Vietnam gave us two completely different experiences—one worth celebrating, the other impossible to forget.
Da Nang: A Birthday Worth Crossing the World For
We arrived in Da Nang after a short drive from Hoi An, and I wasn’t expecting much from the journey itself—but wow, I was wrong.
The drive hugged the coastline in a way that immediately reminded me of Miami. Sleek buildings, beach clubs, endless stretches of sand, and a kind of effortless beauty everywhere you look. It felt modern, vibrant, and just a little bit glamorous.
Our Stay: InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort
We checked into the stunning InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort, and honestly, this place is in a league of its own.
Perched dramatically on the Son Tra Peninsula, the resort cascades down the mountainside toward the sea. It’s divided into four levels—Heaven, Sky, Earth, and Sea—connected by a charming tram system that becomes part of the experience itself.
Our panoramic room delivered exactly what you’d hope for: sweeping ocean views, lush jungle surroundings, and that feeling of being completely removed from the outside world.
And then… the wildlife.
Seeing the rare red-shanked douc langurs in their natural habitat was surreal. They almost don’t look real—bright, almost painted-looking creatures moving gracefully through the trees. It was one of those “this is why we travel” moments.
Day one was simple: explore, unwind, and take it all in.
Casey’s Birthday: A Day I’ll Never Top
Day two was Casey’s 41st birthday—and I had a plan.
I booked a private experience (led by our now-legendary guide Andy), and before the tour even properly began, he pulled over at a scenic overlook… and surprised Casey with a birthday cake.
From a local bakery. On a mountaintop. In Vietnam.
Andy wasn’t just a guide—he was part photographer, part storyteller, and part magician. By the end of the day, he had captured everything in a beautifully edited video and photo set that we’ll keep forever.
Our tour included:
- A visit to the See Linh Ung Pagoda and Lady Buddha
- Hike up Marble Mountain
- Visit to a (family owned) marble sculpting facility
- A scenic drive around Monkey Mountain
- A stop for local coffee (salted coffee and coconut coffee are new favs)
After the tour: a well-earned nap… then we got ready for what might be one of the best meals of our lives.
Dinner at La Maison 1888
Dinner was at La Maison 1888, the resort’s Michelin-starred French restaurant—and it delivered at a level that’s hard to put into words.
We opted for the Epicurean tasting menu with wine pairing.
Eight courses turned into… more than eight. The chef added canapés and an extra appetizer, and by the end, it felt like a full culinary journey rather than just a meal.
Every dish was precise, creative, and beautifully plated—but still approachable. No pretension, just excellence.
They even surprised Casey with a personalized dessert, which was such a thoughtful touch.
After dinner, we toured the wine cellar—home to what’s rumored to be the most expensive bottle of wine in Vietnam (valued at over $100,000 USD).
Yes… I tried to take it off the shelf.
And yes… Casey was not thrilled.
(I only pulled it out halfway. We’re still married.)
Ba Na Hills: Vietnam’s Most Surreal Playground
On our final full day, we headed to Ba Na Hills.
The best comparison I can give? Imagine Epcot… but more visually stunning and slightly less focused on rides.
The cable car alone—one of the longest in the world—is reason enough to visit. Soaring above mountains and jungle, the views feel almost surreal.
Pro tip: Go early during the summer, and bring a light jacket in cooler months—the temperature can change dramatically between the base and the summit.
We also hit the alpine coasters (all three of them).
And yes… I lost another hat.
That makes two this trip. One in Thailand, one here. At this point, it’s becoming a pattern.
After four incredible days—and what I hope was a truly unforgettable birthday—we packed up and headed south.
And then… everything shifted.
Ho Chi Minh City: Energy, History, and Heavy Truths
We arrived in Ho Chi Minh City and checked into Landmark 81, the tallest building in Vietnam.
Our first night was spent in the club lounge on the 71st floor—cocktails in hand, watching the city stretch endlessly in every direction. It’s a skyline that feels alive.
The Cu Chi Tunnels: A Sobering Experience
The next morning began with an early boat ride along the Saigon River to the Cu Chi Tunnels with Les Rives.
(Pro tip: Book the first tour of the day (around 7am)—Vietnam heats up quickly, and the tunnels only get more crowded as the day goes on).
Nothing prepares you for this.
What looks like peaceful countryside today was once the site of intense conflict, ingenuity, and survival. The tunnels themselves are a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people.
We saw hidden entrances, recreated traps, and bomb craters. And in the background, the sound of gunfire from a nearby shooting range made everything feel even more real.
At one point, I had to sit down and just… process.
It’s overwhelming. It’s chilling. And it’s important.
You can feel the weight of history there—and regardless of where you’re from, it forces reflection.
XO Tours: Chaos, Culture, and the Best Night in the City
That evening, we did the XO Foodie Tour with XO Tours—and this was hands down one of the most fun experiences we’ve had in Vietnam.
We each hopped on the back of a motorbike and plunged straight into the chaos of Ho Chi Minh traffic.
And weirdly? Within two minutes, it felt safer than watching it from inside a car.
The night unfolded as a whirlwind of incredible food, vibrant neighborhoods, and nonstop energy. Our guides were amazing—fun, knowledgeable, and genuinely kind.
This was the kind of experience we chase when we travel: authentic, immersive, and unforgettable.
We got back to the hotel around 10:30pm, exhausted—but completely buzzing from the experience.
War Remnants Museum: A Reality Check
Our final day brought us to the War Remnants Museum.
This was… different.
Where Cu Chi was immersive, this was confrontational.
Graphic imagery, firsthand accounts, and the undeniable human cost of war are laid out in a way that’s impossible to ignore.
I’m still processing it—and I probably will be for a long time.
What I felt most was sadness—and anger. Not in a political sense, but in a human one. The scale of suffering is hard to comprehend, and it forces you to confront uncomfortable truths about history, accountability, and what war really means.
It’s not an easy visit. But it’s an important one.
I chose not to take any photos inside the museum—it didn’t feel appropriate. The images below were taken just outside.
Closing Thoughts: Why This Part of the Journey Matters
Now, as I write this, we’re back on the 71st floor of Landmark 81—cocktails in hand (again), the city glowing below us.
Tomorrow, we head to Cambodia.
And I’ve already been warned: it’s going to get even heavier.
But that’s part of this journey.
Not just the beaches, the luxury resorts, and the unforgettable meals—but the moments that challenge you, shift your perspective, and stay with you long after you leave.
Because those are the moments that don’t just stay with you—they change you.
Brand On The Run 