Happy Wednesday, friends! Today I’m sharing my last post from Vietnam, and while part of me is sad to close this chapter, the memories we made there continue to replay in my mind. We wrapped up our journey in Hanoi—wandering alleyways, sipping coffee at charming cafés, and soaking up the energy of the city—but it’s Northern Vietnam that truly left a lasting impression.
Before this trip, I had only visited the south. This time, venturing north was an entirely new experience—and now I can’t imagine going to Vietnam without it. There’s something raw, breathtaking, and unforgettable about the landscapes, and one destination in particular stole my heart: Ninh Binh.
The Place That Stole the Show
Ninh Binh feels like stepping into another world. Imagine jagged limestone cliffs, lush rice paddies stretching as far as the eye can see, and winding rivers that seem to carry centuries of stories. Even though our time there came with its share of challenges, I left knowing it was one of the most extraordinary places I’d ever seen.
The challenge? Both Colin and I got sick right as we arrived. We couldn’t keep anything down, which meant we missed out on two major highlights that still haunt me to this day.
The first regret: not trying the local specialty, burnt rice with goat. Everyone raves about it, and to this day, it remains on my “must-eat” list. The second regret: not making it to the top of Mua Caves. We attempted it, but the heat was overwhelming, and we only managed to climb three-quarters of the way up. So close, yet so far!
Lessons From the Mua Caves
What’s funny is that the climb itself wasn’t difficult—it was the heat that nearly knocked us out. I’ve faced my fair share of travel discomforts before (our Iceland trip on the black sand beach in freezing wind and snow comes to mind), but the Ninh Binh heat was on another level. Within minutes, we were drenched, lightheaded, and nauseous. Even sitting down for photos was unbearable—my skin felt like it was on fire.
I’m usually someone who pushes through, no matter what, but this time, I had to admit defeat. And honestly, it taught me something important: sometimes travel isn’t about conquering everything on the list—it’s about experiencing the place in whatever way you can. Still, I won’t lie—I’d love a second chance at Mua Caves, if only to finish what we started!
Returning to Hanoi
After Ninh Binh, returning to Hanoi felt like stepping into a cool, comforting embrace. The capital city is alive with energy, yet it has these little moments of calm—narrow alleyways filled with street food stalls, the hum of scooters blending with the smell of fresh herbs, and countless cafés where time seems to slow down.
On our last day, I opted for something breezy and comfortable: a ruffled Storets top paired with leather gladiator sandals by LOQ, and my trusty Senreve bag that somehow managed to hold my entire life during this trip. It was the perfect outfit for wandering the city, unhurried and present, before saying goodbye.
Reflections on Vietnam
Looking back, this trip was filled with contrasts: the heat of Ninh Binh versus the coolness of Hanoi, the frustration of missing out on food and views versus the awe of simply being there. And that’s the beauty of travel—it doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. The moments of discomfort often make the stories richer and the memories sharper.
Vietnam has so many sides—Saigon’s energy, Sapa’s mountain serenity, Ninh Binh’s surreal beauty, and Hanoi’s cultural heart. Each one offered something different, and together they created a tapestry I’ll never forget.
I’m currently working on a Northern Vietnam itinerary to help anyone planning a trip of their own. Whether you have a few days or a couple of weeks, there’s so much to see, do, and taste in this region. Stay tuned—I can’t wait to share it with you.
Until Next Time
As I wrap up this final Vietnam post, I just want to say thank you for following along on this journey. Travel is such a gift, and being able to share these stories with you makes it even more special.
Here’s to unfinished climbs, missed meals, and all the reasons we find to go back again. Because sometimes the best part of travel is knowing you’re not done with a place yet.
