Vietnam had been on my travel wish list for years, and after spending two incredible weeks exploring the country this April, I can confidently say it exceeded every expectation. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the breathtaking mountain roads of the Ha Giang Loop, the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An, and the stunning landscapes of Ninh Binh, every stop offered something unique and unforgettable.

Stop 1: Hanoi - My Introduction to Vietnam

My adventure began in Hanoi, Vietnam's vibrant capital. The city immediately struck me as a fascinating blend of old and new, where ancient temples sit alongside modern cafés, busy markets, and endless streams of motorbikes.

The Old Quarter quickly became one of my favourite places to wander. Every street seemed to have its own personality, with hidden cafés, local food stalls, and shops selling everything imaginable. Like many first-time visitors, I found crossing the roads slightly intimidating at first, but after a day or two, it became part of the experience.

Food was a huge highlight from the moment I arrived. I enjoyed authentic pho, fresh spring rolls, and plenty of local dishes throughout my stay. One thing many people associate with Hanoi is Vietnamese coffee. While I don't drink coffee myself, I couldn't resist trying the chocolate milk. It quickly became one of my favourite treats of the trip. My friends, meanwhile, fully embraced the coffee culture and couldn't stop talking about how good the famous egg coffee was.

Stop 2: The Ha Giang Loop - The Adventure of a Lifetime

From Hanoi, I travelled north to experience the legendary Ha Giang Loop.

It's difficult to put into words just how spectacular this part of Vietnam is. The winding mountain roads, dramatic valleys, towering limestone peaks, and endless viewpoints make it one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited.

I joined a guided multi-day tour, which allowed me to enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigation. Every day brought a new highlight.

What made the experience even more special was meeting local people along the route and staying in traditional homestays. The hospitality was incredible, and it offered a glimpse into a completely different side of Vietnam that many travellers never get to experience.

The Ha Giang Loop is often described as a bucket-list adventure, and after completing it myself, I completely understand why.

Stop 3: Hoi An - My Favourite Place in Vietnam

After the mountains of northern Vietnam, I headed south to Hoi An.

Out of everywhere I visited during the trip, Hoi An was my favourite.

From the moment I arrived, there was something about the town that completely won me over. The pace felt slower, the atmosphere more relaxed, and the combination of history, culture, food, and scenery made it an incredibly enjoyable place to spend time.

The Ancient Town is every bit as beautiful as the photos suggest. Walking through the lantern-lined streets in the evening felt magical, with colourful lanterns reflecting across the river and creating one of the most picturesque settings I've ever experienced.

One of the biggest highlights of Hoi An was the tailoring. The town is famous for its tailor shops, and it's easy to see why. The range of clothing that could be custom-made was incredible, and everything was surprisingly affordable. Whether it was suits, shirts, dresses, shoes, or casual clothing, almost anything could be made to your exact specifications.

I decided to take advantage of the opportunity and had clothes tailored to fit perfectly. One of my favourite purchases was a pair of custom-made shoes, designed and fitted specifically to my feet. The whole process was fascinating, from choosing materials and styles to returning for fittings and adjustments. 

I also loved simply wandering through the streets, discovering hidden cafés, exploring local shops, and enjoying the incredible food. Local dishes such as Cao Lau quickly became a favourite.

If someone asked me which destination they absolutely shouldn't miss in Vietnam, Hoi An would be my answer without hesitation.

Stop 4: Ninh Binh - Vietnam's Natural Wonder

The final major stop on my itinerary was Ninh Binh, often referred to as "Halong Bay on land."

The scenery here was unlike anything I had seen before. Towering limestone karsts rise dramatically from rice fields and winding rivers, creating landscapes that look almost unreal.

One of my favourite experiences was taking a boat tour through Trang An. Drifting along the river, passing through caves, and being surrounded by spectacular natural scenery was incredibly peaceful.

Another highlight was spending a day cycling through the countryside around Ninh Binh. Riding along quiet roads surrounded by rice fields, limestone mountains, and local villages was a fantastic way to experience the area. It allowed me to slow down and appreciate the scenery at a different pace.

Compared to some of Vietnam's busier destinations, Ninh Binh felt more relaxed and offered the perfect opportunity to appreciate the country's natural beauty.

Why April Was the Perfect Time to Visit

Travelling in April turned out to be an excellent decision. The weather was warm across the country without being unbearably hot, and I experienced very little rain during the two weeks.

The conditions were ideal for exploring Hanoi, riding through the mountains of Ha Giang, enjoying the sunshine in Hoi An, and spending long days outdoors in Ninh Binh.

If you're considering a trip to Vietnam and have flexibility with your travel dates, I'd recommend April.

Finally

Vietnam is one of those destinations that genuinely lives up to the hype.

In just two weeks, I experienced vibrant cities, dramatic mountain landscapes, charming historic towns, stunning countryside, and some of the friendliest people I've met while travelling.

Looking back, there is only one thing I would change about the trip: I would stay longer.

Two weeks allowed me to see some of Vietnam's most incredible destinations, but by the time I left, I felt like I was only scratching the surface. 

From drinking chocolate milk in Hanoi while my friends enjoyed the famous coffee culture, to taking on the unforgettable Ha Giang Loop, having custom clothes and shoes made in Hoi An, cycling through the stunning countryside of Ninh Binh, and experiencing some of the most breath taking scenery I've ever seen, this was a trip I will remember for a very long time.

Vietnam has firmly earned a place among my favourite countries I have visited, and I already know I will be back.