Vietnam was one of the biggest surprises of my travels. I booked the trip because I found a great deal, not because it had always been on my bucket list, but it quickly became one of my favorite countries. From the breathtaking scenery of Ha Long Bay to life along the Mekong Delta, every stop offered something completely different. What surprised me most, though, was the warmth of the people and how much I enjoyed the food. As a picky eater, I never expected Vietnam to become one of my favorite places to eat.

 

One of the highlights of my trip was a street food tour on the back of a motorbike with Vietnamese college students who were practicing their English. Spending hours with them, learning about their lives and culture, made the experience feel personal in a way I hadn’t expected. Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels was equally unforgettable. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the resilience and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people while also reminding me of the human impact of war. Vietnam challenged many of my assumptions and became one of the most memorable and rewarding trips I’ve ever taken.