Our first stop was Hanoi, Vietnam's capital. Navigating this vibrant city can be overwhelming, but it's a truly beautiful place full of history. We started our first day at The Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, before heading to the Museum of Ethnology, which showcases the country’s 54 ethnic groups, to help us understand Vietnam’s people and the cultures here better.

No visit to Hanoi is complete without a stroll through the Old Quarter, hopping on a cyclo tour was the perfect way to experience the hustle and bustle. We finished a busy first day with a walking food tour, which was incredible. Our guide led us to try iconic dishes like pho, bun cha, and banh mi, each bite offering a taste of Vietnam.

After soaking in the cityscape, we took a break from urban life and headed to the natural wonder of Halong Bay. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its stunning limestone karsts jutting out of emerald waters. We boarded a beautiful boat, our home for the night, and were treated to kayak tours around the mystical karsts of Lan Ha Bay, a quieter and more secluded alternative to Halong Bay. We awoke early to watch a breathtaking sunrise and after an invigorating Tai Chi session on deck, we were ready for another action-packed day ahead.

We said goodbye to Halong Bay and flew to Danang, the gateway to the city of Hoi An. Known for its well-preserved architecture, lantern-lit streets, and culinary delights, Hoi An is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Vietnam.

Hoi An’s Ancient Town boasts colourful French colonial buildings, a Japanese Covered Bridge, and Chinese temples. Beyond its cultural appeal, the surrounding countryside and nearby beach were unexpectedly beautiful, and are another compelling reason to visit this part of Vietnam. We took a bicycle tour, recommended by our guide, and explored the lush, rural scenery, visiting local craftsmen and learning about traditional Vietnamese skills like fermenting rice wine and lantern making. Getting to see this side of the city was truly special and something I’ll never forget, especially that first sip of rice wine!

Our next stop was Ho Chi Minh City which offered a distinct contrast to the peacefulness of Hoi An.  We delved into the tumultuous history of Vietnam with tours around the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum, which offered a sobering portrayal of the war’s impact on Vietnam. It was a place for reflection and our time spent here really gave us a deeper understanding of the nation's past and highlighted the resilience of its people.

We completed this adventure of a lifetime with a visit to the Mekong Delta. Known as Vietnam’s ‘rice bowl’, this fertile region is a maze of waterways, traditional villages, and floating markets. We boarded a traditional long-tail boat and cruised through the delta’s intricate network to watch local life unfold. We also got the opportunity to meet some of the local people who taught us about their different trades and the significance each one holds in their communities.

Going on a solo trip can be nerve wracking but having a guide with us made it so special. He took care of everything and ensured we were safe, happy, and well looked after. It was also invaluable to have his insight and extensive knowledge of Vietnam, he answered all of our questions and gave us amazing recommendations for things we never would have discovered otherwise, plus his amazing humour gave us endless laughs and memories we will cherish forever. If anyone is wanting to get closer to their destination and have first-hand knowledge of its people and cultures, I would highly recommend taking a guided tour.

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