to their dinners.

Two disappointments – I couldn’t understand the menu and the waiters couldn’t understand me.  Try asking if their seafood is cooked in meat stock, when the waiter doesn’t get why that would even be an issue and is more likely to say “of course” even if it isn’t.

The aquatic flesh I chose wasn’t any creature I recognised – which is okay – but the noodles were those crinkly dried ones you can buy in any supermarket over here. This was authentic street food, for sure.  It just didn’t feel too real.

Vegetarian Banh Mi (Filthy Vegan on D. Co Bac)

It’s surprisingly hard to get a good vegetarian banh mi.  The traditional version has liver pate and whatever meat you desire, embedded with salad and chilli sauce – and it’s so good it might turn you carnivore. 

But there was a street stall a block away from my first billet, outside the oddly named Filthy Vegan cafe, that made me a banh mi with mushroom pate and omelette.  I went back there at least twice more, lured partly by the iced coffee (ca phe deng da) with condensed milk from the shop across the road.    

Seafood Noodle Soup (Ben Thanh Market)

My flat in the Soho serviced apartments was only a 10-minute walk from Ben Thanh market so it was inevitable that I would head there sooner or later.

With the night market no more, I consoled myself with a seafood noodle soup, complete with prawns and sliced fish cake. It was delicious, as was the iced coffee.  What was in the soup stock?  Don’t ask, don’t tell, but I did see a sign outside another café that said “we now have vegetarian pho” but underneath were the words “our soup is made with beef stock”.

Cha Ca (Vua Cha Ca, D Trang Hung Dao)

Now, this was probably as touristy as I got with food.  I love Cha Ca – grilled fish fillets cooked at the table with fresh greens and rice noodles.  There were a lot of well-dressed young Asians in the restaurant but I guessed they were either Korean or Chinese.

This is a large chain of Cha Ca restaurants that has spread southwards from the dish’s spiritual home in Hanoi.  It was not as authentic as Cha Ca La Vong in the capital, but it was still very, very good.

Fish Tacos (Bandidos, Street Food market)

My quest for chilli snapper took me to the Ben Than street food market which wasn’t where I thought it would be, having moved from near the eponymous cho to a site behind the Presidential Palace.  There is now a giant beer hall called District K where the market used to be.

This would turn out to be my night of shame. Why?  Because my go-to comfort food is Fish Taco and there was a stall in there, surrounded by all these Vietnamese delicacies, selling what I consider to be the food of the gods (albeit Mayan deities).  They were frickin delicious.

Fish fillet spring rolls, (Na Hang Rivia, D. Nguyen Cu Trinh)

Just down the road from Vua Cha Ca, Rivia seafood restaurant turned out to be pretty touristy too.  It seemed this place was designed for large groups – or families, at least, and most of the dishes on the menu were whole fish, fresh from the tank, intended to be shared.

I made do with a seafood croquette and a fillet of something that I had to DIY into spring rolls.  It was delicious and distracting – a combination of good food and crafting.

Green vegetarian curry (Chill Thai, D. Co Giang)

I had noticed Chill Thai across the road from the seafood stall on my first night in Saigon, so I decided to visit on my last night at the Soho apartments before moving on to the four-star Silverland Ben Thanh (my reward for working hard).

I ordered a green vegetable curry and tofu fried rice.  The service was polite and efficient and the food was ok but I left feeling I could have gone somewhere more interesting.

Seafood Banh Xeo (Street food market)

The Silverland Ben Thanh is right next to the market and has stunningly renovated interiors inspired by Gaudi. I was going to spend my last three nights here as a reward for a solid week of work. Once I had checked in, and put in another couple of hours work I was looking for somewhere to refuel.

I generally don’t like eating in hotels and in any case there was a function in the top-floor Smiths restaurant (more on that later).

So it was back to the street food market, this time to eat authentic Vietnamese food.  I went for a seafood Banh Xeo – a kind of crispy pancake that again required DIY skills – so much so that they give you an instruction leaflet.

It was fun and delicious (although not as good as the one I made for myself on my cooking course in Hanoi last year.) So I returned to the hotel but stopped en route  at the Summer Experiment hidden cocktail bar run by Adelaide expat Jay Moir.

I had a couple of drinks and some shots with Jay then weaved my way back to the Silverland.  Next morning, on my way out for my ca phe deng da, Jennifer, the facilities manager asked me if I had dined in the hotel the previous night.

“Ah, no,” I said. “There was a function …’

‘Yes,’ she said. ‘Shame you missed it. It was a party for the Miss World and Miss Universe contestants.’

NEXT WEEK: Fishing in Little Tokyo, very veggie very Indian curry, authentic banh mi from a fake food truck and a terrifying scooter ride under the river.

Adults only escape to CABN X Kangaroo Island

Michael G Browne
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Adults only escape to CABN X Kangaroo Island

THE DEAL: A time limited offer of two nights from A$599 /cabin valued up to A$1,250
an eco friendly saving of 52%

THE APPEAL: Surround yourself with nature and disconnect in ultimate luxury with a Kangaroo Island stay that elevates eco-tourism to new heights.

Light-filled, romantic and meticulously curated, each CABN X is carefully positioned with privacy in mind, offering captivating views over the rambling wilderness, and the waters of Antechamber Bay.

With a coffee machine, furnished deck with an outdoor bathtub, indoor gas fireplace, kitchenette and luxe in-cabin sauna – for your exclusive use – it has everything you need to soak up Kangaroo Island’s world-famous serenity.

The hotel is located an approximately 30-minute drive from Penneshaw’s Kangaroo Island Sealink ferry terminal and an approximately 60-minute drive from Kingscote Airport (KGC).

Airport transfers are not included in your package; please plan accordingly.

For prices and bookings with Luxury Escapes CLICK HERE or call 1300 88 99 00

Eat, walk, snorkel at Green Island Eco-Retreat 

Michael G Browne
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Eat, walk, snorkel at Green Island Eco-Retreat 

We’re in a bit of a groove here at the moment, mining for local gems that’ll take you off the grid and close to the best of our environmental treasures.

This time, Luxury Escapes has a tempting eco retreat on Green Island, a coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef.

Fear not, being up close and personal with all the critters of the sea, land and air won’t compromise your comfort with all the comforts of resort living and fine food a plenty.

Dive into the underwater mysteries of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef when you stay at Queensland’s magnificent Green Island.

Just 45 minutes off the coast of balmy Cairns, this idyllic, eco-certified hideaway – accessible only by boat or helicopter – is draped in lush rainforest with a fringe of sun-kissed coastline.

Cast away for a laidback retreat hidden on a millennia-year-old, jungle-clad coral cay – the only one of its kind within this precious marine park.

Spend your days exploring the kaleidoscopic marine life shimmering beneath the largest coral reef system in the world, walking the nature trails covering the island or soaking up serenity on the resort’s postcard-perfect beach.

When you’re not snorkelling or kayaking through Green Island’s spectacularly blue waters, laze by the resort’s mirage-like swimming pool or savour each glorious sunset as it falls beneath the verdant rainforest.

Visit the resort’s signature dining venue, Emeralds, for locally sourced plates showcasing the flavours of Australia, savour barista-made brews at Lite Bites, head to The Canopy Grill for informal lunchtime dining the whole family will enjoy.

You can also organise private beach dining to bring romantic flair to your escape.

For all the sights, sounds, flavour and room options from Luxury Escapes CLICK HERE or call 1300 88 99 00

Kyoto video lures travellers … but gently

Jimmy Thomson
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Kyoto video lures travellers … but gently

It’s relatively easy to write and record a promotional film about a place that’s famous for being all action, all the time.  You’d imagine a promo video about New York, Las Vegas or even Tokyo would be all jump-cuts and zooms, flashing neon and frantic action.

But what if you want to sell somewhere that’s  renowned for being a haven of peace and tranquillity?

Kyoto City and the Kyoto City Tourism Association have collaborated on a captivating new promotional video series, “Where Every Corner Sparks Discovery,” to showcase the diverse charms of Kyoto to international audiences (it says here).

And they’ve  just about pulled it off.  With nary a smash cut nor strobing streetlight to be seen, their videos have persuaded this Mild Rover that Kyoto has to be on my bucket list -and near the top too.  

The main six-minute video follows the unique journey of two travellers, Mac and Karen, as they explore Kyoto’s historic streets and breathtaking landmarks.

Separated, Karen embarks on her own spontaneous journey, guided by instinct and chance encounters, while Mac follows the planned itinerary, visiting iconic sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine.

As the day unfolds, the paths of Mac and Karen intermittently cross, each experiencing Kyoto’s treasures from their unique perspectives. From the serene morning light at a tranquil temple to the bustling energy of a local bar, the video captures the essence of Kyoto’s timeless charm and vibrant spirit.

Accompanying the main video are a series of short-form videos, each lasting 30 seconds, offering brief glimpses into what awaits visitors in Kyoto, whether it’s savouring a traditional Kyoto kaiseki meal or strolling through Higashiyama at nigh.

All videos in the series are available for download via the Kyoto City Tourism application, providing convenient access for users to share the magic of Kyoto across g social media, websites, and international business meetings.  Application LINK

“Kyoto is a unique place in the world, both at and beyond the well-known iconic sites there is so much more for visitors to discover.” said Alison Roberts-Brown, Australia Representative for Kyoto City Tourism Association. “These videos reveal some of Kyoto oldest and newest highlights and will inspire travellers to experience and discover their own very own Kyoto”.

To view the promotional videos and start planning your journey to Kyoto, click on this [LINK].

Take your time on the whole of the Rhine

Michael G Browne
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Take your time on the whole of the Rhine

When i happen across a cruise that includes highlights as contrasting as the Museum of Medieval Torture, and Siegfried Wendel’s Mechanical Music Cabinet in a 15th century castle, I have an urge to nudge the nearest person and say “check this out.”

And so to see both these wonders for real, and some undeniably stunning scenery, I have to point you in the direction of a seven night, length of the Rhine Cruise, courtesy of Cruise Traveller.

You get a choice of direction too. You can either cruise from Basel to Cologne or Cologne to Basel. Further consideration is needed. There is wine museum too.

From North to South, you can’t help but be amazed. On a river cruise along the Rhine, natural and cultural landscapes alternate and lively European cities with history and charm await you.

The delightful waterways of the Netherlands are best discovered on a river cruise.

At nicko cruises, they believe that a river cruise should be much more than just a trip on a river.

They would like to invite you to rediscover the art of travel on some of Europe’s and the world’s most beautiful waterways.

Reflecting on their slow cruising philosophy, they allow plenty of time for their guests to experience what makes water travel so unique: it is all about surrendering to the flow of time, feeling the rhythm of the elements close up and making lasting memories.

Castles shrouded in legend, bustling metropolises and romantic wine regions.

From the Rhine Knee near Basel through the Upper Rhine lowlands and the impressive breakthrough through the Rhenish slate mountains to the delta in the Netherlands, this Central European river shows off its full beauty in its diverse countryside.

You’ve got to hear this

You’ll visit the most interesting cities in four countries, with impressive monuments, vineyards, castles and ruins as far as the eye can see – a week full of experiences.

Two Ports to get to know better;

Koblenz
Koblenz is a German city situated on both banks of the Rhine at its confluence with the Moselle, where the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) and its monument (Emperor William I on horseback) are situated. It is a historical city with remains dating back to 1000BC.

Koblenz boasts extensive defensive works, including forts crowning the hills encircling the town to the west, and the citadel of Ehrenbreitstein on the opposite bank of the Rhine.

Since 1890, the city has consisted of the Altstadt (old city) and the Neustadt (new city) or Klemenstadt. Of these, the Altstadt is closely built and has only a few fine streets and squares, while the Neustadt possesses numerous broad streets and a handsome frontage along the Rhine.

Rudesheim
Rudesheim is a town in the Rheingau-Taunus-Kreis, Hesse, Germany. It is located on the right (east) bank of the Rhine, at the southern entrance to the Loreley valley.

Rudesheim has been famous for its Drosselgasse since the end of the 19th century. Its wine bars and cafes offer non-stop music and dancing.

The Castle Broemserburg houses the famous Wine Museum.

For all the details and many tempting extra options from Cruise Traveller CLICK HERE or call 1800 507 777

Go wild on an Ecuador & Galapagos Island Nature Tour

Michael G Browne
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Go wild on an Ecuador & Galapagos Island Nature Tour

I’m sure I’m not alone amongst us Mildrovers in occasionally having a bit of David Attenborough envy. Travelling to exotic places, getting up close to rare animals, ageing one year for our seven, he’s left a larger than life imprint on our blue planet.

Well, blow me down if Luxury Escapes isn’t giving us the chance to have a bit of a crack at Attenborough-ing, sans film crew but with our trusty phone cameras or 4K digitals SLRs.

I’ve never thought I had what it takes to roll around with mountain gorillas… but comparing my crows feet and wrinkles with a hundred year old Galapagos giant tortoise? Count me in.

Tour fascinating Quito, Ecuador & Galapagos Island Small-Group Tour with Expert Naturalists.

Traverse the equator, stand on the precipice of an active volcano and swim amid sea lions on this once-in-a-lifetime small-group tour of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands (max. 16 travellers).

Search for wild and wondrous species found only in the Galapagos Islands, from playful penguins to ambling giant tortoises, with the help of your expert naturalist guide, and jump into the blue to explore an aquatic world teeming with vibrant marine life.

Quito, Ecuador

Fly to Quito and after an arrival day exploring the city and a good night’s sleep at the Swissotel Quito, wake to a hearty breakfast and take your private transport northwest of the city to visit the equatorial line.

Walk the fertile soil at the rim of the dormant Pululahua volcano and peer down the lush slopes at one of the only inhabited craters in the world.

Visit the nearby Ciudad Mitad del Mundo or ‘Middle of the World City’ and discover the geographic and cultural significance of this region at the Intinan Museum, positioned right atop the Equator. Cross the threshold and boldly place your feet in two hemispheres at once.

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time for your one-of-a-kind chocolate tasting experience with a local ‘tree-to-bar’ chocolate maker

Thanks to Ecuador’s unique climate and cultural legacy, skilled farmers have been cultivating cacao, known as the ‘Food of the Gods’, since as far back as 5,600 years ago.

Then it’s off to Baltra Island and Santa Cruz island to find your inner naturalist (safari suit optional)

Meet the statuesque marine iguana, then look upon a breathtaking panorama at Sierra Negra, one of the largest craters in the world.

Seek out the Galapagos ‘Big 15’ animals on daily private yacht excursions.

Travel with ease thanks to private land and speedboat transfers, flights to and from the Galapagos islands and handpicked accommodation, including a stay at luxury beachfront eco-hotel Finch Bay Galapagos.

Just One of the Highlights

A bucket list destination for countless travellers, the Galapagos hold the prestigious honour of being the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the world.

Enter the ecological airport through an exclusive VIP lounge, where you can prepare for adventure over a refreshing beverage.

Transfer directly to the Itabaca Channel and take to the turquoise waters by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or dive straight in with a snorkel and a keen eye.

Glide through striking red mangroves and around volcanic cliffs and witness a busy world beneath the surface.

Marine Iguana and Blue Footed Boobies

Your quest to spot some of the Galapagos ‘Big 15’ starts here, with the chance to sight the curious blue-footed booby and the playful Galapagos sea lion.

From the water to the highlands, cross over to Santa Cruz and visit a private reserve on the fringe of the National Park, where you can watch the beloved giant tortoise meander through the wild.

Enjoy a hearty lunch, then continue to your Puerto Ayora accommodation. Spend the evening at your leisure in the beachfront Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel.

Your journey takes you to: Quito – Baltra Island – Santa Cruz Island – Isabela Island – Guayaquil.

For all the eco details and prices from Luxury Escapes CLICK HERE or call 1300 670 243

Italy by luxury train – on track for romance

Jimmy Thomson
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Italy by luxury train – on track for romance

If there are two concepts that evoke the idea of a romantic holiday it’s luxury train travel  and touring Italy.

Railbookers, who reckon they’re the global leaders in independent rail holiIdays, has unveiled a selection of Italian itineraries which feature the debut of the new La Dolce Vita Orient Express train, launching next year.

On these curated trips, travellers have the opportunity to enjoy everything the new train has to offer, combined with carefully-curated hotel accommodations and sightseeing activities for the complete Italian luxury holiday.

Each itinerary features the La Dolce Vita Orient Express train, which features one or two nights onboard in luxury accommodations along with food, beverage and offboard experiences throughout Italy.

Also, kind of like cruise operators, Railbookers include all transfers from airport, hotel and train stations, along with sightseeing and tours in key destinations for a complete, one-call solution.

“We’re excited to bring our expertise and wide product collection to travellers who want to experience the new La Dolce Vita Orient Express beginning next year,” said Gareth Jones, Director of Product Development.

“Customers and travel agents who are looking to blend a luxurious train holiday with all that Italy has to offer will find the perfect solution with Railbookers. And like all of our industry-leading itineraries, these trips can be combined with other destinations and activities to tailor-make the Italian journey of a lifetime.”

“We are eagerly anticipating our partnership with Railbookers, as we introduce an innovative concept of luxury train cruising to the marketplace,” said Samy Ghachem, General Manager La Dolce Vita Orient Express.

“This collaboration is not just about combining services; it’s about setting a new standard in travel luxury, offering an unparalleled experience that we believe will redefine the way people think about train travel.”

Departures featuring the La Dolce Vita Orient Express begin 4 April 2025. For more information about Railbookers’ collection of La Dolce Vita Orient Express holidays, click HERE.

Luxury Vietnam, when words are not enough

Jimmy Thomson
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Luxury Vietnam, when words are not enough

Sometimes you just get overwhelmed by the breathless (rather than deathless) prose in travel website descriptions.

Nothing is ever “green” it’s emerald. Places are never “quiet” when they can be “tranquil”.

But somewhere in there, once you have waded through the hyperbole, you often discover there’s an outstanding tour being offered at a terrific price.

So let’s filter out the fancy verbiage and tell you what this terrific 17-day, 10-location tour of Vietnam – one of our favourite destinations – is really all about.

It will take you from Hanoi to Sapa, then Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and the Mekong Delta, visiting most of the best bits in between.

You’ll visit Ninh Binh – the area they call Ha Long Bay on land – and be paddled down a winding river where the oarsmen and women row with their feet. Then go to actual Ha Long bay for an overnight  cruise in this iconic setting.

Discover the imperial splendour of Hue, from Thien Mu Pagoda to the Royal Imperial City, before visiting UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hoi An.

Then you fly south to cruise through the leafy canals of the Mekong Delta in motorised canoes.

Discover the wartime HQ in the basement of the Reunification Palace of Saigon (see if you can spot any mention of Australia on the map showing the numbers of troops from different countries that supported America).

Squeeze yourself through a tunnel (if you dare) at Cu Chi where the underground city was first explored by Aussie sappers (army engineers) during the “American War”. PS:  The guides won’t tell you that, but we know it’s true.

If you’re interested, follow this link to a comprehensive, day by day itinerary and a slide show of stunning pictures.  Vietnam is a tremendously rewarding place to visit – all you have to do is cut a path through the jungle of words.

The Ultimate Vietnam with Sapa Hills Trek & Mekong Delta Experience, by Luxury Escapes Tours, costs from A$3,299 /person (twin share), valued up to A$5,903.

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