Getting There – A Pleasant Surprise

The journey started with China Southern from Heathrow via Guangzhou. I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect – but it turned out to be a great option.

The lounge in Guangzhou was a real standout. Spacious, comfortable, and at around €35 per person, excellent value for a four-hour layover. The flights themselves were also surprisingly comfortable, making for a very smooth start to the trip.

Hanoi – Chaos, Culture, and Character

Hanoi is one of those cities that hits you immediately – busy, chaotic, but completely captivating.

There’s a fascinating blend of Asian energy and French colonial influence in the architecture, and as someone who enjoys history, it’s hard not to be drawn in. Every street feels like it has a story.

One of the highlights here was the motorbike tour with the famous “Top Gear ladies”. Sitting on the back of a bike weaving through the traffic sounds slightly mad – and it is – but it’s also one of the best ways to experience the city. Huge credit to my driver, who somehow managed to keep us upright despite having me perched on the back.

We also explored local markets, sampled street food, and experienced a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter, which gives you a completely different perspective on the city.

One of the more memorable evenings was a hands-on cooking experience. It turns out my ability to make Vietnamese spring rolls is, at best, questionable – but it was great fun and a brilliant way to connect with the group. As with so much in Vietnam, the food was fresh, simple, and packed with flavour.

G Adventures also integrates meaningful local experiences here, including visits to social enterprises supported by Planeterra – their non-profit organisation focused on ensuring tourism benefits local communities.

Ha Long Bay – Vietnam at Its Most Iconic

From Hanoi, we travelled to Ha Long Bay – and it really is every bit as impressive as you imagine.

We stayed overnight on one of G Adventures’ newer boats, and the standard was excellent. Comfortable cabins, great food, and – importantly – a route that avoids the busiest, most crowded areas of the bay.

Kayaking through the limestone karsts, swimming in the bay, and then watching the sunset from the top deck with a drink in hand… it’s one of those moments that sticks with you.

The evening entertainment? Let’s just say the karaoke got progressively worse as the night went on – but that’s all part of the experience.

Hoi An – Colour, Craft, and a Slower Pace

After flying south via Da Nang (with a quick stop for a bánh mì – the Vietnamese take on a French baguette, and one of the best sandwiches you’ll ever have), we arrived in Hoi An.

This is easily one of my favourite spots in Vietnam.

The lantern-lit streets, the riverside setting, the tailoring shops – it’s vibrant without being overwhelming. There’s a real charm to the place.

We visited one of the tailors made famous by Top Gear, and I ended up having a custom jacket made – and I have to say, I’m very pleased with how it turned out.

Experiences here also included visits to local markets and a fantastic noodle-making experience at Oodles of Noodles – a Planeterra-supported project that helps provide opportunities and support for vulnerable young people in the community. It’s a great example of how G Adventures builds responsible travel into the itinerary in a very natural, meaningful way.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Energy on Another Level

Saigon is a completely different pace again.

Where Hanoi feels historic and layered, Ho Chi Minh City is modern, fast-moving, and full of energy. Skyscrapers, rooftop bars, and a real sense of momentum.

One of the standout experiences here was a cyclo tour around the city. It was incredible to pass so many iconic locations that you recognise from Vietnam War photography – places that, remarkably, still look much the same today. Seeing them in person gives a real sense of perspective and history that you simply don’t get from books or documentaries.

We also enjoyed a sunset boat trip along the river – a great way to take in the skyline – before heading out to experience the nightlife on walking street, which is buzzing from start to finish.

Mekong Delta – A Glimpse of Local Life

The Mekong Delta was a real highlight for me.

We travelled by boat through the waterways, visited a local producer making rice paper, and then explored the island by bike – a really relaxed way to see daily life away from the cities.

After the cycle, we visited a homestay where we learned how to cook traditional Mekong pancakes. The food throughout the trip was excellent, but this was a standout experience – simple, authentic, and genuinely memorable.

The People – What Really Makes Vietnam

One thing that stood out throughout the entire trip was just how warm and welcoming the Vietnamese people are.

Everywhere we went, we were met with genuine hospitality – whether it was local guides, small business owners, or families welcoming us into their homes. It adds a completely different dimension to the experience and is a big part of what makes Vietnam so special.

What Makes G Adventures Different

G Adventures don’t just focus on the headline sights – they focus on how you experience them.

Small groups, knowledgeable local guides, and a strong emphasis on supporting local communities through initiatives like Planeterra all combine to create something that feels far more immersive than a typical tour.

Whether it’s hands-on craft workshops, food experiences, or community-based tourism, you can see how their approach ensures that travel has a positive impact locally as well as for the traveller.

For more information on their tours and styles click here - https://travelcounsellors.foleon.com/2025-product-showcase/g-adventures-2025/

Final Thoughts

This trip reinforced two things for me.

Firstly, Vietnam is an outstanding destination. The variety between north and south, the food, the culture, the history – it really has everything.

Secondly, G Adventures are a fantastic option for clients who want something immersive, social, and well-organised without feeling overly structured.

What also really stands out is the breadth of what they offer. Whether you’re looking for something more adventurous, more comfortable, more social, or more in-depth culturally, they’ve built a range of travel styles designed to suit different types of travellers – but all with that same core focus on small groups, local experiences, and meaningful travel .

A big thank you as well to our guide, Huy, who was an absolute legend throughout, and to the group – I came away with some great new friendships.

If Vietnam is on your list, I can’t recommend it highly enough – and I’d be more than happy to help you find the right style of trip to suit you.