Senior friends from Australia explore Vietnam’s top destinations, local cuisine

Sue McPherson, Denise Jannuch, Joy Deeth, and Jocelyn McMillan, all in their 60s, visited Vietnam as part of a broader Indochina trip.

Among them, Sue McPherson stood out with deep ties to the Southeast Asian country, marking her 30th visit over two decades of organizing tours for Australian travelers.

During their stay late last year, the group experienced Vietnam’s contrasts from the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to the tranquil seascape of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site located in the northern province of Quang Ninh.

Dressed in ao dai, Vietnam’s traditional long gown, for a dinner cruise, they sampled local dishes such as nem cua be (deep-fried crab rolls), mien xao (stir-fried glass noodles), and fresh seafood while taking in the limestone karst scenery.

McPherson described Vietnam as a destination that continued to surprise her.

Over 20 years of working in tourism, she has brought numerous visitors to the country and built lasting friendships.

She added that tourism services have improved significantly, with Ha Long Bay now offering a range of modern, high-end cruise options.

For McMillan, the trip marked her first time in Vietnam. She said she arrived with no prior research and was impressed by every destination, particularly the food. Pho, she added, quickly became her favorite dish.

Jannuch, who has visited Vietnam three times, said she enjoyed the country’s diversity, from lively urban centers to quieter rural experiences such as traditional stilt houses and cultural performances in Mai Chau, located in the northern mountainous province of Phu Tho.

Deeth, on her second visit, was especially struck by the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay, comparing its limestone formations to those seen in Mai Chau.

According to McPherson, about 30 percent of her clients return to Vietnam after their first visit, while she herself returns at least once or twice a year.

She emphasized the country’s hospitality and evolving tourism infrastructure as key draws.

However, she recommended the country take measures to improve pedestrian safety.

Heavy traffic in major cities, she said, could make walking difficult for visitors, suggesting that dedicated pedestrian lanes would enhance the travel experience.