Brekke Fletcher, a writer for Lonely Planet, a leading travel magazine, listed the five best experiences while traveling in Vietnam.

Fletcher spent nine days discovering the cuisine across Vietnam with a local expert named Thanh Huynh.

The five experiences she included in her list are:

Hopping on a Vespa

On the first night in Ho Chi Minh City, Fletcher was on the back of a Vespa scooter to head into the city center and try many delicious dishes at traditional markets.

She also tasted a Chinese roasted duck and a French baguette.

Going deep into the Mekong Delta

Arriving in Ben Tre Province, southern Vietnam, Fletcher hopped on a small-boat tour in the Mekong Delta, including a stop at an artisan workshop and lunch with a local farming family.

Taking slow train to Hue

A rail journey to Thua Thien-Hue Province in central Vietnam is among the most beautiful in Southeast Asia, according to Fletcher.

Visitors can enjoy coastal and rural views and buy snacks from vendors who hopped on along the way.

Spending a day in Ha Long Bay

Fletcher cruised the glorious waters in the less-touristy area of Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam and took in stunning scenery.

She also kayaked into a sea cave and sipped cocktails at sunset.

Enjoying a meal with a Hanoian family

On the last night in Vietnam, Fletcher enjoyed a meal with a family in Hanoi and savored cha ca, a freshwater fish dish marinated in a slew of fragrant spices that is a specialty of the capital city.

Fletcher was impressed by the meal and the warm atmosphere of the family.

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