02 November 2023

Vietnam has to be one of my favourite destinations. I’ve been 3 times and would love to take my family back soon. It’s a nation with a rich history and stunning natural beauty, offering so many different experiences for travellers. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the serene waters of Halong Bay, the historic charm of Hoi An to the culture and heritage of Hue, Vietnam is a destination that captivates the hearts of visitors. Let me take you through some highlights of my trips to Vietnam… Let’s start at Ho Chi Minh, formally known as Saigon, which is most likely going to be your point of entry into Vietnam. It’s worth stopping here before going on to explore the rest of the country. Visitors can discover the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, which were used during the Vietnam War, and also take in the French colonial architecture of the city at landmarks like the Saigon Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral. I particularly enjoyed a day trip to the Mekong Delta, it was amazing to see authentic village life and take a peek at this vast river network that’s bustling with life. If you’re looking for beach resorts, Vietnam has them in abundance. Destinations such as Nha Trang, famous for its mud baths and hot springs, and Da Nang, with miles of stunning pristine beaches, offer resorts to suit all budgets. A personal favourite of mine has to be a stay at the Six Senses Con Dao, just a 45 minute flight from Ho Chi Minh. Con Dao is a relatively remote island destination about 230 kilometres off the south-eastern coast of Vietnam. The island is known for its stunning natural beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. Con Dao is perfect for those who love the outdoors, with activities and excursions such snorkelling, scuba diving, hiking, and wildlife watching. From May to October you can even watch baby turtles hatching at locations around the island, a truly magical experience. If you decide to stay at one of the stunning resorts along Da Nang’s beaches then the charming town of Hoi An is a must see. This well-preserved ancient town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with lantern-lit streets, wooden Japanese merchant houses, and historic temples. Hoi An is also famous for its tailor shops, where you can have custom-made clothing created to your specifications – I have done it myself and the quality is excellent. One of my favourite experiences in Vietnam was a guided tour I took in Hoi An. We cycled through the waterways and rice fields to a local organic farm where we learned about farming techniques and even farmed and planted our own crops! Then it was time to explore the river on a traditional ‘basket boat’ where we paddled to a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. It was really a day to remember. Another town that is steeped in history is Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts ancient palaces, temples, and citadels – there is so much rich culture to experience. I thoroughly enjoyed a guided tour of Hue, we explored the Imperial Citadel and Emperor Khai Dinh’s tomb before having lunch at a beautiful local garden restaurant. This was followed by a walk around the village and a boat ride home along the Perfume River, it was amazing. I stayed at the Vedana Lagoon Resort which offers fabulous water villas on a stunning and peaceful lagoon. It was the perfect haven after a long day of touring! Finally, in the north of Vietnam you’ll find Hanoi and Halong Bay. A highlight of my time in Hanoi had to be the evening vintage vespa tour, it was such a great way to explore the city at night. We enjoyed street food and local specialities along the way and even learned how to make our own spring rolls. We ended the evening at a famous Hanoi jazz bar. A vespa tour was a great way to see the city, I’ve also done this in Ho Chi Minh and Siem Reap (Cambodia) – they’re so much fun. Then on to Halong Bay…in my opinion a must when visiting Vietnam. There are several cruising options, you can even choose a day trip from Hanoi if you are short on time, however I’d really recommend staying at least 1 night onboard. Another of Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, known for its thousands of limestone islands, Halong Bay is simply stunning. During a cruise you can take smaller boats or kayaks to explore the many caves and floating villages, while onboard, depending on your itinerary, you can enjoy morning yoga, cooking classes, squid fishing and an array of other activities. And the sunsets are stunning! I could talk for hours about Vietnam, if you haven’t already noticed! It really is a destination that is suitable for all, and there’s something for everyone. I can’t praise it enough. If you are interested in finding out more please contact me, I’d love to help you plan the perfect Vietnamese adventure.