Hoi An: a well-preserved ancient town overrun with tourists. To be honest, I have complicated feelings about this UNESCO World Heritage site. In place of the quaint, authentic village I came in search of, I found a Disney-like theme land for Instagram aficionados. But once I got off the beaten path, I learned to embrace the beauty and slower pace of this riverside setting. For everything I loved and dis-loved about Hoi An, read on.

Ha Long Bay: Quite possibly the cover image of your Vietnam travel book (and for a reason). Imagine: thousands of limestone karsts and isles jutting out of a moody mist. To cruise through these emerald waters is a true gift.

Hanoi was everything I wanted it to be. A hectic blend of Vietnamese craftsmanship and French colonial architecture. Old world meets new. Authentic meets white women in elephant pants. For Hanoi travel tips, read on!