If you are looking for a holiday that combines culture, cuisine and time on the beach, then a trip to Vietnam should definitely be on your wishlist. It is a country that grabs hold of all the senses from the get-go: scooters weaving through busy streets, street food sizzling and buzzing nightlife.
We are just back from a two week trip there and share in this post some of the highlights. For a full itinerary including links to hotels, restaurants and activities, see the full website page here.
Hanoi (Days 1-2)
We started our trip to Vietnam with a bang in the northern capital of Hanoi.. From the moment you arrive, the city envelops you in a whirlwind of honking motorbikes, crumbling colonial facades and the aroma of countless street food vendors. It’s a city of contrasts, where contemporary coffee shops, ancient temples and boutique hotels existing in chaotic harmony.
Halong Bay (Day 3)
A two hour drive east took us to the second part of our trip: an overnight cruise in UNESCO World Heritage site Halong Bay. We sailed on Heritage Line’s Ginger, which blended old-world charm and modern luxury. It featured warm wood interiors and only 12 spacious suites, each with a private balcony.
Hoi An (Days 4-6)
A short flight south took us to Hoi An in Central Vietnam. Once a thriving trading port, the town absorbed the influences of Japanese and Chinese merchants who settled here centuries ago. Under French rule, it became an administrative centre, adding colonial grandeur, now faded. Today, the town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to over 800 preserved building, from grand Chinese assembly halls to elegant French colonial residences and centuries-old merchant houses.
Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon (Days 7-8)
Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by most locals, was the next stop on our trip to Vietnam, a short flight from Hoi An. It is a fast-paced, ever-evolving metropolis where sleek skyscrapers rise above a tangled web of buzzing motorbikes. As Vietnam’s commercial heart, the city hums with life, from trendy rooftop bars and stylish cafés to tucked-away vintage clothing shops and indie boutiques. But beneath its modern exterior, Saigon also a city bears the weight of history. Echoes of the Vietnam War linger, offering you a chance to see the conflict through a local lens.
Ninh Van Bay (Days 9-12)
After 8 days exploring Vietnam’s bustling cities and cultural gems, we ended our journey with some well-earned relaxation. A short flight from Ho Chi Minh City, followed by a car and boat transfer brought us to Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. This secluded, tropical haven is nestled between dramatic jungle-clad hills and the emerald-green waters of the bay. The resort blends rustic charm with barefoot luxury, with weathered wood, stone and thatched roofs.
A trip to Vietnam is a journey through bustling cities, breathtaking landscapes, and bold flavours, where history, culture, and adventure collide. It offers an experience that is vibrant, immersive and unforgettable. Above all, the kindness, friendliness and warmth of the Vietnamese people stays in our memories and our hearts.
Check out our website for a more detailed itinerary, including weblinks to all the places we recommend here.
