Lanterns, Street Food & Secret Farms: My Vietnam & Cambodia Adventure

Vietnam and Cambodia had been on my wish list for years. I imagined misty bays, ancient temples and fragrant bowls of noodles, but nothing quite prepared me for how alive it would all feel in person. This journey was a beautiful blur of city chaos, peaceful countryside, unforgettable food and the warmth of the people we met along the way.

Over 15 days, we explored Vietnam from north to south before crossing into Cambodia: a journey I know I will repeat again one day.

Hanoi: The City That Never Sleeps

We began in Hanoi, where the city feels like it never really goes to bed. Scooters flow like rivers through the streets, families gather on tiny plastic stools, and the air is filled with the scent of strong Vietnamese coffee, sizzling woks and charcoal grills.

At first it was wonderfully overwhelming. Hanoi is chaotic and noisy, yet there is a rhythm that just works. To help us make sense of it, we had arranged a private tour with a local guide. It was the perfect way to start.

Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about his city. He did not just point out buildings, he told stories: about the neighbourhoods, how the city has changed, and how people really live behind those narrow storefronts.

An Early Visit to “Uncle Ho”

One of our first stops was the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, fondly known as “Uncle Ho.” We went early in the morning, before it became too busy, and I am so glad we did. The air was cooler, the queues were shorter and there was a real sense of calm respect as local people came to pay their respects.

Standing there, listening to our guide explain Ho Chi Minh’s importance in Vietnamese history, felt powerful and moving. It was one of those moments that really roots you in the country you are visiting.

Hanoi After Dark: Eating Like a Local

That evening, Hanoi showed us a completely different side. As the sun went down, neon signs flickered on, small bars and food stalls appeared, and the pavements filled with chatter.

We joined our guide again for a private night tour of the city, designed so we could eat like the locals do. No tourist traps, just the hidden gems he loves.

We wandered from stall to stall and into tiny, family-run restaurants, perched on low stools shoulder-to-shoulder with local families. We tried dishes I would never have been brave enough to order alone: all bursting with fresh herbs, zingy dipping sauces and that wonderful balance of sweet, sour, salty and spicy that Vietnamese food does so well.

It was immersive, messy, absolutely delicious and probably the best way to get under the skin of the city.

Hoi An: Lanterns, Countryside & Cooking

After the buzz of Hanoi, we took a short flight to Danang and travelled on to Hoi An, which completely stole my heart. The historic town, with its ochre shop houses, riverside cafés and colourful lanterns, felt almost timeless.

By day, we explored its narrow streets, tailor shops and cafés; by night, the river glowed with reflections from hundreds of lanterns and the whole town took on a soft, magical feel.

Wanting to see a more rural side, we headed out on a jeep tour into the countryside. We bumped along lanes through rice paddies and villages, waving to children on bicycles and watching farmers at work.

A particularly interesting stop was at a bovine farm. Cattle farms are rare in Vietnam, so to visit one felt very special. We learned about the animals, how they are cared for and how important they are to local livelihoods. It was a very authentic glimpse into everyday rural life.

We then had the chance to make our own rice sheets, which are used in so many Vietnamese dishes. Standing over the steaming pot, gently spreading the batter and then carefully lifting the delicate sheet off felt almost magical. You instantly appreciate the skill involved.

Afterwards, we joined a cookery school and turned those ingredients into a four‑course Vietnamese feast. Under the guidance of patient instructors, we chopped herbs, mixed sauces and built each dish layer by layer. Sitting down to enjoy the meal we had created was incredibly satisfying and gave us a deeper connection to the food we had been enjoying throughout the trip.

Saigon: Cosmopolitan Energy & Vespa Adventures

From Hoi An, we flew to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), which felt like the beating heart of the country. It is a truly cosmopolitan city: full of energy, traffic and scooters galore, as well as a huge choice of restaurants, bars and shopping.

Here we swapped the lantern-lit calm of Hoi An for high-rise buildings, wide boulevards and a fast-paced urban buzz.

Mekong Delta & Cu Chi Tunnels

We took a tour of the Mekong by boat, which was fascinating. Life along the river has its own rhythm: floating markets, river houses, small boats loaded with produce. It was a completely different side of Vietnam again.

From there, we travelled to the Cu Chi Tunnels by speedboat, which in itself was a fun way to arrive. The tunnels were a real highlight. I even managed to squeeze myself into one of the tiny foxholes, and then made it through 20 metres of the tunnel before I had to get out. It was incredibly claustrophobic, but I am so glad I did it. It gave me such an appreciation of what people endured during the war.

My Favourite Activity: Exploring Saigon by Vespa

My absolute favourite activity of the whole trip was exploring Saigon by night on the back of a Vespa. We rode through five different districts of the city, weaving through traffic, feeling the warm evening air and seeing areas we would never have discovered on our own.

We stopped at local spots to eat some truly memorable dishes: fried frog’s legs, mantis prawns, and frozen yoghurt with some of the most bizarre toppings I have ever seen. Somehow, they worked! It was a night full of laughter, surprises and that incredible sense of freedom you only get when you are out in a city with a local, living it the way they do.

Cambodia: History, Temples & Time to Reflect

From Vietnam, we flew to Cambodia and began in Phnom Penh. The feel of the city, and of the country, was quite different, and our time here was some of the most moving of the entire trip.

Phnom Penh & The Killing Fields

In Phnom Penh we had a private tour that focused on Cambodia’s recent history. We visited the Killing Fields museum and then the Killing Fields themselves, along with the memorial.

It was a very sombre, emotional day. Hearing the stories, seeing the photographs and standing on the ground where so many lives were taken was heartbreaking, but I believe it is so important. Keeping these memories alive and understanding what happened here is part of honouring those who died. It is not an easy experience, but it is an essential one for anyone wanting to truly understand Cambodia.

Siem Reap & The Temples of Angkor

From Phnom Penh, we flew to Siem Reap, which is the gateway to the incredible temples of Angkor. Here, we were lucky enough to have a private tour again, which made the experience even richer.

We explored the iconic Angkor Wat, with its soaring towers and intricate carvings. We wandered through Ta Prohm, better known to many as the “Tomb Raider temple”, where huge tree roots twist their way through crumbling stone, nature and history tangled together in the most atmospheric way.

We finished at the wider Angkor Archaeological Park, learning about the rise and fall of the Khmer Empire and the meaning behind many of the carvings and structures. It was endlessly fascinating and one of those places where you could easily spend days and still discover something new.

A Well‑Earned Day by the Pool

After being on the go for almost the entire 15 days, our final day was spent exactly as it needed to be: by the pool at our hotel, doing very little. It was the perfect way to let everything sink in before our flight home.

Final Thoughts: Why I Will Be Back

I absolutely loved these two countries. The people were so lovely and kind, and the food was so fresh and delicious everywhere we went. From buzzing city streets and peaceful rice fields to solemn memorials and ancient temples, Vietnam and Cambodia offered a depth of experience that will stay with me forever.

I know I will be back.

If Vietnam and Cambodia are on your bucket list, please get in touch with me. I would love to help you experience these amazing places, with the same private tours, special touches and memorable moments that made this journey so special for me.