Temples that are thousands of years old, and museums that show the brutality of modern war, Vietnam is full of both ancient and modern history.

I have traveled here on two occasions. The first being a nonstop adventure from north to south, full of late night banh mi and daytime bartering. The second was a slow paced exploration of some of the spots I missed on the previous trip, mostly in the south and on the lovely island of Phu Quoc. Vietnam was the first country that I solely travelled on my own, and because of that it holds a special place in my heart.  

I remember drinking hot roasted coffee in the cool early mornings, looking out over the magnificent Sapa rice terraces. Getting lost amongst the tailor shops in Hoi An, mesmerized at the charming French colonial buildings. Skinny-dipping during the late night hours in the warm bioluminescent waters of Phu Quoc. Countless bowls of delicious Pho that warm the belly, and much, much more.