Teresa Bellis’s Vietnam Anniversary Trip: 13 Days by the Sea
Last updated: July 5, 2026
Teresa Bellis’s Vietnam anniversary trip was never about ticking off famous landmarks. Teresa and her husband John, an Australian couple celebrating 30 years together, came to Vietnam for one thing above all else: the sea. As the consultant who planned their holiday, I had the joy of turning that simple wish into a slow, romantic escape along the coast — and this is how it unfolded.
- Travellers: an Australian couple, 30 years together
- Occasion: their 30th wedding anniversary
- Route: Bai Dai (Cam Ranh) → Phu Quoc Island → Ha Long Bay
- Trip length: 13 days
- Trip style: relaxed, romantic, beach-focused, luxury resorts
- Highlights: quiet beaches, a Ha Long Bay sunset, meeting in Hanoi, a much-loved cooking class
Why this Australian couple chose Vietnam
When Teresa first got in touch, she told me straight away that this was a milestone worth marking properly — three decades of marriage. The moment I understood the reason for the trip, I felt genuinely inspired to design something special for them.
Most travellers ask me about Vietnam’s headline sights. Teresa and John were different. Both of them love the ocean, so instead of a landmark tour I mapped out a route around some of the country’s most beautiful, lesser-known beaches. There was a second reason Vietnam felt right, too: their family adores Vietnamese food, which shaped one of the trip’s happiest moments later on.
The beaches that shaped Teresa Bellis’s Vietnam anniversary trip
Over 13 days, Teresa and John moved from one stretch of coast to the next, and each place had its own rhythm by the water. They began at Bai Dai in Cam Ranh, where the water is clear and calm and the beach stays wonderfully quiet — the kind of place you settle into rather than rush through.
From there they flew to Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam’s largest island and a favourite of mine for a relaxed, romantic few days. I chose their stays for serenity and comfort as much as for the views, so the couple could unwind properly between beaches. If you’re dreaming of the same, our Phu Quoc travel stories give a feel for the island.
Ha Long Bay: limestone giants at sunset
Their final coastal stop was Ha Long Bay, and it’s the one many guests remember most. After the wide-open beaches of the south, the towering limestone karsts feel like another world entirely — especially as the light softens in the evening and the whole bay turns gold. It was a fitting, dramatic close to a trip built around the sea. You can browse more of the region through our Ha Long Bay guides.
Meeting in Hanoi, and a cooking class to remember
Like any long journey, theirs had a couple of small hiccups — John had a bit of trouble with his leg, and Teresa picked up a mild cold along the way. Neither dampened their spirits in the slightest. When we finally met in person in Hanoi, Teresa was brimming with stories: the beautiful resorts, the little activities I’d arranged, and the local restaurants they’d happily discovered on their own.
The moment she was most excited about, though, was the cooking class. Knowing how much the family loves Vietnamese cuisine, I’d built one into the trip, and it turned out to be one of Teresa’s favourite memories of the whole holiday.
Culture note: a Vietnamese cooking class is about more than the recipes. Wandering a market, learning why herbs and fish sauce are balanced just so, then eating what you’ve made together — it’s one of the warmest ways to understand the country, and it travels home with you.
Tips from Teresa & John’s trip
- Give it time. Around two weeks lets you enjoy several beaches without rushing between flights.
- Mix south and north. Pairing calm southern beaches with Ha Long Bay gives you two very different coastlines in one trip.
- Build in a cooking class. If your family loves the food, it’s a highlight — not an add-on.
- Pack light layers. The south stays warm, but evenings around Ha Long can cool down.
- Plan for the little things. A minor cold or a sore leg needn’t derail a relaxed, well-paced holiday.
Want a trip like Teresa & John’s?
Like the look of their beach-filled anniversary? Their journey was built around our 12-day Beach Relaxing Holiday, and I’d happily tailor the same coastal route — including a stay on Phu Quoc Island — to suit you. Just message me, Rachel, and we’ll start planning.
Over to you: have you already been to Ha Long Bay or Phu Quoc? I’d love to hear how you found it — tell me in the comments below. Thank you!
Quick FAQ from Teresa & John’s trip
Is Vietnam a good place for a beach holiday?
Yes. Vietnam has a long coastline with very different characters, from the calm, clear water of Bai Dai in Cam Ranh to the island beaches of Phu Quoc. It suits couples who want to relax rather than rush.
How many days do you need to see several Vietnamese beaches?
Teresa and John spent 13 days, which comfortably covered three coastal stops with time to settle into each. Around two weeks is ideal if you’d like to combine southern beaches with Ha Long Bay.
Is Vietnam a good choice for a special anniversary?
It can be lovely. A private, tailored itinerary means the pace and the romantic touches are yours to set, and small surprises — like an anniversary dessert or a cooking class — are easy to arrange.
If Teresa and John’s story sounds like the kind of holiday you’ve been dreaming of, I’d love to help you plan it. Get in touch with My Viva Tour and let’s design your own trip by the sea.
