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Katheryn Romeyn, a travel writer for Travel & Leisure magazine, wrote that she chose Vietnam as her destination because of its stunning scenery, highly-rated food, and diverse local culture.
"Since Vietnam reopened to international tourists in March, and simultaneously waived the pre-arrival COVID-19 testing procedure, Westerners are gradually returning to a place known for its flavorful cuisine, with its vegetables and herbs, quaint towns, vibrant cities, and stunning beaches," she shared in Travel & Leisure magazine.
She and her small family traveled across the S-shaped landmass of Vietnam to explore its famous tourist destinations. Below is Katheryn Romeyn's 10-day itinerary in Hanoi, Hoi An Ancient Town, Ho Chi Minh City, and the coastal city of Nha Trang.
Hanoi: Romantic like a movie.
Katheryn Romeyn and her family began their first day in Hanoi, the capital city. A city of 97 million people often appears bustling or suffocating. However, for her, Hanoi resembled the setting of a romantic film, with colonial architecture shaded by lush green trees.
Katheryn's family chose Capella Hanoi as their accommodation in Hanoi. She described the architecture as transporting them back in time to the golden age of opera. Designed by architect Bill Bensley, the 47-room hotel opened in April 2021. However, Capella Hanoi had to temporarily close at that time due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Katheryn's family enjoys bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli) at Dong Xuan Market.
In the morning, she and her family enjoyed the famous Hanoi pho, then learned how to make traditional Vietnamese coffee and Japanese dishes made with wagyu beef.
"The locals advised us to wake up early and enjoy the Hanoi atmosphere at 7 am. That was the best decision I've ever made," Katheryn wrote.
7 a.m. in Hanoi is a very special sight. Katheryn felt a sense of tranquil energy as she watched locals meditating around the squares, playing badminton on the sidewalks, dancing by Hoan Kiem Lake, and praying at temples. In addition, she and her family rented Vespas to visit traditional lacquerware villages and learn about the rituals performed there. The bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli) at Dong Xuan Market was a particularly delightful experience for Katheryn's family.
Hoi An: A healing travel experience
Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was Katheryn and her family's next stop in Vietnam. Here, she chose the Four Seasons Resort Hoi An, renowned for its stunning ocean views and wellness services. Katheryn participated in bowl therapy sessions, meditations, and massages that helped her elevate her energy vibrations.
“We enjoyed plant-based Vietnamese dishes through the hotel’s Glow With Food program. Additionally, the coffee and tea demonstrations elevated the role of these ingredients in Vietnamese culinary art,” Katheryn shared.
Hoi An night market is bustling in the eyes of international tourists.
In Katheryn's opinion, Hoi An itself is a breathtakingly beautiful ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its pedestrian-only streets lined with lanterns. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, she had heard stories of a strangely deserted and tranquil Hoi An. Yet, Hoi An seemed to have transformed unexpectedly on a Mid-Autumn Festival weekend night, with the ancient town packed with people.
"The sight of hundreds of boats illuminated with seven-colored lights gliding along the river was truly special, like temples and shrines glowing brightly under a turquoise sky," Katheryn wrote in the magazine.
Nha Trang: Experience Robinson Crusoe on a deserted island.
From Hoi An, Katheryn's family flew to Nha Trang and then took a boat to Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. Katheryn described it as like a deserted island where Robinson Crusoe once lived, with villas made entirely of wood, hammocks, wooden bathtubs, and bamboo furniture. Notably, the resort is stacked on granite rocks, surrounded by some of Mother Nature's most magnificent creations.
"We enjoyed locally caught sea bass in a private candlelit dinner inside a cave," she said.
A scene at a beach in Nha Trang, photographed by Katheryn.
The following day, Katheryn cycled and explored the VOOC village children's club, learning about the conservation of the rare black-footed and brown-footed langurs. According to Travel & Leisure magazine, VOOC village is named after the langur species, which is being cared for and conserved by staff at a popular resort in Nha Trang. Additionally, the resort features dedicated children's clubs and playgrounds.
"Watching these animals, found in only three places on the planet, leap from rock to branch as we sailed on a fishing boat at sunset was an indescribable experience," Katheryn wrote in the magazine.
"Throughout the trip, everyone shared glimpses of life and culture in Vietnam. Flights are still operating normally, especially direct flights from Singapore and Seoul to smaller cities like Cam Ranh," she suggested.
Ho Chi Minh City: The last vibrant destination.
Katheryn Romeyn and her family arrived in Ho Chi Minh City during the final days of their trip to Vietnam. They enjoyed dinner at a renowned hotel in the city, which offered a blend of elegance and tradition in its architecture and cuisine.
Katheryn is enjoying a motorbike tour around the city.
The dishes chosen by her and her family have the salty taste of Northern Vietnam, the spicy kick of the Central Vietnamese coast, the sweet flavors of Southern Vietnam, and the simplicity of Mekong Delta cuisine.
"I was thrilled to hear the people of Ho Chi Minh City share stories about Vietnamese culinary culture," she wrote in her diary.
