A Country with an Irresistible Charm
For months, Shevelle and Devan have captivated audiences on their YouTube channel, Shev and Dev, by chronicling their adventures across northern Vietnam.
“A country with an irresistible charm, the world’s friendliest people, and absolutely mouthwatering cuisine—probably the easiest country to live in,” Shevelle declared in their February video entitled, “This is WHY we love Vietnam! First day back in Hanoi.”
In the video, which has garnered over 97,000 views, Shevelle and Devan reminisced about their first encounter with Southeast Asia’s hidden gem over a year ago. During that trip, the South African couple embarked on a culinary bike tour in Ho Chi Minh City, embarked on a 20-hour train journey from Da Nang to Hanoi, and sailed through the ethereal landscapes of Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province.
Their eagerness for a return visit was evident this year. “Why do you love it so much? What’s the big deal?” Shevelle inquired as they strolled through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. “Have you tried pho? Have you tried the egg coffee?”
Egg coffee is a specialty at Giang Cafe, one of Hanoi’s most renowned coffeehouses. Photo: Quynh Chi / Tuoi Tre |
Their time in Hanoi also included an adventurous “xich lo” (cycle rickshaw) tour of the Old Quarter. Devan even took the driver’s seat for a brief but thrilling ride.
Delving into the heart of Hanoi, Devan’s video highlighted the city’s enigmatic allure, captured in the vibrant chaos of its bustling streets. The video resonated with viewers, eliciting a deluge of comments sharing their own experiences in Hanoi.
“We miss Hanoi so much!” one viewer exclaimed. “We spent a whole year living there, and it’s one of our favorite cities in the world. Amazing food, wonderful people. Can’t wait to go back next year.”
The couple hinted at some extraordinary adventures during their current trip, promising to fulfill a long-held desire for a “bucket-list crazy adventure.” Their Vietnam-centric videos showcase diverse experiences, including a cruise on Ha Long Bay, trekking through the verdant rice terraces of Sa Pa in the north, exploring the historical and scenic wonders of Ninh Binh Province in central Vietnam, and riding motorbikes through Ha Giang Province in the northernmost reaches of the country.
A screenshot from a video shows Shevelle and Devan riding a motorbike in Ha Giang Province, northern Vietnam. |
Culinary Delights in Central Vietnam
Meanwhile, the Malaysian couple behind the YouTube channel Puri and Sue have tantalized over 21,000 viewers with their 5-day, 4-night gastronomic journey in Da Nang and Hoi An, both situated along Vietnam’s central coast.
Their video, titled “15 Vietnamese Street Food in Hoi An and Da Nang, Vietnam | What to Eat in Hoi An and Da Nang in 5D4N,” was uploaded last December.
“Hoi An and Da Nang are two popular travel destinations located in central Vietnam,” they introduced in the video’s description. “One of the highlights of our trip was immersing ourselves in the local cuisines and trying out some of the best eats these cities had to offer.”
Puri and Sue’s 25-minute video meticulously captures the culinary delights they savored in each city, including cao lau noodles, chicken rice, and banh mi in Hoi An, and Quang noodles and pork rolls in Da Nang.
A bowl of Quang noodles served at a restaurant in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Cong Thanh / Tuoi Tre |
Interspersed with culinary adventures are glimpses of the places they visited and activities they enjoyed, such as a basket boat ride in Hoi An, sipping coffee at a rooftop cafe, marveling at Hoi An Ancient Town from above, witnessing the spectacular Dragon Bridge fire show in Da Nang, and visiting Ba Na Hills within the city limits.
“Thank you guys! Very informative, simple and humble, dynamic and pleasant video to watch,” enthused one viewer. “I’m moving to Da Nang in 10 days, and you’ve given me some great insights. Keep up the good vibes, well done!”
“My mouth was watering with every dish you showed us. Our next holiday in May is to Da Nang! Thank you for this amazing video,” another viewer commented.
A screenshot from a video shows Puri and Sue exploring Hoi An Ancient Town in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam. |
Unveiling the Mekong Delta
Kasper, Kylie, and Ella Johansen documented their family adventure in the Mekong Delta in a video uploaded to their YouTube channel, Living the Jo Life, last June.
In the video, titled “We Explored the MEKONG RIVER Delta – VIETNAM,” which has garnered over 68,000 views, the Johansen family embarked on a day tour of the Mekong Delta, cycling through idyllic coconut and banana groves, navigating narrow canals in a boat, riding in a horse-drawn cart, quenching their thirst with fresh coconut water, witnessing locals creating candy from coconut, and indulging in local delicacies at a charming restaurant.
They also ventured into a local market, sampling exotic fruits such as jackfruits, rambutans, and star apples. “We’ve had a fantastic time exploring the Mekong Delta today,” they concluded.
A screenshot from a video captures the Johansen family during their trip to the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. |
The Johansens have also shared their culinary experiences in Ho Chi Minh City, their motorbike adventures in Hanoi, and their luxurious cruise in Ha Long Bay.