Edward’s Vietnam Trip: A Yearly Tradition of Travelling Together
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Edward’s Vietnam trip began the way the best ones often do — with a lot of back-and-forth. Edward and his wife are a lovely couple I had the pleasure of helping, and long before they landed we swapped messages, tweaked the plan, and made small adjustments until the trip felt right for them. When we finally met in person in Hanoi, they told me Vietnam had exceeded their expectations — and honestly, that made all the planning worth it.
- Travellers: Edward and his wife — a couple living in America, both originally from the Philippines
- We first met: in person in Hanoi
- Trip style: a warm, unhurried journey planned together over many messages
- Their tradition: every year they pick a new country to explore side by side
- The verdict: Vietnam exceeded their expectations
Planning Edward’s Vietnam trip, one message at a time
Some trips come together in a single email. This one didn’t — and I mean that as a compliment. Edward and his wife knew what mattered to them, so we went back and forth, discussing options and making little adjustments until every part of the plan sat comfortably.
That kind of care is my favourite way to work. It’s never just ticking boxes; it’s shaping a trip around two real people. By the time everything was finalised, it didn’t feel like a booking anymore — it felt like a journey we’d designed together, and I couldn’t wait for them to arrive.
Meeting in Hanoi — and a country that surprised them
Meeting guests in person is one of the quiet joys of this job, and meeting Edward and his wife in Hanoi was exactly that. After all those messages, there they were — relaxed, happy, and already charmed by Vietnam.
“Vietnam exceeded our expectations.”
Hearing that in person, from a couple who travel every year and have seen plenty of the world, meant a great deal. It’s one thing to hope a place lands well; it’s another to watch it happen right in front of you.
“It feels like home” — a Manila and Vietnam connection
One thing I loved about travelling alongside Edward and his wife was how easily they felt at home here. Both originally from the Philippines, they joked that Manila and Vietnam have a lot in common — especially the traffic. We all laughed about it: the busy streets, the constant hum of motorbikes, the organised chaos that somehow just works.
Rather than finding it overwhelming, they found it familiar. The buzz of the streets made them feel at home, and that little cultural echo turned a foreign country into somewhere warm and recognisable almost straight away.
Culture note: for many Filipino travellers, Vietnam’s rhythm feels instantly familiar — the street-side food culture, the friendly chaos of the traffic, the way daily life spills out onto the pavement. It’s one of those quiet things that makes a trip feel less like sightseeing and more like being welcomed in.
Travelling together, year after year
What has stayed with me most about Edward and his wife is their tradition. Every single year, they choose a new country and explore it side by side — travelling together is simply what they do. This year, Vietnam was the one.
After the trip began, we connected on Facebook, and they’ve kept sharing photos ever since. In every one they’re smiling, close, and clearly enjoying the moment — whether it’s a candid snap on a boat or a happy pose by a Christmas tree. Watching their memories roll in, long after the planning was done, is a lovely reminder of what this is all really about.
Because that’s the heart of it, isn’t it? Travel isn’t only about the places you tick off. It’s about creating beautiful memories together — and Edward and his wife have made an art of doing exactly that, one country a year.
Tips from Edward’s trip
- Don’t rush the planning. A few rounds of messages and small tweaks are worth it — the trip fits you far better for it.
- Lean into the traffic. Vietnam’s busy streets can feel chaotic at first; treat the buzz as part of the experience and it quickly becomes charming rather than daunting.
- Make it a tradition. Edward and his wife travel together every year — picking one new country at a time keeps it exciting without being overwhelming.
- Stay in touch after you land. Sharing photos with the people who helped plan your trip keeps the memories alive long after you’re home.
Want a trip like Edward’s?
Like the look of Edward and his wife’s journey? Their kind of relaxed, see-the-country trip sits beautifully within our Best of Vietnam 10-day tour — and I’d happily tailor the same route to suit you, just as I did for them. Just message me, Rachel, and we’ll start planning together. You can also browse more of our Hanoi stories and guides to get a feel for where their trip began.
Over to you: do you have a yearly travel tradition like Edward and his wife? I’d love to hear where you’re heading next — tell me in the comments below. Thank you!
Quick FAQ from Edward’s trip
Is Vietnam a good destination for a couple travelling together?
Absolutely. Edward and his wife found it warm, easy to enjoy and full of shared moments. A trip can be planned at whatever pace suits you, which makes it ideal for couples who want to explore side by side without feeling rushed.
Will Vietnam’s traffic feel overwhelming?
It can look busy at first, but many travellers — Edward and his wife included — quickly find the buzz part of the charm. Coming from Manila, they said the streets actually made them feel right at home.
How far in advance should we plan?
There’s no fixed rule, but leaving room for a few rounds of discussion helps a lot. Edward’s trip came together over plenty of back-and-forth and small adjustments, and it fit them perfectly because of it.
If Edward and his wife’s story has you dreaming of your own yearly tradition, I’d love to help you plan it. Reach out to My Viva Tour and let’s create some beautiful memories together.
