I Backpacked Solo Through Vietnam – How It Helped Me Heal

"Walking to Hoàn Kiếm Lake felt like stepping into a peaceful oasis in the heart of the bustling city; the lakeside path was alive with women taking dance classes, men practicing tai chi, families strolling, and teenagers snapping photos, offering me a perfect snapshot of everyday life in Hanoi and a much-needed moment of calm." - Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel is an editor at Travel + Leisure, where she assigns, edits, and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel, accessories, and hotels for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 53 countries and lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than six years of experience as a writer, editor, and copywriter. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines