Amanda Riley, a dedicated travel industry professional for Tourista, embarks on a transformative journey to Vietnam after her five-year relationship with John unexpectedly ends. Her boss, Mona, encourages her to prepare for an anticipated proposal, but instead, John suggests a hiatus to pursue a job opportunity in Ohio. This pivotal moment sets Amanda on a path to rediscover herself and explore the vibrant culture of Vietnam.
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Upon arriving at the Vietnamese airport, Amanda is greeted by Sinh, the charismatic tour guide for Saigon Silver Star, along with his cousin Anh, the owner’s daughter. That evening, Amanda meets the rest of the tour group, and to maintain her cover, she suggests they keep their professions a secret as a fun game. This playful approach helps her connect with the group while also allowing her to step outside her comfort zone.
Mona provides Amanda with proposed itineraries, but Sinh consistently encourages her to trust his choices instead. As Amanda begins to embrace the local culture, she learns to barter, taste exotic foods, and navigate the bustling streets of Vietnam without crosswalks. Sinh recognizes Amanda’s potential and believes that instead of adhering to a strict itinerary, they should be flexible and see where the day takes them.
During a visit to a temple, Sinh arranges for the group to witness the preparation for the lion dance, a highlight of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebration, Tết. At a local seamstress shop, the group has clothes tailor-made, a Tết custom symbolizing luck and prosperity. These experiences deepen Amanda’s appreciation for the rich traditions of Vietnam.
As the group enjoys a day by the water, Sinh and Amanda share a lighthearted moment while riding a round boat, which leads to an unexpected splash in the water. Later, Anh discovers that obtaining tickets for the Golden Bridge will take hours, but Sinh improvises once again, taking the group to the My Son Sanctuary, a stunning set of ancient Hindu ruins.
Amanda becomes increasingly inspired by Sinh’s adventurous spirit and follows him off the beaten path to his grandmother’s village. There, they stay with locals, and Sinh’s grandmother, sensing the chemistry between him and Amanda, invites her to stay at her home. The group helps prepare for Tết by cleaning, decorating, and cooking a festive feast, further immersing Amanda in the local culture.
During a heartfelt moment, Anh interprets for their grandmother, who inquires about Amanda’s intentions with Sinh. Although Amanda expresses her desire to remain friends, the grandmother is skeptical. Anh confides in Amanda about her father’s plans to sell the tour company, a secret that Sinh is unaware of, adding complexity to the unfolding relationships.
On the day of the Tết feast, Amanda and Sinh wear their custom-made outfits, symbolizing the bonds they’ve formed. As they prepare the meal together, Amanda is on the verge of revealing her true feelings but instead shares a passionate kiss with Sinh, marking a significant turning point in their relationship.
The following day in Hanoi, Amanda is taken by surprise when John appears, expressing his desire to win her back. Both Sinh and Amanda are visibly affected by this unexpected reunion. Alone, John tells Amanda he is ready to take their relationship to the next level, prompting Amanda to reflect on her feelings for both men.
At that evening’s water puppetry show, Amanda finds herself caught between John and Sinh, who sit on either side of her. As the group enjoys street food and discusses the show, Anh learns that Tourista has acquired the tour company, forcing Amanda to confess her involvement. An upset Sinh storms off, believing Amanda’s feelings were insincere, leaving her to grapple with the consequences of her choices.
The next day, John reveals his plans to return to Los Angeles at the end of the year, suggesting they house hunt together. Amanda realizes that John’s intentions are not aligned with her own desires for a committed relationship. In a moment of clarity, she decides to end things with John, choosing to prioritize her own happiness.