Vietnam: The Journey That Changed Everything

It was a gloomy, overcast day on Halong Bay, and I found myself on a boat surrounded by strangers. We were two weeks into a fast-paced Contiki tour of Vietnam, and I was 24—wide-eyed, overstimulated, and still wrapping my head around how far I’d come from home. I had no idea then that this trip would change the trajectory of my life.

Back then, my only image of Vietnam came from war movies like Platoon and Full Metal Jacket. I expected a country still haunted by its past. But what I found was a place full of energy, resilience, and unexpected beauty. Vietnam wasn’t stuck in its history—it was moving forward, unapologetically alive.

Arrival in Saigon: Culture Shock at Full Speed

Flying with Cathay Pacific, I connected through Hong Kong and landed in Saigon—now called Ho Chi Minh City. From the moment I stepped outside the airport, I was thrown into a world that felt completely unfamiliar. Motorbikes zipped past in every direction. Honking was constant. Crossing the street felt like a leap of faith.

My first mistake? I opened the car door directly into traffic. A car swerved, someone shouted, and I stood there frozen, completely overwhelmed. It was a crash course in adjusting to a new culture—and I was still jet-lagged.

Mekong Delta: Humidity and Humanity

Our first trip out of the city was to the Mekong Delta, where we cruised down narrow waterways wearing traditional straw hats, guided by locals who shared stories of life on the river. It was sweltering—humid in a way I’d never experienced. Every breath felt like breathing through a wet sponge.

We stayed overnight at a guesthouse run by a local family. The language barrier was real, but hospitality has its own language. They served a home-cooked meal, played traditional music, and made us feel like welcome guests in their world.

The Cu Chi Tunnels: Crawling Through the Past

Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels was intense. These narrow underground passageways were used by the Viet Cong during the war. Crawling through one of them gave me a glimpse—just a glimpse—into the conditions people endured. It was dark, hot, and claustrophobic. I could barely make it through a few minutes. Living down there for years? Unimaginable.

We also saw bomb craters, old tanks, and a firing range where I tried out an AK-47 and M16. The whole place felt like a surreal history lesson brought to life—raw, complicated, and unforgettable.

Ho Chi Minh City: Chaos with a Rhythm

Back in the city, I slowly adjusted to the sensory overload. I learned to cross the street by walking with calm confidence and letting the motorbikes move around me. It felt reckless at first, but it worked.

One place that really hit me was the War Remnants Museum. Some of the images and stories, especially about Agent Orange, were incredibly hard to take in. As someone who’s very sensitive to my environment and emotions, I had to step outside midway. It was powerful, though—painful, but necessary to understand the full picture.

Nha Trang: Beach Vibes, Mud Baths, and Fire Shows

Nha Trang was a complete change of pace. It had beaches, nightlife, and a strong Russian tourist presence—so much so that many signs were in Cyrillic. We spent time soaking in a mud spa (slippery but fun), and one night we enjoyed a beachside fire show. I even met a two Russian women on the beach and spent quality time with them—one of those spontaneous nights you never plan for but always remember.

Hoi An: Rain, Lanterns, and Tailored Suits

Even in the pouring rain, Hoi An was magical. It was peaceful, with lantern-lit streets, riverside cafes, and tailor shops on every block. I had a full suit custom-made for around $150 CAD—shirt and tie included. It felt like a splurge at the time, but looking back, it was a bargain and a great memory.

We took a cooking class, made rice pancakes and spring rolls, and toured nearby My Son Temple, which had been damaged during the war. Our guide, Van, had once worked with the U.S. Army as an interpreter. His stories stayed with me.

Hue: Royal History and Travel Realities

Our bus broke down en route to Hue, giving us one of those “this is just part of travel” moments. But the city was worth the wait. We explored the Imperial Citadel and learned about the Nguyen dynasty, with its palaces and fortresses. You could feel the weight of history in the ruins, and it added a layer of depth to the journey.

Hanoi: A Different Vibe

Hanoi was noticeably different. It was cooler, a bit more organized, and had its own unique rhythm. I loved the narrow streets, the lakes, and the slightly more subdued energy compared to Saigon. Our hotel was the nicest of the trip, and for once, I didn’t feel like I had to brace myself before stepping outside.

We visited Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum—his preserved body lying in state like a relic of the past. It was eerie but fascinating, especially with all the symbolism around him in the city.

Halong Bay: Nature’s Farewell Gift

Halong Bay was like stepping into a postcard. We kayaked into hidden lagoons, hiked up to panoramic viewpoints, and ended the night with a floating dinner cruise. It was the perfect way to wrap up an emotional, overwhelming, unforgettable journey.

I even fed an orange to a monkey while kayaking. Can’t make this stuff up.

One More Day in Hanoi

I stayed an extra day and hired a private guide named Tom. For $70, he took me to the Hanoi Hilton prison museum, the Military History Museum, and the Museum of Ethnology. By the last stop, I was so exhausted that I dozed off in a corner. It had been two full weeks of nonstop movement and emotion.

Reflections: Then and Now

Looking back, Vietnam in 2014 was a sensory challenge, especially for someone like me on the autism spectrum. Accessibility wasn’t really considered, and the fast pace of the tour didn’t leave much time to decompress. But somehow, I managed. I adapted. And I discovered something in myself I didn’t know was there: a love of exploration that wouldn’t go away.

This trip sparked my passion for travel. It led me to more adventures, more countries, and eventually, to start sharing my story with others.

Would I recommend Vietnam today? Absolutely. It’s a country with layers—history, complexity, resilience, and beauty. It asks a lot of you as a traveler, but it gives even more in return.

This was just the beginning of my story. Three years later, I returned to Southeast Asia with a different mindset and a deeper appreciation for how far I’d come. That’s a story for another day.

But for now... GOOOOOOD MORNING, VIETNAAAAM!