Traveling was always my ultimate dream. But you know how the saying goes: no money, no funny. While everyone around me had already been to Thailand or Bali ten times, at 25 years old, I saved up from my regular paycheck and bought my very first, heavily overpriced flight ticket to Barcelona. I headed out in August during the absolute peak of the summer heatwave, dragging a suitcase heavy enough for a luxury all-inclusive resort, and started exploring the city center.
But as destiny would have it, a bit later I met my partner/husband/travel buddy. After 6 years together, we set off on our first major long-haul journey: South Vietnam. We both have a massive soft spot for Vietnam—honestly, I wouldn't be mad at all if I ended up living here in my old age!
Our family wasn't exactly thrilled at first. Heading that far into the unknown all by ourselves... But dreams are meant to be chased. When I'm on my deathbed, I won't be remembering the mountain of overtime hours I pulled or how I sacrificed my time for a corporate job. I will be remembering the rich, magical memories from my travels. And that is exactly what life is about.
I bought our flight tickets in December 2025 with Scoot Airlines. Anyone who has flown with them knows the drill. The flight from Vienna to Singapore took 12 agonizing hours, and my backside certainly made sure I felt every single minute of it. The final, sub-2-hour leg into Ho Chi Minh City was a breeze by comparison.
Saigon – A City of Flavors, Humidity, and History
Our journey through South Vietnam kicked off in pulsing Saigon, officially known as Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). Within the very first hours, it became glaringly obvious that this city never sleeps. The streets buzz from dawn till dusk, and the aromas of sizzling street food blend into the thick, tropical air.
We visited in October, which is the tail end of the rainy season. This meant we got caught in sudden, violent downpours. Luckily, they usually cleared up within a few minutes, leaving behind an even heavier, ultra-humid atmosphere. Despite the dampness, the city held an unbelievable charm—the wet asphalt beautifully reflected the neon lights of thousands of scooters, street food stalls, and colorful signs.
Saigon is a literal paradise for foodies. Every single corner hides something worth devouring—from crispy spring rolls (nem rán) to iconic bowls of steaming Phở and aromatic Bún bò Huế. Street food here isn't just a quick bite; it is a core pillar of the culture. Sitting on a tiny plastic stool right next to the locals and downing a bowl of piping hot noodle soup on a sweltering evening is pure magic.
We explored several local markets where the air was thick with the scent of fresh herbs, exotic fruits, and grilled meats. It’s so easy to get completely lost among the tightly packed stalls and the endless smiles of the vendors.
As for historical landmarks, the War Remnants Museum hit us the hardest. It serves as a heavy, sobering reminder of the darker chapters of Vietnamese history—a deeply moving and powerful place that permanently burns itself into your memory.
Saigon seamlessly combines everything—the chaos, the aromas, the heavy humidity, the endless smiles, and the stark contrasts. It’s a city that swallows you whole and refuses to let go. We also visited the historic Central Post Office, from where I mailed some beautiful postcards back home.
For the first few days, we fought a fierce battle against the absolute humidity. We were literally sweating waterfalls. Our t-shirts were so utterly soaked through that you could basically see our nipples. When we finally treated ourselves to our first local massage for a ridiculously low price of just 200 CZK (~$8 USD), I was so incredibly grateful that their air conditioner and fans finally dried me off. Though, it didn't last long.
We also couldn't miss the famous Củ Chi Tunnels north of the city. I booked a local tour agency that drove us to the site with a local guide for literally a few bucks. Sharing our van was a lovely couple from Switzerland. We absolutely love history and are massive fans of Vietnam War-themed movies—you know, Forrest Gump, Rambo, Platoon...
For me, crawling inside the narrow underground tunnels wasn't an issue at all. I am essentially a tiny, perpetually angry goblin who can squeeze in anywhere. My partner, however, managed to get stuck down there for a few seconds. I’ll admit, for a brief moment, a vision of his life insurance flashed before my eyes—I pictured myself buying a luxury yacht, hiring a couple of male strippers, and finally getting some peace and quiet. But alas, we have a mortgage to pay, so I had to help pull him out. Take that with a grain of salt, of course!
After heading back to the city in the evening, we attended a traditional Water Puppet Show. The ticket cost about 10 euros and it was quite an extraordinary cultural experience. I highly recommend it.
Our final evening before moving on to our next destination belonged entirely to the local street food market. Yes, food is our ultimate passion. And no, despite all the horror stories, I did not get food poisoning anywhere. Honestly, the only time I ever got a violent case of the runs was from a sketchy kebab shop back home in Prague, so there's that! I couldn't wait to finally sit back down on a tiny plastic chair and taste something exciting. My partner spent the first few days with his knees practically touching his chin, but by the end of the trip, he somehow got used to sitting like a local.
THE MEKONG DELTA: A Harry Potter Sleeper Bus Ride and a Punk Wedding
In the morning, we faced a longer journey down to the Mekong Delta, where we had a packed 4-day program. For 3 of those days, we stayed and experienced local life through a Homestay, which turned out to be the absolute highlight of our entire trip. (And yes, I’m more than happy to share the contact info for our wonderful local guide!).
The journey on the legendary sleeper bus was amazing—it felt almost like a scene straight out of a Harry Potter movie. You just lie down—well, at least us shorter folks can—and stretch your legs. You tuck your shoes into a plastic bag and just relax. However, for the locals, the ride seemed more like a hardcore rollercoaster; I have never heard anyone vomit so loudly in my entire life. Hey, they just needed to get it out!
After a few hours of driving, our guide was waiting for us at a bus stop in the town of Nga Bay. We stayed directly with her family. Upon arrival, a massive lunch feast was waiting for us. She prepared roasted fish, wild snake, and a mountain of fresh tropical fruits—we couldn't even finish it all, it was physically impossible. We cooked together, ate together, and rode scooters around. It was a mind-blowing, authentic experience. She showed us the entire surrounding area—zero tourists, just us. Authentic as hell!
We even experienced a traditional family gathering where locals commemorated their deceased relatives. They were incredibly welcoming and happily shared their feast with us. Our guide showed us not only the local markets but also the school her daughter attends (who is a future guide and currently learning Czech!). We crossed the massive river on a local rusty ferry and shared a snack with local lumberjacks. I’m telling you, it was an absolutely epic experience. We visited a local shrine, explored a cacao farm, cruised down the river late at night, and cooked traditional homemade meals. The schedule was wonderfully packed.
When it was time to leave for Cần Thơ for our final day at the floating market, none of us could hold back the tears during the goodbyes. Well, yeah... If I could, I would upload three thousand photos right here.
Fun fact: Our guide actually married us on her boat! She told us it was absolutely unacceptable for us not to be husband and wife. But don't worry, we are officially fixing that back home this year!But man, talk about a proper punk wedding.
Vietnamese Kitchen :)
Delta Mekong and our breakfast :).
Cat Tien National Park: Listening to the Jungle
From the Mekong Delta, we pushed further into Cát Tiên National Park, one of the most breathtaking natural sanctuaries we visited in Vietnam. The moment we arrived, we were swallowed by dense green jungle, heavy humid air, and the calls of exotic birds.
While trekking through the rainforest, we observed wild monkeys swinging through the canopy, water buffaloes lazily wading through the mud, and massive ancient trees with roots that looked like they belonged to another planet. It was a place where time completely slowed down, making you realize how incredibly diverse and alive Vietnam’s nature truly is. We chose a homestay with a local family again and fell asleep listening to the raw sounds of the jungle. Every night, some massive bird sang its distinct melody right on our roof. The first time it happened, it scared the crap out of me—you certainly aren't used to those kinds of sounds in a Czech forest!
On our final evening before leaving, we headed to a local shack of a restaurant for some fresh prawns and cold beer. After a few minutes, a local Vietnamese gentleman who was celebrating some occasion sat down at our table. He was completely wasted (under the picture, as we say in Czech), but he was incredibly shocked to see Europeans in this remote part of the woods. He communicated with us through his little granddaughter, Google Translate, and, of course, the universal language of beer.
After a few days in the park, we boarded a night sleeper bus—an experience in itself. Instead of standard seats, it featured small bunk "beds" stacked on top of each other. You just lie down, pull your privacy curtain shut, and let the twists and turns of the mountain road rock you to sleep. The journey was long but surprisingly comfortable, and when we arrived in Đà Lạt in the early morning hours, it felt like stepping into an entirely different world.
Da Lat: The Mountain Escape and Fresh Air
Đà Lạt sits high up in the mountains, and right after stepping off the bus, we were pleasantly shocked by the chilly alpine air and the scent of pine trees. The city is world-famous for its tea and coffee plantations, so that’s exactly where we headed—out onto the terraced hillsides where vibrant green tea bushes stretch across the slopes and local women harvest the leaves into wicker baskets. We also visited a small processing farm, where we got to witness the entire process of tea making—from a freshly plucked leaf to a fragrant brew in a cup.
Đà Lạt feels noticeably calmer than the rest of Vietnam. Its streets lined with flowers, French colonial villas, and a central lake surrounded by misty hills give it a highly unique European atmosphere. After all those chaotic street markets and sweltering hot days in the lowlands, this was a place where you could finally take a deep breath.
Honestly, Đà Lạt and its surroundings completely enchanted me. I truly hope to explore Vietnam multiple times in the future and eventually find a quiet spot where I’d want to spend my retirement days.
Renting a scooter here means absolute freedom. You stop wherever you want, explore, and get lost. We always managed to find a tiny local eatery where we ate for literally a few bucks. You get a massive portion of food, a giant pot of iced green tea, and a bowl of broth on the side. Sometimes it felt like the locals were staring at us, wondering where on earth these two foreigners came from, but we always blended in eventually. By accidentally getting lost, we even discovered a beautiful, hidden Japanese garden. It made me look forward even more to our upcoming trip to Japan! Đà Lạt is simply gorgeous.
Dak Lak: The Coffee Heart of Vietnam
From mountainous Đà Lạt, we ventured further north into the Đắk Lắk province, which is considered the true beating heart of Vietnamese coffee—and rightfully so. As we drove in, we passed endless fields of coffee trees stretching across the hills all the way to the horizon. Every single day there smelled of freshly roasted coffee beans and strong, dark Robusta, which the locals drink brewed over a thick layer of sweetened condensed milk (Cà phê sữa đá).
We rented scooters and cruised through the surrounding rural villages—riding past massive waterfalls, lakes, and deep red soil that starkly contrasted with the vibrant green of the coffee trees. The scenery was absolutely spectacular, no matter where we pulled over.
During our rides, we visited the Dray Nur Waterfall, which carried an absolutely insane, thundering power due to the peak of the rainy season. It was deeply fascinating to watch and listen to.
We also explored Yok Đôn National Park, famous primarily for its wild elephants and vast dry deciduous forests. Walking through the quiet woods was a beautiful, peaceful conclusion to our wilderness journey—just us, the quiet trees, and the occasional distant trumpeting of elephants.
After a few days in the highlands, we made our way back to Saigon to spend the final days of our Vietnamese adventure. We happily let ourselves get pulled back into the chaotic vortex of the city—enjoying one last cup of iced Vietnamese coffee, one final bowl of authentic street phở, and one last slow walk through the buzzing local markets.
And because we weren't ready for the adventure to end just yet, we made a quick layover stop in Singapore. It completely blew us away—clean, modern, packed with greenery, and full of contrasts. After weeks of Vietnamese chaos, it felt like an entirely different planet, yet equally fascinating in its own unique way.
We will definitely return to Vietnam, multiple times for sure. As I mentioned above, this entire trip through the southern part of the country cost us 26,000 CZK (~$1,100 USD) per person (covering flights, accommodation, our guide, transit, entrance fees, and food). I truly believe that the second time around, that price tag would be significantly lower. I am factoring in the initial gear I had to purchase for this trip (moisture-wicking technical clothing, absorbent and waterproof shoes). Next time, I could easily push the cost down to 20,000 CZK, depending on the flight ticket prices, of course.
But you shouldn't look only at the price tag—these are core memories, and no one can ever take them away from me. Just writing this article brought it all back to life, and I’ve been smiling from ear to ear the entire time. That is exactly what traveling is all about!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many days are enough for Vietnam?
We would recommend at least 10 to 14 days. If you want to explore multiple regions of the country, 3 weeks is ideal. For a shorter trip, it makes the most sense to pick just one specific area—like South Vietnam—so you don't spend most of your vacation time moving between places.
Is Vietnam suitable for independent travel without an agency?
Yes, Vietnam can absolutely be managed without a tour agency. However, you should prepare yourself for a higher level of chaos, buzzing traffic, and a completely different style of travel compared to Europe. If you plan everything ahead of time and leave a solid time buffer, you can manage the journey perfectly on your own.
Is Vietnam expensive?
Vietnam ranks among the most budget-friendly destinations. Food, transportation, and local accommodations can be incredibly cheap. However, your overall cost will heavily depend on international flights, domestic transit, and your chosen style of travel. You can travel on a tight budget or experience it more comfortably with a higher budget.
What should I watch out for in Vietnam?
We would recommend paying the closest attention to traffic, crossing the streets, filtering accommodations, and negotiating prices for certain local services. The traffic in major cities is intense and can feel overwhelming at first. It also pays off to watch your personal belongings and never underestimate good travel insurance.
What is the best way to travel around Vietnam?
It depends on your route. For traveling between distant regions, a domestic flight, a train, or a long-distance sleeper bus is highly worth it. Within cities, utilizing the Grab app is extremely practical—it works just like any ride-hailing taxi app and makes getting around effortless.
Is Vietnam suitable for beginners?
Vietnam can be managed by beginners, but it isn't exactly the easiest choice for your very first exotic destination. You need to factor in the noise, a completely different culture, the intense heat, traffic, and occasional chaos. But for those willing to step out of their comfort zone, Vietnam will likely reward them with deeply powerful experiences.
What was the greatest experience in Vietnam?
For us, it was the overall atmosphere of the country as a whole. The streets bursting with life, the food, the city rush, the rivers, the markets, and the everyday chaos create a combination that is entirely different from Europe. Vietnam is powerful precisely because it never stops surprising you.
