Zicasso Travel Stories: The Immersive Vibrancy of Vietnam

Planning a trip is always challenging, but by working with Zicasso, a Vietnam travel specialist helped guide me to activities I’d like based on my interests.

I had to consider what I wanted to see and do the most – Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, and Sapa. Our Vietnam travel specialist built a customized tour focused on the amazing scenery, history, people, and, of course, food! The 11-day itinerary gave us the confidence to explore this unique country without feeling overwhelmed.

Ha Long Bay’s natural beauty was beyond anything I could have imagined. It was absolutely breathtaking. We cruised along the emerald waters to fascinating caves and islands, while the towering karsts left me in awe.

My husband and I are very active. We love cycling and hiking, but passing beneath gigantic karsts that made the boat feel like a toy felt humbling.

I have visited Southeast Asia before, and every country is so different – the culture, the history, even the way traffic moves through a city.

I couldn’t go to Vietnam without visiting Hanoi, but also wanted time in the countryside to see the famous rice terraces and remote mountain trails. In Sapa, I had the chance to see the terraces and it was breathtaking.

We hiked through the terraced hills and witnessed the hill tribe communities. In the mountains, we had surprising calm, surrounded by greenery and the smell of wet grass. It was a day full of vigorous hiking, but completely relaxing.

I wanted to learn more about the culinary scene and wouldn’t rest until I had sampled the delicious street food. It was amazing – fresh cilantro in the banh mi, the pickled vegetables cutting through some of the spice, and the stewing coriander seeds tickling my nose.

Vietnamese food is not new to me, but the fresh flavors in the dishes were different, making it feel as though I had never tried them before.

Hanoi was full of discombobulated chaos. The traffic felt endless at times, but had a mesmerizing rhythm.

I was moved by the history and culture of the city, as well as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature. The Old Quarter was a fascinating mix of old and new, where I could try traditional street food, explore historic temples, and really immerse myself in the culture.

A highlight of my trip was visiting the historic city of Hội An, where I had the opportunity to learn about the Ancient Town.

Our guide taught us so much. He knew everything about everything! He was well-versed in US history and customs, and could relate to cultural contrasts.

He gave us the confidence to spend a little time on our own exploring more of Hoi An. We toured the shops and found amazing restaurants. I doubt we would have had that experience without our guide’s knowledge, enthusiasm, and encouragement.

That was one of our favorite experiences and something we’ll continue to do on international trips.

It takes time to explore Vietnam. Geographically, it’s such a diverse country. If you plan to visit, research the south, central, and north to determine what interests you, be it military history, coffee, or nature, etc.

My itinerary provided the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, and I am so grateful for the memories that will last a lifetime.

Like Quincy and her husband, you can discover Vietnam and more with the help of a local travel specialist who will guide you away from the crowds, curate meaningful experiences, or find you the best boutique properties.

Discover more inspiration for your time in the country with our Vietnam tours and vacations, or enjoy exploring information on when to visit, where to go, and more with our Vietnam travel guide.