By: Alli Allen, David Hawkraven, Trisha Pergande, and Lisa Harris Boyd
From navigating vibrant waterways and bustling markets to connecting with local communities and experiencing Vietnam’s rich culture firsthand, Travel Edge Advisors Alli Allen, David Hawkraven, Trisha Pergande and Lisa Harris Boyd share their reflections on a destination that rewards travelers who slow down and immerse themselves in the journey. Discover what surprised them most, the moments that left a lasting impression, and why Vietnam continues to captivate luxury travelers seeking meaningful experiences.
Question: What was your overall impression of Vietnam as a destination?
Alli: Vietnam is ALIVE!! Scooters are everywhere, everyone is busy doing something, restaurants are full, people are awake at all hours of the night … Vietnam never sleeps!
David: Amazingly warm people and destination (you won’t feel chilly in most parts of the year). Great value and diverse experiences to be had. From cycling through the countryside to vespa tours to experiencing local cuisine. Vietnam has something for everyone.
Trisha: While Vietnam is an amazing place for its incredible culture, history, and food, the biggest impression came from the warmth, kindness, and openness of the local people. Some of my favorite moments were the simple human connections we made throughout the trip. I loved meeting locals, hearing their stories, and learning more about their daily lives and traditions. It is a destination that feels incredibly vibrant and welcoming.
Lisa: It’s an exciting country with a hopeful future and offers something for every type of traveler whether they’re interested in cities, beach, luxury, authentic experiences and off-the-beaten path, relaxing, active, water, land, adventure, culinary, history or architecture.
Question: Was there a particular city, region, or experience that stood out most to you and why?
Alli: I loved being in the countryside where the rice paddies stretch forever and the local markets are thriving. The concept of farm-to-table is in evidence everywhere.
David: I loved Ho Chi Minh City for its diversity of food and wonderful infrastructure. Cycling the countryside of Hoi An was also a very special experience, meeting locals folks and learning about their traditions.
Trisha: Hoi An was probably the place that stood out to me most. I loved how walkable it was, with so many charming restaurants, cafés, and local shops tucked throughout the town. At night, the city felt especially magical with all of the colorful lanterns lighting up the streets and riverfront. I also loved staying at Namia River Retreat, which felt like this peaceful oasis just outside the energy of town. It created such a nice balance between immersing ourselves in the culture and having space to slow down and recharge.
Lisa: I thought Hoi An was charming, but I really loved the energy of Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City and all that it offered.
Question: How would you describe the energy and atmosphere of Vietnam to someone who has never been?
Alli: Exciting, thriving, fast-paced, industrious! There’s something going on everywhere you look in the big cities.
David: It’s vibrant throughout the country! Electric and full of hope and possibility.
Trisha: Vietnam feels incredibly alive. The energy, especially in Saigon, is unlike anywhere I have ever experienced. Millions of scooters flow through the streets in what first feels like complete chaos, yet somehow it all works in this fascinating rhythm. You see entire families on scooters, couples carrying groceries and even pets riding along. It is vibrant and fast paced in a way that is hard to fully describe until you experience it yourself.
Lisa: It varies by location, but overall, their pace is slower than in the US. They place value on having peace, a sense of community and a great quality of life. The bigger cities like Saigon are bustling and exciting.
Question: What surprised you most during the journey?
Alli: I was amazed by the optimism and friendliness of the Vietnamese people. The country has suffered through so many wars and horrors, and for the people to be as resilient and gentle as they are is really remarkable!
David: The warmth and optimism of everyone we met.
Trisha: One thing that really surprised me was meeting women in their 80s and beyond who were still working full time and contributing to their communities every day. Whether tending gardens or roasting peanuts to sell in local markets, there was such a strong sense of purpose, resilience, and work ethic. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the culture and the pride people take in their daily lives and traditions.
Lisa: How forgiving and at peace the people are.
Question: How did experiences like exploring the waterways, local markets, and everyday interactions with locals shape your connection to the country?
Alli: Traveling throughout Vietnam is really like taking a journey because you can experience everything from mountainous regions to throbbing cities, calm backwaters to mighty rivers, astounding rock formations to beaches that stretch for miles. The journey continues through the stories of the people and how they have endured through so much hardship.
David: Thanks to our partner, Asia Concierge, we were able to connect with so many local people, from a woman who ran radio broadcasts in the 1950s to a Vietnam War Vet who has spent much of his life trying to make Vietnam safer and better for everyone. These experiences greatly shaped my view of the country.
Trisha: It was a reminder that to truly understand a country, you have to get beyond the big cities. Exploring the waterways, local markets, and smaller communities gave me a much deeper connection to Vietnam and a better understanding of daily life, traditions, and culture. Those everyday interactions were some of the most meaningful parts of my journey.
Lisa: The interactions with locals were the highlight of the trip for me. We saw beautiful sights, did fun activities and ate great food, but the conversations with locals were the most insightful and had the biggest impact on my new love for the country.
Question: What types of travelers do you think Vietnam appeals to most?
Alli: Travelers who like adventure, history, amazing food, crafts, diverse activities, and fascinating culture will love Vietnam.
David: Those interested in history, culture and adventure. There’s so much to do and see in Vietnam. All at an accessible price point.
Trisha: I really think there is something for almost every type of traveler in Vietnam. But I especially think it appeals to curious travelers with an adventurous spirit and an openness to experiencing life a little differently.
Lisa: Well-traveled and adventurous.
Question: Did the trip change or deepen your perspective on Southeast Asia as a luxury travel destination?
Alli: Absolutely! Our private tour of Vietnam included many experiences that are sure to WOW luxury travelers! We stayed at a wellness resort where we enjoyed massages each day, were whisked through hidden doorways to find secret bakeries and coffee shops, went to the one-room home a 100 year old woman who was the first female radio broadcaster for Ho Chi Min, and spent an hour with Chuck Searcy, a remarkable American man who fought in Vietnam and afterwards founded Project RENEW, an NGO that to date has successfully cleared over 800,000 unexploded bombs and landmines in Vietnam, saving countless lives. And then there was the night when we had dinner prepared for us at the home of a contestant from Vietnam’s Top Chef!
David: Yes, it deepened it. I think there’s a lot of luxury in SE Asia and it’s great for value.
Trisha: Southeast Asia is an exceptional luxury destination, both in the traditional sense and in the more modern, experiential sense of luxury. You have incredible properties like the Four Seasons, Aman, and Six Senses. But it is also so compelling for the country’s opportunity for immersive, meaningful experiences that connect travelers more deeply to the culture.
Lisa: I had previously visited Thailand and Cambodia so Vietnam just enhanced my love for SE Asia. I do consider it a great fit for luxury clients.
Question: What advice would you give clients considering Vietnam for their next journey?
Alli: Go! It is a fascinating place that is especially poignant for Americans.
David: Try to avoid the Summer and enjoy the winter season for best weather.
Trisha: One of my biggest pieces of advice would be to carefully consider the time of year you visit, as parts of Vietnam can become extremely hot and humid during certain seasons. I would generally recommend traveling between October and March for the most comfortable overall experience.
Lisa: Be open-minded and have proper expectations. Sometimes things are chaotic and dirty, but there’s beauty in the chaos.
Question: If you had to describe Vietnam in 3 words, what would they be?
Alli: Energy, Deliciousness, Fascinating
David: Energetic, Vibrant and Hopeful
Trisha: Vibrant, Welcoming Immersive
Lisa: Welcoming, forgiving, vibrant
Travelista Alli 