If you’re looking to travel to South East Asia but are tired of the typical Thailand trip, then look no further for a quick getaway to Vietnam.
I visited this beautiful country for about two weeks and fell in love with it. Rich in culture, heritage coupled by friendly people - it was hard not to.
I visited Ho Chi Minh city for about three days, where I spent the first day just walking around the busy streets! Traffic is bad! This was partially the reason I chose to walk everywhere but it was a great excuse to take the city in all its glory. Also, this city really comes to life at night! If I could describe it, it would be chaotic, noisy and busy - just the way I like a city to be!
On my second day, I visited the Independence Palace to learn about the history of it, especially during the war. The rooms still have the original furniture and the bunkers built during the time of war are fascinating to look at.
My day ended with going to the opera house which is at Dong Khoi street where we watched a traditional Vietnamese show. This was a beautiful French colonial building which is worth looking at even if you don’t get a chance to go inside.
On my third day, I decided to check out the shops, so I walked all around DK street, checked out the malls and art galleries. However, where I really enjoyed myself was the famous Ban Than market. Stretching across multiple streets, it was easy to get lost as almost a thousand visitors come visit this market every day to buy something or the other. Stalls offer almost everything from jewelry, to clothes, linens, souvenirs to Vietnamese coffee.
Since I was only in Ho Chi Minh for 3 days, I didn’t get a chance to check out the Chi Chi tunnels and some of the other sites but it’s a great excuse to visit again.
Where to Stay: intercontinental. This was a great hotel and amazing location as you were right in the middle of everything and all the shops, the palace, and cafes were in walking distance.
Where to Eat: since I love seafood and crabs, I was so happy I found Jumbo seafood! Everything is delicious! Au parc was a lovely discover for breakfast and brunch - with an extensive menu and a gorgeous ambience, this was one of my favorites. Apart from that, street food should be on your list to really indulge in authentic Vietnamese food!
My favourite part of the trip was going to the intercontinental resort in Danang which is also one of the top resorts in South East Asia!
I spent a week here and honestly could have stayed longer. An idyllic beautiful resort with private infinity pools and a beach it was the perfect way to relax. It also had one of the best spas ( a bit pricey obviously) and I kept ending up back there almost every other day for either a massage or a facial! It was heaven. Apart from that, every restaurant was to die for! Ranging from a Michelin star French restaurant to the “long bar” by the beach for burgers and pizzas, this resort catered to everyone. I particularly looked forward to breakfast every day as the citron restaurant has only 4 elevated tables outside where you overlooked the beach. This resort was every Instagrammer’s dream!
As we were in the resort for a week, we took a day trip to Hoi An- a gorgeous quaint town which is also a UNESCO heritage site. Tiny streets filled with colourful lanterns hanging and bougainvillea flowers I spent hours just walking around and admiring everything around me.
Also - I shopped here the most! With tons of art galleries that have beautiful Vietnamese art that aren’t mass produced, I ended up grabbing so many paintings! Apart from the art, Hoi An is surrounded by tons of cafes that serve delicious Vietnamese coffee and tiny shops filled with souvenirs etc.
Another day trip that I recommend is Bana hills! Going up a cable that is x ft high you reach a French village that is literally amongst the clouds! The famous golden hands bridge is here where you can take tons of pictures!
Warning- after 8 am this bridge is packed with tourists trying to get the perfect shot.
