Looking for a destination with ideal weather, rich culture, delectable cuisine, and friendly locals? Look no further than Vietnam! Embarking on a journey from Ho Chi Minh City through the picturesque Mekong Delta region to the serene island of Phu Quoc in the Gulf of Thailand, Vietnam offers an abundance of attractions to explore within a week.
Ho Chi Minh City, known for its vibrant energy, was a sight to behold. Contrary to the warnings of heavy traffic, I found myself enchanted by the chaotic brilliance of the city’s illuminated streets. Among the bustling streets, it was amusing to witness families of four and even individuals transporting a myriad of items on their motorcycles. I was astounded to witness a man effortlessly balancing a full-length mirror while maneuvering through the busy highway.
Considering the constraints of my week-long vacation, I opted to explore a smaller section of Vietnam to minimize internal flights and lengthy journeys. However, for those with more time, venturing north to Hanoi, trekking through the stunning terraced rice fields of Sapa, and visiting the ancient town of Hoi An on the central coast are highly recommended.
Eager to absorb the local culture, I joined a morning walking tour arranged through GuruWalk, connecting tourists with knowledgeable local guides. Our guide, Thanh, met our group of about 12 participants at Nguyen Hue, a captivating boulevard in the central district of Ben Nghe. Formerly known as the Hotel de Ville, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Building, constructed in the early 20th century, caught our attention with its historical significance. Adjacent to it, the Rex Hotel, famed for its unreliable U.S. military briefings during the Vietnam War, now boasts a delightful rooftop garden bar where I enjoyed a drink and a stunning view.
The city’s architecture beautifully reflects its French colonial influence, dating back to 1858 when France first began colonizing Vietnam. Just a short distance away from the Rex Hotel, our tour halted outside the Saigon Opera House, a 19th-century architectural gem designed by French architect Eugene Ferret. This backdrop proved irresistible as I witnessed two newlywed couples daringly pose amidst the bustling traffic. Continuing along the street, Thanh guided us to the Central Post Office, a French-designed structure that has remained largely unchanged since the 1880s. Sending a postcard back home to the U.K., I marveled at the nearby Notre Dame Cathedral and its striking red brick facade, with the Virgin Mary statue gracefully presiding over the square.
The Vietnam War’s impact remains palpable throughout the city. One striking reminder is the army tank situated on the grounds of the Independence Palace, symbolizing the end of the conflict. For a deeper understanding of this tumultuous period, a visit to the War Remnants Museum is essential. It houses the thought-provoking photograph, famously known as “Napalm Girl,” capturing the harrowing aftermath of a 1972 attack.
During lunchtime, I observed businessmen donning their formal attire and comfortably seated on tiny plastic stools along the sidewalk, indulging in mouthwatering street food, a common culinary experience in the city. Our guide directed us to a cafe offering various banh mi options, a local specialty comprising meat or vegetable fillings enveloped in baguette-like rolls. Emulating the locals, we savored our meals while perched on small chairs and embraced the inviting shade that the sidewalk provided.
For exquisite accommodations, I received recommendations from local residents and opted for the luxurious five-star Caravelle Hotel, renowned for its long-standing history and favored by American journalists during the Vietnam War. Its rooftop bar, Saigon Saigon, attracted me with its live bands and diverse restaurant options. However, I chose to stay at the mid-range Silverland Jolie, a conveniently located hotel within walking distance of Nguyen Hue. Its rooftop boasted a refreshing plunge pool and a charming cocktail bar where the staff went above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay.
Despite my brief visit, Ho Chi Minh City’s grand architecture, storied history, and vibrant ambiance captured my heart. Undoubtedly crowded, I couldn’t help but appreciate the warmth and friendliness of the locals, exemplified when a considerate restaurant employee helped me safely cross the busy streets. Furthermore, the city’s upcoming metro system, set to open later this year, promises to alleviate the notorious traffic congestion.
Heading southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, the breathtaking Mekong Delta region unfolds. Dotted with picturesque rice paddies, meandering rivers, and captivating floating markets, this splendid area can be explored through a variety of means, from immersive homestays to organized luxury tours. I embarked on a two-night sightseeing bus and boat excursion with Vietnam Adventure Tours, which proved to be well-organized and offered numerous excursions and overnight stays in the region.
Our first stop brought us to the town of My Tho, where we marveled at the Vinh Trang Pagoda, an architectural marvel dating back to 1849. While observing monks in prayer, I was approached by a group of enthusiastic schoolchildren eager to practice their English language skills. We then embarked on a serene boat ride along a narrow channel flanked by graceful palms, eventually disembarking at Con Quy island to witness the production of delectable coconut candy.
Although occasionally crowded with tourists, the floating markets of the Mekong Delta were an absolute highlight for me. Watching cone-hatted merchants navigating their boats, selling a myriad of goods from fruits to haircuts, provided an extraordinary experience, particularly in the early hours of the morning. Our tour also included a visit to the bustling Cai Be market, located just outside the city of Can Tho. There, I relished the refreshing combination of freshly cut pineapple sprinkled with chili salt and a strong cup of Vietnamese coffee, served by a vendor who had moored her boat adjacent to ours.
While various tour operators cater to Mekong Delta excursions, it’s important to note that some trips require a minimum number of participants, which can pose a challenge for solo travelers. Mekong Eyes, a highly regarded operator, offers small river cruises on traditional rice barges, immersing travelers in the charm of southern Vietnam before continuing on to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Concluding my adventurous journey, I sought solace on the captivating island of Phu Quoc, just a short flight away from Can Tho or Ho Chi Minh City. Nestled amidst lush gardens, Cassia Cottage, a luxurious beachside resort, embraced me with its tranquility. Basking on pristine sandy beaches bordered by swaying palm trees, I found respite by venturing into the soothing sea or relaxing by one of the resort’s three inviting pools, indulging in a refreshing cucumber martini.
Owned by Mark Barnett, a U.S. expat who amassed experience as a major cassia exporter, Cassia Cottage flawlessly blended Italian cuisine from its notable restaurant, The Spice House, with delectable Vietnamese specialties such as seafood spring rolls and pho.
While vacationing alone on a tropical island may not appeal to everyone, I relished the freedom of choice that Phu Quoc provided. Whether pampering myself with a seaside massage at Cassia’s charming pavilion or embarking on a boat trip to further explore the island’s hidden treasures, I found serenity in the ability to tailor my experiences to my liking.
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