Vietnam: The Unplanned Adventure We’re So Glad We Took – Amazing Food, Warm People, and Incredible Value

How Vietnam Became Our Unplanned Adventure

Vietnam wasn’t even on our radar as a travel destination. For years, I’ve been trying to visit Japan, but since 2020, I’ve had to cancel those plans more times than I’d like to count. This time, when my cousin from Delhi suggested a vacation together in Vietnam, we thought it would be a great opportunity to reconnect and spend quality time. However, due to some unforeseen events, we had to postpone our trip and ended up rebooking for a later date, unfortunately missing out on the chance to travel with them.

Despite the change of plans, we are so glad we made the journey. Vietnam turned out to be a stunning and enriching experience. The natural beauty of the landscapes, the warmth and kindness of the people, and the overall hospitality stood out. What truly made an impression on me was how welcoming the country felt — I didn’t once feel like I was being scammed or taken advantage of as a tourist, which can be a rarity.

Vietnam wasn’t the trip we planned, but it ended up being a trip we’ll never forget.

Day 1 Hanoi

The Note Cafe – A Sweet Start with Coconut Coffee or Vietnamese Coffee

The Note Cafe is a charming four-story spot covered in colorful post-it notes left by tourists from all over the world. It’s the perfect little place to soak in some local vibes while enjoying a coffee. They’re especially known for their egg coffee, which I unfortunately learned after ordering and paying for a latte! Meghna pointed out that egg coffee is their specialty—something I’ll definitely keep in mind for next time.

Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island in the middle of Ho Hoan Kiem Lake, is a charming spot with beautiful views. It’s a quick and easy walk around the temple (just remember to cover your shoulders and knees). From there, we enjoyed taking photos of the iconic Turtle Tower, which adds a touch of history and serenity to the lake's scenery.

As we strolled around Ho Hoan Kiem Lake, we discovered street portrait artists with styles ranging from classic to quirky—just like the ones you’d see at amusement parks. We couldn’t resist sitting down to have ourselves drawn, and it turned out to be such a fun and memorable experience!

Tailor Bros – TikTok-Famous Men’s Suits

One of our big missions in Vietnam was to get a custom suit, and our first stop was Tailor Bros. After seeing them all over TikTok, we had to check them out in person. The shop was impressive, but the pricing was a bit steep—I was quoted $550 for a custom two-piece suit with premium material. While the quality seemed great, it was more than I’d hoped to spend, especially since I could get something similar at IndoChino in Dallas for around the same price. Still, it was cool to see the TikTok hype in real life!

La Belle Vie & Tam Ve – TikTok’s Hits and Misses

We continued our TikTok-inspired adventures with a visit to La Belle Vie, a massage spot that truly lived up to the hype. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with herbal tea, ginger candy, and fresh kiwi—a thoughtful touch that set the tone for what became my favorite massage experience in Hanoi.

To end the night, we tried Tam Ve, another TikTok-famous spot, but this one fell short of expectations. As someone who doesn’t eat beef or pork, the menu options were limited for me. Even family members who did try the signature beef and pork dishes agreed that the overall experience didn’t live up to the buzz. If you’re planning your own food stops, I’d suggest skipping Tam Ve and exploring other local gems instead.

Day 2 Hanoi

"Is this plate from Bat Trang?"

Bat Trang Ceramic Village Tour – Hands-On Creativity and Incredible Finds

We kicked off the day bright and early with a 7:30 AM tour of Bat Trang Ceramic Village. The adventure started with a scooter pick-up from our hotel, adding a fun local touch to the journey. Once we arrived, we dove right into a hands-on clay experience, creating our own pieces—vases, mugs, cups—you name it! After crafting to our hearts’ content, the pieces were fired in the kiln while we explored the village.

The markets at Bat Trang were a treasure trove. We discovered ceramics identical to those sold in tourist shops throughout Vietnam, but here they were a fraction of the price. The selection was endless, with everything from intricately designed vases to simple, modern mugs and plates. If you’re into unique, affordable souvenirs, this place is a must-visit!

A Must-Try Stop at Banh Mi 25

Banh Mi 25 was nothing short of amazing! We indulged in their classic banh mi sandwiches, which were packed with flavor, and tried their unique deconstructed banh mi soup served with fresh French bread on the side. Every bite was incredible, and I’d highly recommend making this spot a priority if you’re in Hanoi. It's a true foodie gem!

Getting a Haircut Abroad: A Tradition Continued in Vietnam

One of my favorite travel rituals is getting a haircut wherever I go. Over the years, I’ve had this experience in places like Portugal, Turkey (still the best haircut I’ve ever had), Peru, Mexico, and now Vietnam. It’s a unique way to connect with the local culture while getting a fresh look.

In Hanoi, while heading to Train Street, I stumbled upon a small barber shop, Dong Tay Barbershop, and noticed someone getting a fade similar to what I usually get. That was enough to convince me to stop in. With Google Translate and a couple of photos from Turkey, I explained what I wanted, and the barber got it without any issues.

For just $8, I got a haircut and beard trim—a steal compared to what I usually pay in Dallas. If you have the time, I highly recommend stopping by a local barber shop for a quick cleanup.

Comfort Food at Masala Art Indian Restaurant

By Day 2, we were already craving a bit of comfort food—naturally, that meant "brown" food. We decided to try Masala Art Indian Restaurant. While it wasn’t bad, it was pretty average overall. It satisfied the craving, but it’s not a spot I’d go out of my way to revisit.

Nighttime at Train Street and Late-Night Self-Care

Our evening took us to the famous Train Street, where we enjoyed the atmosphere from a cozy cafe. Grabbing a drink is mandatory, but it’s fair since you’re sitting at the restaurant while waiting for the train to pass. When it finally came, we were amazed at how massive it was, practically filling the entire street. We tucked ourselves into the little nooks of the cafe to watch it rumble by—a truly unique experience.

On the way back to the hotel, Meghna decided to stop for a late-night hair spa (salons here stay open until 11 PM or even midnight!). While she got pampered, I treated myself to a pedicure and spent some time editing photos—a relaxing and productive way to end the day.

Day 3-4: Ha Long Bay Adventure with Genesis Regal Cruise

We kicked off the day with breakfast at our hotel before being picked up at 8 AM by a large sprinter van, packed with fellow passengers bound for Ha Long Bay. The two-hour drive brought us to the pier, where a smaller boat transferred us to the main cruise ship—a seamless start to our experience with Genesis Regal Cruise.

Food The meals onboard were pretty good. The chef was accommodating to my no pork or beef diet, and they cater to a variety of dietary preferences. Portions were generous at every meal, so there was no need to stock up on snacks even though we loaded up before boarding for the cruise.

Activities The banana boat ride through the caves of Ha Long Bay was a standout—scenic and serene but fairly quick like most of the activities. We also had a few relaxing hours in the afternoon to enjoy the ship. During happy hour, the crew hosted a shrimp roll-making session on the upper deck, where we talked with other passengers over drinks.

The evening wrapped up with a brief squid fishing experience—a 'unique' activity, though it didn’t hold my attention for long, 5-minutes.... The next morning, we went out for some kayaking, which was a peaceful way to enjoy the bay.

Room Our cabin was a decent size and fairly comfortable, though it could’ve been cleaner. It was clear the rooms were turned over quickly to accommodate new guests. On the second morning, we had to check out by 9:30 AM to make way for the next group of tourists arriving around noon.

Overall Experience I’d rate the cruise a 6/10. At $450 for a 2-day, 1-night cruise, it felt a bit pricey by Vietnam standards. While we appreciated the chance to see Ha Long Bay, I wouldn’t recommend the 2-night cruise, as the activities are simply stretched out over an extra day. In hindsight, a day trip to Ha Long Bay might have been a better fit for us. Nonetheless, the bay’s natural beauty made the journey worthwhile.

Day 5: Da Nang

"Do you ever just walk into a Michelin Star restaurant?"

Madame Lan - A Michelin Star Delight

Sometimes the best experiences happen by chance, and Madam Lan in Da Nang was exactly that. After landing early in the morning and missing our hotel breakfast, we took a short five-minute walk to this restaurant we found online. Upon arrival, we noticed the sign proudly announcing it was a Michelin Star restaurant—an unexpected treat!

Without a reservation, we were quickly seated and dove into the menu, excited to try as much as we could. We ordered drinks, multiple appetizers, and entrees, enjoying every bite. The food was amazing, making it the best brunch I had in Vietnam. And the total? Just $26 for a Michelin Star meal.

Madam Lan set the tone for our time in Da Nang, leaving us both impressed and grateful for the incredible culinary experiences Vietnam offers.

Madame Lan

Marveling Marble Mountain

After our bellies were full we went to Marble Mountain. This site is a must-see, but be sure to wear sturdy footwear—the mountain features a network of trails that lead through wet caves, steep steps, and fascinating landmarks.

As we made our way along the trails, we discovered beautiful pagodas, ancient temples, and layers of history woven throughout the landscape. The entire experience took about two hours, with plenty of time to stop for photos and the views. Marble Mountain is truly a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure.

Relaxing at Nguon Spa and Enjoying Local Eats

After all the walking and exploring, Meghna and I were ready to unwind with a massage. We visited Nguon Spa, and it turned out to be the BEST spa experience of the trip. The spa had a relaxed boho vibe, and we were welcomed with a refreshing cold herbal tea. (the best herbal tea I had all trip) We started with a relaxing session in the Himalayan sauna and steam room before settling into our massages. To top off the experience, we were treated to a delicious passion fruit panna cotta dessert and warm tea. It was pure relaxation.

Later, we headed to a night market where we found street foods like crab, lobsters, fresh fruit, and banh mi sandwiches. While I didn’t indulge due to being a bit cautious with the food, the atmosphere was great in itself.

For dinner, we tried Indus Indian Food, which was a much better experience than our previous Indian meal in Hanoi. We ordered fish pakoras, chicken momos, rogan josh, and chapati. The flavors were fantastic, and I would have definitely gone back if we had more time. A perfect way to end the day.

Day 6: Da Nang

Lady Buddha, Ba Na Hills, and Evening Adventures in Da Nang

We began the day with a visit to the iconic Lady Buddha, located just 20–25 minutes from Da Nang. The site features the towering statue surrounded by serene temples, unique bonsai trees, and intricate statues. It’s a peaceful spot and perfect for a quick walk and some photos.

Next, we made our way to Ba Na Hills Amusement Park. The entrance fee was ₫950,000 VND per person, which felt a bit pricey, but the experience was enjoyable. After a scenic 17-minute cable car ride—one of the longest in Asia—we arrived at the park. The Golden Hand Bridge was the main highlight, though the thick fog created an ethereal vibe as it came and went. It was chilly at the top of the mountain, so bringing a warm windbreaker is a must. We didn’t explore much of the rest of the park due to the cold and fog, but it’s a fun destination for those who don’t mind a bit of walking.

That evening, we explored Da Nang’s nightlife. We stopped by Ta Xua Coffee (Hand Cafe), which was fairly average, and took a peek at Bikini Bottom, but didn’t stay. Meghna enjoyed a nail appointment while I treated myself to a soothing 60-minute foot massage—a relaxing way to end the day.

Day 7: Hoi An

Tailor 41 and the Magic of Custom Clothing in Hoi An

Tailor 41, a shop that’s gone viral on TikTok, was our main agenda for the day. Meghna and I made it a point to get to Hoi An early to see what all the hype was about. Once inside, we were deep into their Pinterest-style picture binders filled with endless designs for men’s and women’s clothing.

For me, this turned into a tailor's dream come true: I walked away with three custom suits, several dress pants, and dress shirts. Meghna wasn’t far behind, getting multiple stunning pieces tailored as well. The process was seamless, the options were plentiful, and the final products were incredibly well-made. In the end we spent a total of $1,000 USD.

This was, without a doubt, the highlight of our trip. A tip for anyone considering custom tailoring in Vietnam: skip the shops in Hanoi—they’re far more expensive. Save your money and get everything done in Hoi An instead.

As you wander through Hoi An, you’ll notice a few types of shops dominate the streets:

1. Leather Shops – “Made from buffalo leather, very good quality, my family makes these,” is a common pitch. These shops offer bags, wallets, purses, and more.

2. Custom Clothing/Tailoring – Suits, linen items, dress shirts, and women’s clothing are their specialties.

3. Lanterns and Souvenirs – Perfect for a piece of Hoi An to take home, along with small items like magnets.

4. Coffee Shops and Food – A great way to take a break and soak in the local vibe.

5. Shoe Shops – Custom footwear, including lookalike Birkenstock sandals.

6. Designer Knock-Offs – Bags, watches, and clothing at bargain prices.

Haggling Tip: Always negotiate prices. The initial price they quote is often double what they’ll settle for. If a they don’t budge —there’s likely another shop offering the same items just a few steps away.

Banh Mi Phuong: A Must-Visit

Inspired by Anthony Bourdain's recommendation, we made a stop at Banh Mi Phuong, a spot buzzing with both tourists and locals. This place is the perfect quick bite while exploring the markets. I decided to make it an early dinner and ordered two sandwiches to fully savor the experience.

Day 8: Hoi An

Wrapping Up in Hoi An at 41 Tailor

We started the day with breakfast at the hotel before diving back into Hoi An for some final shopping. Our first stop was 41 Tailor to pick up our custom clothing. As expected, there were a few back-and-forth for alterations, but their efficiency didn’t disappoint—they even managed to complete additional orders with just a three-hour turnaround.

Day 9: Hanoi

Our last day in Hanoi brought the trip full circle, returning to the hustle and bustle of the city. We realized how much we missed the walkability of Hanoi compared to Da Nang, where we relied heavily on Grab, Vietnam’s version of Uber/Lyft.

We started the day with another delightful hotel breakfast, which had been a highlight throughout the trip. Meghna enjoyed pho every morning, while I savored veggie omelets, bread with butter and jam, and the diverse breakfast spreads offered by every hotel.

Next, we revisited Train Street to experience it during daylight. If you have the time, I recommend seeing it both at night and during the day, as each offers a unique vibe.

From there, we headed to Banh My Mama, another viral food spot that lived up to the hype. Sitting on the curb, I enjoyed my last banh mi in Vietnam—an unforgettable moment and probably my favorite Banh Mi.

We wrapped up our day with a final massage at La Belle Vie, one of our favorite spots. Then it was time to check out of the hotel and return home to reality.

Reflection

Vietnam was a trip we never planned but ended up cherishing every moment. The kindness of the people, the delicious food, and the breathtaking views left a lasting impression. Vietnam is still somewhat off the radar for American tourists, but it’s a destination I see gaining popularity. The value you get in Vietnam—whether in food, experiences, or hospitality—is unmatched.

While we had enough time to enjoy both Hanoi and Da Nang thoroughly, there are a few activities we missed that I’d recommend:

• Coconut Village Boat Tour

• Hoi An Ancient Town (which we skipped due to our enthusiasm for custom tailoring).

Travel Tips

• Download Grab: For all taxi and food delivery needs. Most rides cost just a few dollars, with the most expensive ride being about $15.

• E-SIM vs. T-Mobile: Meghna and I use T-Mobile, but my data speed was throttled after 5GB. In hindsight, an international e-SIM for $14 (14 days) would have been a better option over T-Mobile or AT&T’s $10/day international plan.

• Hotels: For our trip, we chose to stay at local hotels instead of opting for big chains like Marriott. This not only gave us a more authentic experience but also came at an incredible value. On average, we paid about $60 USD per night, which included breakfast for two.

This is my first blog, and if you’ve made it this far, I sincerely appreciate your time. I hope you enjoyed this journey with me, and I look forward to sharing more adventures in the future!