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Our Magical Trip to Vietnam: A Guide to Saigon, Hoi An & Da Nang

A serene beach scene featuring a sandy shore, an old wooden boat, lounge areas with white umbrellas, palm trees, and a distant mountainous backdrop under a clear blue sky.

When my husband and I were trying to figure out our travel plans, we knew we wanted somewhere in Asia. After finishing the most recent season of White Lotus, Thailand sounded very intriguing — but my husband had already been there and wanted to go somewhere new. So after some research, we decided on Vietnam.

At first, I was unsure about what there would be to do or where to go, but honestly, it turned out to be the most magical experience. The people were so kind, the food was incredible, and the culture is amazing. If Vietnam isn’t already on your list, let me convince you.

A woman in a red dress stands on a street adorned with vibrant pink flowers and a large tree, while a man on a motorcycle observes her.

Before You Go: A Few Things to Know

Before heading to a country like Vietnam, I think it’s always important to understand the culture, norms, and rules before you arrive. The people of Vietnam are extremely kind, polite, and clean, so make sure you’re giving them that same respect: bow slightly when saying thank you, smile often, and don’t litter.

It’s also worth knowing that Vietnam is strict on its rules and laws. The country is cracking down on drugs and partying, so this is definitely not a destination for a Tulum- or Bali-style party trip. Come for the food, the culture, and the beauty, and you’ll be rewarded.

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

We flew into Ho Chi Minh City (still widely called Saigon), and between being sleep-deprived and dropped straight into the hustle and bustle, it was a lot to take in at first. Ho Chi Minh City reminds me a lot of New York: there’s a ton of incredible food, so much going on at all hours, and some of the best (and most affordable) beauty treatments I’ve ever had.

I’ll put together a more in-depth Saigon guide in a separate post because it deserves its own deep dive, but a few quick highlights:

  • Eat everything. The food scene is unreal, from street-side bánh mì and phở to beautiful sit-down spots.
  • Treat yourself. Facials, nails, massages, blowouts — the beauty treatments here are wonderful and a fraction of what you’d pay at home.
  • Embrace the chaos. The energy of the city is part of the magic. Give yourself a day to adjust before you try to do too much.

Getting to Hoi An & Da Nang

After a few days in Saigon, we took a short flight to Da Nang, which is the closest airport to Hoi An. You fly in and it’s about a 30–40 minute drive over to Hoi An.

I highly suggest visiting both cities — Da Nang and Hoi An each have so much to offer, and they’re close enough that it’s easy to enjoy them together. Hoi An is a gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Site, while Da Nang brings the beaches and the buzzy beach-club scene.

Hoi An

Hoi An completely stole my heart. The Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and walking through it — especially in the evening when the lanterns glow over the river — feels like stepping into another world. It’s romantic, atmospheric, and beautifully preserved.

A tall pagoda with multiple tiers stands against a clear blue sky, surrounded by green trees.

Where We Stayed: Hotel Royal Hoi An

We stayed at the Hotel Royal Hoi An, and it was the perfect home base. The service was warm and attentive, the property is beautiful, and it’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and actually enjoy where you are. After busy days of exploring, having such a lovely hotel to return to made the whole trip feel even more special.

A person walking down a sunny street in Hoi An, Vietnam, with colorful lanterns hanging from a yellow building and a Vietnamese flag displayed.

A Spiritual Moment at the Buddhist Temple

One of the most memorable parts of our time here was visiting a Buddhist temple set on the hillside overlooking the water. It was breathtakingly beautiful, and there was such a deep sense of calm — it genuinely felt spiritual. Standing there looking out over the water, surrounded by the quiet and the views, was one of those moments that stays with you long after the trip ends. If you do nothing else, make time for this.

Tip: dress respectfully when visiting temples — cover your shoulders and knees, speak softly, and be mindful of those who are there to pray.

Da Nang

Just a short drive from Hoi An, Da Nang is where you go for the beach. The coastline is stunning, the sand is soft, and the beach-club scene is so much fun.

We spent a day bouncing around the beach clubs, and my absolute favorite was Mila Beach Club. I loved everything about it — the vibe, the setting, the food and drinks, and just being able to relax by the water all afternoon. If you’re in Da Nang, put Mila at the top of your list.

A few tips for the Da Nang beach-club day:

  • Go for a daybed if you can — it makes the whole experience.
  • Arrive earlier in the day to claim a good spot and enjoy the full afternoon.
  • Stay for sunset if your schedule allows; the light over the water is gorgeous.

Final Thoughts

Vietnam surprised me in the best way. I went in unsure, and I left already planning our return. Between the warmth of the people, the unbelievable food, the culture, the spiritual stillness of the temple overlooking the water, and lazy beach-club afternoons at Mila, this trip truly was magical.

If you’re considering Vietnam, take this as your sign to go. Saigon, Hoi An, and Da Nang made for the perfect mix of city energy, culture, and beach relaxation — and I can’t wait to share my full Saigon guide soon.

A colorful display of various paintings laid on the ground, featuring floral designs, landscapes, and traditional elements. Paintbrushes and paint palettes are visible nearby, suggesting an artistic workspace.

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