Vietnam Travel Guide: My 6-Day Journey Through Saigon, Hoi An & Hue

As a travel agent, I love exploring new destinations so I can share first-hand experiences with my clients. My most recent trip took me to Vietnam, a country that truly exceeded expectations. From the confronting history of Saigon to the glowing lanterns of Hoi An and the ancient Citadel of Hue, every stop offered something unique.

Saigon: History, Culture & Nightlife

My journey began with two nights in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). This buzzing metropolis was the perfect introduction to Vietnam.

Must-See Highlights in Saigon:

Cu Chi Tunnels – An eye-opening experience crawling through underground passages and learning the war history from the Vietnamese perspective.
War Remnants Museum – Confronting but important to see. It offers insight into the country’s past and resilience.
City Tour – French colonial buildings, vibrant markets, and the energy of Saigon’s streets.
Walking Street & Bui Vien – By night, Saigon transforms. Walking Street is alive with music and performers, while Bui Vien Street is nightlife on steroids—exciting, loud, and unforgettable.

Rex Hotel Rooftop Bar – A must for sunset cocktails with sweeping city views.

Hoi An: Cooking, Lanterns & Ancient Culture

Next, I travelled to Hoi An, a destination that feels like stepping into a postcard.

Top Hoi An Experiences:

Red Bridge Cooking School – One of my favourite activities. It included a guided market tour, a scenic river cruise, and a hands-on 5-course cooking class led by an exceptional chef.
Hoi An by Night – The lanterns, boats on the river, and vibrant atmosphere were simply magical. Dining at Morning Glory restaurant was another highlight—the staff were wonderful, even storing our many lantern purchases until dinner.
Marble Mountain & My Khe Beach (Da Nang) – A great mix of natural beauty and history.
Cham Museum – A fascinating stop to learn about the Cham civilisation that once thrived in Vietnam.

Hue: History & Hidden Gems

From Hoi An, we drove the scenic Hai Van Pass to Hue, a former imperial capital steeped in history.

Hue Highlights:

Citadel (Ancient City) – A must for history buffs. Walking through centuries of emperor history was awe-inspiring.
Incense Street – A quick but colourful stop, where you can watch incense being made.
Bunker Hill & the Emperor’s Tombs – Both worth including in a day tour.

Accommodation in Vietnam: Where I Stayed

One of the things I love about Vietnam is the range of accommodation—from budget-friendly stays to luxury resorts. Here’s where I stayed along the way:

Saigon – Ramada Encore by Wyndham (4 star, Vietnam standards): Clean, friendly staff, small but comfy rooms, great A/C, and a rooftop pool to cool off from the humidity. About a 15-minute walk to Ben Thanh Market.
Hoi An – Central Boutique Hotel (4–5 star by Australian standards): Big comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and a lovely pool. The little details, like an elephant towel on the bed, made it special.
Hoi An – Silkotel Hoi An (4 star): Excellent location just 100m from the Old Town. Spacious rooms, modern facilities, and two pools to choose from.
Hue – Pilgrimage Boutique Village Resort & Spa (5 star+): Absolutely stunning. Spacious villas set among lush gardens, exceptional dining, and extras like yoga and tai chi. It felt like a hidden paradise.

Food & Dining: A Taste of Vietnam

Vietnamese food is full of flavour, freshness, and variety. Standout meals for me included:

Morning Glory, Hoi An – Amazing service and authentic flavours in a beautiful riverside setting.
Pilgrimage Boutique Resort Restaurant, Hue – Outstanding dining with a mix of local and international dishes (bonus: they even had Vegemite at breakfast!).

Travel Tips for Vietnam

Here are some practical tips from my experience to help future travellers:

Carry local currency (VND) – Some markets accept cards but often charge an extra 4%. Travel cards are easy to use and there are plenty of ATM’s
eSIMs don’t always work in airports, but free Wi-Fi is widely available.
Stay hydrated – Drink bottled water only; the heat and humidity are intense.
Airport fast-track services can save time at immigration but don’t guarantee faster luggage collection.
Organise your visa early to avoid stress.
Cultural tip – Don’t say food is “yum”! It means something very different in Vietnamese.
When to visit – Vietnam is hot and humid year-round. Off-peak seasons can mean fewer crowds and lower prices.

My Impressions of Vietnam

Vietnam left a lasting impression on me. It’s a destination that has something for everyone:

Families & couples will love the welcoming atmosphere.
History & culture buffs will be fascinated by the sites.
First-time Asia travellers will find it easy to navigate yet still feel adventurous.

Food, culture, scenery, and hospitality—it all came together to create an incredible experience. Whether you’re looking for a family holiday, a cultural journey, or a touch of luxury, Vietnam is a destination that will inspire and delight.

Ready to start planning your Vietnam holiday?