Vietnam had been sitting patiently on my travel list for years—2020 was meant to be the year… and we all know how that turned out. Fast forward to this year and I finally made it happen. Spoiler: Vietnam did not disappoint.

This trip was a little different from my usual adventures. I spent the first week on an agent famil hosted by the wonderful team at Vietnam Travel & Cruise, and the second week I was hosting a group of 60 business owners on an incentive trip to Hoi An. A whirlwind? Absolutely. Worth it? Every second.

Let’s start in Saigon—officially Ho Chi Minh City, the official name adopted after the Vietnam war. From Darwin, the connections via Singapore are easy, and after my 1:30am departure I arrived around 10am, ready to explore.

The drive into the city gave me time to soak it all in, and honestly, I was surprised by how clean and green the city was. No rubbish, beautiful gardens, friendly faces everywhere.

We stayed at the Caravelle Saigon Hotel, perfectly located and genuinely lovely. Big rooms, comfy beds, and a breakfast buffet that could convert even the grumpiest morning person.

Our first full day was a walking tour: Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, Independence Palace, and the War Remnants Museum. All fascinating, though the museum is definitely confronting—prepare yourself emotionally.

Afterwards, we dove into the local pharmacy bargains and shopping scene. If you love shopping, Vietnam is your playground.

The next morning we headed to Can Tho, stopping for a peaceful cruise along the Ben Tre River. Visiting small villages gave us a glimpse into everyday life, and our stay at Victoria Can Tho was a charming riverside retreat with colonial vibes.

The highlight here was the early morning floating markets—boats buzzing around selling fruit, veggies, fish, and even takeaway coffees. It’s chaotic in the best way.

Would I return to Can Tho? Probably not for an extended stay. But a Mekong River day trip? Absolutely worth it.

A quick one-hour flight took us to Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island. Think beaches, tropical forests, and endless resort relaxation. We stayed at the Movenpick, which had one of the best pools I’ve enjoyed in a large resort setting.

Phu Quoc is perfect if you want beach time, resort life, and a slower pace. We snorkelled, relaxed, and soaked up the sunshine. If you’re staying longer, you’ll have time to explore more of the island beyond your resort bubble.

After saying goodbye to my fellow agents, I flew to Danang and made the short drive to Hoi An—an ancient UNESCO-listed town that completely stole my heart.

I arrived a day early to settle in before hosting a group of 60 business owners from the Gold Coast. We stayed at Wyndham Hoi An Royal Beachfront Resort, a large beachfront property with multiple pools and restaurants—ideal for groups. A GRAB ride into the ancient town costs about $5 AUD, making it super easy to explore.

Hoi An is a dream. Lantern-lit streets, incredible food, endless activities, and some of the best tailoring in the world. For the group, I organised trips to Bana Hills (yes, the famous Golden Bridge held by giant stone hands), cooking classes, cycling tours, and food tours. I did the food tour and loved it, but the other activities looked so good I’m already planning a return visit.

And the tailoring… wow. Clothing, shoes, handbags—you name it. The quality is exceptional and the prices are unbeatable. I walked away with dresses, pants, and a leather laptop bag for a fraction of what I’d pay at home.

The food was another highlight. My favourite dish was Cao Lau, a noodle dish unique to Hoi An. I also devoured Banh Mi, Com Ga (chicken rice), and white rose dumplings. Every meal was a winner.

Final Thoughts

Two weeks in Vietnam barely scratched the surface. I explored parts of the south and central regions, but the north—Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa—is calling my name. And yes, I’ll be returning to Hoi An because one visit simply isn’t enough.

If Vietnam is on your list, make it happen. I work closely with the incredible team at Vietnam Travel & Cruise, who tailor unforgettable holidays at competitive prices. Let me help you plan your next adventure.