Ease of travel? Yes. Cultural diversity? Admirable. Tantalising local delicacies? Addictive. Spectacular, scenic landscapes? Plentiful everywhere. A thrill-seeker's paradise? Electrifying. Think thoroughly… Vietnam must've cast a warm glow on every inch of your being.
After all, Vietnam is emerging as one of Southeast Asia's tourist destinations, considering how it appeals to the masses by ticking off all of those boxes. Juliana Siahaan is no exception.
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Her sharp features are bewitching at first glance. Siahaan left her hometown in North Sumatra, Indonesia, clutching onto her goal of becoming a secretariat in the metropolis. Her wanderlust might've depleted over the years—rather opting to wind down over feel-good TV shows as opposed to taking off beyond her sanctuary—but deep beneath the sprightful Siantar-born lies her infinite desire to see the world. Late is better than never. She simply needed to tap into her inner child passion: travelling.
The golden star in Vietnam's flag has sparkled over her since… forever. Living in a dorm with like-minded adventurers fostered her early whirlwind trips within Indonesia. “We were planning to visit Vietnam. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it with my friends. Fast-forward to a few years later, I finally embraced Vietnam myself,” she recalled.
So, a new cosy sweater affectionately geared her up as the urge to break away from the mundane and delve into the unknown reignited for her escapade to Vietnam in one boisterous October.
“Vietnam is all about food,” she said. Food greatly fits her experience there. Food stalls abundantly stood in every corner, delightfully gracing this epicure. Beyond Vietnam’s food was its nature; a wild, timeless realm where the earth whispered and every living creature thrummed with an untold connection to the land and the elements.
History and nature accent the concept of her adventures, regardless of the location. “That’s what makes a place more interesting,” she conveyed.
Siahaan started up north in Ha Long Bay after making a pit stop at Hanoi. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a true nature masterpiece spanning around 1,500 km². Renowned for its majestic limestone peaks that rise dramatically from the dazzling jade waters, these sublime formations were crafted over thousands of years. Venturing into the remarkable caves while immersing in the affluent local culture is everything.
Each one of the 1,969 karst and limestone islands boasts a tale of geological evolution that stretches back over 500 million years. What truly sets Ha Long Bay apart, though, is its towering limestone formations—soaring above the sea in a way that defies the usual. A beach-lover like Siahaan could not dismiss such a one-of-a-kind wonder.
After a long haul on the road together with her travel buddy, who's just as enraptured, they skedaddled to the dazzling body of water on a cruise. The pair booked a tour which conveniently provided basic necessities, even for a one-day trip. The boat took them sightseeing and stopped at two islands. Neither decided to try those famous spinning round boats, thúng chai.
Local fishermen in Ha Long Bay, particularly in the floating fishing villages, benefit from these traditional bamboo boats drifting on the bay’s calm waters to fish and transport goods. The rapid spins assist fishermen in navigating the waves. In hindsight, the wanderers went rafting instead.
“Ha Long Bay was absolutely relaxing. I didn’t expect it to be so soothing, although I’m usually scared of waves! The water was peaceful,” she expressed, with full excitement twinkling in her eyes.
They left the tranquillity of the north to return to the tapestry of colonial-esque wonder, Hanoi. The jam-packed streets weren't overwhelming to regular visitors—she astonishingly cherished them! Trees reared up in all their lushness, all the glory of the old, charming architecture of Hanoi. Amidst the sightseeing, she was smothered in all kinds of Vietnamese dishes, including the famed coffee, despite not being a devoted coffee drinker. Nonetheless, her time in the historic city replenished her sight and taste with the right amount of pleasure.
Another bus ride called the next part of her journey—Sa Pa. A train was plausible; however, the 5.5-hour road trip was seamless. Sa Pa's beauty swept them off their feet, even in their hotel room, emitting a mind-blowing vista of the valleys. “I was reconnected to nature once again - this time, in the mountain hideaway,” she grinned. Sa Pa has gained recognition. Picture this: stunning rice terraces stretching as far as the eye can see, bustling markets full of colour and life, quaint villages nestled among towering mountains, and an unforgettable cultural immersion. Sa Pa isn’t just a place; it’s an experience perched high on a misty peak near the Chinese border.
This launchpad for adventure was once established as a French hill station over a century ago, Sa Pa today is a lively town with a touch of chaos—construction sites, karaoke bars, and honking tourist vans fill the streets. Don’t be fooled by the hubbub; Sa Pa's real allure lies just outside its limits, where a haven of waterfalls, emerald rice terraces, a melting pot of cultures, and adrenaline-pumping activities like hiking and motorbiking add their own zestful thread to the fabric of Sa Pa’s identity.
Siahaan came in the right season. The rice terraces glow a golden yellow, and the cool air makes hiking pure bliss. Spring is equally dreamy, with mild days, clear skies, and the hillsides alive with blooming flowers. Summer is lush with green terraces, though the frequent rain can make trails slippery.
Set aside at least two full days. “We visited Cat Cat Village, where we learned about their traditional customs and watched performances. I even wore traditional clothing,” she gushed. The long walk and fleet of stairs to get to the village were tough for the duo. “But it’s worth it! We then took a cable car to Fansipan.” More places are deemed to be explored; perhaps another time would suffice. Either way, this nature enthusiast adored every second spent at Sa Pa.
Siahaan reckoned Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, and Sa Pa were marvellous, but between the three, Sa Pa was the absolute golden star. “The mountains were just amazing. When you wake up, drink coffee, and look at the mountains, it feels utterly serene, like living in a painting—or being in Switzerland, although you're in Asia,” she expressed.
“The people are friendly. They might not speak English, but they’re not intrusive.” One week was insufficient. A list of places her heart cries out for requires her immediate return. Wholeheartedly.
“Vietnam is still on my bucket list,” she pointed out.
For instance, the tinier islands surrounding Ha Long Bay were overshadowed during her initial visit. Moreover, Dalat and Phu Quoc have captivated her.
“Tours will make your trip more enjoyable. And please dress appropriately for the weather! Hanoi was eerily hot in October, so be sure to pack flowy clothes and thicker ones in February or March,” she urged. “Google Maps and Grab will be your best bet on getting around. Hanoi's Old Quarter is walkable and undeniably lively. Go ahead and book accommodation away from the chaos if peace and quiet are to your liking.”
The former school dance performer greatly emphasised that the streets or a cosy restaurant will lure any traveller, depending on a personal budget, “so, check the prices before dining”. All in all, Vietnam is charming—and worthy of more than a one-time pop-in.