I wanted a destination that offered great weather, interesting culture, fantastic food, and friendly people, along with plenty of things to see within a week. That’s why I decided to visit Vietnam. I planned to travel from Ho Chi Minh City through the Mekong Delta region and on to Phu Quoc, an island in the Gulf of Thailand.
When I arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, I was warned about the congestion, given its population of around 9 million. As my plane descended in the evening, I could see the lights of hundreds of mopeds buzzing along the streets. However, during my taxi ride to the hotel, I found the chaotic bright lights enchanting and was amused by the sight of people carrying various things on their motorcycles, even a man balancing a full-length mirror while navigating the highway.
Since I only had a week for my vacation, I decided to explore a small part of Vietnam. I didn’t want to take too many internal flights or spend too much time on the road. In two weeks, one could also explore the north of Vietnam, visiting Hanoi, trekking through the terraced rice fields around Sapa, and seeing the ancient town of Hoi An on the central coast.
The next day, I joined an 8 a.m. walking tour organized by GuruWalk. Our local guide, Thanh, met us near a statue of former Vietnam president Ho Chi Minh at the north end of Nguyen Hue, a beautiful boulevard in the central district of Ben Nghe. Thanh pointed out interesting landmarks, like the Rex Hotel, known for the unreliable U.S. military briefings given to journalists during the Vietnam War. Its rooftop now houses a garden bar with a great view.
Due to French colonization, French architectural influence is evident in the city. We saw the late 19th-century Saigon Opera House, designed by French architect Eugene Ferret. It serves as a popular backdrop for photographs, often attracting bridal couples. We also visited the Central Post Office, which has remained largely unchanged since the 1880s. I even sent a postcard back home from there. Nearby is the twin-spired Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick building with a statue of the Virgin Mary in the square.
Reminders of the Vietnam War are scattered throughout the city. The Independence Palace has an army tank on its grounds, symbolizing the end of the conflict. The War Remnants Museum exhibits powerful images, including the famous “Napalm Girl” photograph, capturing the terror of war. During lunchtime, I noticed locals sitting on small plastic stools on the sidewalk, enjoying street food. We visited a cafe selling banh mi, a Vietnamese delicacy, and ate our food in similar fashion.
For accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City, I received recommendations for the five-star Caravelle Hotel and stayed at the mid-range Silverland Jolie, which was conveniently located and offered excellent service. Even though the city’s traffic can be overwhelming, I found the people to be extremely friendly. I remember a restaurant employee going out of their way to help me cross the road. The city’s new metro system, set to open later this year, may help alleviate the traffic congestion.
Moving on to the Mekong Delta region, southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, I explored the area of rice paddies, rivers, and floating markets. I joined a sightseeing bus and boat trip with Vietnam Adventure Tours, which was well-organized and offered various excursions. We visited the Vinh Trang Pagoda in the town of My Tho and experienced a boat ride down the river, witnessing the production of coconut candy on Con Quy island. The floating markets, crowded yet vibrant, were a particular highlight for me.
To conclude my trip, I booked a stay at Cassia Cottage, a beachside resort on Phu Quoc Island. Owned by a U.S. expat with a background in the cinnamon industry, this beautiful resort offered relaxation and a variety of activities. Whether it was lounging on the palm-lined beaches, enjoying a massage, or going on a boat trip, I had full control over my itinerary. The resort’s restaurant, The Spice House, served a mix of Italian and Vietnamese cuisine.
Staying alone on a tropical island may not suit everyone, but I enjoyed the freedom and flexibility it provided. My time in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta had left a lasting impression on me with its grand architecture, rich history, and bustling atmosphere. Vietnam truly offered the perfect blend of weather, culture, food, and friendly locals.