Set the scene for us, what was your very first impression of Vietnam the moment you arrived?

There’s such an energy to Vietnam that feels alive the second you arrive. The streets are busy, the food smells incredible, and there’s this beautiful contrast between chaos and calm. Because I spent part of my childhood there, arriving almost felt familiar in a nostalgic way. It brought back so many memories for me.

What surprised you most? Something you didn't expect to love, or a moment that completely caught you off guard?

Something that caught me off guard was how good Vietnam is at slowing you down. Even though the cities are busy, there’s still this culture of sitting, gathering, drinking coffee, sharing a meal, and being present. I loved that balance between movement and stillness.

The meal you keep thinking about. Where were you and what did you order?

Ever since I was a child, sticky rice has been one of my favourite foods. The savory version that I like in Vietnam is called xôi gà, made with sticky rice topped with shredded chicken, scallion oil, crispy shallots, and usually a side of tangy pickled vegetables. My go to spot in Ho Chi Minh is Xôi Gà Number One (Chính Gốc).

And the sweet version that I love, which also use to be my afterschool snack is xôi ngọt, topped with ingredients like mung bean, coconut, sesame, peanuts, or sweet corn depending on the vendor.

One more thing I have to recommend is nước mía, fresh sugarcane juice. I was having at least two a day! It’s incredibly refreshing, especially in the heat.

If a reader was planning their first trip to Vietnam tomorrow, what's the one thing you'd tell them not to miss?

One thing I’d tell someone not to miss is exploring the older apartment blocks in Ho Chi Minh, it’s like discovering a whole different side of the city. From the outside they look like ordinary old buildings and once you go inside there are hidden cafes, beautiful vintage shops and creative spaces. One of them that I loved the most was Gốm Sài Gòn, if you ever get the chance I recommend going there to do a pottery workshop!

Every trip has that one place that genuinely stops you in your tracks. Where was yours in Vietnam?

Among all the busy streets, there are so many small streets and hidden nooks that have such a special ambience to them. Especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun hits the old buildings, everything feels so nostalgic. 

There are also a lot of French architectural influences throughout Vietnam, which makes it beautiful to observe the blend between the traditional Vietnamese elements and the French colonial design. It’s one of the things I found myself appreciating the most while wandering through the city.

The slower moments are often the ones that stay with you longest. Was there a quiet corner, a café, a street you kept returning to just to be there? 

I always found myself drawn back to the smaller streets, discovering local spots as I wandered around. Every now and then, I’d end up in conversation with someone from the neighborhood and learn a little more about their way of life. It’s those small moments that made the trip feel so wholesome and memorable to me.