I loved the French inspired fusion of food, the mix of the two is a superb kismet. I love the food, the people, and the architecture. Here’s what I got up to.

First stop Hanoi. After circling in the air for an hour and a half, I was concerned about running out of fuel or being diverted, I finally made it to the ground. There my boyfriend was waiting at the carousel for me, smiling while I was covered in sweat.

I loved Hanoi, the food was incredible and fresh. It was terrifying crossing the streets.

The people and culture are genuinely beautiful. The coffee culture is phenomenal, with so much choice. Traditionally it’s mixed with condensed milk. Hair washing is a big thing here, it takes an hour, you lay on a bed, it’s absolutely incredible. So I did experience that, and my husband got a foot massage.

What I Would Do Different:

1. Skip Ha Long Bay and go to Hoi An instead.
2. Check when typhoon season is! We had 3 typhoons in 2 weeks.

Where to Stay:

HANOI - Sofitel Metropole Hotel

HOI AN - Four Seasons Resort

HO CHI MINH - Park Hyatt Saigon

Next we took a 2 ½ hr drive down to Ha Long Bay to stay on a luxury cruise for 2 nights. Now people I am not a boatie or a cruiser, so I didn’t really know what to expect. Everything I researched online was absolute bs.

Not going to name and shame because the people are beautiful and I don’t want to cause any harm, but I just wish that people were honest and I would’ve been more prepared and taken my own food. It was awful, but not only that, the whole vibe of people running to the buffet and it was gone in like 1 minute. We went to breakfast at 6am and there was nothing left. They didn’t replenish it, it was all old, I can’t even go on.

Our cabin was gorgeous. The water was very busy with boats, people were saying don’t swim in there as it’s polluted, which put a bit of a damper on things.

Yes it’s beautiful scenery, but in  my opinion don’t do a cruise on Ha Long Bay. Maybe a speedboat day trip instead. Also it’s not good for people who suffer from vertigo or motion sickness. I would love a sunset cruise for an hour or two, but would not stay the night again. It wasn’t for me!

Sonya’s travel tips

1. If you get a tummy ache (trust me on this, I was a long haul hostie), have a can of Coke. Make yourself drink at least a couple of mouthfuls, I don’t know why but it’s great for migraines and tummy bugs.
2. Try to cross the road with a local. The worst thing you can do is stop. The traffic is fantastic at going around you there, but stopping causes havoc.
3. Pho is for breakfast. A beautiful fragrant vegetarian pho for breakfast is gorgeous. Also take advantage of the stunning fruit. And of course the mangoes!
4. If you can afford it, arrange a hotel driver to pick you up. And book fast track through the airport, it saved me 1 ½ hrs in the lines for immigration and security.
5. Of course this baby went everywhere with me! I would apply Glory Cream with mascara and go out. No makeup, just dewy skin!
6. I recommend taking a rickshaw (xích lô) to get around Hanoi, it’s terrifying but so fun! Confirm the price before you start.

Last stop, Ho Chi Minh City. I was reading my book and felt a calm and peaceful undercurrent in the energy there. There isn’t a strong religion there, and a cleanliness and order that feels very peaceful. I did the red bus tour which I thought was very informative.

It felt very cosmopolitan, and I bought some great clothing which I thought was quite edgy. Yet having said that, I didn’t pick up a strong western undercurrent; there weren’t many fast food chains, the restaurants are incredible. There’s so much greenery and lushness and orchids. The streets are clean and safe, it feels very different to Hanoi, almost like a different country.

You must visit Vietnam when you get the chance!

Sonya x