My First Vietnam Trip: Chicken, Lanterns, and Culture Shock

This trip takes me way back, all the way to my first ever long backpacking adventure. Early twenties, tagging along with my then-boyfriend (now firmly in the ex column), full of naïve excitement and armed with little more than a phone and a questionable backpack. Prepared? Not really. Determined? Absolutely.

We gave Vietnam three weeks of our time, zigzagging from Hanoi to Sapa, Hoi An, Hue, Ho Chi Minh, and finally Phu Quoc. I expected it to be chaotic, noisy, overwhelming — and it was, but it was also colourful, surprising, and unforgettable.

Hanoi – Chaos, Cafés, and Chicken on a Stick

Landing from China late at night, my first glimpse of Hanoi was a blur of street lights and motorbikes. The Old Quarter was alive 24/7:  horns, chatter, sizzling woks, all at once. Walking anywhere felt like a video game (level: beginner hopper). Still, we did it all: Banh Mi, Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, countless cafés, and street food galore. 

One night was particularly memorable: squeezed onto a plastic stool at a barbecue street stall, eating the best chicken of my life with friends from back home. For a moment, Hanoi’s chaos just… melted.

Ha Long Bay – Sunrises, Bruises, and Buggy Boats

A trip to Vietnam wouldn’t have felt complete without a stop at the famous Ha Long Bay. We booked a budget-friendly cruise (translation: small boat, a few bug companions, and charm of the rustic kind). Luckily, we hit it off quickly with the other passengers, which made the whole adventure feel warmer and more fun.

The landscapes were breathtaking, with surreal limestone cliffs, dreamy coves, and stops that felt otherworldly. The real highlight, though, was the sunrise. We woke up at 5 a.m (the only ones who did) and watched the sky slowly light up in pinks and golds. It was peaceful, cool, and had such a romantic vibe that we even joked a marriage proposal would have fit right in (thankfully, that didn’t happen).

The cruise also gave me one of my most memorable travel fails: slipping on wet deck boards, falling hard, and earning a massive bruise the entire length of my arm. At least it made for a funny story later. The only downside? The pollution. The number of boats every day left behind trash in the water and on beaches — a sad reminder of the impact of mass tourism.

Hanoi to Sapa – My First Sleeper Bus (and Last, If I Could Help It)

From Hanoi, we hopped on a sleeper bus to Sapa. To say I wasn’t ready would be an understatement. Picture tiny bunk beds stacked on top of each other, neon lights flickering, and a driver who seemed to think he was in a Formula 1 race rather than steering a bus full of half-asleep travellers on winding mountain roads. Every sharp turn had me clutching the seat thinking, never again (knowing full well I’d have to survive the same ride back). It was bumpy, chaotic, and mildly terrifying… but at the same time, it was an experience — the kind that becomes a funny story once you’re safely off the bus. Cheap and cheerful? Definitely cheap. Cheerful… let’s just say it depended on your perspective.

Sapa – Clouds, Mud, and a Reality Check

Now, full disclosure: I’m more of an ocean person. Mountains were new territory, and Sapa hit me with beauty and concrete.

Day one was gorgeous:  clouds hanging low, rice terraces glowing green, and a sweet local guide who took us on an easy hike. But town life felt rough around the edges. A lot of raw concrete really. I wonder how much it has changed now. 

I skipped the big muddy hike the next day (thankfully… everyone came back looking like swamp creatures right before the bus ride back) and embraced the downtime instead.

Hoi An – Lanterns, Romance, and Westlife on Repeat

The complete opposite of Sapa. Hoi An was like stepping into a postcard: lanterns, colonial architecture, riverside cafés, and enough charm to make you swoon. The markets were also a treat for the eyes and nose (iykyk).

We were recommended to do a jeep tour via the Hai Van Pass. 

We arrived very sunburnt and tired but it was absolutely worth it. Sunburnt everywhere, endless views, and a driver blasting Westlife like his life depended on it.  Honestly one of the best travel days I’ve ever had.

Hue – Temples, Tranquillity, and a River Escape

After a busy couple of weeks Hue was a quieter stop. We treated ourselves to a private traditional boat tour that took us temple hopping along the river and wandered the town in between some much needed naps and late mornings.

Ho Chi Minh City – Friends, Late Nights, and Controlled Chaos

Back to chaos or civilization, but with friends this time. My memories here are a mix of card games, laughter, questionable drinking choices (them, not me), and exploring just enough of the city to say I’d been.

Phu Quoc – Beaches, Curries, and Motorbike Freedom

And then came paradise. Beaches, motorbike rides, night markets and the best Indian food I’ve ever had, cooked by a couple who taught us about the food and how to eat it properly. The night the skies opened and we got stuck in their restaurant, chatting away until the rain stopped. It is one of my happiest travel memories.

Vietnam was a culture shock, no doubt. Loud, messy, overwhelming but also beautiful, delicious, and endlessly fascinating. Was I ready for it back then? Not at all. Would I go back? Definitely but with a lot more wisdom and slightly better shoes.