Vietnam: The Trip That Stole My Heart

Vietnam was a dream I held onto for a decade—my first international trip, a place I had manifested (unintentionally) visiting for years. And let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint. It was everything I had hoped for and more.

The people? Warm and welcoming.

The food? Mind-blowing.

The ease of travel? Unbelievably smooth.

From bustling city streets to quiet mountain escapes, Vietnam just made life feel effortless.

First Impressions: Vietnam is Just… Easy!

You know how some places feel difficult and overwhelming? Vietnam wasn’t like that. Everything just clicked.

Need food? It’s literally at every corner. Transport? Super simple with Grab taxis and bikes. Accommodation? Airbnb was a breeze. Even the people were so chill and helpful—it felt like the whole country was on my side, making sure I had the best trip possible.

Food That Lives in My Dreams

Vietnamese food isn’t just good—it’s life-changing. Sitting on a tiny stool in Hanoi, eating the best Bun Cha of my life, I knew I’d never forget this country. And then there was Banh Mi in Hoi An—crispy, fresh, ridiculously delicious. I still dream about it.

Now, not everything wowed me. Egg coffee? Meh. I know people love it, but it just didn’t do it for me. (Sorry, egg coffee fans!)

Budget-Friendly, Comfort-Approved

One of the best parts? Vietnam is crazy affordable. My husband and I wanted private stays instead of hostels, and Airbnb delivered! The R2 Room in Hanoi’s Old Quarter was our top pick—the host was an angel, and the stay was super comfy. The host went a step ahead and helped us book our overnight bus and our Ha Long Bay Cruise too.

For getting around, we took overnight sleeper buses to save on accommodation and time . If you’re tall, beware—it might get a little cramped, but for us with average height, it was perfect. And Grab bikes? SO fun. Super cheap, and you get to zip through traffic like a local.

Scenic Views & Once-in-a-Lifetime Moments

Vietnam is a country that constantly takes your breath away. From the misty mountains of SaPa to the golden-lit lanterns of Hoi An, it was a feast for the eyes.

One of my favorite experiences was hiking Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina. The views were surreal, but it was freezing! We had to turn back before reaching the summit, and that’s my one regret. Next time, I’m conquering that mountain.

And then there was Ha Long Bay—kayaking through caves, hiking up to panoramic views, and just floating between towering limestone cliffs. It felt like stepping into a postcard.

Would I Go Back? In a Heartbeat!

Vietnam is one of those places that sticks with you. It’s fun, it’s easy, it’s budget-friendly, and it’s full of little surprises that make you fall in love over and over again.

If you’re even thinking about visiting—DO IT. You’ll leave with a happy stomach, an even happier heart, and a million memories you’ll cherish forever.

A Love Letter to Vietnamese Food

My Most Unforgettable Eats in Vietnam

If there’s one thing that truly made my trip to Vietnam unforgettable, it’s the food. Every meal was an explosion of flavors, every bite a perfect balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the vibrant night markets of Da Nang, Vietnamese cuisine stole my heart (and taste buds).

So, here’s a little love letter to some of the best dishes I had—because good food deserves to be remembered!

🥣 My First Meal in Vietnam: Phở Gà in Hanoi

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It was my very first meal in Vietnam, and wow, what a way to start! I had been dreaming about trying Phở Gà (Vietnamese chicken noodle soup) for years—watching travel videos, imagining the rich broth, the fresh herbs, the soft noodles. But nothing could have prepared me for that first heavenly bite.

Hot, aromatic, and deeply comforting, this dish was a masterpiece in simplicity. The broth was light yet incredibly flavorful, the chicken tender, and the greens added the perfect crunch. It was everything I had hoped for—and more.

🍜 The Great Food Dilemma: Bún Chả or Bánh Mì?

I still can’t decide which one I love more. So, let’s talk about both!

Bún Chả – The Smoky, Sweet & Savory Perfection

I had Bún Chả in Hanoi, and let me tell you—this dish is criminally underrated. Imagine this: Charred pork patties and juicy pork belly slices, swimming in a light, slightly sweet dipping sauce. Served with delicate rice noodles, fresh herbs, and crunchy pickled veggies. It’s smoky, it’s flavorful, it’s addictive.

Even now, I crave it all the time. If teleportation existed, I’d be eating Bún Chả for lunch at least twice a week.

Bánh Mì – The Sandwich That Made Me Question My Life Choices

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You think you’ve had good sandwiches? Think again.

I had Bánh Mì in Hoi An, at two legendary spots recommended by Anthony Bourdain —Madam Khanh (The Banh Mi Queen) and Banh Mi Phuong. And I’m not exaggerating when I say that I considered leaving everything behind and moving to Vietnam just for this sandwich.

Crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, the French baguette is stuffed with juicy meat, fresh veggies, fragrant herbs, and the most flavorful sauces. I have no words—just pure happiness in every bite. If there’s one food I could eat every single day for the rest of my life, this is it. (Not kidding, but also… not kidding.)

🌊 The Most Unexpected Bite: Sea Urchin in Saigon

At Ho Thi Ky Flower Market in Saigon, I did something a little bold—I tried sea urchin (or “nhum” as it’s called in Vietnamese). Now, I’m always up for trying something new, but this one was… an experience.

The texture? Creamy.
The taste? Rich, oceanic, and unlike anything I’ve ever eaten.

It was a little intimidating at first, but I’m so glad I tried it. If you love seafood and bold flavors, Vietnamese sea urchin is a must-try!

🎤 Street Food + Live Entertainment? Yes, Please!

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If there’s one place I wish I could have eaten endlessly, it’s Helio Night Market in Da Nang. It wasn’t just a food paradise—there were live performances, music, and a buzzing atmosphere that made the whole experience unforgettable.

I wanted to try everything (and believe me, I tried my best), but some highlights were:
🍽 Bánh Căn – Mini pancakes with egg and seafood
🍽 Bánh Xèo – Crispy Vietnamese savory pancakes
🍽 Bánh Tráng Kẹp – Grilled rice paper snacks
🍽 Nem Lụi – Lemongrass skewers
🍽 Exotic fruits with coconut cream – A refreshing surprise!

My only regret? My stomach had a limit. 😭 If you’re ever in Da Nang, go to Helio Night Market and eat everything you can.

☕ The Food Letdown: Egg Coffee (Sorry, Vietnam!)

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I really, really wanted to love Egg Coffee. I had seen people rave about it, so naturally, my expectations were sky-high. But when I finally took a sip…

It was just too eggy for me. 😅

I know, I know—that’s the whole point of Egg Coffee, but personally, it just didn’t hit the spot for me. Maybe I hyped it up too much in my head. Maybe it’s an acquired taste. Either way, I’ll stick to my Vietnamese iced coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá) next time!

🍞 One Last Meal? Bánh Mì, Of Course!

If I could have one last meal in Vietnam, it would be Bánh Mì, without a doubt. No hesitation. No second thoughts. Just me, my Bánh Mì, and a moment of pure food bliss.

Vietnam, you have my heart—and my stomach. Until we meet (and eat) again! ✨


Have You Tried Vietnamese Food?

Drop your favorite dishes in the comments, and let’s talk food! 🍜😋