Vietnam: A Journey for the Senses

A trip to Vietnam ranks high on many travelers’ bucket lists and with good reason. A visit to this fascinating country is a feast for the senses - an explosion of colors, smells and noises around every corner. At times one has to resist the urge to keep exploring and just stop to take it all in.

Hanoi offers a deep dive into Vietnamese culture. As you pick your way through the throngs of motorcycles and bicycles heavily laden with purchases from the market, you’ll quickly discover that Hanoi runs at its own pace. While it feels like it's racing to modernize, vestiges of tradition still abound. Fruit sellers meander through the streets with their don ganh yokes while artisans weave the traditional conical hats from bamboo leaves. One of the most recognizable (and photographed) scenes from Hanoi is the expanses of colorful incense sticks drying in the sun.

A highlight of Hanoi is food! A fun way to sample the “musts” is to take a motorcycle tour (driven by a local) around Hanoi. A trip to Vietnam isn’t complete without trying a Vietnamese egg coffee or some of the many tasty noodle dishes. If you’re brave, treat yourself to weasel coffee, a delicacy in Vietnam.  (Weasel coffee is made from coffee cherries that are eaten and partially digested by civets before being excreted, roasted and served).

After the frenetic pace of Hanoi, we highly recommend heading out to the beautiful countryside of Mai Chau or Sapa to catch your breath and take in the stunning scenery and rice paddies. If time permits, Ninh Binh also offers a lovely country break in northern Vietnam. Take a leisurely bamboo boat ride through Tam Coc with a local (they steer the boat with their feet!) and marvel at the limestone cliffs that dramatically drop down into the rice paddies that line the river.

A visit to northern Vietnam is not complete without an excursion to Halong or Lan Ha Bay where you can weave through the sparkling emerald waters dotted with stunning limestone karsts. Spend an overnight on a luxury boat and enjoy the splendor of the sunset and sunrise in this beautiful spot. Most luxury cruises disembark around midday which leaves enough time for a brief flight to central Vietnam.

The city of Hue is worth a visit to delve into the centuries of fascinating history. The Citadel holds the key to understanding many of the dynasties and the expanses of gorgeous mosaics and tiled royal buildings and tombs are really something to behold. Hue is also a great launching point for nearby Hoi An with its beautifully preserved old town with its lantern adorned streets. Activity in Hoi An centers on the river where one can release paper lanterns on the river each night, a ritual believed to bring good luck and grant wishes. Hoi An comes to life at night as the lanterns light up the streets and markets and restaurants kick into high gear.  Don’t miss the outskirts of Hoi An though - rent a bike or join a tour to explore the countryside and the traditional ways of life that still exist. Alternatively, take a ride down the river in the circular bamboo basket boats (this traditional mode of transport has been commercialized into a tourist attraction but it is still a fun activity). Or perhaps learn to make your own lantern or take a cooking class - there is no shortage of fun activities to give you a glimpse into Vietnamese culture.

For a final splurge, we highly recommend visiting the Four Seasons Hoi An spa for a heavenly Nam Hai Earth Song treatment: bliss out in your own private overwater pavilion as you are spoiled with a series of the most indulgent and relaxing treatments one can imagine. We won’t spoil the surprise - suffice to say: you won’t regret it! A memorable way to relax and reflect on the many incredible experiences that Vietnam delivers.