A Blissful Get Away to Vietnam

2023 was a great year for me, I started back on traveling and exploring the world. One of the countries I always wanted to visit is Vietnam, finally I escaped there for a short getaway.

Ho Chi Minh City

After about 9 hours flight from Brisbane with Viet Jet airline, my friend and I landed in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly know as Saigon. This bustling metropolis stands as a testament to Vietnam’s resilience, vibrant spirit and unwavering determination. I love how Ho Chi Minh City is a captivating blend of contrasts, where sleek modern skyscrapers coexist with colonial-era architecture, and traditional street markets thrive amidst a rapidly evolving urban landscape. The city is a dynamic fusion of old and new, creating an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and forward-looking.

You might heard of the chaotic yet organised traffic situation in Vietnam, but you can only get a taste of it if you experience in person. Motorbikes are the primary mode of transportation in Vietnam, they dominate most of the streets. An entire family on a single scooter is common. There is an unspoken order within the apparent chaos, drivers and riders often anticipate each other’s movements, creating a fluid and surprisingly organised flow.

The streets of Ho Chi Minh City are a culinary paradise, where the aroma of street food wafts through the air, inviting you to indulge in a gastronomic adventure. We tried some iconic pho and banh mi and lesser-known local delicacies. The city’s diverse culinary scene reflects its multicultural influences. You can get great French bakery, German beer, Korean BBQ, Japanese omakase as well as authentic Chinese food. We also gave it a go at a seafood buffet dinner, the food was really generous and fulfilling.

As a coffee lover, the dynamic coffee culture in Vietnam did not let me down, especially Ho Chi Minh City. At the heart of the coffee culture is the ubiquitous Vietnamese drip coffee, or “ca phe phin”. Prepared with a small metal drip filter, this method produces a robust and concentrated brew. The slow drip of hot water through finely ground coffee beans creates a strong, flavourful cup that can be enjoyed black or with sweetened condensed milk. Stroll through the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, there are countless street-side cafes, each with its own unique charm. Plastic stools spill onto the sidewalks, allowing people to gather, chat while having a coffee.

I also tried the famous egg coffee, a creamy concoction made with egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk and Vietnamese coffee. It delivers a velvety texture and a flavour profile reminiscent of a liquid tiramisu. It is a must try. Last but not least, I also discovered some specialty coffee shops. These places focus on single-origin beans, unique brewing methods, and a dedication to elevating the coffee experience. From minimalist spaces to cozy nooks adorned with local art, theses coffee shops contribute to the evolving coffee culture in the city.

Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc Island is less than an hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City, we needed a tropical paradise after hanging around the mantropolitan.

Phu Quoc offers a very different vibe, it is rather quiet, relaxing and full of colour and fun. Here we tried some delicious sea food, walked along the beaches and enjoying some amazing art installation at the beach. Time does not matter here, the feeling of far away from the daily life is great.

Our resort is by the beach with a large pool and pool bar, breakfast buffet was amazing, we got to try various local and international dishes by the beach in the morning. SPA is also a must do for the ladies, I tried Thai SPA from the hotel and the iconic mud SPA from just next door, their service was fantastic. My skin feels rejuvenated after all the treatment and soak.

Walking around the western beach of Phu Quoc island, known as ‘sunset town’. The colourful houses and European style street, give us a de ja vu that we were in Italy.

We purposely did not plan a full on itinerary though there are so many places in Vietnam worth exploring and ticking boxes, but it made our trip very special and relaxing.