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Vietnam, a gem of Southeast Asia, has been rapidly climbing the ranks as a must-visit travel destination, and it has long held a cherished spot on my bucket list.
I finally embarked on this much-anticipated journey. Despite the distance, Vietnam proved to be an incredibly welcoming and accessible country, especially for older women travelers. From its well-connected transportation system to the warm hospitality of its people, exploring Vietnam was not only fascinating but also surprisingly easy and comfortable.
I typically revel in solo adventures though for this trip I opted for the structure provided by Remote Year, a digital nomad agency, which seemed fitting for a 58-year-old woman planning an extensive stay. (Many other companies specialize in travel to Vietnam, such as Audley Travel and Kensington Tours.)
I resided primarily in the heart of Hanoi, Vietnam's bustling capital, and my days became a mosaic of welcoming people, great food, deep history and lush, tropical surroundings.
Hanoi's labyrinthine roads, teeming with scooters (some with entire families riding on a single bike), cars, buses and pedestrians, initially felt like a chaotic puzzle. Gradually, I assimilated to the locals' dance — stride forward with steady confidence, keep arms and legs from flailing about, and trust in the fluid choreography of the streets.
I was housed in Somerset West Lake Hanoi, a sanctuary that offered solace away from the city's frenzied avenues. It is reasonably priced (often $50 or less a night) and provides all the basics for daily living.
Vietnam is approximately 82 percent the size of California, and despite spending over a month in the country, I feel like I barely scratched the surface of this exotic nation. However, here are some of my cherished highlights.
Visit Ninh Binh, a province in the southern Red River Delta. Stop at the Vietnamese Embroidery Painting establishment. I fell in love with a breathtaking piece and decided to purchase it. Meeting the artist, who hand-stitches entire masterpieces using thousands of tiny stitches and strands of silk, is an extraordinary experience.
No trip to Vietnam is complete without a visit to Ha Long Bay. This area in northeast Vietnam is nature's masterpiece, offering emerald waters and limestone islands adorned with rainforests and monkeys.
Are you a spa-type? Imagine a 90-minute aromatherapy massage at Spas Hanoi followed by a green tea body scrub that leaves your skin baby-soft. It's followed up by a 30-minute facial and head massage. The best thing that wraps up this magical experience by a Vietnamese masseuse is the bill. Often half of what you would pay in the United States for this restorative magic!
Then, there is the food! Hanoi’s culinary scene is renowned for its iconic dishes like Pho Ninh Binh (noodle soup), Bún chả (grilled pork with noodles) and Banh Mi Phuong (Vietnamese sandwich served on French bread).
If time permits, venture to Danang and Hoi An in Central Vietnam. Even if inclement weather shrouds the two iconic landmarks, Marble Mountain and The Golden Hands Bridge, the allure remains unforgettable. Danang's pristine beaches unfurl like ribbons along the coast, inviting languid strolls and moments of serene contemplation.
The cuisine of Central Vietnam offers quite a contrast to the Hanoi offering. Da Nang and Hoi An present a cuisine that is more vibrant and nuanced, melding an abundance of fresh herbs, spices and a wider array of ingredients. Dishes like Cao lầu (noodle dish with pork and greens) and Mì Quảng (turmeric-flavored noodle dish) showcase the region's inclination towards more complex flavors, often blending sweet, spicy, sour and savory elements in a single dish. Make sure you snag a reservation at Morning Glory Signature in Hoi An. Each dish is a symphony of unforgettable flavors!
For some of us in midlife and beyond, Vietnam can evoke an array of emotions. Many of us, as babies or small children during the American/Vietnam War era, carry remnants of historical trauma associated with this country.
However, juxtaposed with this historical weight is the vibrant energy of today's Vietnam, where a generation of hopeful young people has emerged. Though their descendants were deeply impacted, the young people I encountered made it clear that their focus is on the present and future. This dichotomy creates a unique tapestry of emotions — a blend of historical reverence and the youthful vitality of a nation forging ahead, reminding us that the passage of time has woven a new narrative, one driven by resilience and progress.
This confluence of modern culture, history and spellbinding sights makes Vietnam the most captivating chapter in my travel narrative spanning 70 countries. In, its glorious chaos, Vietnam emerges as my spiritual awakening. It pushed me far from my comfort zone, yet the country and its people welcomed me with open arms. Each encounter and site was a gateway to deeper personal growth.
At first, I thought it ironic that Hanoi, one of the most chaotic places I’ve ever visited, had been conferred the “City for Peace” prize by UNESCO in 1999. But as my month unfolded the moniker began ringing true for me as well. Allowed to be present each day, moment to moment, managed to bring me inner peace. And the journey was not only life-changing, it was delicious!
Restaurants Hanoi:
Lunch at Tung’s Kitchen: Ask them what they are willing to eat if trapped in their restaurant with one meal for the week. I promise it will be amazing.
Lunch at Bún Chả Hương Liên: Yes, as made famous by past fans President Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain. Just ask to have what they had!
Must Dos in Hanoi:
Cooking Class: I love a good cooking class. A combination of shopping, hands-on kitchen time, beverages, instruction and then enjoying the fruits of my labor is hard to beat. I’ve taken cooking classes in many different countries. By far the best class experience was at Rose Kitchen Hanoi.
A New Wardrobe Perhaps?
They say Vietnam is one of the best places in the world for clothing made to order. They are right. The best and quickest tailor in Hanoi I found is Daisy Nygueyn, who runs her family business from a small shop at 64 P. Hàng Trống. Daisy can design just about anything you or your Pinterest searches come up with — she’s that good!
Side Trips From Hanoi:
Take a day or overnight trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh a province in the southern Red River Delta. The boat ride through the stunning limestone karst landscape of Tam Coc is otherworldly. Go easy on your feet and take a motorbike tour (you get to ride on back!) through the countryside to Mua Caves. Those up for the trek can hike to the top of the mountain, and view the iconic statues of the Lying Dragon and Quann Am, worshipped throughout the country as “Goddess of Mercy," a symbol of compassion and enlightenment.
As for lodgings in beachfront locations, I found hotels that cost less than $100 a night. Then, there is also Airbnb Vietnam.
Getting there: Multiple airlines fly between the U.S. and Vietnam, and the weather and prices vary during the year. Check with Selective Asia to determine the best time to book your travel and avoid typhoon season.
Have you ever been to Vietnam? Would you want to visit? Let us know in the comments below.
