“One of my favorites was the visit to Hôi An and its 16th century architecture”
After our three days in Cambodia—which went by far too fast—we flew to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. If Cambodia was impressive, Saigon was even more intense and unforgettable. We began our visit with a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located north of the city. Built during the war with the United States, this vast underground network stretches from the Cambodian border all the way to the Saigon River. Walking through the tunnels was a powerful and emotional experience, both fascinating and sobering.
There was so much to see in such a short amount of time. We visited Notre Dame Cathedral, the War Remnants Museum, endless rice fields, the Mekong River, and beautiful orchard gardens. One of my absolute favorite stops was Hội An, a charming town known for its 16th-century architecture and strong Chinese and Japanese influences.
Hội An
Hội An is famous for its preserved ancient architecture and picturesque canals. Once an important port city, it reflects a unique blend of cultures—from Chinese shop houses and temples to French colonial buildings and iconic Japanese covered bridges. It is almost impossible not to fall in love with its charm and atmosphere
Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City is where everything truly began for us in Vietnam. Our arrival was warm and well organized, and our guide took us straight to the hotel. Beyond the emotional visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the city offered incredible energy, with its sea of traffic and endless motorcycles. We explored the War Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the largest market in Vietnam, Ben Thanh Market.
Mekong Delta
Known as the “rice basket” of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is lush, green, and incredibly fertile. Experiencing this region was one of the highlights of the trip.
Huế
In Huế, we visited the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden City, built between 1804 and 1833. This complex served as the administrative center of Vietnam from 1802 to 1884 and is rich in history and beauty.
Hanoi
Our journey continued in Hanoi, the capital city. There, we explored the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, and many other historic and cultural landmarks.
Sapa
In Sapa, we visited Ma Tra Village, home to the H’mong and Red Dao people. The views of the valley were breathtaking, and interacting with the local communities made the experience even more meaningful.
Ha Long Bay
At Ha Long Bay, we witnessed thousands of limestone islands rising dramatically from the water. The scenery was truly breathtaking and felt almost unreal—a perfect ending to an unforgettable journey through Vietnam.
As I said before, I would love to go back again!