Vietnam Trip 2022

Traveling to Vietnam in 2022 was the longest flight I had ever been on. Over 30 hours total traveling time, with one 14-hour flight over the Pacific Ocean to Tokyo. The constant flying and living in airplanes/airports was a grueling start to an otherwise spectacular trip. Arriving in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), during morning time made the city feel bustling and full of exciting places and food to discover, which it absolutely delivered on. Later in the trip, experiencing Ha Long Bay via river or bay? cruise ship was the most beautiful sight I have ever seen. The mountains covered in rainforest jutted out of the sea in all directions. Hidden caves, wild animals, and makeshift houses floating on the bay gave it an ancient, ethereal atmosphere that I desperately hope to experience more times in my life.

I highly recommend Vietnam to any person seeking adventure. See it through my lens below:
Driving through Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
Bun Bo HueBún Bò Huế - my breakfast every day. It is a spicy beef noodle soup, miles better than Pho in my opinion.
Vietnamese CoffeeHomemade Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnamese coffee is unique because it is typically made with Robusta beans, not Arabica.
Bui Vien Walking Street Phố đi bộ Bùi Viện
Bùi Viện Walking Street in Saigon
Stocking Vietnamese Cafe Traditional Stocking Coffee
Coffee filtered through a cotton stocking and spoon net filter
Coffee Beans Civet Coffee Beans
Different types of coffee beans made from partially digested coffee cherries, which have been eaten and defecated by different types of small mammals, such as civets, ferrets, squirrels, and weasels.
Yes, I bought some and tried it. Delicious, only difference I could tell was more oils on the beans and in the coffee.
Typical Vietnam houseTypical Vietnam house
I adored the architecture, every house was unique
Bitexco Financial Tower Bitexco Financial Tower
Second tallest skyscraper in Saigon. Inspired by Vietnam's national flower, the Lotus
Ao Dai Áo Dài
Traditional Vietnamese garment
Beautifully designed apartmentsMore architecture appreciation
More beautifully designed apartmentsMore architecture appreciation
Pink Church Tân Định Church
Also known as The Pink Church. Catholic church built during the French colonial period in the 1870s.
Yellow doorDoor design appreciation #1
Bronze doorDoor design appreciation #2
Buddhist TempleBuddhist Temple
Ha Long Bay Ha Long Bay
One of the 7 wonders of the world
StaffThe Aspira cruise staff greeting us
Very friendly staff with the best service for the entire 2 day trip in Ha Long Bay
Our room
View from our deck
TubJet tub with wide window view
If I could, I'd stay in here until I shriveled to a raisin
Coffee viewEnjoying life's simple pleasures with Mother Nature
Kayaking through one of the caves in Ha Long Bay
360 degree view from the top deck
Ha long baySo long Ha Long
Beautiful restaurantLarge family style restaurant
Family style dinnerFamily dinner
White intricate doorDoor design appreciation #3
Wooden doorDoor design appreciation #4
Flight pathFirst leg of flight, arriving in Tokyo.
All in all, it was a 10/10 vacation. The food, hospitality, overall safety, and nature was top-notch. We only stayed in Saigon and Ha Long Bay. I already am making plans to go back and see the rest of Vietnam, since there is so much more to explore.