Tag Archives: Vietnam

Vietnam, Elevated: A Birthday in Da Nang & A Reckoning in Ho Chi Minh City

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.

Bangkok to Ha Long Bay: Chaos, Countryside & One of the Most Magical Places on Earth

🇹🇭 Bangkok: A Cathartic Return

Our final week in Thailand felt different — slower, more reflective… and honestly, a little emotional knowing we’d soon be leaving.

We spent time exploring two of Bangkok’s most unique cultural landmarks:

The Erawan Museum

Home to the iconic three-headed elephant statue, this museum is as symbolic as it is surreal. Inside, the structure represents different layers of the universe in Thai cosmology — from the underworld to the heavens. The stained glass ceiling alone is worth the visit.

Ancient City (Muang Boran)

Imagine all of Thailand’s most important architectural landmarks — temples, palaces, monuments — recreated in one massive open-air park. It’s part museum, part cultural immersion, and one of the most underrated experiences in Bangkok.

We also spent time in Lumpini Park, where we spotted massive monitor lizards casually roaming the grounds — a reminder that Bangkok always keeps you on your toes.

In between sightseeing:

We had dental work done (shockingly affordable — even compared to U.S. insurance costs)
Visited a Starbucks Reserve for what might have been one of the best espresso martinis I’ve ever had
Took in the Calypso Cabaret show — polished, vibrant, and incredibly well-executed
Ended one night at Tichuca Rooftop Bar, overlooking the glowing Bangkok skyline

By the end of the week, we weren’t quite ready to leave.

But Vietnam was calling.

🇻🇳 Hanoi: Organized Chaos & Unexpected Charm

Hanoi doesn’t ease you in — it hits you all at once.

Scooters. Horns. Movement. Energy.

Crossing the street feels like a leap of faith.

And yet, somehow, it works.

We dove in immediately:

Lunch at Essence — authentic, flavorful, unforgettable
Wandering the Old Quarter
Beers on “Beer Street”
Dinner on plastic stools just inches off the ground — simple, local, and delicious
Cocktails at The Hidden Pub… which truly lives up to its name (we walked past it twice)

On our second day, we took a city tour that brought Hanoi’s history into focus:

Highlights:

Hanoi Opera House – French colonial elegance at its finest
St. Joseph’s Cathedral – Gothic architecture reminiscent of Notre Dame
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Presidential Palace – deeply symbolic and politically significant
Hoa Lo Prison (“Hanoi Hilton”) – sobering and powerful
Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university, serene and historic
Imperial Citadel & Military History Museum – layered with centuries of conflict and resilience

We also passed the lake where John McCain was shot down — one of many moments where history felt very present.

And then there’s the architecture…

A blend of:

French colonial facades
Narrow “tube houses” built for tax efficiency
Weathered textures layered over time

It’s chaotic, yes — but also incredibly alive.

🚲 Ninh Binh: The Most Authentic Experience Yet

After Hanoi, we traded chaos for calm.

Ninh Binh felt like stepping into another world.

We stayed at a local homestay and spent two days immersed in village life.

The 25km Bike Ride

This was, without question, one of the most authentic experiences we’ve had anywhere.

We rode through:

Rice fields
Small villages
Cemeteries
Local farms

We watched rice being processed for animal feed and rice wine, learned about invasive snails threatening crops, and noticed something powerful:

Most of the farmers were women.

Strong. Capable. Carrying 50+ lb bags of rice with ease.

Our guide joked that the men were often home “drinking and coming up with their next big idea.”

And the kids…

Nearly every child waved and said hello as we passed. We were told foreigners rarely come through these villages like this — and their excitement was genuine, contagious, and unforgettable.