This is the impression of a swiss couple - Francesco after 15 days of travelling in Vietnam.

Hanoi welcomed us with its ancient yet bustling streets and unique street food. Bún chả, phở, fried spring rolls… and Hanoi beer truly lived up to their reputation. We had never tasted such delicious traditional dishes, so rich in flavour.

Early in the morning, the streets were still covered by a thin mist. Hoan Kiem Lake appeared mystical, like a masterpiece of nature. Visiting Ngoc Son Temple, we learned more about history, architecture, and the spiritual culture intertwined with legendary stories and historical figures, preserved through time. It is a place where generations of Vietnamese people entrust their faith and wishes.

The Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first university - gave us a deeper understanding of the country’s history and culture.

Bidding farewell to Hanoi, we headed to Ninh Binh, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, where nature harmonizes with heritage. For the first time in our lives, we took a boat ride on a river as picturesque as a painting, with lush green rice fields on both sides - truly a special experience. The boat took us through a system of winding caves that run through the mountains, with stalactites hanging down in unique shapes.

The emotional train rushes by. Vietnam continuously amazed us, especially when we witnessed the breathtaking scenery of Ha Long Bay, with thousands of towering limestone islands forming a spectacular natural wonder, like a rock garden floating on the sea.

In Mai Chau - Hoa Binh, my wife and I spent the night in a traditional stilt house of the Thai ethnic people. Somehow, I managed to dance the bamboo pole dance quite smoothly without tripping, even though I had never tried it before. The same happened with the Xoe dance - my clumsy attempts as a foreigner learning to dance for the first time were unforgettable.

The ancient capital of Hue, with its serene beauty and the poetic Perfume River, was mesmerizing. Exploring the Imperial City and visiting the tombs of the Nguyen emperors deepened our understanding of Vietnamese history. A boat ride on the Perfume River at night, admiring floating lanterns and listening to Hue folk songs, was also a delightful experience.

Our next destination was Hoi An, an ancient town filled with traces of time and history. The atmosphere was romantic and charming. At night, the town became even more enchanting, illuminated by thousands of lanterns, creating a magical scene.

If Hue is meditative, Ho Chi Minh City is dynamic and full of energy, with a lifestyle entirely different from the former. The city's modern skyline is comparable to that of many other countries. The Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, and Bui Vien Street are must-visit attractions here.

Finally, our journey ended in the Mekong Delta. I felt that the people of the West were laid-back, open-hearted, and hospitable. We visited floating markets, explored traditional craft villages, and indulged in regional specialties such as grilled snakehead fish and Vietnamese crispy pancakes (bánh xèo).

Our trip to Vietnam gave us an incredibly rich and diverse experience, from majestic nature and cultural heritage to the daily lives of local people. Every destination left us with deep impressions and unforgettable emotions.