http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14809
It was the hotel that Michael Caine was filmed in during the The Quiet American. Great American coffee (most coffee in Vietnam is Vietnamese, and rather bitter) available in the veranda style lounge room overlooking one of the shopping streets.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14809 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14806
When we got more confident we sampled the local 'bia hois' where a glass of beer is available for less than 10p!

Also recommended is Highway4 restaurant where we were either ultra-confident or drunk on their rice wine and tucked into local scorpions, bugs, ostrich and crocodile!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14806 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14767
It’s very easy to get completely carried away with the idea of getting an entire wardrobe tailormade. I came back with a bagful of stuff - most of which went straight to the charity shop.

It’s best to know exactly what you want - take pictures from magazine or, better still, a favourite from your wardrobe for them to copy.

Getting shoes tailormade is even more exciting but equally risky - the materials are poor and the craftmanship not great. I spent hours in various shops and had a great time but picking and choosing the cloth/style was definitely the highlight - the final results a bit of a let down.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14767 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14766
Crumbling intricately carved temples and columns being swallowed up by the jungle. Well worth a visit.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14766 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14765
Squid in lemongrass and chilli was tender and tasty and the Vietnamese spring rolls were gorgeous.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14765 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14761
The huts are very basic - thin foam mattresses on bamboo platforms with mossie net - no windows so the breeze off the sea provides air con. An hour’s trip from Nha Trang, it’s the perfect pitstop if you’re travelling the length of the country and a great place to relax and recharge between cities.

There’s nothing to do except swing in hammocks, go for walks along the beach (swimming is quite dangerous due to strong currents) visit a local waterfall - and eat.

Fantastic home-cooked meals are served around a communal table and at night there’s a lot of swapping of travellers' tales and drinking of beer. During our stay there was a real mix from posh teenage backpackers to an ageing biker. I thought a day or two would be enough but we ended up staying four and didn’t want to leave. It’s amazing how good doing nothing feels.

You need to book the accommodation in advance - so that they can arrange a pick up from Nha Trang airport (getting there independently would be tricky).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14761 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14612
The most delicious ice cream, and the biggest variety of flavours I've ever had!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14612 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14611
Cafe des Amis serves a set meal each evening (I forget how many courses). The only choice is seafood or veggie and it is utterly delicious food. If you are veggie, you'll be sick of spring rolls and stir-fried greens by the time you get to Hoi An, and Cafe des Amis will provide some very welcome and tasty variety.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14611 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14610 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14610 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14589
Join a daily mass at noon with a congregation mostly dressed in all white. See the Divine Eye watch over a hall supported by 28 dragon-encrusted columns.

Cao Dai is a syncretist religion founded in Vietnam in the 1920s. Statues of different religious leaders including Jesus, Buddha, Confucius and Lao Tze share the altar stage.

The temple also has statues of the religion's saints including China's first president Sun Yat-sen and the French writer Victor Hugo!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14589 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14568
Relax, trek in a jungle, or hike over the boulders to a lovely natural swimming pool under a water fall. The place is sociable and especially popular with backpackers.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14568 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14564
Take a two-three day tour from Ho Chi Minh City, drive along the rivers by boat and see how the locals live in the countryside.

The tours include visits to local food producers and a memorable early morning boat ride to the famous floating market.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14564 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14563
The building looks like it was carved into a huge tree trunk. You will see a huge giraffe and other animal statues around the place. Every single room is unique and has its own theme. You don't need to stay in the guesthouse to visit it. For a small fee, you can wander in the vacant rooms and find out more about this project that is still in progress.

The architect Hang Nga, a daughter of a former president, rivals Gaudi in creativity.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14563 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14496
I did a four-day trip through the central highlands along the Ho Chi Min Trail. The scenery and nature are spectacular but the real gems are the guides, they open doors to the real Vietnam. I learnt so much and got up close and personal with the locals - an unforgettable trip.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14496 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14474 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14474 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14473
The best Cao Lau (noodle dish with crispy won tons) and white rose (steamed rice paper wrapped shrimp) made to the owner Bup's mother's secret recipe.

Bup also runs reasonably priced cooking classes during opening hours, so even if you don't join in you can watch at a safe distance from your table.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14473 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14472
Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, the temple is a great place to while away a couple of hours strolling through beautiful courtyards and grand halls.

Who knows, you might catch a traditional music recital and get inexplicably involved in a silly hat wearing photo opportunity as I was.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14472 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14465
It costs about £2 for an hour.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14465 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14464 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14464 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14463 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14463