I recently had the absolute pleasure of exploring Vietnam as a guest of G Adventures—a fantastic group tour company who have been curating trips around the world for over 35 years. With their knowledge and experience, I genuinely feel like I experienced some of the very best this incredible country has to offer… and now it feels only right to share a little of that with you.

Over 11 days, I travelled 1,655km from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Along the way: majestic temples, breathtaking landscapes, wonderfully chaotic roads, unforgettable food, and some truly special interactions with locals.

But let’s take it step by step.

Hanoi – Vietnam’s bustling capital. A city shaped by Chinese and French influences, and famous for its vibrant street food scene.

The streets are an organised chaos of mopeds and constant beeping, and learning to cross the road here is… an experience. The trick? Move steadily and commit. But strangely, once I found myself on the back of a moped or being pedalled along in a cyclo, it didn’t feel chaotic at all. Being part of it felt oddly calm—far more so than standing on the pavement trying to make sense of it all.

Now, one thing that is synonymous with Hanoi? Train Street! So let's get it out there, train street is not closed despite what many people on Instagram will have you believe. But it is heavily monitored at times. We were told more than once to finish our drinks and move along… only for things to quietly return to normal a few minutes later. The key is to be respectful, follow instructions, and—most importantly—listen when you’re told to move back. No photo is worth risking your safety.

Arrive early (around 30 minutes before a scheduled train - they are not all day, so take note before you go), take your time choosing a café, and soak up the atmosphere. You’ll even spot people placing bottle caps on the tracks to be flattened into quirky little souvenirs.

One of the standout experiences in Hanoi was visiting Kymviet, an organisation that supports people with disabilities by training them in craft production. We had the chance to try making our own keyrings (my stitching skills… questionable at best), learn some Vietnamese sign language, and spend time with some incredibly warm and inspiring individuals. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you—and one you’d be unlikely to stumble across travelling independently.

Hanoi also introduced me to egg coffee—something I approached with caution but ended up loving. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!

And the food? It absolutely lives up to the hype  (I have uploaded a reel onto my Instagram account regarding the mispronunciation of Pho if you want a giggle!). I even took part in a cooking class… which was humbling. My spring rolls were affectionately renamed “spring flats” by the chef, but the experience itself was fantastic. The flavours, the fresh herbs, the aromas—it’s all just next level.

 Top tip? Book a massage as soon as you land. After the long-haul journey, your body will thank you. And in Vietnam, “treating yourself” comes at a fraction of UK prices—some of the best-value indulgence you’ll find.

Ha Long Bay – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and, quite honestly, absolutely breathtaking.

Just a 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi, it’s famous for its emerald waters and towering limestone karsts that rise dramatically from the sea. Whether you’re kayaking on the bay, exploring caves or simply relaxing on deck, it’s one of those places that forces you to slow down and just take it all in. The traditional style boats—known as “junks”—add to the charm. We visited towards the end of March and were incredibly lucky with the weather. It can be misty and drizzly earlier in the year, but as you can see from the pictures, we were treated to clear skies and stunning views.

If you’re debating between one or two nights—go for two if you can. One night is a wonderful introduction, but an extra evening watching the sun set over those limestone peaks? Hard to beat.

Hoi An – the City of Lanterns, and without a doubt one of Vietnam's most enchanting destinations.

I knew it would be pretty… but I wasn’t quite prepared for how pretty. Think golden-hued buildings, a blend of cultural influences, and thousands of lanterns casting a warm glow over the streets each evening.

Despite the crowds, there’s a calmness here—especially around the Ancient Town and along the water. Evenings were spent wandering lantern-lit streets, which felt almost dreamlike.

Hoi An is famous for its tailoring. With hundreds of tailors offering made to measure clothing in as little as 36 hours, it’s an experience in itself. Make the tailors one of your first stops so that you can have as many fittings as you need.

My advice? Go in with an idea of what you want, otherwise the options can feel overwhelming.

Naturally, I couldn’t resist—and had a dress made. Within 19 hours, I was back for a fitting, and I was genuinely blown away by the result. For once, something that fits perfectly.

A helpful tip: each side of the river has a completely different vibe. One is relaxed, with charming restaurants and bars winding down by around 11pm. The other? Hoi An’s version of a lively bar street. Easy to dip into—or avoid entirely, depending on your mood. But I will say that the band at the Irish Bar were fabulous!

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) – a fast-paced, energetic city that perfectly captures Vietnam’s contrasts.

Skyline views and rooftop bars sit alongside historic landmarks and deeply moving reminders of the past. From the Reunification Palace to the War Remnants Museum, the city offers powerful insight into Vietnam’s history.

One particularly memorable moment was seeing the monument to Thích Quảng Đức, the Buddhist monk who set himself on fire in protest in 1963—a sobering but important reminder of the country’s past.

We explored the city by cyclo, weaving through the now-familiar symphony of mopeds and horns, before slowing things down with a sunset cruise along the Saigon River—an experience I’d highly recommend for a more peaceful perspective of the city.

Mekong Delta Day Trip - Vietnam’s “rice bowl,” producing over half the country’s rice. We met a 98-year-old woman still making rice paper by hand the same way she did when she was 12 years old, cycled through riverside villages, and helped prepare lunch at a local homestay (again proving my cooking skills are… average at best).

There was also the option to try snake wine. I politely declined at an ABV of 35-50%. It is said that snake wine boosts male virility and libido.

Cu Chi Tunnels - A glimpse into Vietnam's Past. Another fascinating excursion within a few hours of HCMC was to the Cu Chi Tunnels—an underground network used during the Vietnam War. While the original tunnels are far too small for most visitors (0.5–0.8 meters wide and 0.8–1.2 meters high), sections have been widened to give a sense of what life was like below ground. It’s a fascinating, if slightly claustrophobic, experience. That being said, there is no requirement for you to go down there if you don't want to!

💡 Travel Tips for Vietnam

• Cross roads slowly and confidently—don’t hesitate midway
• Carry cash and take note of all the 000's
• An easy currency converter can now be found on your iPhone calculator.
• Pack for varied climates (north vs south differs)
• Be respectful at cultural sites and attractions
• Book key experiences (like Ha Long Bay) in advance

Vietnam is a country of contrasts in every sense—north to south, city to countryside, past to present. Each region offers something completely different, from landscapes to climate to culture.

It’s vibrant, humbling, beautiful, and at times chaotic—but always unforgettable.

If you’re drawn to natural beauty, rich history, incredible food, and genuinely warm people, Vietnam should absolutely be on your list.

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch.

And if you’re thinking about experiencing it for yourself… let’s start planning. ✈️