Vietnam & Cambodia: A Trip Full of Contrasts, Memories, and a Sore Knee

After weeks on the road, it’s time to look back and ask: Was it worth it? What stuck with me the most? Our Vietnam and Cambodia trip was full of contrasts—ancient temples, bustling cities, tranquil landscapes, and a few unexpected aches and pains. But if I had to pick a place that left the deepest impression, Hanoi wins, hands down.

Hanoi: Nostalgia and New Discoveries

Maybe because I grew up in East Germany, but Hanoi felt strangely familiar. The city was decked out in red flags for the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War—everywhere you looked, banners fluttered and slogans blazed. It brought back memories of my own youth, when communist doctrine wasn’t just history but daily reality. Walking around Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, with its vast, orderly squares and stern government buildings, I almost felt like I was back in the GDR, waiting for a parade or a speech from the Party. It was a mix of nostalgia, weird comfort, and a bit of unease.

But Hanoi is far from stuck in the past. The Old Quarter buzzes with motorbikes, street vendors, and the smell of strong coffee. We wandered around Hoan Kiem Lake, ducked into the Temple of Literature (a real highlight!), and even braved the crowds at Train Street to watch the locomotive squeeze by. Hanoi’s energy is infectious, and its layers of history—French colonial villas, ancient pagodas, communist monuments—make it a city I’d happily return to.

Ninh Binh: Nature’s Tranquility (and a Bit of FOMO)

Ninh Binh was pure magic, even if my knee still hasn’t forgiven me for the climb up Hang Mua. The landscape is breathtaking: jagged limestone karsts rising from emerald rice paddies, winding rivers reflecting the sky. The Trang An boat tour was a definite highlight—our rower paddled us through caves and past lush greenery with the endurance of an Olympian.

Honestly, I still have a bit of FOMO from Ninh Binh. The weather and my aching leg meant we had to skip a few sights, but we saw enough to know I’d come back in a heartbeat (hopefully with better knees next time).

Hoi An: Lanterns and Tourists

Everyone raves about Hoi An, and I get why: ancient streets lit with colorful lanterns, riverside cafes, tailor shops, and delicious street food. But it’s also incredibly touristy—sometimes it felt like Instagram had swallowed the old town whole. Still, we enjoyed lazy days wandering the market, sampling bánh mì, and catching a traditional performance.

Would I rush back? Maybe not, but it’s a lovely place to slow down for a few days.

Da Nang: Not My Kind of Beach

Da Nang gets a lot of hype for its beaches, but the reality didn’t quite match the paradise in my mind. My Khe Beach is wide and sandy, but development and crowds make it feel a bit generic. We did check out Marble Mountain (well, Lizz did—I sat this one out to rest my knee!) and explored the Han Market, but neither really wowed me.

For me, Da Nang is more of a gateway than a destination.

Saigon: Big, Bold, and a Bit Overwhelming

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is impressive—skyscrapers, malls, endless traffic, and a real sense of ambition. We saw the Notre Dame Cathedral (still under renovation) and the grand old post office, and dove into the chaos of Ben Thanh and Binh Tay markets.

But Saigon never really clicked for me. It’s a city that demands energy, and after Hanoi’s depth and Ninh Binh’s calm, I found myself ready to move on. It’s a place to experience once, but I don’t feel the need to hurry back.

Cambodia: Bucket List Ticked

Angkor Wat had been on my wishlist forever; finally, seeing it was surreal. Sunrise over those ancient spires is as magical as everyone says, and exploring Bayon and Ta Prohm (the “Tomb Raider temple”) was unforgettable—even if the heat and crowds were exhausting.

Phnom Penh, on the other hand, was a study in contrasts: glittering malls next to stark reminders of Cambodia’s troubled history. Our time in Cambodia was cut short, and while I’m glad I got to cross Angkor Wat off my list, I’m not sure I’d return. The country is beautiful and complex, but the poverty and the weight of its past are never far from the surface.

Final Thoughts

So, was it a great trip? Absolutely. There were challenges—aching knees, stomach bugs, the relentless heat—but the memories far outweigh the hassles. Hanoi stands out as my favorite spot, a city that bridged my personal history with a vibrant, modern present. Ninh Binh was a close second—nature at its finest, and a reminder to slow down and enjoy the journey (even with sore legs).

Would I return to Vietnam? Definitely. To Cambodia? Maybe, but I feel content with what we saw.

Travel isn’t always comfortable, but that’s what makes it memorable. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing—except maybe bringing better shoes!