Walk us through your itinerary – what parts of Vietnam did you visit, and how did you choose where to go?

First, I found a travel agency that really embraced my intentions. I wanted specifically to support as many female-founded companies, and to stay in hotels that either embraced sustainability or were unique to the region in some way.

I worked with a female-founded travel agency called Your Travel Nation, which made all of my dreams come true on this trip. From fishing with locals to harvesting herbs and cooking with a local Vietnamese family.

I did not hold back when it came to seeing everything from the South of Vietnam to the North, because this was also my first time seeing Vietnam in this way. I had only ever been to Saigon. So I took my husband from Saigon to Phu Yen, Danang, Hoi Anh, Ninh Binh, Hanoi, Yen Tu, and Halong Bay. Eight regions in three weeks. My itinerary was so epic that the travel agency is now featuring my exact travel plan for anybody interested in [replicating] our adventure.

Can you share three particularly memorable moments from this trip?

One of my favourite memories was riding with my husband on the back of xe om (scooters) at night to the best street food destinations. I believe the only way to see Saigon is on the back of a xe om.

My second favourite memory was [staying at] the Zannier Bai Sản Hồ hotel. It’s hands-down my favourite hotel that I’ve ever been to—and I travel a lot. I’ve never seen a hotel that was so consistent in committing to preserving the environment in which the hotel was built. From the staff to the handmade furniture and Vietnamese artifacts decorating the hotel, every detail respected the land and people. It is a must visit.

My third favourite memory was climbing to the top of Yen Tu mountain. There is a spiritual energy within the grounds of that mountain that is indescribable. Being that it is a sacred place where Vietnamese Buddhism was created, you feel a sense of humility and reflection from the moment you arrive. I had wild dreams and moments with myself that I’m still processing from that visit. It brings me chills just thinking about it.

What were some of the best meals you had on this trip? 

Honestly, and Jeezy will concur, the best pho we've ever had was in the streets of Quy Nhon at a table for two with plastic chairs.

Some of the best dishes are from street vendors, so I always try to taste the street food version of my favourite dishes. 

For someone travelling to Vietnam for the first time, what are some must-dos?

First, you must be open to new experiences and flavours. Do all the things you wouldn't do in your everyday life. Take a xe om tour though the villages of Ninh Binh. Take up fishing in Hoi An. Vietnam is a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage, and there are many opportunities to connect with the local people and traditions.

Go to a traditional music or dance performance, learn how to make Vietnamese crafts like pottery or silk embroidery, or participate in a cooking class to learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine. And don't miss out on classics like pho, banh mi, and spring rolls, as well as regional specialties like cao lau and bun bo hue.

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