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Food, glorious food … in Vietnam

Asia, Vietnam

Vietnam is a spellbinding mix of culture, colour and cuisine and it is one of the fastest growing Asian destinations for Kiwi travellers at the moment. So why is Vietnam so hot right now?

It’s not just how far your dollar goes on the ground - you don’t need a lot of dong to dine like a deity in Vietnam, you can pick up a steaming hot bowl of delicious Pho streetside from our favourite restaurant in Hanoi’s French Quarter and still get change from $5!

You’ll love the glow and bustle exploring historic Hoi An’s Bach Dang Street night markets illuminated by lanterns and candles and a cacophony of sights, smells and surprises! Quality still only costs cents, but the views looking back across the township are priceless!

Don’t miss the now insta-famous moments like the bone rattling adrenaline rush of sipping your Vietnamese coffee in Train Street at our favourite cafe as the train literally chugs beside you.

Expand your culinary repertoire with your market fresh produce at some of the exceptional cooking classes… and then, of course, there are the wellness retreats, the beaches, the history and culture. There are just too many amazing and authentic experiences to mention!

Connect with a Vietnam specialist

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Hannah Smaha

House of Travel Johnsonville

Creating a holiday to suit your needs and budget is one of my favourite things to do.

Whether it's based on my own experiences or researching an obscure destination that is on your bucket list, I can't wait to help you book your dream holiday.?

Hannah

Chloe McKellar

House of Travel Wellington City

Customer service has always been drilled into me. After begging my way into a cafe job at 14, I then spent 12 years working in the hospitality industry supervising restaurants and managing specialty cafes which also founded my love for all different types of foods.

After spending 3 years in Melbourne, 6 months in South East Asia and a few years in the UK I finally made the switch to the travel industry where I have been able to share my love for travel and customer service ever since.

I made it through the dark years of COVID in the industry which has led me to know to dig that little bit deeper into my clients' travel plans to create that perfect trip, and ensure we really have the best option for you in terms of comfort, reliability, and service. As we just don't know what is round the corner, do we!

I've travelled extensively across Southeast Asia, UK and Europe, spent a lot of time exploring properties in Fiji (and relaxing by the beach), road tripped in California and in 2024 I visited South Africa in Feb, Japan, South Korea and Taipei! I've got many more places on my bucket list to visit, but if I haven't been, I've got a superb team of people behind me who have and we'll work out the best trip for you! My ultimate passion when I travel is trying local foods, and finding the best possible places to have that authentic experience that we wouldn't be able to have at home. So if that resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you and let's put together your foodie adventure, together :)

Chloe

Hannah Brown

House of Travel Wanaka

Always with a smile I will be just as excited and passionate about your future adventures as you are! Originally from the UK I've spent the last 10 years travelling around the globe before finally settling in heavenly New Zealand.

Here I've turned the joy of travel into a profession I love. I enjoy nature, the beach, spending time with loved ones and exploring new places especially on the open road or by cruise.

I believe the biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams!

To me, traveling is so much more than a simple trip or relaxing vacation; it is a journey that always leaves me transformed and forever changed by the experiences presented. I have had the pleasure of visiting too many countries to count from backpacking on a shoestring budget around Asia to going all out on a private luxury adventure filled holidays such as trekking Machu Pichu!

My firsthand recommendations will ensure that your destination choices, no matter how uncommon, are always extraordinary. No matter what you are looking for, whether it’s a bucket list adventure or something that completely takes you off the grid, you can count on me to open doors to the most exceptional experiences and enhance every travel adventure.

Hannah

Sharon Rapsey

House of Travel Christchurch City

Sharon has been with the House of Travel team for 15 years and is known throughout the New Zealand wide team as Shaz. Shaz's 10 years' experience in the groups and events division is invaluable.

Her knowledge of the best seats at the Australian Open, to her contacts for all things Motor Sport makes her an integral part of our team.

A tennis player herself, Shaz has a passion for the sport and having attended many times has valuable information, she can help tick the Grand Slams off your bucket list.

"I love helping all our clients with their dream holiday based around a special event, anywhere in the world I will endeavor to access the best possible tickets for your experience. My motto is to create memories, not things".

Away from the events world, Shaz works in her beauty business.... that is when she isn't on the court.

Favourite place to visit: Thailand
Next place on the list to visit: Africa

Sharon