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:

• A trip to Muong Hom market, Lao Cai

  First published: 28 Dec 2012
  

  Many weekend visitors to Sapa opt to visit Bac Ha market, which is easily accessible on an organised day trip from Sapa. But if you want to avoid the tourist hordes, Muong Hom market is a more interesting option… if you can get there. Our trip started at 07:00 from Sapa town. It was cold … read the full post

• New Year’s Eve in Hanoi

  First published: 23 Dec 2012
  

  It may be the lesser celebrated new year’s eve in Vietnam — with lunar new year taking the headlines — but if you’re after a celebration in Hanoi on December 31 here are a few ideas of where to start (now that you have Christmas in Hanoi totally sorted, right?). Celebrations are likely to be … read the full post

• Christmas in Hanoi 2012

  First published: 19 Dec 2012
  

  Christmas may not be a Vietnamese holiday, but you’d never guess it: Hanoi is already decked with holly and baubles, and for those of you from the northern hemisphere the weather’s the right side of 20 degrees Celsius as well. Enjoy your Christmas in Hanoi at one of the hotels or restaurants or attend a … read the full post

• Review: H’mong Mountain Retreat, Sapa

  First published: 17 Dec 2012
  

  Those seeking to relax in stunning surroundings may not find what they’re looking for in busy Sapa town, but out of town accommodation, like H’mong Mountain Retreat, which overlooks the breathtaking Muong Hoa valley, provides a welcome alternative. The retreat consists of an 85-year-old stilt house, which was transported to its current location from a … read the full post

• Review: The Hill Station, Sapa

  First published: 15 Dec 2012
  

  Sapa hasn’t changed much over the last few years, but one new addition that stands out is The Hill Station. Located near the junction of Cau May and Muong Hoa Roads, it’s in the thick of things, but provides a cosy respite from the streets and hawkers outside. Set on two floors, with a narrow … read the full post

• Overnighting in Tam Dao

  First published: 07 Dec 2012
  

  While not a must-visit destination, if you’re not in a rush and are keen to explore less touristy spots in Vietnam, Tam Dao hill station is worth an overnight from Hanoi, especially to escape the capital’s summer heat. Here’s some advice on how to spend your time there. Leave Hanoi after breakfast — by bus, … read the full post

• Can I get food delivered in Hanoi?

  First published: 04 Dec 2012
  

  Getting a delivery meal to your hotel room might not be what travelling and a holiday in Hanoi is all about, but sometimes a quiet night in front of the TV with a pork chop and rice is a welcome break from shopping and sightseeing. Now getting a delivery in Hanoi is as easy as … read the full post

• Hotels in Tam Dao

  First published: 02 Dec 2012
  

  Tam Dao, a cooler-clime retreat you can easily get to from Hanoi, is so chock-full of hotels that it can be difficult to know where to start. Here’s our guide to a few places that might fit the bill. Although Tam Dao prices are on a par with, if not pricier than, Hanoi hotels, there … read the full post

• Getting to Tam Dao from Hanoi

  First published: 30 Nov 2012
  

  At 80 kilometres northwest of Hanoi, Tam Dao hill station makes for a good overnight or one-day respite from the chaos of the Vietnamese capital. You can get to the cooler area, where there are plenty of hiking trails and pretty scenery, by bus, motorbike, taxi or private car; here’s a little about how to … read the full post

• Hanoi’s French Quarter

  First published: 25 Nov 2012
  

  If you need a break from the chaos of Old Quarter, wander down to Hanoi’s French Quarter, where wide open streets, majestic buildings and high-end hotels, restaurants and shops await. Hanoi’s French Quarter lies to the southeast of Hoan Kiem lake. In the late 19th century, when the French occupied Hanoi, they demolished many of … read the full post