Vietnam Magic
Jody Rolfe, My World Travel Co.
Hanoi: The Chaotic Capital (Days 1–2)
We arrived in Hanoi on New Year’s Eve and stepped straight into an unforgettable celebration. The Old Quarter was alive with energy—crowds filling the streets, fireworks overhead, horns blaring, and flags waving from scooters. Despite the intensity, we always felt safe and completely immersed in the atmosphere.
Hanoi quickly won us over with its vibrancy, flavours, and character. From Train Street to the famous Beer Street, every corner offered something memorable. One standout moment was watching Vietnam defeat Thailand in a soccer final—celebrated passionately by locals and visitors alike.
Rooftop bars are a must for a different perspective of the city, while exploring on foot reveals Hanoi’s historic merchant streets—Silk Street, Silver Street—and bustling local markets. The colours, aromas, and people make it impossible not to fall in love with this city.
Sapa: Rice Terraces and Mountain Life (Days 3–5)
We travelled overnight by sleeper train from Hanoi to Lao Cai—an experience in itself—before continuing to Sapa. Our stay at the Silk Path Grand Hotel offered incredible mountain views and a peaceful contrast to Hanoi.
With our guide, we trekked through terraced rice fields and visited local Hmong villages, gaining insight into rural life. The highlight was taking the cable car to Fansipan, known as the “Roof of Indochina,” followed by the climb to the summit at 3,147 metres. The effort was well worth it for the breathtaking views.
The cooler climate and slower pace made Sapa a refreshing and memorable stop.
Ha Long Bay Cruise (Days 6–8)
A visit to Vietnam would not be complete without a cruise through Ha Long Bay. We chose a 3-day, 2-night experience and it exceeded expectations.
Our cabin featured floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony, ensuring we never missed the stunning scenery. Activities included a cooking class, Tai Chi at sunrise, squid fishing, and relaxing foot baths.
A day trip to Cat Ba Island was another highlight, where we cycled through Viet Hai Village and enjoyed a local lunch. The quirky “fish massage” experience—tiny fish nibbling at your feet—was both amusing and surprisingly relaxing.
Phong Nha: Cave Adventures (Days 7–9)
Phong Nha delivered some of the most unique experiences of the trip. A scenic boat ride along the Son River led us into Phong Nha Cave, filled with dramatic stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal-clear water.
Cycling through rice paddies to Bong Lai Valley was another highlight, along with a visit to The Eco Farm—complete with the entertaining “duck massage.”
Paradise Cave, the longest cave in Asia, was simply breathtaking. For adventure, the Dark Cave experience stood out: a 400-metre zipline across the Chay River, followed by swimming, kayaking, and a mud bath deep inside the cave. It was fun, adventurous, and completely unforgettable.
Hue to Hoi An: Heritage and Scenic Drives (Days 10–11)
In Hue, we stayed at the Eldora Hotel and spent time exploring the vast Imperial City. The audio guide is highly recommended to fully appreciate its history.
Travelling south, we drove the spectacular Hai Van Pass—one of Vietnam’s most scenic coastal routes—stopping at Marble Mountains before arriving in Hoi An. Lunch at a local restaurant made famous by Anthony Bourdain was a standout.
Hoi An: Culture, Cuisine and Charm (Days 12–14)
Hoi An was a true favourite. Its lantern-lit streets, riverside setting, and relaxed atmosphere made it incredibly special.
We joined the Red Bridge Cooking Class, starting with a market tour before learning to prepare traditional dishes such as fresh rice paper rolls, banh xeo, and eggplant in clay pot. Enjoying the meal we created was a highlight.
We also explored by bike, visited the beach, and discovered local gems like 7 Bridges Brewery. A day trip to Ba Na Hills included the famous Golden Bridge, though weather conditions limited the views—it’s worth noting this can be unpredictable.
Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta (Days 19–20)
Our time in Saigon was energetic and full of flavour. The Vespa Street Food Tour was a standout experience, taking us through different districts to sample authentic dishes while learning about their origins. Dining “like a local” at each stop made it even more special.
A full-day Mekong Delta tour offered insight into rural life, including boat cruises, coconut processing workshops, and cycling through villages. It was a fascinating contrast to the city.
We found Saigon’s daytime heat intense, making evening exploration far more enjoyable.
Phu Quoc: Island Relaxation (Days 15–18)
Phu Quoc provided the perfect balance to the more active parts of the trip. Days were spent relaxing by the beach with a book and cocktail in hand.
It was the ideal place to unwind and recharge before the final leg of our journey.
Final Thoughts
Vietnam exceeded every expectation. Each destination offered something unique—from Hanoi’s energy to Sapa’s serenity, Phong Nha’s adventure, Hoi An’s charm, and Phu Quoc’s relaxation.
Travelling as a family, including our 12-year-old, we found the balance of activity and downtime ideal. The use of private guides in each location added depth and ease to the experience, with seamless organisation throughout.
This 23-day itinerary is one we would highly recommend for families or travellers wanting a comprehensive and immersive Vietnam experience. It truly is a destination that offers something for everyone.
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