Vietnam Recap: what we loved & what we'd do differently

Vietnam left a lasting impression on us. Even after moving on to Malaysia, we found ourselves reminiscing about the experiences we had there—the welcoming people, the incredible food, and the unique energy of each place we visited. While we were happy with our itinerary, there are definitely things we would focus on next time to make the experience even better.

What Worked Well

Air Travel Between Cities:

We were initially concerned about flying between destinations, but it ended up being smooth and efficient. That said, each travel day did take up time, and it’s something to consider for future planning.

The Food:

Vietnamese cuisine exceeded our expectations. Every meal was delicious, and we never got tired of trying new dishes. We especially appreciated the fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

The People:

The hospitality and kindness of the locals stood out. Compared to Thailand, Vietnam felt calmer and less chaotic, which we really enjoyed.

Overall Experience:

Despite some unpredictable weather, Vietnam was a highlight of our trip. It was a place we could have easily spent more time in, especially if we hadn’t needed a visa or had more flexibility in our last two weeks.

Sunset Town - Phu Quoc

What We’d Do Differently

Visit in a Different Season:

March wasn’t the best time weather-wise. We’d aim for a period with warmer, sunnier days to make the most of outdoor experiences.

Explore Smaller Cities & Local Experiences:

We saw some amazing places, but next time, we’d go beyond the main tourist spots and dive deeper into local culture, perhaps visiting lesser-known towns and regions.

Memories - Hoi An

Do More Research Beforehand:

Now that we know what we enjoyed most, we’d plan with more intention—focusing on experiences that align with what we loved rather than trying to see everything.

Train street - Hanoi

Stay Longer in One Place:

While flights were efficient, switching locations often meant losing a day. We’d consider spending more time in select destinations instead of packing too much into the itinerary.

Final Thoughts

This trip was largely built around good Hilton deals and the insights we got from ChatGPT, and overall, we’re happy with how it turned out. But if we had known what we know now, we might have structured things differently to allow for a more immersive experience.

One thing’s for sure—Vietnam is a place we’d love to return to. And next time, we’d make sure to go during the best season, spend more time in local communities, and fully embrace everything this incredible country has to offer.