Việt Nam
For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of visiting my motherland to see it with my own eyes. When the plane wheels finally touched down in Vietnam, tears immediately welled up in my eyes; it was a surreal, deeply emotional moment that marked the beginning of a truly healing journey. Reconnecting with my roots alongside đẹp trai and my family was an incredible blessing.
Over the course of our trip, we journeyed through 7 distinct cities, travelling from the historic North through the breathtaking Center, and finishing in the vibrant South. Along the way, we were treated to stunning landscapes, warm-hearted locals, unforgettable street food, and endless refreshing exotic fruit drinks.
From top to bottom, the list of highlights is endless—and there is still so much more to explore. While I already can't wait to return and build new memories, here is a breakdown of our journey across the country!
Travel Logistics & Quick Tips
Travel Period: Late October – Early November (Dry Season)
Getting Around: Plane (inter-city), Private Car, Grab App, and Walking
Traffic Level: An energetic, thrilling experience unlike anywhere else in the world!
The North
Hanoi: A fascinating blend of old-world charm, modern city energy, and distinct architectural styles. Hands down the best city for authentic phở, and famous for its iconic egg coffee and refreshing trà chanh (lime tea).
Hạ Long Bay: A breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site featuring thousands of towering limestone islands and islets. The perfect tranquil backdrop for kayaking, sightseeing, and quiet moments of reflection.
The Center
Huế: Steeped in royal history, this former imperial capital offers incredible culinary diversity and rich traditions. It’s also where I bought my very first jade bracelet!
Hội An: Charming by day and utterly romantic by night, lit up by hundreds of colourful silk lanterns glowing along the ancient streets.
Da Nang: A fast-growing coastal city blending modern beach resorts with majestic mountain views, ancient ruins, and fresh seafood feasts.
The South
Phú Quốc: An idyllic island known as the home of artisanal nước mắm (fish sauce). Beyond its beaches, it boasts warm locals and a flourishing modern Vietnamese culinary scene.
Sái Gòn: A modern, high-energy metropolis packed with welcoming locals and endless food stalls. Between the bustling streets and the tropical heat, exploring here definitely burned off all those delicious calories!
This overview is just the beginning of our journey across Vietnam! Every city we visited brought a completely different energy, rich traditions, and incredible dishes worth discovering. Be sure to explore each city's dedicated post linked above for a closer look at our detailed itineraries, favourite food spots, and travel memories.