Serendipitous Moments

If you’re the type of traveler who craves authentic experiences, stunning landscapes, and an itinerary packed with adventure, Vietnam will capture your heart. My 12-day journey through this vibrant country was one for the books—full of unforgettable moments and discoveries at every turn. From bustling cities to serene bays, this trip was intense, rewarding, and perfect for those who want to soak in as much as possible. Here’s how it all went down.

Day 1: Tokyo Layover & Arrival in Hoi An

My trip started with a layover in Tokyo, which was a cultural experience in itself. The Japanese bathrooms amazed me with their bidet options, deodorizer, and even music. I showered and enjoyed sushi at sunset before taking off again. The airplane bathroom even had a baby seat! I finally landed late in Hoi An, where I met up with my best friend. Our hotel room near the airport had party lights, which made for an amusing start to our adventure.

Day 2: Ha Long Bay Bound

We woke up bright and early for a three-hour shuttle to Ha Long Bay, giving us our first real taste of Vietnamese driving—an experience in itself. Despite the delay, boarding our riverboat, Mon Cheri, was worth the wait. The view from our bed was something I’ll dream about forever. We spent the night enjoying the incredible buffet and capping it off with jumping off the boat at sunset and drinks in the pool.

Day 3: Kayaking & Squid Fishing

The day started with a delicious breakfast buffet and more stunning views. We hopped onto a smaller boat for some kayaking, exploring coral reefs, and soaking in the 360-degree beauty of Ha Long Bay. Back on the boat, I enjoyed the views from both bed and bath. That evening, we tried our hand at squid fishing, learning how the boat’s lights attract them—a unique and fun experience.

Day 4: Island Village & Cave Adventures

Today, we biked to the tiny island village called Viet Hai where we learned about the locals’ lifestyle and craftsmanship. Back on the boat, we kayaked to explore Luon (Tunnel) Cave, enjoyed coffee in the pool, and took in a stunning sunset. The day ended with a Summer Roll cooking lesson, a perfect way to wrap up our island adventures.

Day 5: Farewell to Ha Long Bay & Hello, Hanoi

I woke up early to catch a sunrise in the tub, savoring our last few hours on the boat. After breakfast, Tammy, our amazing guide, took us on a trek through a cavern on Cat Ba Island. Saying goodbye to the boat was bittersweet, but we headed to Hanoi, where we even made it to the train station for a drink. My first taste of Vietnamese street food blew me away—it was delicious, fresh, and incredibly cheap.

Day 6: Exploring Hanoi

Hanoi was a stark contrast to our cruise—busy, chaotic, and full of life. We explored the city, quickly learning that crossing the street required a leap of faith as cars don’t stop for pedestrians. We wandered around Hoan Kiem Lake and visited Ngoc Son Temple, a serene spot amidst the hustle and bustle. After another round of street food, we boarded an overnight bus to Ha Giang, where we had a close call when the driver pulled over to nap, but all was well when we arrived safely.

Day 7: Starting the Ha Giang Loop

After a couple more hours of sleep, we started our once-in-a-lifetime adventure on the Ha Giang Loop. We rode through stunning landscapes—over bridges, past rivers, up mountains, and through small towns. The sights were like nothing I’d ever seen, from water buffalo to children in traditional dress picking flowers. We ended the night with karaoke, bonding with fellow travelers, and sleeping in a large, open room with no walls, surrounded by the cold but with total trust in our guide, Tony.

Day 8: Ha Giang Loop Continued

The second day on the loop was filled with more incredible views. We had coffee breaks overlooking the mountains, rode along narrow paths with cliffs on one side, and visited some of the most remote areas I’d ever seen. After another karaoke session, we stayed at our favorite homestay, Dugia Mountain Homestay, where we finally had a hot shower and enjoyed an incredible feast. The evening ended with dancing around a bonfire and learning the local version of “cheers”—Hai Ba Zo!

Day 9: Waterfall & Return to Hanoi

Our final day on the Ha Giang Loop was bittersweet. We visited a nearby waterfall, soaking in the views and the last leg of our journey. We were lucky to catch a shuttle back to town that same day, avoiding another overnight bus ride. Exhausted but exhilarated, we crashed hard in a hotel near the airport.

Day 10: Discovering Hoi An

On our final leg of the trip, we flew to Hoi An, where we stayed in a stunning hotel with the best buffet I’ve ever experienced, the Bel Marina Hoi An Resort. The town was charming and full of energy, and we spent the day finding the perfect tailor to bring our design dreams to life. It was an adventure in itself, from discussing our ideas to selecting fabrics. Walking through town at sunset was the perfect end to the day.

Day 11: Tailor Fittings & Spa Day

With a day to explore at our own pace, I took a bike from our resort and found an amazing yoga studio called “OM Factory Yoga” which overlooked a working rice field—a peaceful start to the day. I then tried an Anthony Bourdain-recommended banh mi sandwich, which did not disappoint! Afterward, we indulged in an incredible spa treatment, the best I’ve ever had. We stopped by our tailor for fittings, made adjustments, and found dinner in the magically lit-up town.

Day 12: Final Day in Vietnam

Our last day was a mix of relaxation and last-minute activities. After breakfast, we picked up our final pieces from the tailor and headed back to the yoga studio for an aerial yoga class. Lunch by the pool was followed by a beach sunset and dinner. To top it all off, we got our nails done—an ordeal that took five hours but was worth it for the memories. The next morning, we were off to Thailand for part two of our Southeast Asia extravaganza.

This trip to Vietnam was an unforgettable whirlwind—full of adventure, beauty, and authentic experiences that left us yearning for more. If you’re up for a fast-paced journey through one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in the world, this itinerary is for you.