a place where every sense comes alive

journey through Vietnam to set your senses on fire.

For the past few years, I’ve made a promise to myself—to embark on a solo journey to somewhere I’ve never been. In 2022, it was Bali. In 2023, it was Vietnam. In 2024, I ventured through Fiji, Bali, and Australia.

The journey through Vietnam was different. I was called to Vietnam for a reason and ultimately, I think it was to find peace within myself even amongst the chaos. compared to the first solo trip - I never felt lonely in Vietnam.

the sights, scents, sounds all intense yet intoxicating at the same time.

busy streets of Hanoi at 10AM. captured on film

In Hanoi, as you meander through crowded, dimly lit alleyways lined with tiny, colorful plastic chairs, you catch a raw, unfiltered glimpse into a simple, hardworking life.

By 6:00 AM, before the sun is even up, the city is already alive—some locals sipping Bia Hoi and smoking a cigarette over a bowl of pho, others trimming vegetables and prepping ingredients. Day after day, year after year, the same morning routine.

I couldn’t help but wonder—do they ever long for a different day? After that pondering, I was brought back to how fortunate I am to witness this, to think like this, and to be living life like this.

Meet Ken (pictured above). I booked a food tour around the city and was picked up on a scooter by the sweetest guide, Ken. Originally from a rural village in the North, he had moved to the city for work.

As we rode weaving in and out of the hundreds of scooters, I asked him about city life—what he and his friends did for fun. He paused before answering, 'I don’t have friends, but my customers are my friends.'

As we taste tested 6 of his favorite spots, we continued our conversations about life over banh xeo and gỏi cuốn. After a while, he looked at me and said, ‘You make me feel good inside. Thank you for making me feel like me and for being my friend.’

And that—that is part of why I travel. To connect, to learn, to leave a place having made even the smallest impact on someone’s life.

Also why I travel- new adventures and experiences at every turn. Can definitely say this was a first for me!

On the train from Dong Hoi →Hoi An on the 2nd class sleep train. this was 3 bunk beds high, humid, barely functioning AC. What was supposed to be 5 hour journey turned out to be 8hours.

To get to your bed you climbing up via food pegs such as the video above showcases. Arrival to Hoi An was relatively seamless. I loved my time in this ancient little beach town.

sunrise at the fish market in Hoi An. favorite of mine captured on film

After a couple of days in Hanoi and Hoi An, I was ready to embark up north to the Phong Nha region of Vietnam. Mode of transportation was train. Laying in a sleeper train riding through the country side of Vietnam my eyes we glued out of the window

The views are sprawling. The scents are strong. The squeaks of the railroad are loud. And all the while I am at peace.

When I arrived to Phong Nha I was immediately embarking on a 3 day cave trek through the Tu-Lan Cave System. Along the trek, Phi our guide, pointed out poisonous plants or medicine plants as we ventured into the valley. We walked though fields of grazing water buffalo and cows to arrive to the towering limestone cave system. As phone signal fades away and you are completely immersed in some of the most jaw dropping landscape I’ve ever witnessed.

Days here consisted of navigating dry cave system that led to auditorium size ‘rooms. Swimming through the wet passages in complete darkness with bats flying overhead.

lunch set up on the river after swimming about 200m to arrive.

To end the journey up north, I stayed at a farm stay with sprawling views of the limestone peaks. My final morning in Vietnam, I experienced what I will always recount as one of the most peaceful and surreal moments of my young life. While kayaking down the river, I couldn’t believe the beauty that my eyes were getting to witness. To top it off, I was trailed by two little black butterflies that stayed with me the entire kayaking journey.

For anyone with even the slightest longing for a cultural, spiritual, and personal awakening—one filled with vibrant streets, rich flavors, and some of the most delectable cuisine—I highly encourage a journey through Vietnam.