RTW Trip Day #23: Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City

andrewsco3
2 days ago
2 min read

21 October 2025

Steps: 5,422

This morning we got up early to have breakfast and catch our train back up to Hanoi, to then fly down to Ho Chi Minh City.

Saying goodbye to our hosts at the Tran An Family Homestay — Saying goodbye to our host at the Trang An Family Homestay

The girls really enjoyed staying at the Trang A Family homestay and were sad to leave. The homestay was located in a lovely quiet setting, with a pool that we practically had to ourself the whole time. The lovely owner gave us all hugs as we got into the taxi before heading to Ninh Binh station.

The sleeper train that we caught back to Hanoi (the SE20) was a nicer train than the one we travelled down to Ninh Binh on. The sheets were nicer, there was a better bathroom, there was some wallpaper on the walls, and a small orchid plant - these things all make the difference.

Our girls love a good airline lounge and the one we went to at Hanoi airport (SH Premium Lounge Ha Noi) had a pho station where you could go up and custom order a soup.

The flight down to HCMC was pretty short just around 2 hours, although it was delayed about an hour. We ended up not arriving at our hotel until around 9pm.

Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

We only recently booked our stay at the Vinpearl Landmark 81, as we had previously been booked into the Meridien hotel, but when we rearranged our travel dates, that hotel wasn't available.

Well, so far, I'm glad we did! I knew that the hotel was inside the Landmark 81 building, which is the tallest in Ho Chi Minh City, but I didn't realize we would be staying on the 57th floor!