Flights To Fancy

Travelling the world in luxury for less a week at a time

Asia is the world's largest continent. Therefore, it has plenty of opportunity for travel enthusiasts to see and explore the beauty of Asia.

Vietnamese Water Puppets: Thang Long Theatre Hanoi

Flights To Fancy: Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre - Stage

*** Updated December 2019 ***

When I was researching things to do in Hanoi ahead of my recent trip to Vietnam, one of the first items to make my list was a Vietnamese water puppets performance. This traditional art has been practiced for centuries and something every visitor should experience. While there are many venues, The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi is ahead of its class. I returned to Hanoi two years later and made a return visit with the ten other ladies in our group. For a glimpse into exactly what you can expect from a visit read on for all the details … [Read more…]

Hanoi Glance Hotel Review: Best Budget Hotel In Hanoi

Flights To Fancy: Hanoi Glance Hotel Review - Breakfast Room

We arrived at the Hanoi Glance Hotel late at night after travelling all day on Vietnam Airlines to Saigon plus a connecting VietJet flight to Hanoi. We were grubby, tired and short on patience after a day where nothing seemed to go to plan. Stepping through the doors, we felt like the last team to arrive after a manic leg of the amazing race. Our suspicion that we were last to check in was confirmed when the beaming receptionist greeted us by name on approach and had all our paperwork ready to go. The lobby was compact, modern and spotless which coupled with the receptionist’s efficiency set an amazing first impression that continued throughout our stay. If you are looking for a budget hotel in Hanoi that doesn’t skimp on the niceties then read on for all the details of my Hanoi Glance Hotel review …

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Orchid Cruise Halong Bay: The Best Halong Bay Luxury Cruise

Bridge of Orchid cruise Halong Bay at sunset

*** Updated December 2019 ***

Halong Bay is one of the most visited areas in Vietnam and for good reason. The UNESCO World Heritage site in the Gulf In Tonkin is truly spectacular. The best way to see the stunning seascapes, limestone cliffs and 1600 odd islands and islets is on a Halong Bay luxury cruise. The cruise you choose can truly make or break the experience. There are literally hundreds of boats to chose from and it can be a mine field navigating the options. I searched through all the best Halong Bay cruises to find one perfect for our needs before deciding on Orchid Cruise Halong Bay. Our luxury Halong Bay cruise was an absolute highlight of our Vietnam trip and I cannot speak highly enough of about every single aspect of the experience. This is by no means a budget cruise, but if ever there was a time to splurge a little, this is it. I loved our Orchid Cruise Halong Bay so much I returned in October 2019 with a group of 11 ladies and we all had an amazing time. Read on for all the details …

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110+ Amazing Things To Do In Bali

Fash Packing: 110+ Amazing Things To Do In Bali

Bali is dubbed The Island Of The Gods. This tiny speck of land attracts thousands of visitors from around the globe. Many, like me, return time and time again. I have been to Bali seven times now and typically return twice a year to indulge in some aaahhhh and aaahhhh, so I have a pretty good handle on what the island has to offer visitors. In fact, my 23 unexpected activities in Bali post is my most popular by far. Clearly the people have spoken! I’m all about giving you what you want so I have created a bumper list of 110+ things to do in Bali which is sure to inspire. Read on for all the details …

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Bumper Bali Restaurant Review Roundup

Fash Packing by Sydney Fashion Hunter: Bumper Bali Restaurant Review Roundup

Eating is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Eating out when someone else does all the cooking and cleaning is even better. Many of my waking hours are preoccupied thinking my next fabulous meal so its no surprise that it is one of the things I look forward to most when away. Bali restaurants have come a long way since I first visited in 1988 and today’s traveller has their pick from a eclectic variety of eateries ensuring there is something for every taste. Over the years and multiple visits I have sampled many and shared my thoughts so that you can benefit from my trial and error. If you are looking for inspiration for your next meal in Bali you are in the right place as my Bali restaurant review roundup brings together 19 reviews all in one place. Read on for all the details …

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Restaurant Review: Jamie’s Italian Kuta Bali

Fash Packing by Sydney Fashion Hunter: Restaurant Review - Jamie's Italian Kuta Bali - Exterior

I’ve enjoyed Jamie’s Italian in Sydney four or five times so when we noticed Jamie’s Italian Kuta Beach being built on our March 2015 visit I convinced The Hubs we had to see how it compared. We were achingly close to being one of the very first diners then but it was not to be. During our February 2016 visit the new kid on the block only had a few months of trading under her belt but featured high on our list of ‘must do’ restaurants. We dined for lunch on a blisteringly hot day and Jamie’s Italian Kuta provided welcome relief. Read on for all the details …

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Dying For A Drink: Methanol Poisoning In Bali

Sydney Fashion Hunter: Fresh Fashion Forum 42 - Summery Yellow Top Cocktail

I love Bali. I go every year and often share all the fabulous things to do in Bali, but this tiny island has a dirty secret  you won’t find publicised in the glossy travel brochures. I’m talking about counterfeit alcohol. The import duty on genuine alcohol is prohibitive (up to 400%) and locals have been known to substitute unregulated locally made alcohol in an attempt to deliver those all important ‘cheap drinks’ that holiday makers crave. The consequences for those unknowingly consuming backyard bootleg can be deadly. Methanol poisoning in Bali has recently claimed a number of young lives and I want to make sure that you are not the next hashtag. Read on for all the details …

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Restaurant Review: Bambu Seminyak Bali

Fash Packing by Sydney Fashion Hunter: Restaurant Reviews Bambu Seminyak - Pond

While I loved the Melting Wok and Kultur warungs that I recently visited and reviewed, I wanted to try something a little fancier on our last night and Bambu Seminyak was perfect. The setting is romantic and a fine example of blurring the lines between inside and out. Think traditional pergodas, lush plantings and waterways winding through the entire downstairs area. If you are looking for traditional Indonesian fare that is a cut above the rest Bambu Seminyak won’t disappoint. Read on for all the details …

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