Neles journey through Vietnam

Hanoi - Arriving in the heart of the city

The entrance to Hanoi was intense. The city is loud, lively, and full of movement, and that's exactly how I perceived it at first: a seeming chaos of scooters, honks, and people, which somehow works in a certain way.

Arriving at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi was almost like a contrast program. This hotel has an incredible calm and elegance. You immediately feel the history of the house, the colonial architecture, and this special atmosphere that reminds a bit of another time. For me, it was the perfect place to arrive before heading straight into the city.

Of course, a visit to the famous "Train Street" was a must. We sat in a café right by the train tracks and eagerly waited until, after about 15 minutes, the entire scene changed: All the tables were cleared away to make room for the approaching train. A few moments later, it passed right before our feet.

Another highlight was the Vespa ride through Hanoi. Sitting in the dense, seemingly chaotic traffic of the city and at the same time observing the life around you was the perfect introduction to Vietnam. Between small food stalls, street vendors, and endless honking, an energy unfolds here that is hard to describe, but immediately captivates.

Halong Bay - A night on the water

From the city, we continued into a completely different world: Halong Bay. On the Bhaya Soul, we spent a night on the water, surrounded by the iconic limestone cliffs that rise from the sea.

The day consisted of quiet moments on the deck and kayaking among the rocks while the landscape slowly passed us by. In the evening, we could even try squid fishing. In the dark, in the middle of the sea, almost without light, just with small lamps and the silence around us. Since I had never gone fishing before, it was a great experience. The squids even bit several times, but getting them out of the water was unfortunately much more difficult than expected.

Mai Chau - Calm among rice fields

Mai Chau was one of the quietest places of the entire trip for me. Even the arrival at the Avana Retreat felt like a breath of fresh air. Everything here is embedded in the landscape - waterfalls, hills, rice fields, and small paths that wind through nature.

A particularly beautiful part was a hike through the surrounding villages. Walking among the rice fields, seeing people at their daily work, and simply feeling this silence was very special. It shows a completely different side of Vietnam, far away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.

The hotel itself is also more than just accommodation. It is a place that blends almost seamlessly into the surroundings, making it all the more special.

Ninh Van Bay - Luxury in the heart of nature

From Mai Chau, we continued to the Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, a place you won't forget quickly. The villas are secluded among rocks, jungle, and sea, and you really feel a bit cut off from the world.

The resort is only accessible by boat over the water, and you are directly welcomed by the staff at the dock.

One of the most beautiful moments was indeed breakfast with a view of the sea while monkeys climbed through the trees and curiously observed everything. The days there were characterized by calm, nature, and small moments. During a tour of the facility, we learned more about the sustainability that is strongly lived there, went snorkeling, and every now and then got an ice cream at the hotel's own ice cream parlor to cool down.

Train journey to Quy Nhon with the Vietage by Anantara

The ride with the Vietage by Anantara was a journey in itself, elegant and almost nostalgic. A train ride where the destination is not the focus, but the journey itself.

In Quy Nhon, we experienced two very different hotels: the Anantara Villa Quy Nhon and the Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô. While the Anantara is more elegant and classic, the Zannier impresses with its architectural reduction and strong connection to nature. Both show in their own way how versatile Vietnam is even in the luxury segment. In both, I could have spent a whole week simply relaxing on the beach.

Hoi An - Culture, craftsmanship, and lanterns

With the Vietage, we continued to Hoi An, where we stayed at the Namia River Retreat.

The resort is idyllically located on the riverbank and offers a wonderfully calm atmosphere, providing a nice contrast to the lively hustle and bustle of the old town. The spacious villas with private pools ensure a lot of privacy, while the thoughtful design harmoniously incorporates the natural surroundings. I particularly liked the resort's focus on wellness and relaxation. One massage is included per night, which is a wonderful way to unwind after a day full of impressions in the city.

The city itself is a highlight: charming, lively, and full of history. During a city tour, we even had a small kung fu class, which was surprisingly fun. In the evening, Hoi An transforms into a sea of lanterns and warm light. At the same time, the city is a paradise for shopping, especially for custom-made clothing that is made within a few days.

Con Dao - Nature, turtles, and sunrises

The last leg of the journey took us to Con Dao, one of the most peaceful and also beautiful places along the entire route. At Six Senses Con Dao, every day begins with a spectacular sunrise over the sea, which you can see directly from your pool villa.

An absolute highlight was the rare opportunity to accompany freshly hatched baby turtles to the sea. Additionally, we took a boat tour with snorkeling along the islands, where the underwater world of Vietnam became visible in a whole new way.

Vietnam has impressed me not only with its landscapes but especially with its variety of experiences and accommodations. Each hotel was its own microcosm. From historic and elegant to completely embedded in nature.

This journey was less a classic round trip, but rather a collection of intense places that all stay in memory in their own way.