When it comes to adventure, good food, and even better company, neighbors Kenny Hebert, Garland Romero, and their friend and neighbor Thien Le hit the jackpot during their recent two-week trip to Vietnam. With Thien leading the way through his hometown of Ho Chi Minh City, the trio packed their days full of sightseeing, heartfelt reunions, and (most importantly) incredible meals.

From the moment they landed, the vibe was simple: enjoy it all. Mornings kicked off with banh mi sandwiches for breakfast and ended with evening strolls through the vibrant city streets. In between, they found themselves relaxing poolside with drinks, hopping aboard the Saigon Waterbus (with air-conditioning, thank goodness!), and wandering the bustling Ben Thanh Market for local treasures and tastes.

Of course, food was the real star of the show. “It’s all about—where’s the next meal?” they joked. Thien’s sister treated them to a VIP dinner one night with a spread that included everything from whole chicken to oysters and lobster. On another evening, they met Thien’s old school friend and family for dinner at the Landmark building, which came with unforgettable views and food to match.

Every stop seemed to include something delicious—steaming bowls of pho across from their hotel, pastries from MERCI Bakery, and even some spicy South Korean dishes that had them all promising to worry about weight loss after the trip. “We’ve definitely eaten well, but we’ve also sweated a lot,” they laughed.

They also took in plenty of local sights—touring the Independence Palace, visiting the Ho Chi Minh Museum, and soaking in the peaceful beauty of temples and botanical gardens. A favorite stop for Kenny? The Saigon Zoo, where he went straight to find the Bengal tiger, a tribute to LSU’s beloved mascot, Mike. “If you know Kenny, you know that was a must,” Garland shared.

The guys even made a few memories that money couldn’t buy—like the time they spent $20 on 50 lottery tickets from a young boy on the street. “We didn’t win, but the look on his face made it worth every penny,” they said.

All in all, the trip was the perfect mix of fun, friendship, and full plates. Whether they were catching up with Thien Le’s family, learning more about the culture, or trying their new favorite dessert, the guys made the most of every minute—and every bite.

One thing’s for sure: they came home with full hearts, full bellies, and stories to last a lifetime.