The land of the dragon people. That’s what I heard it was called. What an American first learns about Vietnam is very different from real life Vietnam. Of course history holds lasting effects, and I saw that with more than just my own country, but the cities I visited are uniquely beautiful. Being there during their biggest holiday was an unplanned bonus. And don’t even get me started on the food! Bear with me on this my largest post. I tried but could not omit any more images from my sharing of this trip.

 

Ho Chi Minh City

First meal: alleyway noodle soup, of course.

First of 10,000 smoothies I consumed

Saigon Central Post Office

When it comes to coffee shops and food carts: the smaller the better.

Decorations filled the streets for the upcoming Tết festival.

I wondered how such a simple breakfast could be so delicious.

War Remnants Museum

Ben Thanh Market

Bananas fried in sticky rice w/ some delicious sauce I didn’t understand

Behold! The best rooftop restaurant I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.

 

Hội An

The name of our AirBnB – Hippie House

The little girls next door were having quite the Tết fiesta.

Summer’s favorite part of Hội An was a stack of coconuts.

Cao lầu

Fried banana pancakes are WOW.

My most frequent activity while traveling

China? Nah, still Vietnam.

Not pictured: piña colada

 

Hạ Long Bay

We took a day trip to Hạ Long Bay, which was touristy but beautiful.

The views were great, but I found I was more fascinated by the boats and their operators.

Hi

 

Hanoi

Cà phê trứng

Hanoi is a city of outdoor eaters. I fully jive with this.

Happy Rooster year!

Snlz

Hanoi’s largest market was closed for our whole stay due to Tết, but this provided me with a unique time to explore its empty streets.

I wasn’t the only one with this idea.