Da Nang — The Storm That Never Came
We visited the Lady Buddha (Quan Âm) statue, who looks over the city of Da Nang and the sea like a divine protector. She stands 67 metres tall and radiates a peaceful, commanding presence.
We were surprised to learn from a local taxi driver that she’s known as a real protector. Shortly after the statue was completed in 2010, a major storm was forecast to directly hit the city. The government prepared for lockdown — emergency warnings were issued, and locals were told to stay indoors.
But then — seemingly out of nowhere — the storm shifted course and missed Da Nang entirely. The city was untouched.
Since then, many believe it was Lady Buddha who watched over and protected them. She’s more than just a statue — she’s seen as a spiritual guardian. And honestly, it felt like that. You could tell how deeply respected she was by how both locals and tourists interacted with her.
Hoi An — Lanterns, Love Stories & Memory Lane
Besides the obvious shopping spree and the romantic, lantern-lit streets and canals, Hoi An Memory Land was a standout for us.
It’s a dramatic and emotional outdoor theatre show that tells the history of Hoi An — from its rich trading port days to a sweeping love story. No words, just dancing, music, and visuals. I actually cried from the sheer beauty of the story telling.
The show takes place on its own island. You can enter from 4pm — I’d recommend arriving by at least 5pm so you can watch the roaming mini-performances around the site, enjoy a dinner and cocktail at sunset, and then settle in for the main event.
Hot tip: The cheapest seats (eco seats) are actually the best — right up front and centre in the middle of the action!
Hanoi — Chaos, Culture & Coffee
Hanoi is… chaos in motion. But also kind of magic! Walking through traffic felt like a dance — a balancing act between confidence and surrendering to the flow. It’s wild, but somehow, everyone moves in sync — like a murmuration of birds, weaving and gliding around each other without colliding.
In the middle of it all, I saw a local woman quietly praying to a tree. She was completely in her own peaceful bubble, hands motioning as if in conversation with the old, wide trunk nestled right in the city. There was something sacred about it — I felt like I was witnessing a private moment of grief or reverence.
Motorbike Food & Culture Tour
We booked a motorbike tour that was both thrilling and surprisingly soulful. Here’s the link.
Our tour guide Oggy and team zipped us through narrow alleyways, black markets, wet markets, poverty stricken villages, old train streets (not the busy commercial one), and ended at a quirky restaurant called The Hidden Gem.
Fun fact: Just a month before we visited, the King and Queen of Belgium came here for the famous egg coffee — which we tried!
I loved the spiritual insights shared during the ride too. For example, the city is built around its trees, and many believe that cutting a tree down to build a home could trap bad spirits inside.
If you’re okay with being on the back of a motorbike and love an adventure, highly recommend this tour. If you thought crossing the street in Hanoi was wild — try being in the middle of it on two wheels!
Ha Long Bay — Beauty, Conflict & Candlelight Serenades
I’m not going to lie, Ha Long Bay stirred a bit of a moral conflict in me.
On one hand, I’m incredibly grateful for the experience — it was by far the most lavish thing we did on our honeymoon. We were spoiled with views, towel-shaped swans, and rose petals.
But I couldn’t help but notice the congestion of boats in what’s supposed to be a pristine natural wonder. None of the guests in our group wanted to swim — just looking at the water quality from all the boat traffic was enough.
That said, the landscape is stunning. The bike ride on Cat Ba Island was a highlight, especially the visit to the Indigenous village.
Also… people of Vietnam LOVE love. Just when we thought the honeymoon suite towel display (swan, crab, elephant!) was enough, we arrived at dinner to find our table covered in rose petals and glowing with neon signs.
Rocky and I aren’t big on attention, so when dessert came out and the lights suddenly dimmed, we knew we were in trouble. Every staff member began parading toward us, holding tea lights and serenading us with Westlife’s “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You”, chanting “Kiss! Kiss!” — all while every single guest on the cruise turned to watch the spectacle. 🤣
We were mortified — but honestly, also kind of touched. Mortified and grateful.
Sapa — Spirit & Reality
Sapa was the only place on our trip where I truly felt a spiritual presence — not just in the landscape, but in our accommodation. Every night, there was this undeniable feeling of being watched or held. It wasn’t scary, just deeply present. The energy there felt ancient. It took me back to my time in Peru.
But Sapa also broke my heart. The ancestral culture there is so sacred — but it’s been monetised.
We saw young girls, some as young as four, dressed in traditional clothing, performing in the streets for tourists. Watching them work the crowd, night after night, was painful. Their culture had become entertainment.
As a white, privileged tourist from a Western country, I found myself deeply questioning my place in it all. How do you hold both beauty and injustice in the same moment? This wasn’t the first time our moral compass was challenged on this trip, and it likely won’t be the last. There’s no simple answer — only the responsibility to stay aware, to listen, and to not look away.
Vietnam — Final Thoughts
The landscapes are jaw-dropping. The people? Fierce, proud, hustling badasses with the best sense of humour. The food — I’m still dreaming about! But what really stayed with me was the spiritual undercurrent that runs through everything.
I found myself holding back tears in the most unexpected moments. There’s something sacred here. Of all the countries we’ve visited, Vietnam moved me the most. We’ll definitely be back.
With love and ink, Chloe @hummingbirdinkstudio
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Hot Tips
+ Da Nang on a weekend? Don’t miss the Dragon Bridge fire and water show at 9pm.
+ Hoi An shopping tip: Visit last — that way you can get custom clothing made early and pick it up before leaving.
+ Be firm with vendors. Vietnamese sellers are passionate and persuasive. Know your boundaries and don’t be afraid to say no.
+ Use Grab over taxis. It’s cheaper, and you can avoid negotiation dramas. If you find a great driver, they’ll probably offer to chauffeur you the whole trip.
+ Sapa: Try to plan your trip in the dry season. It’s known to be misty year-round, but some months are clearer and easier to trek in.
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