Planning a Vietnam Holiday: What I Learned From My Recent Travels
Vietnam has changed enormously over the past decade, and after recently travelling from north to south, I came home more convinced than ever that it's one of the most exciting destinations in Asia.
The last time I visited Vietnam, I arrived from Cambodia on an overnight backpacker bus. My budget was very different back then, and my trip was all about seeing as much as possible for as little money as possible.
Returning this year gave me a completely different perspective.
This time I experienced Vietnam through the eyes of my clients. I stayed in luxury hotels and boutique beach resorts, travelled on one of Asia's most scenic rail journeys, explored vibrant cities, sampled incredible food and discovered quieter corners of the country that many visitors still haven't heard of.
What struck me most wasn't just how much Vietnam has evolved, but how much choice there now is.
Whether you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, an adventure packed with culture and history, a luxury beach escape, or an unforgettable family holiday, Vietnam offers an incredible amount of variety in one destination.
Why Choose Vietnam?
Vietnam is one of those countries that seems to have everything.
One day you're wandering through the bustling streets of Hanoi, stopping for an 'egg' coffee Vietnamese coffee (way more delicious than it sounds!) and some of the best street food you'll ever eat. The next you're relaxing beside your own private pool overlooking a quiet stretch of coastline or watching rice paddies, fishing villages and mountains roll past from the comfort of a luxury train.
It's a destination of contrasts.
Ancient temples sit alongside modern skyscrapers. Bustling markets are followed by peaceful beaches. Colonial architecture meets contemporary luxury hotels, while tiny family-run restaurants serve food that rivals some of the world's finest dining experiences.
One of the things that surprised me most was the value for money.
Luxury in Vietnam feels genuinely accessible. Beautiful boutique hotels, private pool villas, exceptional spas and outstanding restaurants often cost far less than equivalent experiences elsewhere in Asia.
You'll find:
- fascinating cities full of history and culture
- world-famous cuisine that's worth travelling for
- beautiful beaches and hidden bays
- welcoming people and genuine hospitality
- luxury that doesn't have to come with an eye-watering price tag
- fantastic opportunities to combine with Cambodia, Laos or Thailand
Most importantly, Vietnam never feels like one holiday. Every region has its own personality, food, scenery and pace of life - even it's own weather, making it a destination that constantly surprises you as you travel from north to south.
Who Is Vietnam Perfect For?
One of the reasons I love recommending Vietnam is because it works for so many different types of travellers.
Vietnam for Honeymoons
Vietnam is perfect for couples who want more than simply lying on a beach.
You can spend your mornings exploring ancient temples or colourful markets before enjoying sunset cocktails overlooking the sea. Add in luxury private pool villas, incredible food and unforgettable experiences like The Vietage train, and you have a honeymoon that's both adventurous and relaxing.
Vietnam for Families
Vietnam is brilliant for families, particularly those with older children and teenagers. There are opportunities for cycling through villages, cooking classes, boat trips, wildlife experiences, beach days, fascinating history and plenty of resorts offering family-friendly facilities and spacious accommodation. It's educational without ever feeling like a history lesson.
Vietnam for Luxury Travellers
If you're looking for exceptional luxury without Maldives or Caribbean prices, Vietnam is hard to beat. Throughout my trip I was continually impressed by the quality of the accommodation, the warmth of the service and the attention to detail. Luxury here isn't about the flashy hotels - although they have many! It's about beautiful locations, genuine hospitality and experiences that feel personal.
Where To Go In Vietnam
From the elegant streets of Hanoi and the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An to the quieter beaches around Quy Nhon and the energy of Ho Chi Minh City, every stop offers something completely different. Rather than trying to see everything, I usually recommend choosing three or four contrasting destinations that match your interests. The right balance of culture, scenery and relaxation makes all the difference.
Getting Around Vietnam
Despite stretching for over 1,600 kilometres from north to south, Vietnam is surprisingly easy to explore. Domestic flights make travelling between regions simple, while experiences such as The Vietage luxury train transform a transfer into one of the highlights of the holiday.
What Surprised Me Most
If I had to sum up my recent trip in one sentence, it would be this:
Vietnam isn't the destination I remembered, it was even better. The food was some of the best I've eaten anywhere in the world. The hospitality was warm and genuine. The scenery constantly changed from vibrant cities to peaceful beaches and rolling countryside. And the quality of the hotels and experiences exceeded my expectations. It's a country that's growing in popularity, but still feels authentic.
Planning Your Vietnam Holiday
No two Vietnam holidays should look the same. Some clients want to immerse themselves in history and culture. Others dream of a luxury beach escape with a few days in a vibrant city. Many want to combine Vietnam with Cambodia, Laos or Thailand to create the ultimate Southeast Asia adventure. Having experienced Vietnam both as a backpacker and now through the lens of luxury travel, I feel I have a unique perspective on what the country offers.
Whether you're travelling on a modest budget or planning a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, I can help create an itinerary that's tailored entirely to you. From flights and hotels to unique experiences and those little details that make all the difference, I'll make sure your Vietnam holiday is every bit as memorable as mine was (without the backpacker bus trip!)
Where I stayed:
Fairmont Hanoi, Mia Nha Trang, Mia Quy Nhon & Mia Saigon
How I got there:
Vietnam Airlines Premium economy
