Travelfish correspondent Sarah Turner

Sarah's South East Asia expedition started in 2009, when she packed up her company, home and beloved car and left South West London with her boyfriend and a vague plan to travel and then live in the region. Whilst travelling they both fell in love with Hanoi, and seven months, seven countries, a few scars and more than a few memorable experiences after leaving England they found themselves on a 44 hour journey from Don Dhet back to Vietnam's capital. As well as writing for Travelfish, Sarah runs a design and branding company called Crunchy Frog with her partner and does a bit of English teaching for pocket (massage) money. She also sits on the Community Aid Committee of Hanoi's International Women's Club, helping to distribute funds to local charitable organisations, and spends her free time either indulging her love of food and drink or frenetically exercising to compensate.
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Posts by Sarah Turner:

• Steak, wine and more wine at Chica Restaurant

  First published: 31 May 2011
  

  Chica Restaurant, centrally located on Hang Be Street, is a too-well kept secret; meaning that despite the good food, the great setting and the friendly staff it’s usually almost empty. I first visited on my birthday last year, having had a craving for steak and hearing that their steak and wine night was a great … read the full post

• A special place to eat in Hoi An: Mango Mango

  First published: 26 May 2011
  

  When it was suggested that I write about a special place to eat in Hoi An, the virtuous side of me thought, “I really can’t afford to research that one” while the naughty, gourmet side of me said, “Yippee!”. That side normally wins, and hence I found myself scouring reviews to find a suitable venue to … read the full post

• Pho: Not just noodle soup

  First published: 24 May 2011
  

  Vietnam’s favourite dish, pho, takes its name from the type of noodle that is used in its preparation, and this noodle is used in numerous other dishes. I’ve recently moved to a new apartment and find myself living in the epicentre of pho-land: within a few minutes’ walk I pass half a dozen restaurants selling … read the full post

• Swimming in Hanoi

  First published: 19 May 2011
  

  Hotels with pools are certainly out of the budgetary reach of most visitors to Hanoi, and I definitely wouldn’t be jumping into the Red River or Hoan Kiem Lake, but fortunately a few public pools provide a reasonably priced alternative if you’re in need of a swim — quite possible now the weather has heated up. … read the full post

• Hanoi’s music event of the year: CAMA Festival 5

  First published: 12 May 2011
  

  It may not be Glastonbury, Exit or BDO but as far as Hanoi’s concerned, the C.A.M.A. festival is the musical date for diaries. Held at the American Club on May 28, the Festival brings together bands from Vietnam, Australia, America, Thailand (though half the band are British), Japan and China for 10 hours of “full blown musical … read the full post

• How to get a Cambodian visa in Hanoi

  First published: 11 May 2011
  

  Getting a visa on entry to Cambodia from Vietnam at one of the international border crossings is straightforward. It’s also possible to arrange an e-visa in advance if you are entering through either airport or certain land crossings: from Vietnam the only land crossing where e-visa is supported is Bavet (Svay Rieng). However, if you prefer … read the full post

• A touch of art at 6 on Sixteen Hotel

  First published: 05 May 2011
  

  The Sapa Rooms Hotel in central Sapa is run with a socially responsible philosophy: it is committed to working with, and supporting, local communities. It also recruits staff trained by KOTO, the training and employment centre for street and disadvantaged youth. But its social responsibility is matched by a high quality hotel and restaurant that makes it worth a visit even for … read the full post

• Hidden gems: Indigenous

  First published: 03 May 2011
  

  I was cycling along Au Trieu today, next to St Joseph’s Cathedral, and was compelled to walk into a shop that I’ve seen before but have never really registered. The shop is called Indigenous and I was drawn in by the shiny packets of coffee. I’m not a coffee drinker but I think Vietnamese coffee makes a … read the full post

• Upcoming Hanoi live music events

  First published: 28 Apr 2011
  

  A couple of music events are set to be staged over the next few weeks that I thought were worth a mention. First off, Hanoi’s established Club for Arts and Music Appreciation (C.A.M.A.) is bringing Bangkok’s ”Supabad” to town for a show on May 7. Supabad is a 10-piece big band formed in 2008 by a group of … read the full post

• Buying a motorbike helmet in Hanoi

  First published: 26 Apr 2011
  

  Wearing a helmet on a motorbike has been law in Vietnam since 2007. This applies to drivers and passengers over the age of six. Officials estimate that about 90% or riders now comply with this law and, given they save lives, you’d be daft not to wear one too. If you hire a bike it should come … read the full post