Massage magic

Possibly my favourite weekend activity in Hanoi is toddling down to the Aesthetic Institute for a massage. Not the happy-ending kind (unfortunately very prevalant in Vietnam) but the tough as guts, wincing in pain, then feeling-like-jelly massage. I have been coming here almost weekly for the past 18 months and for $10/hour, it’s excellent value.

Despite our long association and complete lack of command over the language, I am perceived to be Vietnamese and therefore we go through the pantomine of what I want every time, “mot tieng” (1 hour), “khong mat” (no face), “strong… argh! Too strong!” etc. We get by. (You could ask me why after 18 months I don’t speak better tieng Viet but the tones flummox and defeat me; my hat off to foreigners who have persisted and won this battle).

But then the AI doesn’t cater to foreigners though you see a few from time to time. Apart from massage they do acupuncture, herbal medicine and other body treatments, popular with the Vietnamese clientele. If you are after scented candles and fluted music piped over running water ambience, this is not your venue. This is a no fuss, no frills kind of place. What you do get is clean, quality massages in an old semi detached French villa with wooden floors and banisters. Curtains separate massage tables into narrow cubicles and the air is thick with lavender oil. The all-female masseurs are deceptively small but with hands that could crush a buffalo. Instrumental soft rock and Kenny G waft through the speakers. In typical Vietnamese style, a karaoke bar opened up next door about a year ago, so from time to time Vietnamese songs sung by drunken men intermingle with “Over the rainbow” and “Take me home, country road”.

Afterwards, drink some sweetened herbal tea downstairs, manhandle your bike off the footpath and head home. The parking attendant sits with his parking attendant cronies from the karaoke bar and they all watch you. I have never actually seen any of them engage in physical labour but I imagine they do. It’s another weekend in Hanoi.

AI is at 23 Le Van Huu, Ha Bai Trung. Best to book for weekends but otherwise just drop in.

Luxury Prince Cruise

Buffalo Tours are very proud to inform that on 01^st May, we will launch our 4^th Luxury Prince Cruise in Ha Long Bay. The Prince Junk consists of 4 double/ twin bedroom with en suite bathroom, lounge deck with dining area and a sunbathing/cocktail drinking platform. Unlike other boats, Prince’s itinerary is very interesting which takes you away from other tourist boats. With its own docking area you’ll cruise through the quieter areas of the Bay to Bai Tu Long, passing floating villages, limestone peaks and hidden caves. Meet locals in the floating villages, explore the area by kayak and awaken your soul with Tai Chi. Prince Cruise is the best choice for family, honeymooner and small group and we are glad to offer you a very good rate at US$187 per person for a 1 night package and US$320 per person for a 2 night package; including return private transfers, all meals, activities and cruise. For more information, please click here.

Off the Beaten Track, Halong Bay, gets a Thumbs Up from Down Under

We sent an Aussie journalist on our Our fantastic Off the Beaten Track Itinerary. Click here to see what they had to say about it.

Nam Hai Scoops Up Best Destination Spa Award

The Nam Hai, arguably Vietnam’s most luxurious resort, has just won a gold award in the category of the Best Destination Spa at the Annual Asia Spa & Wellness Festival. The resort earned its award through the introduction of its new Spa Menu, based on tough measures from a panel of judges.

It has been also nominated as 'One of the World's Top New Spas' by Conde Nast Traveler (USA) and called one of the world's 'Top 75 Spas' by Conde Nast Traveller (UK).

The resort is one of our favourites, nestled on a beach between Danang and Hoi An, it offers clients privacy and exclusivity in its private pool villas, each with their own butler, sea views, unlimited mini bar and in room dining. The décor is chic and no details have been left out. The resort even boasts 3 communal swimming pools, one of Olympic size, just in case your private one is not enough!

Buffalo Tours are proud to offer a special promotion at the Nam Hai of stay 4 nights, pay 3 nights when you stay in a pool villa and receive a complimentary 60 minute massage as well as 1 free lunch and 1 free dinner. For more information please click here

source VNAT

New Luxury Private Junk in Halong Bay

Buffalo Tours are proud to annouce a new luxury private junk in Halong Bay. The Princess Junk consists of 1 double bedroom with ensuite bathroom, lounge deck with dining area and a sunbathing/cocktail drinking platform. The route takes you 'off the beaten track', away from the other tourist boats. On their 2 night itineary there is a chance to see floating villages, kayak, enjoy a barbecue on the beach, visit Son Sot cave as well as having the whole junk to yourselves. Some of our sales team have already been on it and are raving about it. The junk is perfect for couples seeking exclusivity, privacy and indulgence and you won't have to remortage your house with a 2 day 1 night cruise coming in at US$380 per person including return private transfers, all meals, activities and cruise.