I’ve just returned to Auckland from eight days in Vietnam.

It was my first visit to a SE Asian country, and a trip I’ve been dreaming about for over a decade. Months of watching everything on YouTube about Hanoi and HCMC finally coming to fruition.

I am still processing all I saw, all I heard, all I experienced. It’s a lot.

My succinct summary is: Wow. Epic. Everyone needs to visit Vietnam. It’s a life-changer.

From the minute I arrived I had a stupid smile on my face. A first night in Ho Chi Minh City to acclimatise. To get used to the energy – it’s very very different from New Zealand.

Day one: Banh Mi from a street cart for breakfast. Perfection. And only NZD$2.

Observing the chaos of the traffic – it’s not a system, it’s a living, breathing organism. Don’t think about it from a Western logical perspective. Think of it from a Confucian perspective – preserve and value life. There’s no anger – it’s all about awareness and letting people know that they’re seen.

I was highly amused by the dudes on scooters beeping and weaving and using their phones. Fascinated by the families of four out on a trip. Fascinated when I observed that adults wore helmets and the kids did not.

The heat. The noise. We experienced >35degC daily. And it was bearable as the humidity was ok.

Hanoi. The Old Quarter. The history.

I loved my day trip to Ninh Binh. Bike riding, sampans upriver. The 500 step climb to see the dragon.

Food. All the food. Too many restaurants and cafes to mention. The interesting thing for me is that the places highlighted by YouTubers were actually a bit hit or miss. Some were GREAT. Some were seriously overcooked. But it was fun making these discoveries.

And of course NZD$2 beers.

After a few days in Hanoi – not enough (I recommend four or five days at a slower pace) – travelling back to HCMC and realising that I’m there for the 50th Anniversary of the fall of Saigon – or to the Vietnamese, the reunification of Vietnam.

Visiting the War Remnants Museum was important from a perspective I’ve not been taught. IYKYK.

Being on the streets for the rehearsal of the military parade coming up on April 30th – priceless. The experience of being in a crowd of passionate, excited, inspired Vietnamese people screaming their hearts out is unforgettable. And something no tour company could have provided.

The Cu Chi Tunnels, the snakes. This was a day trip organised by Vietnam Adventure Tours – via Get Your Guide.

It was an excellent trip and one I need to redo.

Back to Auckland. It’s soggy. It’s quiet. And a bit small.

If you want specifics, email me. I’ve got notes.

^SJD