Some journeys invite you to slow down; others stir something deeper.
For me, Vietnam was both — a place where past and present live side by side, where culture, cuisine, and connection intertwine in the most unexpected ways.

Some journeys change how you see the world; Vietnam changed how I felt it. It invites you to pause and truly be present — to notice the rhythm of scooters weaving through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the scent of lemongrass and rain, the laughter that rises even when the skies open.

From the French-colonial boulevards of Hanoi to the lantern-lit magic of Hoi An and the vibrant rhythm of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam revealed itself in layers — refined yet raw, elegant yet electric.

It’s a country that greets you with quiet grace and leaves you with stories you’ll tell for years.

Hanoi — Where History Whispers

Hanoi is a symphony of sound and motion. In the Old Quarter, there are no streetlights or stop signs — only an unspoken choreography of scooters, bicycles, and pedestrians. The first time I stepped off the curb, my instinct was to freeze, but locals urged me to just walk. Miraculously, the swarm of motorbikes flowed around us like water — chaotic, exhilarating, and oddly graceful.

Our day began in Independence Square, where history feels alive. We visited the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the late leader’s body is preserved, and the Presidential Palace, a mustard-yellow relic of French architecture that still houses government offices. Flags lined every street, marking eighty years of independence from France — a reminder of both struggle and pride.

Nearby, the Temple of Literature offered a quieter reverence. Founded nearly a thousand years ago and now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was Vietnam’s first university, dedicated to Confucius. Stone steles perched on carved turtles — symbols of wisdom and longevity — stood in elegant silence beneath the banyan trees.

From there, we continued to Hỏa Lò Prison, once known as Maison Centrale. Learning how Vietnamese revolutionaries were imprisoned under French rule was sobering. Decades later, the same complex held American POWs — a place heavy with both pain and resilience.

The tone shifted as we left the city center for a private knife-making workshop with a local artisan. My husband, Phillip, forged a blade by hand under the craftsman’s patient instruction — sparks flying as metal met steel. Watching him work, I felt the essence of Vietnamese artistry: precise, patient, deeply personal.

That evening, returning to the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi felt like stepping into another time. Staying in the Opera Wing — polished wood, crisp linens, and colonial elegance — was the perfect contrast to the city’s pulse. Dinner at Spices Garden, the hotel’s Vietnamese restaurant, was refined yet soulful, each dish a masterclass in balance and flavor.

The next morning, we strolled around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, where locals practice tai chi at sunrise, and wandered to Train Street, where cafés perch beside the tracks and laughter rises as travelers sip coffee while a train barrels past.

When weather canceled our Ha Long Bay cruise, we stayed longer — relocating to the Apricot Hotel, a modern boutique overlooking the lake. That time allowed us to unwind, visit L’Essence Spa for a luxurious hair wash and hot-stone massage, and cap our stay with The Quintessence of Tonkin, an outdoor performance of music and light that brought Vietnam’s spirit to life beneath the stars.

Hoi An — Craft, Cuisine, and Connection

In central Vietnam, the pace softened. La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa became our home for four nights — first in the Classic Wing, then upgraded to an Executive Suite in the Club Wing with sweeping views of the infinity pool and rice terraces. The resort’s serenity perfectly balanced the energy beyond its gates.

Photo Courtesy of La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa

Our first full day began at a bustling local market with our chef, weaving between stalls piled high with herbs, chilies, fresh fish, and tropical fruit. It was a lively glimpse of daily life — bartering with vendors, sampling produce, and choosing ingredients for our class.

From there, we glided through the Cẩm Thanh Coconut Jungle in bamboo basket boats. Palm fronds brushed our shoulders as fishermen sang and spun their boats in circles. Phillip even tried catching crabs with a woven trap, laughing with the locals as they cheered him on.

At the Hội An Tropical Cooking Class, we turned those morning finds into a feast — papaya salad, spring rolls, sizzling Vietnamese pancakes, braised chicken in clay pot, and a caramel-passion-fruit dessert that still makes my mouth water.

The next day was devoted to artistry. We began at a lantern workshop in a local woman’s home, stretching silk across bamboo frames as incense curled through the air — meditative and magical. Afterward, we joined the Wood Carving Art Workshop at Làng Cùi Lũ – Driftwood Village, carving small keepsakes alongside artisans who spoke more through their hands than words. We’re definitely not artists and needed plenty of help, but what a gift it was to learn these crafts directly from the people who preserve them — and to bring home such meaningful souvenirs.

That afternoon’s walking food tour became a comedy of timing: torrential rain poured down, and our “walk” turned into a sprint between the car and restaurants. It was deemed too unsafe to stroll as planned, but it didn’t dampen the experience. We ended at a tiny café with iced coconut coffee — a questionable choice in a storm but too delicious to resist — and laughed as water swirled around our ankles.

When our flight was delayed by weather, we used the extra time to finally wander through Hoi An’s Old Town in daylight, seeing lanterns drying in shopfronts and locals going about their day. At last, we stood before the Japanese Bridge, that graceful symbol of connection between cultures and centuries.

Ho Chi Minh City — Energy, Elegance, and Emotion

Saigon greeted us with tropical heat and boundless energy. The hum of motorbikes, the scent of street food, and the gleam of skyscrapers all told the story of a city constantly reinventing itself. We spent our first two nights at The Myst Dong Khoi, a boutique hotel full of character and greenery, before moving to the sleek Sofitel Saigon Plaza, where floor-to-ceiling windows framed the skyline.

On our first day, we explored on foot — visiting the Central Post Office, a French-era masterpiece, and pausing outside Notre Dame Cathedral, its red-brick façade wrapped in scaffolding for restoration. Even under construction, it was striking — a symbol of endurance and renewal.

The next morning, we journeyed into the Mekong Delta, joining two lovely British couples for a boat ride through narrow canals shaded by coconut palms. We stopped at a coconut candy workshop, sampled local tropical fruits, and listened to traditional Vietnamese songs — a glimpse into the Delta’s gentle rhythm of life.

Then, in true travel fashion, the skies opened. A torrential downpour forced an early retreat from Unicorn Island, and by the time we returned to the mainland, we were soaked but grinning. The laughter, the rain, the spontaneity — it all became part of the memory.

On my birthday, we explored the Cu Chi Tunnels, an experience that stirred something far deeper. Listening to our guide describe how soldiers lived and fought underground, I felt a profound connection to my father, who had served nearby as a combat medic during the war. He earned three Purple Hearts and multiple Bronze Stars for saving lives in these same fields. Standing above those tunnels, seeing the traps and scars of battle, was profoundly humbling — a moment that stitched the past and present together.

That afternoon, a coffee workshop at Ca Phe Pham lightened the mood. We learned to prepare three of Vietnam’s signature coffees — egg, salted caramel, and yogurt — each one rich, indulgent, and uniquely Vietnamese.

To close out our time in Vietnam, we visited An’s Spa, where I indulged in a luxurious hair wash paired with a neck, shoulder, and foot massage. Using Google Translate to chat with the lovely women caring for me turned into laughter, stories, and connection — proof that kindness needs no common language. It was the perfect ending to an extraordinary journey.

Before leaving Saigon, I stopped by the elegant MGallery Hotel des Arts Saigon for a site visit and a leisurely buffet lunch — a final taste of Vietnamese hospitality that reminded me how seamlessly the country blends sophistication with soul.

Reflections on Luxury and Connection

As we packed our bags for the flight home, I found myself thinking about how Vietnam had surprised me at every turn. The grandeur of Hanoi’s landmarks, the artistry and warmth of Hoi An, the pulse and progress of Saigon — each revealed a different side of the same soulful country.

But what stood out most were the connections. The laughter shared over coconut coffee in a storm. The care of a spa therapist who spoke a different language but made me feel completely at home. The quiet pride of a craftsman guiding Phillip’s hands through centuries-old techniques.

Luxury, I realized, isn’t just about where you stay — though Vietnam offers that in abundance. It’s about how you feel in a place: the effortless blend of authenticity and comfort, of cultural immersion without compromise. It’s traveling with curiosity, gratitude, and the willingness to be changed.

Vietnam will stay with me — in the scent of coffee, the shimmer of lanterns, and the stories etched into my memory. It’s a destination that invites you not just to explore, but to connect.

Plan Your Journey

To begin planning your own journey through Vietnam — one that blends culture, comfort, and connection — reach out to Boutique Travel Advisors.

Our team crafts tailor-made experiences designed to immerse you in the soul of a place while surrounding you with refined, effortless luxury.

Author Bio

Baylee Waterman Shapiro — Boutique Travel Advisors Luxury Travel Envoy & Founder of Ubuntu & Beyond Travel
Baylee specializes in crafting transformative journeys that blend cultural immersion with refined luxury. Her passion lies in connecting travelers to places that move them — experiences that create stories to last a lifetime.

Connect with Baylee at baylee.shapiro@52.26.241.82 and check out more at www.ubuntuandbeyondtravel.com

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I’m Julie Rose, Boutique Travel Advisors’ resident nomad (no pun intended) — and I travel full-time.

For me, “traveling full-time” means I leave the U.S. and move around for 4-5 months on end, exploring multiple countries and usually living out of one suitcase — all to best experience and highlight amazing travel destinations and ultimately, better service BTA clients!

Sure, traveling across multiple climates, cultures, and continents sounds exciting and romantic — until you try to pack for it.

This past June, I spent a month in Scotland, the land of unpredictable weather, with travel to Mediterranean Europe and the Middle East to follow. 

Scotland, as you can imagine, called for cozy layers, insulation, and waterproof boots. But I knew I wouldn’t need those bulky items once I hit the warmer, sunnier legs of my trip. Rather than lugging around an extra bag for months, or trying to stuff unnecessary items into a single suitcase, I decided to try something new: I shipped a bag home.

And wow, was it a game-changer.

The service that made it effortless: Luggage Free

I used a company called Luggage Free. Here’s how it worked:

• I packed up everything I no longer needed into a single bag.
• My hotel printed the shipping label for me.
• I handed the bag off to the front desk, who handed it off to DHL for pickup.
• I received real-time tracking updates as it made its way back to the U.S.
• A few days later, my mom texted me a photo of the bag safely delivered to our doorstep — while I was still in Europe.

No extra baggage fees, no baggage claim, no schlepping a no-longer-needed piece of luggage — just door-to-door peace of mind.

The best part? They only need 48–72 hours of notice to schedule most shipments — but if you’re in a pinch, they can often accommodate same-day or next-day service with a quick phone call. So even if you’re feeling spontaneous, it’s not too late to ship your luggage stress-free.

Why you might want to ship your luggage too

While my reason was a multi-season, multi-country journey, there are so many ways this service could simplify travelers’ lives. Here are just a few:

💼 Traveling with little ones

Babies and toddlers come with a lot of stuff — strollers, car seats, toys, and snacks. Instead of trying to navigate airport security with a mountain of gear, ship it all ahead of time and travel hands-free.

🎿 Multi-destination trips

Going from the slopes to the sea? Ship your ski clothes home after your time in the mountains and avoid overpacking for the beach leg of your trip.

⛳ Athletics & adventure

Don’t risk damaged or delayed gear. Send your golf clubs, skis, or scuba equipment directly to your hotel or resort so it’s ready and waiting when you arrive (or send it home afterwards).

💍 Special events

Destination weddings, milestone birthdays, reunions — these events often come with outfits, gifts, décor, and more. Ship everything in advance and breeze through the airport stress-free.

🚢 Cruises & tight connections

Timing is everything when you have a cruise departure or a tight layover. Skip the baggage carousel entirely and have your suitcase waiting for you in your stateroom.

So, what exactly is Luggage Free?

Here’s a quick overview of what they offer:

• What can you ship? Luggage, boxes, strollers, car seats, golf clubs, skis, and other sports gear.
• Where do they ship? 180 countries — including Europe, Australia, Africa, Asia, South America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.
• How long does it take? Domestic: 1–5 business days. International: usually 2–5 business days.
• How much is insured? $500 per item is included; you can insure up to $10,000.
• How is it tracked? Every shipment is tracked daily. On-time delivery is guaranteed.

Hotels and cruises: Seamless handoff

If you’re shipping to a hotel, the bell staff or concierge will receive and store your luggage until you arrive. For cruises, Luggage Free partners with port agents who bring your bags directly to your stateroom.

After bringing my bag down to the hotel front desk in Edinburgh, I didn’t have to lift a finger — a few days later, it showed up on my mom’s porch, delivered by a friendly driver. That kind of convenience is worth every penny.

What you’ll need to ship internationally

To ship abroad, you’ll need:

• A copy of your passport
• Your flight itinerary
• A simple inventory list of your shipment contents

Their team takes care of the rest: no long customs forms, no language barriers, and no stress!

Final thoughts: Travel lighter, travel smarter

Whether you’re a frequent flier, a first-time traveler, or planning a big bucket-list adventure, Luggage Free makes traveling smoother — especially when juggling different climates, gear, or a busy itinerary.

And when you factor in the cost of airline baggage fees, especially for overweight, oversized, or excess bags — using Luggage Free can actually be a comparable (or even smarter) investment for the convenience it provides.

I had a great time in Scotland in June, but it’s such a relief not to lug around my cold weather gear to my following travels July to November: Greece, Italy, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Portugal! Want to follow the journey and see the experiences I discover? Follow me on Instagram. And a big thanks to Luggage Free for saving my back and spine!

Ready to try it for yourself? Book with Luggage Free here and simplify your next journey.

About Julie Rose, BTA Affiliate Advisor and Travel Coach

Julie Rose is a travel advisor, travel coach, and curator of transformational group adventures. After leaving behind a high-profile corporate career to embrace a life of meaningful flexible self-employment and full-time travel, she now inspires others to design their lives and travel experiences rooted in freedom, purpose, and adventure. Through personalized coaching, hosted group trips, and expert travel advising, Julie empowers her community to explore the world with intention, reduce financial dependence, and reimagine what’s possible — one bold journey at a time. Visit her online on her blog, juliedevivre.com. 

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