Some trips truly change you, and this one is definitely one of them. Pascal and I, Louise, have just experienced 15 absolutely incredible days in Vietnam. We decided to put our impressions down on paper to give you a taste of an adventure that exceeded all our expectations.
Buckle up, we're taking you on a journey!
 

Our "Vietnam Adventurescape" kicked off at full speed!
As soon as we arrived in Hanoi, we headed straight for the legendary Halong Bay. Believe us, photos don't do justice to the surreal beauty of these thousands of limestone islets emerging from the emerald waters. We sailed among formations like "Fighting Chicken" and "Incense Burner," explored the spectacular Sung Sot Cave, and climbed TiTop for an absolutely magical panoramic view. Pascal, who is usually quite reserved, kept repeating: "It's crazy, it's just completely crazy!"

The chef's surprise came next: off to Ninh Binh. Nicknamed the "terrestrial Halong Bay," it has a family resemblance to Halong, but inland. The boat trip in Trang An, weaving between the limestone mountains (I learned they're called "karstic") and through caves, offers incredible serenity. We even visited a 10th-century pagoda and temple. The funniest moment? Our bike ride to the peaceful Thung Nham bird garden. Pascal almost had a too-close encounter with a chicken crossing the road, under the mocking gazes of wandering buffaloes! And now, we're waiting for our night train to Phong Nha. For us, this destination sounds like a real adventure, the kind that takes you out of your comfort zone!
 

Phong Nha Ke Bang - Seen by... an artist

Arriving in Dong Hoi, we plunged into the heart of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Paradise Cave truly lives up to its name; it's immense, majestic, and makes you feel tiny. But my favorite of the day, and Pascal agrees, is Dark Cave! We kayaked on the Chay River, and it was a splash war! We had so much fun, like kids, and ended up soaked but grinning from ear to ear. The next day, we explored the Phong Nha Botanical Garden, with Gio Waterfall and Golden Lake, before marveling at the majestic Phong Nha Cave. Each cave has its own personality, and we loved discovering them both.
 

Hue, the former Imperial City | Photo : Mr Linh's Adventures

Our journey then led us to Hue, the ancient imperial capital. Along the way, visiting the Vinh Moc tunnels was a powerful, but also very moving, moment. Realizing the clandestine life of the villagers during the war is a history lesson you don't forget. We had a long moment of silence, just the two of us, touched by the resilience of these people. In Hue itself, we started with the peaceful Thien Mu Pagoda, before delving into the grandeur of the Imperial Citadel and the Tomb of Minh Mang. You feel so small in the face of so much history and architecture. And to unwind, a little footbath on a local beach. Perfect for recharging!
 

Pascal's vision of Hoi An...

Get ready for some thrills! We hopped on our motorbikes (Pascal at the handlebars, me clinging tight at the back!) to cross the legendary Hai Van Pass. Stunning landscapes, wind in our hair, and a feeling of absolute freedom. We stopped at secret beaches and Elephant Springs; the water was so good, we took a dip. Then, the wonderful Hoi An welcomed us. Its colorful lanterns illuminating the night, its charming alleys, its gentle and romantic atmosphere despite the crowds of tourists... We immediately felt at ease, hand in hand, strolling around. The next day, we took a cooking class at the Tra Que vegetable village. We learned to make spring rolls (more or less successfully for Pascal, but he did his best!) and other local dishes, then we tasted our creations. I think I'll try to make them at home...
 

Buon Ma Thuot, the World Coffee Museum

The adventure then took us to the Central Highlands, towards Buon Ma Thuot, the coffee capital of Vietnam. For coffee lovers like us, it was a true pilgrimage! We tasted real Vietnamese coffee, a delight. We visited a local village, discovered the impressive D'ray Nur waterfalls, and met the Ede ethnic community, with their truly fascinating traditions. The tenth day led us to Yok Don National Park before reaching the charming city of Da Lat. The air there is so much cooler, it's a change from the heat of the plains!

Da Lat is a unique city. With its cool climate and colonial architecture, it has an incredible, almost European, charm. We explored its lakes, its flower gardens, and even a hidden waterfall. A welcome break to rest a bit. The adventure continued gently with the journey from Buon Ma Thuot to the peaceful Lak lake, a place of absolute tranquility where we could observe local life by the water. A suspended moment, just the two of us, enjoying the calm before returning to Da Lat.
 

Mekong Delta, Pascal's very personal version

A radical change of scenery! After the coolness of the Central Highlands, we plunged into the languid bustle of the Mekong Delta. It's a region where life revolves around rivers and canals, a fascinating world. We visited My Tho and got a first glimpse of this lush and bustling region. Pascal was mesmerized by the boats coming and going on the river.

And just like that, it's already the last day!
Time flew by so fast. No activities planned for today, just time to savor one last Vietnamese coffee (the best in the world, we tell you!) and reflect on everything we've seen and experienced. From ancient temples to impressive caves, from lively markets to deserted beaches, from motorbiking on mythical passes to boat rides through rice fields... This "Vietnam Adventurescape" has been an incredible epic. Pascal and I are leaving with stars in our eyes, thousands of photos, memories for a lifetime, and some doodles that Pascal is very proud of. You can discreetly tell me what you think...

If you're looking for an authentic adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and moments of sharing that strengthen bonds, then this trip is for you. We can only recommend taking the plunge!

Note : All photos are ours, you can use them if you like. The one on Hue belongs to Mr Linh’s Adventures (ours were blurry). As for Pascal's drawings, we didn't scan them properly, but if you like them... Well, tell him, he'll be pleased