Vietnam was not a single journey for us, but a sequence of places that unfolded at different rhythms. Some were rooted in history, some in landscape, and some simply in the act of slowing down and observing everyday life. What tied them together was not a checklist, but time — time to walk, to sit, to watch, and occasionally to drift.
Our route moved from central Vietnam to the north, touching old towns, rivers, coastlines, and cities. We didn’t experience Vietnam as a rush between highlights. Instead, each place had its own pace, and we let that shape how we moved through it.
How we travelled
We travelled with a mix of guided segments and independent time. In places like Hội An and Huế, walking was often enough. Elsewhere, short drives and boat rides became part of the experience rather than just a way to get from one point to another. Meals, conversations with guides, and small, unplanned pauses became as memorable as landmarks.
What stayed with us
Vietnam revealed itself most clearly in quiet moments:
- early walks through lantern-lit streets before the crowds arrived
- rivers that carried both commerce and calm
- countryside where movement felt unhurried
- cities that were busy, but never overwhelming
Rather than being dominated by monuments, the experience was shaped by atmosphere — the feel of a place at a particular hour, the way people occupied public space, and how easily one could step out of motion and simply watch.
The Journeys
The posts below trace our time in Vietnam place by place — from ancient towns and river landscapes to cities and in-between journeys. Each entry stands on its own, but together they form a slow, continuous travel line rather than a highlight reel.