Vietnam: from misty mountains to buzzing cities and backstreet street food

My trip began in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital and a wonderful introduction to the country. The first thing you notice is the energy: scooters weaving through the streets, tiny pavement cafés serving strong coffee and steaming bowls of pho, and a maze of lanes in the Old Quarter filled with colour and life.

From Hanoi I headed north to Sapa, in the mountains near the Chinese border. This region is famous for its terraced rice fields and cooler climate, and it felt like a completely different side of Vietnam. The views were spectacular: rolling hills carved into terraces, mist hanging low in the valleys, and small villages dotting the landscape. Walking and light trekking here is a highlight, and it offers a chance to see rural life, meet local communities and enjoy a slower, more peaceful pace after the busy capital.   Sapa is a brilliant addition if you enjoy walking, photography and getting slightly off the main tourist trail while still having comfortable accommodation to come back to.

Next came one of Vietnam’s true icons: Ha Long Bay. No matter how many photos you have seen, there is something magical about gliding between those towering limestone islands by boat.  I spent time on the water, taking in the changing light as the sun moved across the bay, and it was a real pinch‑me experience. Cruising here can be as relaxed or as active as you like, with options for kayaking, swimming or simply sitting on deck with a drink, watching the scenery drift by.  Choosing the right cruise boat and length of stay makes a big difference, whether you want something simple and authentic or a more luxurious experience, and that is something I can help with when planning a trip.

From the north I flew south to Ho Chi Minh City, still often called Saigon, which feels like Vietnam in fast‑forward. It is busy, modern and full of life, but also layered with history.

While I was there I took a day trip to the Mekong Delta - cruising along the waterways, passing stilt houses, fruit orchards and small villages, you really see why the Mekong is called Vietnam’s “rice bowl”.

I also visited the Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate network of underground passages used during the Vietnam War. It is a sobering but fascinating experience, and offers important context to the country’s recent history.

One of the standout moments of my time in Saigon was a street food tour on the back of a motorbike. It is exactly as it sounds: you hop on behind a local driver and weave through the city at night, stopping at different local spots to sample everything from fresh spring rolls to sizzling pancakes and fragrant noodle dishes.  It felt like the most authentic way to experience the food and the energy of the city, and it was enormous fun. If you are open to trying new things and want to get under the skin of Vietnamese cuisine, I would highly recommend including something like this in your itinerary.

What I loved most about Vietnam is how much variety you can fit into one journey:

• Historic cities like Hanoi and Saigon
• Mountain landscapes and rice terraces in Sapa
• Iconic scenery on the water in Ha Long Bay
• Rural life along the Mekong Delta
• Fascinating historical sites such as Cu Chi
• Outstanding food experiences, from market stalls to hidden local restaurants

If Vietnam is on your bucket list, I would be delighted to help you put together a trip that suits your pace and interests, whether that is gentle exploration with a few key highlights, or a more in‑depth journey from north to south packed with experiences like mine.