One Week in Vietnam: My Honest, Hilarious Journey from North to South
Vietnam, You Had Me at Phở
Traveling through Vietnam is like being dropped into a living watercolor painting, equal parts vibrant, chaotic, heartwarming, and spicy. Over one whirlwind week, I made my way from the historic charm of Hanoi to the beachy bliss of Da Nang and finally to the pulsating heartbeat of Ho Chi Minh City. I kayaked through limestone karsts, overpaid at a coconut village, accidentally became a fashion influencer in Hoi An, and got yelled at by airport security about my shoes (more than once).
Here’s my honest, sometimes ridiculous, always heartfelt Vietnam travel itinerary and why I’m already planning my return.
Day 1: Hello Hanoi – Where Chaos Meets Charm
My journey kicked off with a VietJet Air flight from Bali to Hanoi, a surprisingly chill 5-hour hop that landed us just before midnight. Immigration was fast, luggage came out on time (shocking!), and our hotel-arranged pick-up meant zero stress. Shout out to whoever at the front desk decided airport transfers should be a thing.
We stayed in the lively Oakwater neighborhood, and after settling into our cozy room, I fell asleep to the soundtrack of motorbikes and distant karaoke. Welcome to Vietnam.
Day 2: Ha Long Bay – Beautiful, But I’ve Seen Better
Early the next morning, we hopped on a plush “limousine bus” (because apparently that’s what they call vans here) and made our way to the dreamy Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels like something out of Avatar.
There’s no denying Ha Long Bay is beautiful, towering limestone karsts, still waters, mysterious caves. But as I kayaked through the bay and soaked it all in, I couldn’t help but think of Misool in Raja Ampat. It has a similar landscape but without the crowds or boat traffic. Misool feels untouched, while Ha Long Bay, stunning as it is, felt a bit more packaged.
Highlights:
A pearl farm stop, where I bought a pair of earrings and necklace, I know, I’m a sucker for pearls.
A massive limestone cave that looked like nature went wild with a glue gun and glitter.
Kayaking through surreal karst landscapes that made me question reality.
Swimming off a hidden beach, water was murky, but the vibes were immaculate.
Lunch on the boat that reminded me Vietnamese cuisine is criminally underrated.
Would I come back? Honestly… probably not. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t have a great time. I made new friends on the boat, and our local guide Tommy was a gem: funny, knowledgeable, and full of heart. The driver who took us to and from Hanoi was also a sweetheart, checking in to make sure everyone was comfortable.
Day 3: Goodbye Hanoi, Hello Da Nang (with a VIP Lunch in Between)
My last morning in Hanoi involved wandering the Old Quarter, sipping fresh coconut juice while watching a train roll by inches from my feet at the iconic Train Street, and finding out that Hanoi money changers are way more trustworthy than the ones back home (looking at you, Bali airport).
Oh, and I casually had lunch with the ambassador of Timor Leste for Vietnam, who’s my mom’s friend. No big deal. She invited me to stay at her house next time I visit Hanoi. I will definitely take her up on that!
Instead of a 20-hour train ride that I had previously tempted doing, I took the faster route: a Pacific Airlines flight to Da Nang. Captain Ben, if you're reading this: you're the MVP of smooth landings. The hotel pick-up, again booked via Booking.com, was seamless. My river-view room at Star City Hotel? Glorious.
Dinner? Ordered through GrabFood, eaten in bed, wearing a face mask. It’s called balance.
Day 4: Basket Boats, Hoi An, and the Art of Getting Ripped Off Politely
I started the morning walking along the Han River before booking a half-day car with a driver. We communicated solely through Google Translate, which led to some pretty poetic misunderstandings.
The afternoon? A chaotic but hilarious visit to Cam Thanh coconut village, where I paid 750,000 VND to ride a basket boat while others paid 200k. Painful. But the tiny old lady rowing my boat was so enthusiastic I tipped her another 100k. (It’s fine. I’ve emotionally recovered.)
Next, I explored the magical lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, bought a dress, sandals, and enough keychains to open a souvenir shop. This city has my heart and possibly my wallet.
Day 5: Beach Bum Bliss in Da Nang
After a lazy morning walk through Tran Phu Street, I grabbed lunch at Indochina Mall before heading to My Khe Beach, Vietnam’s answer to Bondi.
I sipped a gin and tonic at Maia Beach Bar, lounged on beanbags, and contemplated life while staring at the ocean. Did they run out of half the menu? Yes. Did I care? Not really.
Later that night, I cleaned up and went for dinner at a cozy Vietnamese restaurant near my hotel. I feasted on vegetarian spring rolls, tofu with lemongrass and chili, and a fragrant bowl of pho chay (vegan pho). Delicious, satisfying, and aligned with my values; because nope, I don’t eat octopus, never have, and never will. It just doesn’t feel morally right. Those eight-legged ocean geniuses deserve to live their best cephalopod lives. (Yup the restaurant served octopus, unfortunately).
Day 6: Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh – Culture Shock, in the Best Way
At the airport, I got politely yelled at for forgetting to take off my shoes again. Apparently, it’s a thing here. Good to know.
The flight to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) was short, sweet, and very much not Da Nang. As someone who have lived in Jakarta, HCMC felt oddly familiar; loud, fast, chaotic, and full of energy.
Checked into Silverland Jolie Hotel, took a long nap, and made it to the rooftop bar just in time for happy hour. Then had dinner at Home Saigon, highly recommend, and explored Bui Vien Walking Street, where the music was loud, the beer was cheap, and I realized I’m too old for 3 a.m. clubbing. I took my tired, content self back to the hotel like the grandma I am.
Day 7: Xich Lo, French Architecture, and a Final Bowl of Phở
Started the day with breakfast and a room view of the Saigon River. I booked a Xich Lo tour (basically a bicycle rickshaw) from the Saigon Opera House through to Ben Thanh Market, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Independence Palace, and the Central Post Office.
It cost me just $10 and was the perfect low-energy way to soak in the city’s charm. My driver even gave me fun historical facts that Google would never bother telling you.
As I checked out of the hotel, I felt a familiar pang, that heavy-heart moment when a trip you didn’t want to end... ends.
Vietnam, You Were So Good to Me
I’ve traveled a lot and Vietnamese people are among the kindest I’ve ever met: warm, helpful, generous with their time and smiles, even when we didn’t share a common language. From the sweet hotel receptionist in Da Nang to the elderly woman rowing my basket boat in Cam Thanh (and still out-rowing everyone else), I felt genuinely safe and appreciated everywhere I went.
The language barrier never felt like a wall, just a gentle hill we climbed together, often with the help of Google Translate, hand gestures, and lots of laughing. It made the connections feel even more real.
As my plane lifted off from Ho Chi Minh and I mentally prepared for Singapore, I thought back on all the misadventures, laughter, overcharges, genuine kindness, and culinary highs Vietnam had given me in just 7 days. It was messy. It was beautiful. It was mine.
Next time? I’m staying longer. Maybe even for a few months. Vietnam, I’m not just a visitor anymore. I’m smitten.
Vietnam Travel Tips From a Newly-Minted Superfan
Always confirm prices beforehand, especially in coconut villages.
Use Grab for food and transport. It’s a lifesaver.
Tipping goes a long way, especially with enthusiastic old boat ladies.
Packing tip: Loose, airy clothes + good walking shoes + swimwear.
Don’t skip Hoi An, even if it’s just for the photo ops.
Thank you for reading and now back to happily roaming!