January 11, 2026
Tahuata Chief and Viv ( one of our New Zealand Residents) discussing language similarities, after his greeting with horn.
I missed the cultural greeting the locals on Tahuata gave a bunch of our residents. Which was impressive because they just got notice about an hour before we arrived. We had to sail by Hiva Oa because the swells in the harbor were too high for our ship to safely tender us into their port. The next day the same weather made tendering into Fatu Hiva too dicey, so we went back to Nuku Hiva's sheltered cove. Regardless, we still got to see so much of these gorgeous islands! Highly recommend the trip here.
Below are 2 teens who were doing a fun TikTok dance and they invited me to join them when we were hanging out in port. So sweet!
Next stop on the VIETNAM FUN TOUR is HOI'AN - The City of Laterns! I had arranged a private car to take us between all the major locations and towns for the 5 days we were touring the interior. He delivered us to Hoi'An in just about an hour from Ba Na Hills . Here we stayed 2 nights and had lots of relaxing time built in. Again the heat was oppressive! The driver recommended below tailor to me as I mentioned I might want to have a dress custom made as that is another thing the town is known for with 24 hour turn around.
Coconut Boat Tour sounds perfect to keep the Fun rolling! The hotel offered a tour, with pick up and return, so easy peasy!
I had dubbed this the Fun Tour of Vietnam! We could have gone to all the historic war memorials and museums, and I totally respect and am grateful to All those who gave so much. I just didn't want that, to be my only insight into Vietnam and it's lovely people. In the morning, we again explored more of the village and our room stay included a huge buffet breakfast. We checked out by 10:30 am and took the cable car back down by 11 am to meet our driver and head to our next stop.