Honest thoughts on Vietnam after my first visit

First time in Vietnam and I tried to approach it with open eyes rather than preconceptions. Hội An was the base and a good one — central, manageable, and with strong food options including the best pho I've ever had. My Son Sanctuary was the big set piece and fully justified the trip.

Two things worth knowing: quality varies wildly in tourist areas, which is more of a factor than some guides acknowledge. But also: warm and entrepreneurial people, which I'd never read about and turned out to be a genuine pleasure. Solid first impression — I'd return.