Exploring Vietnam with Wide Eyed Tours
Ian Harrington, My World Travel Co.
Days 1 – 2: Hoi An
Our journey began in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An, known for its charming old streets, colourful lanterns, and riverside markets. We enjoyed a welcome dinner at a beachside restaurant owned by Travis, the founder of Wide Eyed Tours. Dining by the sea with freshly caught seafood and a warm breeze was the perfect start.
The next morning, we set off in vintage Army jeeps for a tour through Hoi An and its surrounding countryside. We bumped along back roads, passed through endless rice paddies, and saw water buffalo grazing in the fields. A highlight was drifting along the waterways in a traditional bamboo basket boat, guided by locals who sang and joked as we floated.
One of the most memorable experiences was being welcomed into a Vietnamese family’s home for lunch. Sharing delicious home-cooked food and hearing about their daily lives gave me a real connection to the culture. In the evenings, Hoi An transformed into something truly magical — the streets and riverbanks glowed with thousands of lanterns, and little boats floated past carrying candles. Strolling through the lively night markets, with the smell of street food in the air and stalls filled with handmade crafts, was unforgettable.
Days 3 - 5: Hue
From Da Nang we boarded the Heritage Train to Hue, a three-hour journey through the spectacular Hai Van Pass. Watching the train wind its way between steep mountains, jungle, and the South China Sea was a breathtaking introduction to Hue.
Once there, I explored the city on a motorbike tour. Riding through the Imperial Citadel, with its grand gates, palaces, and temples, really brought the city’s history to life. This UNESCO World Heritage site was once the capital of Vietnam, and it still feels steeped in imperial grandeur.
A charming moment happened when a group of schoolchildren stopped me with curious questions: how many countries I had visited, what I did for work, where I was from, and of course my favourite country. I smiled and answered honestly — Vietnam!
Lunch at a Buddhist monastery was another highlight, with beautifully prepared vegetarian dishes that were simple, wholesome, and delicious.
Although a trip to Phong Nha National Park and its cave systems was cancelled due to Typhoon Kajiki, the Wide Eyed Tours team acted quickly, rearranging hotels, flights, and transfers so everything continued seamlessly.
It was impressive to see how efficiently they handled the disruption.
That evening, we joined a street food tour by cycle rickshaw, winding through Hue’s busy streets to sample crab soup, sizzling seafood, grilled meats, and freshly rolled rice paper rolls. The combination of food, atmosphere, and local stories made it a truly authentic and memorable night.
Day 6 - 8: Saigon
Flying south, we arrived in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), where the energy immediately felt different — busy streets, French colonial buildings, and a vibrant café culture.
After exploring on foot, we joined what became one of the highlights of the entire trip: a Vespa night tour. Zipping through the streets on the back of vintage Vespas, we visited five districts, stopping at hidden street food spots and lively markets. We sampled local favourites like banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes) and fresh seafood before ending up in a buzzing live music bar!
The next morning, we travelled to the Mekong Delta for a full-day tour. Cruising along the river by boat, we saw the rich life of the delta — farmers, fishermen, and floating markets. A narrow rowing boat took us through peaceful canals shaded by coconut palms. We stopped at local workshops, watching bricks being made by hand and rugs being woven on traditional looms, before enjoying a riverside Vietnamese feast at a garden restaurant.
On my final day in Saigon, we travelled to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extraordinary underground network stretching over 250km. Learning about how these tunnels were built and used during the Vietnam War was both sobering and inspiring. Crawling through the narrow passages myself gave me a glimpse into the courage and determination of those who lived and fought there — not an easy task if you are tall!
My special Vietnam memories.
From the peaceful lantern-lit charm of Hoi An, to the imperial history of Hue, and the buzzing energy of Saigon, Vietnam truly captured my heart. The journey was full of unforgettable highlights, and the team at Wide Eyed Tours were outstanding — not only providing unique experiences but also handling unexpected challenges with absolute professionalism.
Contact Ian at MWTC to hear more about his Vietnam experience.
Call 07 3399 5727
Email reservations@mwtc.com.au
