MY VIETNAM TRIP

What if one journey could take you from ancient dynasties to floating markets, jungle temples to street food heaven—all in one unforgettable country?

My journey to Vietnam began as a work obligation — I was attending a conference. But once the event wrapped up, a few of us decided to make the most of the international airfare (generously covered by the company!) and turn it into a leisure trip. We entrusted the task of planning the itinerary to a friend — more like gently nudged her into the role. While she bore the responsibility, we weren’t exactly holding her accountable if things went sideways. After all, our flights were already paid for — how bad could it be?

Now, do I usually believe in pleasant surprises? Not always. But this time, Vietnam completely exceeded expectations. The trip turned out to be both delightful and surprisingly affordable.

I must confess — my first awareness of Vietnam came not from schoolbooks or news stories, but from Tamil cinema. There was a stage play-turned-film called Vietnam Veedu Sundaram, inspired by Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. It was through that title I first learned that a country named Vietnam even existed. At the time, Vietnam was engulfed in conflict, and the protagonist of the play faced emotional turmoil of his own — a symbolic parallel. The house he lived in was named "Vietnam," and Sundaram was both the playwright and the central character. So the title Vietnam Veedu Sundaram roughly translates to “Vietnam House Sundaram” — a poetic nod to both a place and a state of mind.

Growing up, our education didn’t offer much insight into Vietnam — no gripping stories or historical anecdotes — just a distant name. So when I finally set foot in this vibrant land, it felt like discovering a chapter I'd unknowingly skipped.

Even though the trip turned out to be excellent, in retrospect, I wouldn’t recommend such an audacious approach to anyone. Entrusting one person with the entire travel plan — without clarity, backup, or accountability — is not exactly a template for smooth logistics. We were lucky. Things could have gone sideways.

That said, it’s precisely because it worked out so well — against the odds — that I feel compelled to share the story of my visit. Vietnam wasn’t just a beautiful destination; it was a revelation. A country I once only knew through a Tamil stage play became a living, breathing experience full of culture, flavour, and surprise. And so, here begins my journey through Vietnam — a story I hope will inform, entertain, and perhaps even inspire your next travel chapter.

Now coming to the visit itself…..

VISA & OTHER TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Basically, citizens of many countries are eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) in Vietnam, typically for stays of 15 to 30 days, depending on nationality and purpose of visit. However, as a good practice, we always recommend obtaining your visa in advance for a few important reasons:

Fewer surprises at the airport – With pre-approval or an e-visa, you're less likely to face delays or confusion upon arrival.

Complete documentation – Some airlines may not allow boarding without proof of a visa or pre-approval letter.

Faster immigration clearance – Visa on Arrival still requires standing in a separate queue to get the visa stamped before reaching passport control.

Smooth travel experience – If you're entering via a land border or non-major airport, VOA may not be available.

In short, while Visa on Arrival is convenient and available to many, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a stress-free start to your Vietnam adventure.

I won’t be diving into all the travel essentials in this post, but I do want to highlight a couple of practical points about Vietnam’s electrical system and medications — things that can quietly derail a trip if overlooked.

Vietnam uses a 220V, 50Hz electrical system, and the common plug types are Type A, C, and F. It's worth doing a quick check to see which type of adapter your devices will need — especially if you’re carrying phones, laptops, or camera gear.

If you’re on long-term medication, be sure to carry enough to last your entire trip, as the exact formula or brand may not be available locally. And one more thing: pack an extra pair of spectacles (or contact lenses, if you use them) — just in case something breaks or goes missing mid-journey. These small preparations can make a big difference.

WHEN TO VISIT?

Vietnam’s geography is incredibly diverse, and the best time to visit truly depends on the region you plan to explore. That said, if you're looking for a sweet spot with mild temperatures, lower humidity, and minimal risk of typhoons, the overall best times to visit are from March to April and September to November.

AIRPORT TRANSFER & WHERE TO STAY?

If you're on an organized tour or your hotel offers complimentary airport pickup, then getting into the city is simple and straightforward. But for independent travellers starting their Vietnam journey in Hanoi — as ours did — here’s what to know: there’s currently no metro connection between Noi Bai International Airport and the city centre. One is under construction and is expected to be operational by 2030.

We opted for a taxi to the city centre, which cost around USD 15 for three of us with moderate luggage — quick and hassle-free. However, there are cheaper alternatives:

• Airport Shuttle Buses: About USD 2 per person, comfortable and convenient.

• Express Bus #86 to the Old Quarter: Around USD 1.50, great if you’re carrying luggage.

• Local City Buses: Extremely budget-friendly at around 30 cents USD, though slower and best suited for light packers.

If your journey begins in Ho Chi Minh City instead of Hanoi, the situation remains similar: there’s currently no metro connecting Tan Son Nhat International Airport to the city centre, although a line is under construction — with no confirmed completion date yet.

Getting into the city is still easy with several reliable options:

• Taxi: The most convenient choice, costing around USD 10.

• Bus 152: The cheapest option at just USD 0.25, running from the airport to Ben Thanh Market, a key tourist hub.

• Bus 109: A comfortable, air-conditioned ride to District 1 for about USD 0.50–0.80.

• Bus 119 or Shuttle Bus 49: Slightly more expensive (USD 0.80–1.70), but ideal for travellers, with English-speaking staff and good connectivity to city points.

Note: While some veterans and older generations in Vietnam may speak French, English is not widely spoken, especially outside major tourist areas. Communication can be a real challenge — from ordering food to asking for directions. For this reason, I strongly recommend booking an organized trip with an English-speaking guide. Ideally, choose a point-to-point, airport-to-airport arrangement, so you're covered throughout the journey and can focus on enjoying the experience without language barriers.

If you are a first timer to Vietnam and are looking at a lively central place with vibe and accommodation at all price levels it is: Hoan Kiem area

If you are looking at a quiet & cultural area at mid-range prices try the Ba Dinh area

Cầu Giấy area is the best for business travellers as it is urban and modern with price range from Budget to mid-range

Hai Bà Trưng area if you are very budget focused

Since most international travellers begin their Vietnam journey in Hanoi, I’ve included a handful of practical details for your arrival and stay there. However, I won't go into similar depth for every destination in this blog, as the focus is more on the overall experience than logistics.

In our pre-packaged itinerary, we’ve featured carefully selected 4-star hotels, ensuring a consistent level of comfort and service. That said, if you have specific preferences or requirements, feel free to reach out to us at contact@wanderwise.me for customized arrangements.

👉 Check out our pre-packaged itinerary here

FOOD PREFERENCES IN VIETNAM

For those open to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, Vietnamese cuisine offers a delightful mix of flavours, textures, and freshness — it’s one of the most balanced and vibrant food cultures in Asia.

Here’s a quick guide to the best-known dishes to try:

Phở (pronounced ‘fuh’): Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup, usually made with a beef (phở bò) or chicken (phở gà) broth, rice noodles, and fresh herbs. A breakfast staple, but available all day.

Bún Chả: A Hanoi specialty: grilled pork patties and slices served in a sweet-sour broth, with rice noodles and herbs on the side. Famously eaten by Obama and Anthony Bourdain!

Bánh Mì: A French-influenced baguette sandwich, usually filled with pork, pâté, pickled veggies, and chili sauce. Can be made vegetarian (bánh mì chay) or egg-based.

Cơm Tấm: “Broken rice” served with grilled meats (often pork chop), a fried egg, pickled veggies, and fish sauce.

Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls): Rice paper rolls packed with shrimp, pork, herbs, and vermicelli, served with hoisin-peanut dipping sauce.

Bánh Xèo: Crispy rice flour crepes filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, folded like a taco and eaten with lettuce and herbs.

Cao Lầu: A specialty of Hoi An — chewy noodles, pork slices, fresh herbs, and crouton-like toppings with minimal broth.

Chả Cá: Hanoi’s famous grilled fish with turmeric and dill, served with noodles and peanuts. Cooked tableside for full drama!

Bún Riêu: Tomato and crab-based noodle soup, tangy and flavourful, often includes tofu and blood pudding (optional!).

Don’t Miss the Drinks!

Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá) – strong drip coffee over condensed milk

Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng) – whipped egg yolk and sugar over hot coffee (tastes like tiramisu!)

For vegetarians:

Vietnam has a long Buddhist tradition, so “chay” (vegetarian) food is common, especially near pagodas and on Buddhist days. Many local restaurants and chains now offer vegetarian-friendly menus in cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hue. Look out for "Cơm chay" (vegetarian rice), "Bún chay" (vegetarian noodles), and "Phở chay" (vegetarian pho).

A word of caution:

Many dishes that look vegetarian are often cooked in fish sauce, shrimp paste, or pork/chicken broth — especially soups and street food. The default assumption in local kitchens is that fish sauce is not non-vegetarian (much like soy sauce in other countries). Even egg and dairy may sneak into supposedly “chay” food unless specifically requested otherwise.

If it is not too difficult, learn to say: "Tôi ăn chay" (I eat vegetarian) or "Không nước mắm, không thịt" (No fish sauce, no meat).

Big cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, and Da Nang have fully vegetarian restaurants — some even advertise “no garlic, no onion” explicitly. Indian restaurants (especially in HCMC and Hanoi) often cater to Jain and pure veg preferences — especially in areas near consulates or tourist spots.

During our time in Vietnam, we often dined at Indian restaurants like Ganesh, Tandoor, and Ashoka. To our pleasant surprise, these places weren’t just popular among Indian travellers — we noticed a steady stream of Western tourists enjoying the cuisine as well, making Indian food a surprising global favourite even in Vietnam.

MOVING AROUND & MODES OF TRANSPORT

During our visit to Vietnam, we were part of an organized tour, with our guide accompanying us for most of the journey. We used local transport on our own only occasionally—understandably so, as communication can be a challenge in Vietnam.

In keeping with our commitment to offering authentic and immersive travel experiences, our tour packages are thoughtfully curated to include a variety of local transportation modes—from metro rides and taxis to ferries, tuk-tuks, and cycle rickshaws—wherever they're relevant. This allows travellers to experience the rhythm of local life and how people actually move around, adding a meaningful layer to the journey.

To avoid unnecessary delays or last-minute disruptions, we typically avoid internal flights, incorporating them only when absolutely necessary. And just to note: Uber does not operate in Vietnam—local alternatives like Grab are widely used instead. Other ride-hailing options in Vietnam include Be, Gojek, and Xanh SM. Regardless of the service provider, English proficiency among drivers tends to be low, with only a few demonstrating moderate familiarity—mostly in major cities or tourist-heavy areas.

IMPORTANT PLACES TO VISIT

As part of our ongoing commitment to crafting deeply immersive and culturally rich travel experiences, our tour programs are thoughtfully curated to reflect not just the sights of a destination, but also the rhythms of daily life. One of the ways we do this is by weaving a variety of local transportation modes into our itineraries—be it zipping through city streets in tuk-tuks, gliding across rivers by ferry, navigating historic districts by cycle rickshaw, or hopping onto metro trains alongside locals. Wherever it enhances the journey, we also use cabs or shared rides, giving you an authentic feel for how people truly get around in each place.

While we generally steer clear of internal flights to minimize travel disruptions, we do make thoughtful exceptions when distances demand it. Our goal is always to prioritize convenience without compromising the local flavour of your journey.

Take Vietnam, for instance—a country where every commute feels like a window into the soul of the place. The transportation infrastructure is both safe and reliable, making it quite feasible even for solo adventurers to explore during their free time. The only occasional hiccup might be communication barriers with local drivers, especially when you venture off on your own. But even these moments can turn into charming stories, thanks to the warmth and helpfulness of the Vietnamese people.

In short, our travel philosophy embraces movement not just as a means to get from point A to B, but as a cultural experience in itself—whether you're cruising past rice paddies on a local bus or bargaining gently for a ride on a motorbike taxi. Vietnam rewards you with moments that are not just seen, but lived.A typical classic Greek itinerary of around 10 days is thoughtfully curated to include the essential highlights of Greece’s ancient and scenic wonders. Our packaged tour focuses on this well-rounded route, covering Athens, Delphi, Meteora, and Olympia on the mainland, followed by the iconic island duo of Mykonos and Santorini. This combination offers a balanced taste of Greece’s rich historical legacy and its sun-kissed island charm.

Vietnam is a country of captivating contrasts, and its key destinations offer something for every kind of traveller. In the north, Hanoi enchants with its bustling Old Quarter, colonial-era charm, and rich street food culture, while nearby Ha Long Bay stuns with its emerald waters and dramatic limestone karsts. Head inland to Sapa for mist-covered mountains and vivid rice terraces, or to Ninh Binh, often dubbed “Ha Long Bay on land” for its surreal landscapes. Central Vietnam brings history to life in Hue, the former imperial capital, and magic to the riverbanks of Hoi An, a beautifully preserved heritage town glowing with lanterns. Da Nang offers a mix of sandy beaches, marble mountains, and the iconic Golden Bridge. Down south, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) pulses with energy, blending war history, French architecture, and rooftop lounges. Finally, the Mekong Delta invites a slower pace—where floating markets, coconut groves, and stilted riverside villages reflect the deep, nourishing soul of rural Vietnam.

In order to optimize their international journey, our itinerary can be extended to include a few enriching days in neighbouring Laos and Cambodia—two countries that share deep historical and cultural ties with ancient Vietnam. This seamless regional extension allows you to explore the sacred temples of Luang Prabang, cruise the mighty Mekong, and stand in awe before the majestic Angkor Wat. It's an ideal way to experience the cultural continuum of Indochina, all in one thoughtfully curated trip.

For the sake of clarity and ease of planning, we offer only country-wise itineraries in our pre-packaged tours. However, if you're looking for a customized multi-country experience, we’d be more than happy to tailor a combined itinerary to suit your preferences. Whether it’s combining Greece with Italy, Turkey, or another nearby destination, we’ll design a seamless travel experience just for you.

Please feel free to explore our Vietnam itinerary at wanderwise.me or reach out directly at contact@wanderwise.me for any personalized requests.

IN CONCLUSION

It was truly inspiring to witness how Vietnam has transformed itself in the decades following the conflict it once endured. With 52 airports and several major harbour ports packed into such a compact geography, the country stands today as a testament to resilience, growth, and enterprise.

Vietnam is full of vibrant, welcoming, and enterprising people, and offers a unique blend of cultural depth, natural beauty, and modern energy.

The verdict: EXCELLENT — and undoubtedly one of the must-see countries in Southeast Asia. I'm truly glad I had the chance to experience it, and I'm sure you will be too.

Feel free to explore our Vietnam itinerary and get in touch with us if you're planning your own trip. Bon Voyage! For curated itineraries or custom travel planning, feel free to get in touch with us at contact@wanderwise.me or visit wanderwise.me