A Journey Through Vietnam – From Hanoi’s Harmony to the Heartbeat of the Mekong

May 2025

There are journeys that entertain, and then there are those that change you. My recent trip to Vietnam as part of the North American Agent Fam: Vietnam 2025 with Intrepid Travel was undoubtedly the latter. Traveling the length of the country—from the stately calm of Hanoi to the vibrant pulse of Ho Chi Minh City—offered more than sights and sounds. It was a tapestry of culture, resilience, beauty, and soul.

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

As my plane descended into Hanoi early in the morning on May 3rd, I felt a quiet excitement. The city met me with warm air and a sense of history in every breeze. I met a colleague on my arrival flight into Hanoi so once we were checked in, we hit the ground running! We checked out the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070 by Emperor Le Thanh Tong, the attractive complex is dedicated to the Qufu-born philosopher Confucius (Khong Tu) and was the site of Vietnam’s first university, Quoc Tu Giam (1076). The altars are popular with students praying for good grades, while the halls, ponds and gardens of the five courtyards make picturesque backdrops for student graduation photos. The temple is depicted on the 100,000d note.

We also visited the Hanoi Hilton, officially known as Hỏa Lò Prison, a notorious prison in Hanoi, Vietnam, originally built by the French in the late 19th century to house Vietnamese political prisoners. During the Vietnam War, it gained infamy as a site where captured American pilots and soldiers—most notably Senator John McCain—were imprisoned and reportedly subjected to harsh conditions and torture. American POWs mockingly nicknamed it the "Hanoi Hilton." Today, part of the prison has been preserved as a museum, serving as a stark reminder of both colonial oppression and the brutal realities of wartime captivity. I have a photo album dedicated to this site on Wood Travels private Facebook group, feel free to check those out.

Day 2: Free Time & A Gentle Welcome in the Evening

That evening, our group gathered for a welcome dinner at KOTO Restaurant, a social enterprise that empowers disadvantaged youth through hospitality training. As I tasted my first authentic Vietnamese meal, I realized this trip would not just be about seeing a country—it would be about meeting its beautiful and resilient people, and hearing their stories.

Accommodation: The Q Hotel

Day 3: Halong Bay – Sailing Through a Dream

The drive to Ha Long Bay revealed Vietnam’s lush countryside in shades of green I hadn’t known existed. Boarding the La Pandora Cruise, I was immediately captivated. Towering limestone karsts rose from emerald waters like ancient guardians of a sacred land. Kayaking through quiet lagoons and sharing stories on the sundeck, I felt suspended in a world between earth and sky. Sunset over the bay was nothing short of magical.

We were privileged to come across a family of 9 Cat Ba langur primates, two of which were babies. This primate is critically endangered, with only an estimated 70 to 80 individuals remaining in the wild. This makes it one of the rarest primates in the world.

Accommodation: La Pandora Cruise – Suite Balcony

Day 4: From Halong to Hoi An – A Tapestry of Time

We woke gently to the soft rhythm of water and morning Tai Chi. After a final farewell to Halong Bay, we returned to Hanoi and flew south to Danang, then transferred to Hoi An—a town that felt like walking into a painting. Hoi An was hands-down my favorite city! Maybe walking around by myself was the charming part, taking in the lantern-lit boats, the music, the great beer, and exchanging smiles with strangers. There's something wonderful about sharing a snapshot in time with others you do not know. And it never ceases to amaze me that most strangers you meet along your travels are good people.

Accommodation: Mulberry Collection Silk Village – Charm Villa

Day 5: Hoi An – Where History Whispers

That afternoon, we explored Hoi An’s Old Town—a UNESCO World Heritage site—with its lantern-lined streets and centuries-old architecture. From crossing the Japanese Covered Bridge to sipping tea in silence at the Reaching Out Tea House, it was a day of quiet reflection and cultural immersion. The tea house, staffed by members of the deaf and mute community, offered a powerful reminder that the most meaningful conversations don’t require words.

Day 6: My Son Sanctuary

We headed to My Son Sanctuary, a cluster of ancient Hindu temples in central Vietnam, built by the Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 13th centuries. Dedicated primarily to Shiva, the temples reflect strong Indian influence and were an important religious and cultural center for the Cham people. Over centuries, many structures were damaged by time and war—particularly during the Vietnam War—but the site remains a powerful symbol of Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. In 1999, Mỹ Sơn was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical and architectural significance.

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City – Stories Beneath the Surface

An early flight brought us to Ho Chi Minh City, where we dove into history and modernity alike. From the poignant War Remnants Museum to the lesser-known Saigon Commandos House, this city revealed stories of resistance, resilience, and rebirth. This site left most in tears, which was quite unexpected yet fully understandable. Again, Wood Travel's private Facebook group has many photographs of this historical site.

The colonial-era Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office gave architectural echoes of the past, while the buzz of scooters and street stalls hinted at Vietnam’s vibrant future.

Half of our group chose to do a Vespa city tour which included food and beer stops! We had designated drivers and jumped on the back to take in the sites, smells and sounds of the city. We had the most fun!!!

Accommodation: Huong Sen Annex Hotel – Deluxe Room

Day 8: The Mekong Delta – Life in Motion

On our final full day, we journeyed to the Mekong Delta, often called the “rice bowl of Vietnam.” Drifting by boat through winding waterways, we visited Ben Tre, tasted coconut candy and tropical fruits, and met locals whose lives are rooted in river rhythms. A bicycle tour through the villages offered a glimpse into daily life—simple, grounded, and deeply connected to nature.

We met with two separate families along the way. First, we met a couple who made straw mats. They were so sweet and full of smles. I was invited to help make a mat and let me tell you - this was much harder than it looked!

Second,"Uncle" ran a distillery with his wife so we tasted some wonderful homemade wines! Uncle was full of smiles the entire time, and sang songs for us while playing his guitar. He was a gentle spirit, despite the harsh life he had lived. Uncle lost his leg after a land mine blast during the Cambodian war while helping to fight off the Khmer Rouge. I felt instantly drawn to this man and admired his grace and kindness. I found myself crying quietly after leaving his place.

That evening, at our farewell dinner, we shared laughter and reflections. Vietnam had opened itself to us, and in doing so, it opened something within each of us.

Day 9: A Bittersweet Goodbye

With most of the group leaving today, we said goodbye and then three of us remaining headed out to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This was an incredible day trip and well worth every moment spent. I have a Facebook Post with many pictures and historical details; feel free to check that out as well.

After we returned to the city, we got ready for a fancy night out at the Hotel D'es Artes Skybar. Taking in the sunset while enjoying some spectacular food and beverages on the 27th floor was exactly the way we wanted to spend our last evening. We returned to our hotel, snuck up to our own rooftop pool, flipped the sign to closed, and cracked open some 7/11 brews to wind our evening down. What a lovely way to connect before saying goodbye in the morning.

Day 10: Departure

On May 13th, with a heart full of memories and a phone full of photos, I headed to the airport, had my visa corrected, and boarded my flight home. I flew into Hong Kong, raced to find my gate as I had 15 minutes, and settled in nicely for my 11-hour flight to Vancouver. I spent some time in the Vancouver lounge and then boarded my final flight home to Calgary. I was greeted with a lovely surprise as the love of my life was there waiting for me, knowing this was an emotional journey for me.

Take-Aways

The Country: I am in love with Vietnam! From the busy vibe of the cities to the tranquil countryside, Vietnam is a lovely country, and I will be back. It is very inexpensive to travel here, and I felt incredibly safe even when walking alone.

Tour Operator: This tour was operated by Intrepid Tours. While I had no dealings with them previously, I wanted to see what they were all about. They are most definitely budget-focused and a bit lacking in their details. While their price point is most certainly attractive, it does not account for all the many inclusions they do not provide. This will easily double your price, not to mention become a real pain to periodically have to go looking for an ATM you can trust. In that regard, I feel as though there are so many better products out there that offer all the inclusions at comparable price points, without all the fuss and uncertainty.

Accommodations: While all accommodations were safe and, for the most part, clean, they were tired and old and in need of refurbishing. Hotels were in relatively good areas despite being a bit far from the must-see attractions. This is reflected in the price point. The only accommodation I truly enjoyed was in Hoi An, despite it being farthest from the areas we wanted to be in.

In Destination Representatives: I genuinely enjoyed meeting most of the representatives, but at times it felt like they were working too hard to verbally sell the company by putting down competitors, rather than letting the product speak for itself. I recognize that the travel industry offers a wide variety of business models, and it’s my role to sort through those options to find the best fit for my clients.

This particular company does seem to have a clear target demographic: travelers on a tighter budget, those who prefer a more independent touring style with minimal daily support, and those who are comfortable covering out-of-pocket expenses as they go, though those costs can add up quickly. In my experience, budget-conscious travelers typically want to avoid surprise charges, especially when it might mean missing out on a unique experience they may never have the chance to do again. These unexpected expenses can stretch a budget uncomfortably and potentially affect the overall travel experience.

Final Thoughts

This journey—Vietnam Express Southbound—was a whirlwind of texture and taste, of solemn remembrance and joyous celebration. From Hanoi’s historic calm to Halong’s majestic stillness, from the cultural charm of Hoi An to the electric heartbeat of Ho Chi Minh City, every step reminded me of Vietnam’s complexity, beauty, and strength.

For anyone considering this itinerary: go. Not just to see, but to feel. Vietnam doesn’t just welcome you—it changes you. I know I will be back, and I will find the courage to get to Cambodia as well. Indochina holds a special place in my heart, and I truly feel at home in this region of the world.

Until next time, Vietnam—cam on (Thank you).