Vietnam, One Year Later: Why This Trip Still Lives Rent-Free in My Head

Day 1: Jet lag is not for the weak

Let’s start with a lesson learned the hard way: Do not land in Vietnam in the morning if you can avoid it. I did, and the jet lag was bad. Vietnam hits you immediately with heat, humidity, and sensory overload, and trying to “power through” day one felt like a waste.

If I were planning this again (and for my clients now), landing at night is absolutely the move—shower, sleep, reset, and wake up ready to explore.

Hanoi: Chaos, culture & eating pho (obviously)

Hanoi immediately struck me as cool, chaotic, charming, and humid AF. It’s loud and alive and somehow works despite the madness. You’re dodging scooters, sipping iced coffee, and eating something incredible every few blocks.

I stayed at the InterContinental Hanoi West Lake, which had a peaceful setting and great vibes, although it was a little older property. Later, we toured several other properties—and this is where choosing the right hotel really matters in Hanoi. Here’s the honest breakdown:

• Capella Hanoi: Absolutely stunning. Opulent, old-world, and very design-forward. It feels theatrical and luxurious in the best way. Just note: The pool is indoors.

• Sofitel Legend Metropole: Rich with history and elegance, with a better pool situation. A classic, iconic Hanoi stay.

I’ve also had clients want to stay outside of Hanoi for something calmer and more nature-forward. For that, I’ve booked Avana Retreat, which is perfect if you want serenity without sacrificing luxury.

Eating & drinking your way through Hanoi (the only correct way)

One of my favorite things we did in Hanoi was a street food tour, which I loved. It’s the best way to get oriented, eat confidently, and understand the city through its food.

My favorite dish? Bun cha from Bun Cha Dac Kim. No notes. Absolute perfection.

Bun cha

Other Hanoi must-tries:

• Cha ca: Grilled fish with turmeric and herbs (cha ca La Vong is iconic)

• Bun cha: Grilled pork with noodles and dipping sauce

• Pho: Obviously

• Banh mi: We tried Banh Mi 25 (very good!), but honestly had an even better one later in the trip

• Egg coffee from Cafe Dinh: Obsessed

• Kem Trang Tien ice cream: Mandatory, especially in the heat

• Banh Gối: Fried Vietnamese dumplings that disappear immediately

Egg coffee

We also ate at Tam Vi, a Michelin-starred Vietnamese restaurant that felt cozy, traditional, and completely unpretentious. And yes—beers were about $1, which still feels fake.

At night, we went out on Ta Hien Beer Street, which was absolutely popping. Loud, lively, chaotic, and very Hanoi—such a fun way to experience the city after dark.

For a cultural pause, we visited the Temple of Literature, which was a beautiful, grounding break from the buzz.

And yes—we went to Train Street. While it’s not officially recommended (our guide flagged safety concerns), it was undeniably exhilarating standing inches from a train as it barreled through. One of those “this feels insane but I’ll never forget it” moments.

Train street

Beyond the city: Tea, cooking & the most local experiences

Some of my favorite Hanoi memories happened outside the city center.

We went green-tea picking and did a tea workshop in Ba Vi, which was such a fun, unexpected activity. Calm, hands-on, and a perfect contrast to the city energy.

We also did a cooking class at a local's home, which was incredibly special. It wasn’t polished or touristy—it was intimate, warm, and deeply local. Cooking, learning, and eating together in someone’s home is the kind of experience that sticks with you.

These are exactly the kinds of moments I love helping clients book—the ones that make a trip feel personal, not packaged.

Cooking class

Hue: Slower, softer & full of surprises

Hue felt calmer and more soulful, with deep history woven into daily life.

We stayed at the Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel, which I liked—elegant, comfortable, and well-located. In the evenings, the Hue Walking Street was lively, fun, and an easy way to experience the city at night.

One of my favorite sightseeing stops here was the Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh. It was absolutely beautiful—dramatic, intricate, and unlike anything else we saw in Vietnam. The blend of Vietnamese and European influences makes it especially striking and completely worth the visit.

We also site-visited Azerai La Residence, a stunning Art Deco-style hotel with beautiful grounds. They serve an amazing salted coffee, a Hue specialty. That said, the best salted coffee in Hue (in my opinion) came from Ca Phe Muoi Hue. If you’re a coffee person, this is a must.

One of my favorite hotel experiences of the entire trip was Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa, a lush, family-owned property just outside the city. It’s green, peaceful, and deeply welcoming.

Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa

Lam, whose family owns the resort, showed us around, and you can feel the heart behind the place. They employ many local women, and the warmth of the service really shows. The villas with plunge pools are spacious and surprisingly affordable for what you get, and the larger villas are great for families.

The food here was some of the best of the entire trip, the pool was dreamy, and breakfast alone deserves a mention—playful décor, beautiful presentation, and genuinely delicious. This is a place I will absolutely continue booking for clients.

Danang: The resort that ruined me for other resorts

The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort deserves a moment.

Designed by Bill Bensley, this resort is perched between lush jungle and a perfect beach, and every single room has an ocean view. The lobby alone is breathtaking.

InterContinental Danang

We toured the three-bedroom villa with multiple pools—ideal for families or groups—and took the cable car up to the Michelin-starred restaurant and bar with unreal views. The pools and beach are perfection.

If you’re there on a Saturday, the beach barbecue dinner is a must. And Club Level is absolutely worth it for the extra perks.

This is the kind of place where you stop moving, stop planning, and just exist for a few days. I will 100 percent return here and recommend it without hesitation.

While in Da Nang, we also went out to Ba Na Hills to see the famous Golden Hand Bridge. It’s extremely Instagrammable, very over-the-top, and honestly kind of Disney-esque—very theme-park vibes. It was cool to see in person, but if clients are short on time, I usually tell them it’s totally fine to skip. It’s not an authentic landmark, and your time is often better spent elsewhere.

A few Vietnam truths to know before you go

• Bring hand sanitizer

• Bathrooms can be… an experience

• Cash is king

• Locals can be very blunt about weight or size—it’s cultural, not unkind

• The humidity is intense, but coconut drinks help immensely

What comes next

Vietnam surprised me at every turn, and even with all of this, our journey didn’t end here. We continued on to Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, both of which deserve their own deep dive.

So consider this Part One. I’ll be sharing more soon on lantern-lit streets, river sunsets, buzzing cities, and everything that came next.

If Vietnam is on your list—whether you’re dreaming, planning, or ready to book—I’d love to help you do it right. This is a destination where thoughtful planning makes all the difference, and I’m always happy to design an itinerary that fits how you want to travel.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Vietnam page.