Halong Bay: Limestone Peaks & Sunrise Tai Chi

We travelled to the coast for an overnight cruise on the emerald waters of Halong Bay, surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts rising straight out of the sea. Cruising through this otherworldly seascape is every bit as beautiful as the photos suggest, but being there in person adds an almost dreamlike stillness.

Our time on board was wonderfully full. We:

• Kayaked through calm waters, getting close to hidden coves and rocky outcrops.
• Took a guided cave walk, marvelling at vast chambers and intricate stalactites.
• Feasted on fresh seafood, lovingly prepared and served on deck as the sun dipped behind the karsts.

The most magical moment came at dawn. We joined a Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the first light spread across the bay, the water glassy and quiet, fishing boats drifting in the distance. Moving slowly and mindfully in such a serene setting felt like a gift: a rare chance to be completely present.

Hoi An: Lanterns, Heritage & Hope

From Halong Bay we flew to Da Nang and continued on to Hoi An, where we spent two nights in this beautifully preserved former trading port. With its lantern-lit streets, riverside restaurants and mustard-yellow shopfronts, Hoi An has a gentle charm that immediately draws you in.

One of the most meaningful experiences of the trip was our visit to the Street Noodles project. This wonderful initiative takes in disadvantaged young people, provides them with education, training and support, and helps them build a secure future in the hospitality industry.

Watching them at work and hearing their stories was incredibly moving. Every bowl of noodles represents not just a delicious meal but a real chance for someone to change their life. It is exactly the kind of responsible, community-led experience that adds real depth to a journey.

Saigon: Cyclo Tours, Colonial Landmarks & Street Food Nights

Our final stop was Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), a city that buzzes with energy and contrast. We settled into the well-positioned Hotel Continental, perfectly placed for exploring the city’s historic core.

We began with another cyclo tour, this time weaving through Saigon’s wide boulevards and hidden corners to some of its most important sights:

• The monument to the “burning monk”, commemorating Thích Quảng Đức, whose self-immolation in 1963 became a powerful symbol of protest.
• The Reunification Palace, a key site in modern Vietnamese history.
• The Central Post Office, with its grand French colonial architecture.
• Notre Dame Cathedral, standing proudly across the square, a reminder of Saigon’s layered past.

In the evening, we swapped traffic for tranquility on a sunset cruise along the Saigon River. Watching the skyline light up from the water was a lovely way to see another side of the city. Afterwards we headed to a local street food market for dinner, grazing our way from stall to stall. The food was incredibly tasty and unbelievably inexpensive, proving once again that in Vietnam, some of the best meals are found on tiny plastic stools.

The Mekong Delta: Island Life & Home-Cooked Hospitality

One of the standout days of the entire trip was our journey into the Mekong Delta. We travelled on a private wooden boat, gliding along muddy, life-filled waterways to explore some of the small islands scattered across this vast river landscape.

Here we met the unforgettable Mrs Nam, 89 years old and still hard at work producing rice papers and banana jam to sell. Her warmth, humour and determination were deeply inspiring, and spending time with her offered a glimpse into a way of life that has changed little over the decades.

We continued by bicycle, pedalling gently around the islands, passing quiet villages, fruit trees and local homes. It felt wonderfully peaceful and authentic, far removed from the bustle of the big cities.

Our day culminated in a hands-on cooking experience at a homestay called Ut Tring. Under the guidance of our hosts we learned how to:

• Make crisp Vietnamese pancakes.
• Prepare catfish spring rolls.
• Watch demonstrations of how rice wine and coconut candy are produced.

For me, it was a chance to indulge a personal passion: I could not resist stocking up on chilli salt to bring a taste of the Mekong back home. After a full day of eating, learning and laughing, we made our way back to Saigon, tired but happy.

Cu Chi Tunnels: Stepping into Vietnam’s Wartime Past

We spent our final day visiting the Cu Chi tunnels, a sprawling network of underground passages used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

Climbing into the narrow tunnels and seeing the ingenious traps and hidden entrances really brought home the resourcefulness and resilience of those who lived and fought there. It is a powerful, sometimes confronting experience, but an essential one for anyone wanting to understand Vietnam’s modern history beyond the headlines.

A Journey of Contrasts

Looking back over the trip, what stands out most are the contrasts:

• Peaceful Tai Chi at sunrise in Halong Bay and vibrant street life in Saigon.
• Grand colonial landmarks alongside humble markets and family homes.
• Powerful historical sites balanced by uplifting community projects like Street Noodles and welcoming homestays in the Mekong.

Vietnam has an incredible way of engaging all the senses: the flavours of fresh herbs and chilli salt, the sounds of scooters and boat engines, the feeling of warm air on your skin as the sun sets over the river. It is a destination that lingers long after you return home.

I would love to help you create an itinerary that captures the very best of this fascinating country and reflects what matters most to you when you travel