Starting in Da Nang – Beaches, Bridges & Day Trips

I began my journey in Da Nang, a city known for its stunning coastline and laid-back vibe. The beaches here are postcard-perfect—my favorites were My Khe Beach, Non Nuoc Beach, and Bac My An Beach. The waves, soft sand, and endless ocean views were the perfect way to kick off my trip.

One of the most famous day trips from Da Nang is Ba Na Hills, home to the incredible Golden Bridge, which looks like it’s held up by giant stone hands. The views from up there are surreal, and the French-style village adds an unexpected European charm to the mountains. Another great trip is to the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone hills with hidden caves, ancient pagodas, and panoramic views.

Our Airbnb in Da Nang was right on the beach, with huge windows overlooking the ocean. Waking up to the sound of waves and having coffee with that view? Absolutely priceless.

Hoi An – A Fairytale by Night

From Da Nang, I made my way to Hoi An, a town that felt like it was straight out of a movie. By day, the yellow-walled old town is full of charming streets, tailor shops, and cozy cafés. But at dusk, it transforms into a magical wonderland, with thousands of colorful lanterns reflecting on the water. A bamboo boat ride through the coconut forest was one of the most fun activities—our boat driver even put on an impressive spinning performance! Despite the tourist crowds, Hoi An remains an enchanting and peaceful place that I instantly fell in love with.

Hanoi – History, Food & Unique Experiences

Next, I flew to Hanoi, a city that perfectly blends history, culture, and modern life. The streets are chaotic yet full of charm, and the food scene is simply incredible—I had some of the best Pho, Banh Mi, and Egg Coffee here. One must-visit spot is Train Street, where you can experience a train passing just inches away from you while sitting at a cozy café.

I also visited Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, which is a peaceful escape in the middle of the city, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can learn about Vietnam’s history. If you love museums, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum is one of the most underrated spots in the city!

Our Airbnb in Hanoi was an adorable rooftop apartment with a panoramic city view—perfect for watching the bustling city life below while enjoying a quiet moment above the chaos.

Many travelers visit Sapa from Hanoi, but since it was February, we skipped it due to the cold weather. Instead, we went to Ninh Binh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that truly embodies Vietnam’s natural beauty. Here, we took a boat ride through Tam Coc, gliding past towering limestone cliffs, lush rice fields, and hidden caves.

Ninh Binh – Mystical Beauty in the Mist!

Ninh Binh, often called the “Ha Long Bay on land,” is absolutely breathtaking! Towering limestone karsts, lush rice fields, and winding rivers create a magical atmosphere—even in rain and mist. We visited in February, and while the landscapes were stunning, the cold, wet weather made hiking and boat rides less enjoyable.

🚣‍♂️ Trang An Boat Tour – A peaceful ride through caves, temples, and towering cliffs. Tip: Bring a raincoat in winter!
⛰️ Mua Cave Viewpoint – 500 steps to a spectacular view, but very slippery in the rain!
🏯 Bai Dinh Pagoda – Vietnam’s largest Buddhist temple, even more mystical in the mist.

Would I recommend February? Not really—spring or autumn would be much better. But despite the rain, Ninh Binh’s charm still left us speechless! 💚✨

Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay – The Grand Finale

To wrap up our Vietnam trip, we headed to Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, where we cruised through emerald waters and dramatic limestone islands. The landscape here is truly breathtaking, and waking up to the misty bay from our overnight cruise was a moment I’ll never forget. Kayaking through hidden lagoons and exploring caves made the experience even more special.

And the best part? We found an amazing cruise with a luxury cabin for an affordable price—watching the sunrise from our private balcony was pure magic.

This two-week journey through Vietnam was one of the most incredible trips I’ve ever taken. Whether you love stunning beaches, vibrant cities, or natural wonders, Vietnam offers it all—and thanks to the affordable yet dreamy accommodations, our trip felt like a true luxury experience without breaking the bank. I can’t wait to return someday!