04 June 2024

Our adventure began with a full-day exploration of Hanoi, a city renowned for its centuries-old architecture and a rich blend of Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences. Our first stop was the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a monumental structure that houses the preserved body of the revolutionary leader. The solemnity of the mausoleum was balanced by the nearby One Pillar Pagoda, a picturesque Buddhist temple built on top of a single stone pillar. Next, we wandered through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, where narrow alleys are filled with shops selling everything from silk garments to street food. The aroma of pho, Vietnam's iconic noodle soup, wafted through the air, and we couldn't resist stopping for a bowl. The delicate balance of flavors in the broth combined with fresh herbs made it the perfect introduction to Vietnamese cuisine, with vegetarian options always available. In the afternoon, we visited a water puppet craftsman at his home. For seven generations, his family has preserved this skilled tradition of northern Vietnam. He welcomed us warmly, explaining the intricate process of making water puppets and showcasing his skills during a private show. Hidden behind the stage, he made the puppets move in mesmerizing rhythms and patterns. At the end of the performance, we had the opportunity to try moving the water puppets ourselves. The following day, we embarked on a two-night, three-day cruise through Halong Bay, one of the most beautiful landscapes in Vietnam. Known for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands topped with rainforests, Halong Bay earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1994. As the sun set, our boat anchored in a quiet bay where we enjoyed a feast on the deck. The next day began with an early morning Tai Chi class followed by a light breakfast. We then boarded a day boat to discover Viet Hai village, cycling along rural paths through the rainforest. On the return journey, we stopped at a local house to experience idyllic rural life. In the afternoon, we visited Lan Ha Bay for swimming. The next day, we explored the Ao Ech area for kayaking before returning to the boat for an amazing tea ceremony and brunch. Next, we took a short flight from Hanoi to Hoi An, with the nearest airport in Danang. It was a half-hour road transfer to our hotel, Palm Garden Resort. Hoi An, with its charming lantern-lit streets and historic architecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We enjoyed an authentic experience of Vietnamese life in the countryside at Tra Que vegetable village, exploring the area in an open-air jeep. Afterwards, we participated in a lantern-making workshop, crafting our own lanterns. The rest of the day was spent exploring the town's traditional wooden houses, temples and stalls including those selling shoes and offering tailoring services. Hoi An is a paradise for vegetarians and vegans. We discovered several restaurants offering plant-based options that showcased local ingredients and traditional flavors. One standout was "V Vegan," where we enjoyed dishes like vegan banh xeo (crispy pancakes) and crispy tofu with eggplant and garlic. The flavors were vibrant and satisfying, proving that vegetarian Vietnamese cuisine can be as delightful as its meat-based dishes. As night fell, Hoi An transformed into a magical scene with thousands of colorful lanterns illuminating the streets and the Thu Bon River. We joined a private cooking class at Red Bridge Cooking School, learning to prepare traditional dishes like homemade rice noodles, crispy pancakes, tofu salad, fresh rice paper rolls, and eggplant and tofu in a claypot. We also explored the UNESCO-listed My Son Sanctuary, one of the most impressive Hindu temple clusters in Southeast Asia. These temples, dating back to the 4th to 13th centuries, are graphically illustrated by the remains of a series of impressive tower-temples. This dramatic site was the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom for most of its existence. Vietnam is a country of contrasts where Asian traditions meet modern dynamism, and natural beauty is complemented by its rich cultural heritage.