Vietnam - A Journey Through Timeless Beauty and Modern Wonder
When you’ve spent years selling a destination you’ve never seen, finally stepping foot there feels surreal. As a travel counsellor, I’ve spoken passionately about Vietnam to countless clients but this time, I had the privilege of experiencing it for myself. Earlier this year, I was honoured to be invited on our annual Gold Trip, a well-deserved celebration for top-performing counsellors. The destination? Hanoi, Vietnam’s charming capital steeped in history, culture, and life at every turn.
Exploring Hanoi: Where Old Meets New
Our four-day “conference” in Hanoi was really two hours of formalities and four days of exploring this fascinating city. We stayed at the elegant Sofitel Legend Metropole, a historic gem that perfectly captures the essence of old-world charm and French colonial sophistication.
We were originally due to cruise Hạ Long Bay, but Mother Nature had other plans. A typhoon swept through, forcing a last-minute change. Thankfully, our wonderful ground partners, Wide Eyed Tours, came to the rescue, reimagining our itinerary with creativity and care so that we didn’t miss a beat.
One of the highlights was a Jeep Safari through Hanoi, a unique and exhilarating way to see the city. We zipped past markets, narrow alleys, and the iconic French Quarter, watching daily life unfold around us. Later, we took a day trip to Ninh Bình, sometimes called “Hạ Long Bay on land,” where limestone karsts rise dramatically from rice paddies and tranquil rivers. The landscapes were straight out of a painting.
Evenings were a mix of fine dining and local charm. Hanoi’s nightlife and culinary scene impressed me, think cozy rooftop bars, fragrant street food, and the hum of scooters filling the night air.
After our time in the city, my colleague and I extended our stay to see more of Vietnam’s heartland. We ventured about four hours southwest to Mai Châu, a peaceful valley surrounded by mountains and home to many ethnic hill tribes.
We checked into the stunning Avana Retreat, an eco-luxury haven perched amidst rice terraces and forest. The views took my breath away. Our days were spent hiking through local villages with a knowledgeable guide, meeting warm, welcoming locals, and soaking in the slow rhythm of rural Vietnam.
In the afternoons, we relaxed by the infinity pool, where the horizon melted into the lush green valley, a memory that will stay with me forever.
From
Mai Châu, we travelled to Ninh Bình for a night at the lovely Aravinda Resort.
Having already visited on a day trip earlier in the week, it was wonderful to
unwind here and see it at a slower pace. With its emerald waterways, jagged
cliffs, and serene temples, Ninh Bình is a dream for photographers and nature
lovers alike.
Our
final northern stop was Hạ Long Bay, which we had missed earlier due to the
storm. I’m so glad we made the effort to return, it was absolutely worth it.
From
the north, we flew south to Đà Nẵng and drove straight to Hội An, the jewel of
central Vietnam. This UNESCO-listed town feels like a step back in time with
its yellow-painted houses, hanging lanterns, and riverside cafés.
Our
final stop was Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), a bustling metropolis that couldn’t
be more different from Hanoi. If Hanoi is historic and romantic, Ho Chi Minh is
bold, energetic, and cosmopolitan, the New York of the East.
Vietnam
exceeded every expectation. From tranquil valleys to lively cities, from
timeless traditions to modern luxury, it’s a country that captures the heart of
every traveller.