When I first started considering Vietnam as a holiday destination, I received so many recommendations from friends and family. Honestly, if I had followed all of them, I’d probably still be in Vietnam! It’s such a long country with so much to explore, but I’ll definitely be back.

I decided to reach out to the professionals and contacted three different companies for quotes. Asia Mystika came back with the most practical itinerary, offering customization at a great price.

We managed to enjoy some free days to ourselves in Hanoi, Halong, Danang, and Saigon, which was a nice balance. I highly recommend doing the Essence of Hanoi, Essence of Danang, and Essence of Ho Chi Minh City tours, especially with the local guides that Asia Mystika works with. They offer incredible insight into the cities, the people, and their daily lives, helping you feel connected to the local culture and history. The tours even cover food, so you get to know the local specialties, and they take you through markets to experience the importance of fresh produce in daily life.

I feel like we got a true taste of Vietnam and saw all the key highlights.

A few tips:

Two days and one night in Halong Bay is just right.
Stay in Hoi An, not on the beach, and use a shuttle when needed.
Three days in Saigon is perfect for seeing everything while still having time to rest.