Vietnam

Vietnam is a vibrant country where bustling cities, serene landscapes, and rich cultural heritage come together to create an unforgettable travel experience. In Hanoi, the capital, French colonial architecture lines the streets of the Old Quarter, where motorbikes zip past street vendors serving pho, Bun Cha, and Vietnamese coffee. Hoan Kiem Lake offers a peaceful respite from the city’s energy, while hidden cafés, bars, and multi-course French-Vietnamese restaurants like Madame Hien add a touch of elegance to the lively streets. Museums and historical sites, such as Thang Long Citadel, showcase the country’s fascinating past, and the Opera House and luxury boutiques highlight Hanoi’s modern side. A short drive from Hanoi leads to Ninh Binh, a tranquil province of lush paddy fields, dramatic limestone karsts, and peaceful waterways. Tam Coc and Trang An offer serene boat rides through rivers and caves, while Van Long Nature Reserve teems with wildlife, from scarlet birds to pangolins. Floating markets and temple complexes add local charm, and boutique hotels with private pools provide the perfect relaxation after a day of exploration. Finally, the tropical island of Phu Quoc offers pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, and vibrant island life. Resorts such as JW Marriott Emerald Bay provide private beaches, multiple pools, and boutique-style luxury. Island excursions include the Hon Thom all-glass cable car, Fingernail Island for swimming and exploration, and sunset experiences at beach bars. The bustling Night Market offers local treats, souvenirs, and an authentic slice of island culture. Across Vietnam, travellers are treated to a mix of street food, natural beauty, cultural history, and warm hospitality, making it a destination where every day brings a new adventure.

Arriving in Hanoi, we immediately felt the city’s vibrant energy. Cycling around Hoan Kiem Lake, we watched locals practising tai chi and strolling through the streets, while the aroma of street food filled the air. Dinner at Madame Hien was an unforgettable experience, featuring a multi-course French-Vietnamese tasting menu served on a quiet terrace that perfectly blended street flavours with fine dining. Exploring the Old Quarter, we sampled Bun Cha, where Obama and Anthony Bourdain once dined, Banh Com corn cakes, and smoky Thit Xien skewers, all washed down with cold local beers. Mochi ice cream at Kem Trang Tien and coconut rolls at Kem Dua offered sweet pauses during our street food tour. We also discovered hidden cafés like The Hanoi Social Club, where Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk, desserts, and cocktails provided the perfect morning indulgence. Evenings in Hanoi were lively: tasting single malt whiskies and cigars at Polite & Co, then hopping along Drinking Street for jager shots amidst the bustling crowd. Visiting Thang Long Citadel and walking past the Opera House gave us a fascinating glimpse into Hanoi’s history and modern elegance. Travelling to Ninh Binh, the scenery instantly changed. Gliding through Tam Coc in a small boat, surrounded by paddy fields and towering limestone karsts, was peaceful and mesmerizing. Vendors in floating boats sold fresh pineapple and chilled drinks, adding local charm. In Trang An, we navigated caves and temple complexes, feeling like explorers on an adventure, while Van Long Nature Reserve offered the chance to spot scarlet birds, pangolins, and snakes in their natural habitat. Evenings at the Emeralda Hotel near the private pool were perfect for relaxation after full days of exploration. Phu Quoc brought a tropical contrast. At JW Marriott Emerald Bay, we enjoyed private beaches, paddleboarding, and multiple pools, all set in a boutique hotel with thoughtful French university-inspired details. The Hon Thom all-glass cable car offered breathtaking panoramic views of the island, and Fingernail Island was ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and exploration. Watching the sunset at Rory’s Beach Bar, sipping drinks with classic Beatles tunes playing, created a magical ending to our day. The vibrant Night Market provided ice cream rolls, seaweed-chilli-garlic peanuts, and local souvenirs, rounding off our Vietnam adventure with a lively, sensory experience. Every day in Vietnam was a blend of culture, cuisine, nature, and relaxation, leaving us with memories of a country that is both energetic and serene, chaotic and charming, and always inviting.