Highlights of Vietnam | A Snapshot Diary

Hanoi was our first stop, and we jumped right in trying the local cuisine at an authentic food stall, it was delicious and cheap as chips! Like lots of street food in Asia, Vietnam’s is cheap, mouth-watering and exotic all at the same time. An irresistible combination if you ask me.

Kayaking in Bai Tu Long bay was one of my absolute highlights of Vietnam! The water was calm and the bay was practically empty so we cruised amongst the limestone islands without anyone around – it’s the perfect place if you want to escape the high season tourists of Halong Bay.

While in Bai Tu Long we visited a real floating village, we were able to take a peek into a lifestyle that I didn’t even realise existed, it was fascinating and the locals were absolutely lovely.

Hoi An is one of my favourite towns in Vietnam; the old quarter is quaint and laid back, the beaches are stunning, and I love the tailors. I even had my wedding rings made while I was there, and they are perfect!

Ho Chi Minh is bursting with things to see and do, from museums to open markets, but I think the best part was the Vespa Tour. Not only did we see the sparkling lights of Ho Chi Minh from the back of a Vespa, but we also got to eat at the most authentic Vietnamese food stalls in the city! The food was outstanding, the guide was a sweetheart, and we saw a part of the city that westerners don’t usually see – I will definitely be going back!

The Mekong Delta is so different than anywhere else I have been in Asia. From the stilt houses precariously swaying over the water to the large-scale wholesale floating markets, it was so interesting and different from the rest of the country, and the natural beauty is everywhere.

Phu Quoc Island is synonymous with paradise, the water is turquoise and clear, the island is covered in rainforest, and the beaches are out of a romance novel. Curving around pristine coves and dipping behind close set islands, it is so wonderful it begs the question why I’m not there NOW! It was the perfect end to a sensational holiday – I absolutely loved it!

Brittany followed our From Magical Bays to the Emerald Island itinerary, with a few tweaks to add in the Street Food Vespa Tour.