Explorer’s Journal: A Vietnam Adventure with Destination Expert Claudia

Join Destination Expert Claudia on her inspiring journey through Vietnam, where she explored the country’s cultural treasures, breathtaking landscapes, and warm local hospitality. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the peaceful valleys of Mai Chau and the historic charm of Hue and Hoi An, Claudia experienced Vietnam through a carefully curated itinerary that blended immersive moments, meaningful connections, and beautiful stays. 

Hi! I’m Destination Expert Claudia. Join me as I share highlights from my recent trip through Vietnam—a country that completely captured my heart. From sampling steaming bowls of Phở to drifting through limestone karsts and meeting local artisans, each day brought something new and unforgettable. Whether you’re dreaming of your first visit or planning a return, I hope my journey offers inspiration and insight for your own. 

A Hanoi welcome like no other 

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A warm airport welcome and exploring Hanoi’s historic Temple of Literature. (Photo: Claudia Cavero)

Vietnam is the fourth country I’ve visited in Southeast Asia (after the Philippines, Thailand, and Cambodia), and it’s the one that struck me the most—both in how different it felt from my home in South America and in how captivating it was. 

We landed in Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital and second-largest city after Ho Chi Minh. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly greeted by our guide, Kien, and immediately set off to explore. Our first day included some of the city’s most iconic highlights: the peaceful Temple of Literature, the picturesque Sword Lake, and the bustling Old Quarter. 

What made this day unforgettable came down to two things. First, the chaos of crossing the street in Hanoi—an experience in itself. Kien explained the trick: when you see a gap, just walk. Don’t run, don’t stop, and definitely don’t hesitate. The sea of motorbikes will move around you like water around a rock—especially if you add a few optimistic thoughts for good measure. 

Second, we were introduced to the magic of Vietnamese cuisine. Our taste buds were quickly spoiled with Phở, Bánh mì, Gỏi cuốn, and more. It was love at first bite—and the start of a culinary journey that would continue to surprise and delight us throughout the trip. 

Exploring the inland magic of northern Vietnam 

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Scenic Ninh Binh boat rides and vibrant Tò He figurines made Day 2 unforgettable. (Photo: Claudia Cavero)

While exploring northern Vietnam, there are several incredible destinations just a few hours’ drive from Hanoi—and we made it to all of them. Today was dedicated to Ninh Binh, a region often referred to as the “Ha Long Bay on land” for its dramatic limestone karsts, winding rivers, and lush rice paddies. 

Our first stop was a Tò He artisan village, where I was warmly welcomed by a local family and introduced to their vibrant handmade toys. After learning about the history and cultural significance of Tò He—traditional figurines made from sticky rice dough—I even had the chance to craft one myself. With a little guidance from the artisan (though he can’t be held responsible for my lack of artistic flair), I managed to make a few colorful creations. I brought them home as souvenirs, and they still make me smile every time I see them. 

After a delicious local lunch, we continued to Van Long Nature Reserve, where we boarded a small boat and drifted through a serene landscape of limestone peaks and flooded rice fields. The stillness, the reflections, the sheer beauty of it all—it was one of those moments you don’t forget. We ended the day by checking into our hotel, ready to rest and soak in everything we had seen. 

Lan Ha Bay overnight cruise experience 

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Sailing through Ha Long Bay and exploring hidden caves! (Photo: Claudia Cavero)

This morning, we set out for our second—and arguably most iconic—stop in northern Vietnam: Ha Long Bay. As one of the country’s most visited destinations, it can get crowded and a bit touristy. To avoid the masses, we opted instead for nearby Lan Ha Bay and explored it on an unforgettable overnight cruise. 

This world-renowned seascape is nothing short of breathtaking. Towering limestone islets rise dramatically from emerald waters, their lush vegetation cascading down sheer rock faces. Ha Long Bay and its surrounding areas are home to nearly 1,900 islands and islets, many untouched and uninhabited. We were amazed the moment we stepped into our spacious cabin—it was enormous and perfectly positioned for soaking in the spectacular views. 

The cruise offers optional excursions for those wanting to explore more. In the afternoon, we visited Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island, a fascinating network of limestone chambers and stalactites. Afterward, we returned to the boat for a delicious dinner on deck. For the adventurous, the evening offered one more experience: trying your luck at squid fishing under the stars. 

Retreating into the beauty of Mai Chau 

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Lush rice paddies by morning, mountain views from the pool by afternoon—Day 4 in Mai Chau was a dream. (Photo: Claudia Cavero)

Our next stop was still in northern Vietnam, but it felt worlds away from the bustle of Hanoi: the tranquil valley of Mai Chau. Tucked between emerald mountains, this peaceful region is known for its vivid rice terraces, stilt-house villages inhabited by the White Thai ethnic group, and an unhurried rural rhythm that invites you to slow down. It’s a great place for hiking, biking, and connecting with local traditions—and that was exactly our plan. 

We made a few scenic stops and short walks en route to our hotel, but the moment we arrived, we scrapped our afternoon itinerary. Why? Because we had arrived at Avana Retreat, my absolute favorite property in all of Vietnam—and it deserved our full attention. 

The three-tiered, heated Cloud Pool alone was worth lingering for, with views that spilled out over lush valleys and a cascading waterfall. The Orchid Spa, set in glass-walled rooms nestled within the rainforest, offered pure serenity. While we didn’t take part this time, the retreat also hosts workshops on traditional rattan weaving and batik-making for those looking to connect more deeply with local culture. Guided treks through rice paddies and nearby villages are another way to explore—but on this visit, we happily let the retreat itself be the destination. 

Temples and tombs in Hue 

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Even the rain couldn’t dim the grandeur of Hue’s Imperial City! (Photo: Claudia Cavero)

We flew to Hue, the former imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, and began our city tour under the dramatic skies of Central Vietnam’s rainy season. The downpours came hard at times—but they only added to the moody, atmospheric beauty of this historic city. 

Our first stop was the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient palaces, temples, and majestic gates. Wandering through the grounds felt like stepping into the past, where echoes of dynastic splendor still linger behind the crumbling walls. 

Hue is also known for its elaborate royal tombs, and we visited one of the most poetic: the Tự Đức Mausoleum. Surrounded by lotus ponds and pine trees, it was a peaceful, almost dreamlike place. We ended our tour at the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, perched on a hill overlooking the Perfume River—its seven-tiered tower standing tall against the gray sky. 

Discovering Hoi An beyond the lanterns 

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Tranquil luxury by the sea—Day 6 was all about rest, reflection, and serene surroundings. (Photo: Claudia Cavero)

This morning, we headed to the charming town of Hoi An, best known for its magical lantern festival and atmospheric Old Town. But first, we made a quick stop in Danang—the nearest airport to Hoi An, just under an hour away—to tour a few stunning hotels. The properties turned out to be a pleasant and luxurious surprise. 

Upon arriving in Hoi An, we checked into our hotel and hopped on the complimentary shuttle into the heart of the historic town, just a ten-minute ride away. With free time to explore, we took full advantage—Hoi An is famous not only for its lanterns, but also for its skilled tailors. In just 24 hours, you can have custom-made suits, dresses, or pretty much anything else you dream up. 

Most hotels in the area also offer shuttles to the nearby beaches, and we made good use of them over the next few days—balancing time between culture, custom clothing, and coastal relaxation. 

A taste of Hoi An’s heritage 

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A distillery visit and Hoi An’s glowing riverside lanterns. (Photo: Claudia Cavero)

While Hoi An is undeniably charming, we started the morning with something a little different—a visit to a local distillery to learn more about its history and craftsmanship. It offered a fascinating look into Vietnam’s growing world of artisanal spirits and a refreshing change of pace before returning to town. 

Back in Hoi An, I set out on a walking tour and was once again struck by the city’s rich architectural tapestry—a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and French influences. Each street and facade seemed to tell a layered story of Hoi An’s past as a thriving international port. 

As the late afternoon sun dipped low, I visited the Quang Thang ancient house, a beautifully preserved 300-year-old home still lived in by three generations of the same family. The host welcomed me warmly and shared stories of the home’s long history. Before dinner, I watched as White Rose dumplings—a Hoi An specialty—were delicately handcrafted, then enjoyed them alongside a delicious spread of local dishes to end the day. 

Thanks for following along on my journey through Vietnam. I hope these stories sparked your curiosity and gave you a taste of what makes this country so special. Inspired to create your own memories in Vietnam? Reach out to start planning!