Three Weeks, One Country, Endless Vietnam
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
I spent three weeks travelling through Vietnam, starting in the capital, Hanoi. From the moment I arrived, I was thrown straight into the chaos of the Old Quarter — a maze of narrow streets buzzing with scooters, street food stalls and constant movement. It felt overwhelming at first, but in the best possible way.
From Hanoi, I booked an excursion to Halong Bay — a place I’d seen in photos for years and one of the main reasons Vietnam had been calling to me in the first place. There are plenty of options, but I chose a two-night, three-day trip that included a stay on the boat followed by a night on one of the islands. It was everything I’d hoped for and more. The further we sailed into the bay, the more dramatic it became, with towering limestone cliffs rising out of emerald-green water. Every turn felt postcard-perfect. We explored caves, kayaked past floating villages, and watched the landscape change with the light. It was one of those moments where you realise the photos really don’t do it justice.
After returning to Hanoi, I began making my way south by train — a journey that felt like a trip in itself. I stopped briefly in Hue to break up the distance before continuing on to Hoi An, an ancient town that quickly became one of my favourite places in Vietnam. After the intensity of the cities, Hoi An felt calm and charming. It’s famous for its markets, lantern-lit streets and tailors, where you can have suits and dresses made for surprisingly little. It also has beautiful nearby beaches, making it the perfect mix of culture and downtime. I spent days wandering, eating, swimming and soaking up the slower pace.
From there, I continued south to Nha Trang, a lively beach resort town ideal for more sun-soaked days and tourist attractions like waterparks. But it also has quieter, more local experiences if you look for them. One of the highlights was Thap Ba Spa, where I soaked in a traditional mud bath before washing it all away in the thermal hot springs — equal parts relaxing and wonderfully strange.
Eventually, I left the coast behind and headed inland to Da Lat, a mountain town that showed me a completely different side of Vietnam. Surrounded by rolling valleys, pine forests and endless coffee plantations, Da Lat felt worlds away from the tropical beaches. The climate is cooler — jacket weather after weeks in the heat — but it’s the perfect base for exploring rural areas. I tried the infamous weasel coffee (yes, that kind), and wandered through the Crazy House, an eccentric, fairytale-like building that feels more like a dream than a piece of architecture.
After winding my way back down from the mountains, I stopped in Mui Ne for a couple of nights. This small coastal town is known for its vast sand dunes, and arriving there felt like stepping into a completely different landscape. One minute it’s palm trees and scooters, the next it’s endless rolling sand. I took a four-wheel-drive tour out to the dunes, where you can walk across them, try quad biking, or board down the slopes if you’re feeling brave.
My final stop was Ho Chi Minh City — a fitting end to the journey. Big, busy and full of energy, it’s perfect for shopping, nightlife and diving deeper into the history of the Vietnam War through its museums. It was also my last chance to eat my way through as much Vietnamese food as possible, from street-side noodle soups to late-night snacks from local vendors.
Vietnam surprised me at every turn. In just three weeks, I experienced stunning bays and beaches, cool mountain air, bustling cities and quiet rural landscapes. It’s a country of contrasts, resilience and incredible diversity, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking to truly discover Southeast Asia.
Is Vietnam good for first-time travellers to Asia?Yes. Vietnam is welcoming, affordable and rewarding, especially for travellers open to new experiences and flexible travel styles.
Is Vietnam safe for solo travellers and families?Vietnam is generally very safe. Families and solo travellers regularly explore cities and rural areas with confidence.
How long should you spend in Vietnam?Most travellers benefit from at least 10–14 days, though shorter trips focusing on one region can also work well.
Is Vietnam easy to travel around?Yes. Flights, trains and private transfers make it relatively easy to move between destinations, especially with some advance planning.
What should first-time visitors know about Vietnam?Vietnam is lively and busy, especially in cities. Embracing the pace, rather than fighting it, leads to a more enjoyable experience.
