Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Trip Report Karen and Tom - a romantic Vietnam getaway: ENGAGED!!!

Day 4

We were up early for the floating village. After a light continental breakfast, we boarded the tender for a floating pier. They assigned us four four to a boat in small boats rowed by locals. The scenery was spectacular, and the water was so smooth that the reflection from the karats was unmarred. After about 45 minutes on the mirror surface we stopped for a pearl demonstration. We gave a nice tip to our rower, a woman with a gentle smile and obviously a strong back and arms! Then it was back to the Treasure junk and time to pack for departure. While packing, the sky darkened and a storm rolled in. The rain came down in torrents and the sky grew very dark. It was beautiful watching the storm from our deck.

Brunch was very good. Beef or chicken pho, an egg station, fried rice or noodles, stir fry vegetables and fresh fruit. Then a 100 or so pictures later and we arrived back at the dock. Our driver was already waiting for us, so we got an early start back to Hanoi.

We checked back in at the Essence and paid $15 for an upgrade to the 7th floor suite with small balcony overlooking the city. The bedroom was smaller than the junior suite but the bathroom had a nicer shower and there was a separate sitting room with second tv and sofa. AC didn't work in the bedroom but there was one in the sitting room that kept us comfortable.

At the recommendation of an Aussie couple, whom we had met at New Day restaurant, we decided to go to Quan An Ngon for dinner. We walked along the lake, past the water puppet theater and toward the Ho Loa prison. We burst out laughing when we arrived... Because it was he same restaurant the girls took us to! We hadn't gotten the name when we were with them and we had arrived via taxi without paying much attention to where we were. We even ended up at the same table! Food was good again - a reapeat performance of the pancakes ands spring rolls, plus a stir fry dish. Delicious. And about $10-12 usd.

Slept well - very comfortable beds and pillows at the Essence. When we checked out, Tom mentioned AC issue just so they'd know and they didn't charge for the upgrade. Highly recommend the Essence. Very nice rooms, great location, excellent customer service and for a small hotel, a very good breakfast.

Next: Mai Chau