Off Duty

10 days in Vietnam

I went to Vietnam in March, and although I barely scratched the surface of what to do in this incredible country, I thought I’d share a few highlights as I found planning my trip overwhelming

Hanoi

Our first stop in Vietnam was Hanoi, we stayed in the French Quarter which I wouldn’t recommend, it’s a little out of the city where we spent most of our time and traffic is heavy.

If I was to go again I’d book to stay at Capella Hanoi, we went for dinner and it was super chic and in a great location. I loved the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, there was so much to take in wandering the streets (whilst avoiding mopeds).

A few highlights, Ngõ 224 Lê Duẩn (the famous Train Street) was a fun spot for drinks, Chà Cá Thǎng Long for traditional Vietnamese food, Xofa Café for brunch and Tam Vi was a good spot for a laidback lunch and the weekend night market was an experience.

Wearing a Ghost dress for dinner at Capella Hanoi, Brunch at Xofa Café

What I Wore

Hoi An

After three nights in Hanoi, we flew to Hoi An for another three nights. I liked the contrast of going from a busy city to a more relaxed, bohemian vibe.

Highlights include cycling around the pretty streets, visiting the tailors to get a suit made (I was recommended Ba Ri), people-watching as the sun goes down at The Son, a bar with live music, lunch at Morning Glory, and the coconut boats.

Linen Free People sets for the Vietnam heat, Cycling around Hoi An at sunset

What I Wore

Zannier Hotels Bai San Ho

We took a car to our next stop, Zannier Hotels Bai San Ho from Hoi An; it took about 5 hours but was easier than flying as we couldn’t fly directly (something we didn’t realise when booking).

It was a long drive, but wow, it was worth it. This hotel easily slots into my top 3 hotels of all time (joining Post Ranch Inn and Zighy Bay). After an amazing but exhausting couple of weeks (we did a stop-over in Singapore and 6 nights in Camobodia before arriving in Vietnam) I was so ready to relax.

We spent slow lazy mornings in our room overlooking the Paddy Fields, before taking a golf buggy to breakfast overlooking the pool and the bay before heading down to the resorts beach where we stayed until sunset. It was everything I look for in a holiday. Low key luxury, incredible food and pure relaxation. A little slice of paradise in Vietnam and the perfect place to wrap up our trip.