June reminded us that expat life in Vietnam is often about finding the perfect balance. Some weeks are spent rediscovering the places that have become part of our routine, while others surprise us with exciting new restaurants, memorable experiences, and milestones worth celebrating. This month brought all of that together: reliable favourites in Ho Chi Minh City, a promising culinary discovery, a creative afternoon, an unforgettable luxury escape to Langkawi, and wonderful family news.

Returning to the Places That Never Disappoint

Every city has those addresses you end up recommending without hesitation because they simply deliver every single time. For us, Luca remains one of those places.

Having already featured it previously on SdB-Plus, another visit simply confirmed why it continues to earn a place in our regular rotation. Being located almost next door makes it incredibly convenient whenever we want a quality meal without spending an entire evening dining out. Consistency is perhaps one of the hardest qualities for any restaurant to maintain, and Luca continues to excel by delivering exactly what we expect: reliable food, friendly service and an atmosphere that feels comfortably familiar.

Sometimes the best recommendation isn’t discovering somewhere new, it is returning somewhere that never disappoints.

The same can certainly be said about RAUM and Belgo. Both have already been reviewed on SdB-Plus, yet every return visit reinforces exactly why they deserve their excellent reputation.

RAUM continues to impress with its elegant atmosphere, carefully executed cuisine and consistently attentive service. Meanwhile, Belgo remains our favourite destination whenever we’re craving authentic Belgian comfort food paired with excellent beers. Finding restaurants that maintain the same quality visit after visit is surprisingly rare, making these two establishments valuable constants in our Ho Chi Minh City dining experience.

Truffle & Co – A Welcome New Discovery

One of the highlights of June was discovering Truffle & Co, a restaurant that immediately caught our attention with its inviting atmosphere and fresh approach to modern dining.

From the moment the dishes arrived, the emphasis on quality ingredients was evident. Fresh produce, balanced flavours and attractive presentation combined to create a genuinely enjoyable meal. The relaxed décor and contemporary ambiance also make it a place where it’s easy to spend an enjoyable evening.

There was, however, one aspect that slightly disrupted the overall experience. As is sometimes common in modern casual dining, several courses, including soups, starters and main dishes, arrived almost simultaneously. While this style of service undoubtedly aims at efficiency, it tends to diminish the rhythm of a meal. We personally prefer enjoying each course individually, allowing every dish the attention it deserves before moving to the next. It certainly didn’t spoil the quality of the food, but a more paced service would elevate an already very good dining experience.

A Creative Morning at Cafe Vuon Gom

Not every memorable experience revolves around food or travel.

This month, Isabelle joined friends for a pottery workshop at Cafe Vuon Gom, combining creativity, relaxation and socialising into one enjoyable afternoon.

Pottery has become increasingly popular in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a refreshing break from the city’s busy pace. Working with clay encourages patience, creativity and mindfulness, while the café environment creates an atmosphere that is both welcoming and inspiring. Judging by the smiles and the finished creations, it was every bit as enjoyable as expected and certainly an activity we’d happily recommend to anyone looking for something a little different.

A Luxury Escape to Langkawi

The true highlight of June was undoubtedly spending an unforgettable week at The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi.

Although the complete review is now available on SdB-Plus, looking back on the experience still brings a smile. Nestled between ancient rainforest and the Andaman Sea, the resort succeeds in creating something increasingly rare: genuine tranquillity without sacrificing impeccable luxury.

Every day offered something different. Morning breakfasts at Langkawi Kitchen set the tone with spectacular selections overlooking the tropical surroundings. Exceptional Cantonese cuisine at Hai Yan demonstrated remarkable attention to detail, while relaxed beachfront lunches at Beach Grill perfectly captured the spirit of island living. Evenings naturally concluded with sunset cocktails at Horizon, arguably one of the most beautiful settings on the island.

Outside the resort itself, unforgettable moments included riding the Langkawi Cable Car above lush rainforest canopies, watching playful monkeys wander freely through the property, and enjoying breathtaking views from the spectacular Ocean View Corner Deluxe Room.

Equally impressive was the hospitality. From Malaysia Airlines delivering an excellent travel experience to The Ritz-Carlton team providing genuinely heartfelt service—including an extremely generous late check-out—every interaction reinforced what true luxury hospitality should feel like.

It remains one of our favourite luxury stays anywhere in Asia.

A Proud Family Moment

June also brought wonderful personal news.

Yaël successfully defended his thesis, marking the completion of years of dedication, hard work and perseverance. Watching such an important milestone being reached is incredibly rewarding, and we couldn’t be prouder of his achievement.

Now we simply look forward to celebrating his graduation in September, a moment the entire family is eagerly awaiting.

Looking Ahead

June perfectly illustrated why we continue to enjoy our expat life in Vietnam. It isn’t always about constantly chasing new experiences. Sometimes happiness comes from returning to trusted favourites, occasionally discovering a hidden gem, embracing creative activities with friends, celebrating family achievements, and taking time to recharge with an exceptional holiday.

As always, the journey continues—and we’re already curious to see what July will bring.