Vietnam felt different - from calm moments around the lake in Hanoi to the constant chaos of Ho Chi Minh City, it quickly pulled me into its rhythm. More intense, less laid-back than Indonesia, but still deeply interesting. Not a place I immediately long to return to, but one I’m very glad I experienced.

Vietnam was all about moving. From Hanoi to Sa Pa, through Cát Bà and Ha Long Bay, to the quiet of Ninh Binh, back to Hanoi, and all the way south to the Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City. Plans changed and I adjusted along the way. Every stop felt different, and that constant movement became part of the experience.

Vietnam stayed with me through its contrasts. The calm of Hanoi’s lake, the chaos of its streets, the mist in Sa Pa, the stillness of Ha Long Bay, and the quiet landscapes of Ninh Binh. It wasn’t one single moment, but the constant shift between them that made it memorable.

One night on a boat in Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, surrounded by limestone cliffs and complete stillness. Kayaking, swimming, jumping into the water, and unexpectedly some of the best food I had in Vietnam. It was the moment everything slowed down, and without a doubt, the highlight of the trip.

I expected vegan food in Vietnam to be difficult, but it wasn’t. From tiny local spots in Hanoi to unexpected meals on a boat in Ha Long Bay, I found good food everywhere. It required a bit more awareness than Indonesia, but it was always there, often in the places I least expected.