Vietnam is a long country with endless layers: going a little deeper makes all the difference.
When Holiday Architects’ Vietnam expert, Erin, headed back to her beloved Vietnam this summer, she had one clear goal: to look beyond the usual tourist path and spotlight the magic in the smaller moments that really make a trip unforgettable. Over two weeks, she travelled from the vibrant streets of Hanoi all the way down to the riverside villages of the Mekong Delta, blending culture, food, scenery and quirky local experiences into one rich adventure.
Her journey began in Hanoi, where Erin soaked up the city’s energy before swapping standard tours for more immersive moments. She cycled, kayaked and trekked through dramatic landscapes, using public transport and embracing the rhythm of rural life. Rather than sticking to big sights alone, she made space for hands-on encounters with local communities, everything from farm visits to cooking classes.
One of Erin’s favourite discoveries was Cẩm Kim, a peaceful island just a short cycle from Hoi An’s Ancient Old Town. It couldn’t feel more different from the busy streets of Hoi An. On an electric bike tour, she met artisans, learned how to make rice milk and rice wine, and even helped craft traditional reed mats. These small interactions offered a fresh perspective on local life and skills that rarely feature in typical itineraries.
Erin describes Vietnam as a place where the local greeting might as well be, “Have you eaten?”, food really was a constant highlight. One day aboard a traditional Bassac Boat in the Mekong Delta was a standout moment, cycling through serene villages at dawn, watching floating markets wake up, and savouring freshly cooked regional dishes on deck.
Her favourite stay was at The Pu Luong Retreat, tucked into the lush northern countryside. Long drives from Hanoi rewarded her with rice terraces, tranquil waterwheels and welcoming villages. From her balcony she could watch daily life unfold against a backdrop of steep hills and glowing sunsets.
Best time to visit
The most popular time to visit is from November to April, when the weather is generally at its best and you’ll find the biggest crowds. The months on either side, October and May, can also be fantastic. October might still have the odd storm, and May starts to get hotter and wetter, but both are great times to explore with fewer visitors. Erin recommends travelling in the so-called ‘green season’, it meant fewer crowds and more genuine moments with locals, and proved that great weather isn’t limited to peak months.
Top tip: Erin’s tip for anyone planning Vietnam is to make sure you’re mixing classic must-sees with local experiences. Take a Vespa food tour, learn to make a banh mi with a local family, or pause for early-morning sampan rides in Ninh Binh.
How to book
Go local in Vietnam and dive deeper into the real Vietnam, one authentic experience at a time. Holiday Architects (01242 253 073) offers a 12-day holiday from £3,365pp and includes accommodation, transport, excursions, guides and international flights.
This article was written by Holiday Architects and published on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Costs correct at the time of publication.
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