Bethany, one of our Asia specialists, spent time exploring Vietnam this May, travelling from the charming chaos of Hanoi to the limestone landscapes of Ninh Binh, the emerald waters of Halong Bay, and the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An before ending with barefoot luxury at Ninh Van Bay. Vietnam completely stole her heart – here are her highlights.
First Impressions “Vietnam felt so authentic and full of life. Food is at the heart of everything here, and it was a huge part of my trip. The landscapes are breathtaking, the culture is rich and layered, and there’s a real sense of discovery wherever you go. May was a great time to visit: hot and sunny, but far fewer crowds than during the peak months earlier in the year.”
Hanoi & Halong Bay Hanoi surprised me at every turn. Staying in the heart of the Old Quarter meant we could dive straight into the energy of the city, and La Siesta Premium Hang Be was the perfect base – beautiful rooms, a buzzing rooftop bar and service that was second to none. If you can, time your stay for a weekend when the streets close to traffic and the whole Old Quarter comes alive. And whatever you do, don’t miss the street food. We joined a local food tour and it was such a highlight, the flavours are incredible, from steaming bowls of pho to crispy banh mi.
From Hanoi, we boarded the Heritage Ginger for a one-night cruise on Halong Bay. Even if you’re not usually a fan of organised activities, the views alone are worth it. The boat itself is stunning — all polished wood and spacious decks — and kayaking through the limestone karsts was unforgettable.
Ninh Binh Known as “Halong Bay on land,” Ninh Binh was a revelation. We stayed at Tam Coc Gardens, a small, boutique property surrounded by rice paddies and limestone cliffs — probably one of my favourite hotels anywhere. Peaceful, authentic, and with food so good we chose to eat in every night rather than venture into town.
Days here were spent exploring by bike, taking a boat trip through the UNESCO-listed Trang An grottoes, climbing to the top of Hang Mua viewpoint for epic panoramas, and wandering through fields of lotus flowers and lily ponds. It was one of those places that just feels timeless.
Hoi An Hoi An was another highlight, and I’d recommend staying in two different styles of property if you can. Anantara Hoi An has the dream location right on the river, just a short stroll into town. It’s all about ease and atmosphere here — the pool is lovely, the riverfront rooms are great, and you’re perfectly placed for evenings out in town.
For more of a retreat-style stay, Namia River Retreat is the only true five-star near Hoi An. The villas are stunning, each with a private pool, and daily spa treatments are included (the massages were heavenly). It’s a little removed from the buzz of town, but if you’re after tranquillity and indulgence, it’s perfect.
Eating in Hoi An was a dream. My top picks? Banh Mi Phuong, a no-frills hole-in-the-wall that serves the best banh mi you’ll ever eat, and Com Linh, a tiny restaurant with queues out the door and pork skewers that rank in my top ten dishes of all time.
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay I’ve stayed at a lot of Six Senses resorts, but this might just be my favourite. Set between jungle-clad hills and the sea, it feels wonderfully rustic yet deeply luxurious. Villas are either tucked into the hillsides or set along the beach, and if budget allows, I’d recommend splurging on a Rock Pool or Water Pool Villa for something truly special.
Days here were delightfully slow: cycling around the resort, visiting the farm, hiking up to viewpoints, and joining a shared trek to the secret Fairy Beach (hard work but absolutely worth it). Food was another highlight, the Vietnamese restaurant was exceptional and surprisingly well priced, so I’d recommend staying on a B&B basis to make the most of it.
Why Vietnam? Vietnam is one of those destinations that balances everything: incredible food, deep culture, stunning scenery and warm hospitality. It’s easy to travel through, each region feels distinct, and the value for the experience is unbeatable.
