Having travelled to Thailand numerous times, I was thrilled to explore its neighbour, Vietnam, for the first time. This incredible opportunity came as part of an educational visit for a select group of travel professionals, kindly sponsored by the Anand Collection and Thai Airways.
Our adventure began in Bangkok, where I met the group for a short flight to Phu Quoc - a rising star in beach resorts, known for its powdery white sands and warm, inviting waters.
Phu Quoc: A hidden island paradise
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, is nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, just off the country’s southwest coast. Its stunning white-sand beaches and relaxed atmosphere make it a perfect island retreat.
A quick 15-minute drive from the international airport brought us to our home for the next three nights - the Sailing Club Villas. And what a home it was! These sprawling two and three-bedroom villas, each with a private pool, were pure luxury.
The villas feature everything you could want for a lavish yet chilled stay: sunken lounge areas, floor-to-ceiling windows, fully fitted kitchens and ensuite bedrooms. Perfect for families or groups of friends, the villas even offer the option of an in-villa dining experience, with chefs preparing sumptuous meals featuring fresh seafood, local vegetables and decadent meats.
Breakfast is included, and the selection is a treat for all tastes. From traditional Vietnamese pho to an English breakfast, cold cuts, pancakes, waffles, and even ice cream, there’s something for everyone - yes, even the fussy eaters!
While the resort isn’t directly on the beach, it’s just an 8-minute walk or a quick buggy ride away. At the Beach Club, part of the resort, you can soak up the chilled vibe while enjoying food and drinks charged straight to your villa.
For those looking to explore, Phu Quoc offers plenty of adventures:
Island Hopping
We visited May Rut Trong island on a tour, where beautifully presented snacks accompanied the stunning scenery.
Safari Park
Just an hour away, a great half-day activity.
Cable Car
The Hon Thom Phu Quoc Cable Car, the world’s longest, offers incredible views over the South China Sea and access to a theme park.
Night Markets
Duong Dong Town’s market is perfect for practicing your bartering skills and picking up seafood delicacies, clothing or jewellery.
Sunset Town
This charming area, just 20 minutes from the resort, is like stepping into Little Italy, with a mini coliseum, Italian street names, and plenty of bars and eateries. Watch the sunset, enjoy the nightly fireworks, or catch the light show - it’s touristy but an evening to remember.
Back at the resort, the dining experience is truly a highlight. The food is exquisite and abundant - course after course of fresh local delicacies and well-known favourites.
You can also hire bikes, join a cooking class or find your zen with yoga in nature. For pure relaxation, the communal pool with Bali beds and cabanas is the perfect spot.
Phu Quoc’s charm is undeniable, and with direct flights from Bangkok and other hubs, it’s firmly establishing itself as a go-to beach destination in Southeast Asia.
Ho Chi Minh City: The buzz of Vietnam
From the tranquillity of Phu Quoc, we flew just over an hour to the vibrant chaos of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). My visit was short - less than 24 hours - but packed with experiences.
I managed to explore the Presidential Palace, admire the historic Post Office, and grab lunch at the bustling Ben Hghe Market, famous for its street food. Navigating the city’s madness - dodging mopeds and cars seemingly ignoring red lights - was exhilarating and exhausting, so a massage was very much needed!
We stayed at the Lotte Hotel, a sleek 5-star high-rise overlooking the Saigon River. Its location was ideal, offering a bird’s-eye view of the traffic chaos below and the serene river beyond - a perfect juxtaposition.
Our farewell dinner was hosted at Home Saigon, a beautifully renovated Art Deco villa. The meal was a feast of local dishes served on sharing platters, from noodles and salads to fresh fish, meats and vegetables. It was a delicious way to end the trip.
Ho Chi Minh City felt like Bangkok on steroids - manic but mesmerising. I barely scratched the surface and can’t wait to return to explore more of this country steeped in history and culture.
Final Thoughts
This trip was a fantastic introduction to Vietnam, and I’m so grateful to Anand Collection and Thai Airways for hosting. Both Phu Quoc and Ho Chi Minh City offered such contrasting experiences, yet each left a lasting impression.
Thanks also to TTG for featuring the trip - you can read about it here.
If you’re dreaming of a mix of stunning beaches and vibrant cities, Vietnam should definitely be on your list. Contact me for further details.
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