This time, we chose to explore Vietnam, a country we’d heard a lot about but hadn’t experienced yet.
We reached Bangalore airport around 9 PM. Check-in and immigration were smooth, giving us enough time to stroll through Terminal 2. It was quiet and beautifully designed, with warm lighting and art installations. We especially liked the elephant sculpture near the duty-free zone—it added a nice cultural touch.
We spent some time at the Zero Eight Zero lounge, near The Irish House. It was spacious and calm. Luckily, our SBI debit card gave us free access (always good to double-check with your bank as policies change). The food was decent, and they gave us complimentary drink coupons too.
Our Malaysia Airlines flight was slightly delayed, but both legs—from Bangalore to Kuala Lumpur and then to Hanoi—were comfortable. The views during landing in KL were especially stunning.
At Hanoi airport, we were greeted by our guide, Mr. Hoang, who immediately pointed out that Vietnam follows right-hand driving, unlike India. It took a moment to adjust!
We drove into Hanoi city, which is surrounded by rivers and connected by several impressive bridges. After checking in at our hotel, we went to see the iconic Train Street and a nearby Buddhist temple by the Red River.
The temple, with its bright red and yellow hues, was peaceful and beautifully maintained. Locals often come here to pray, especially on weekends. Then we headed to Train Street. Just as a train was about to arrive, we quickly found a seat in a small café. Sipping on delicious coconut coffee, we watched the train rush by—just a few feet away! It was thrilling and a little nerve-racking. The whole street was buzzing with tourists capturing the moment. (Tip: check train timings in advance.)
We also visited a temple with a large banyan tree planted by India’s former President Rajendra Prasad—a small but proud connection between the two countries. Interestingly, most Vietnamese guides end their day by 5:30 PM, which we found amusing!
Later, we walked around the local market. It had fresh produce, dry fruits, and lots of curious tourists. Mr. Hoang showed us some of the native vegetables and explained a bit about local eating habits.
That evening, we strolled by the Hoan Kiem Lake and explored the vibrant Night Market. On weekends, roads around the lake are closed to traffic and transformed into pedestrian zones with music, dancing, street food, and cultural shows. It was festive and full of life.
Our hotel, Flora Central, was conveniently located right by the lake and the market—perfect for night walks. For dinner, we visited a vegan restaurant. Vietnamese vegetarian dishes like pho, pineapple fried rice, and mango curry were flavorful and fresh. Just remember to clearly mention if you don’t eat eggs, meat, or fish. We used Google Translate to get our message across—it helped a lot.
🚤 A Day at Ha Long Bay
The next morning, we set off for a day cruise at Ha Long Bay with Carnival Cruises. After a short rest stop, we reached the harbor, which was lined with impressive cruise ships.
Our ship had a beautiful setup and even hosted a couple celebrating their engagement on board! Lunch was served buffet-style. While vegetarian options were limited, we still managed a decent meal.
The top deck offered lively music and panoramic views of the sea and the towering limestone karsts—reminding us of the famous James Bond Island in Thailand.
Our first stop was Sung Sot Cave. After a short climb, we entered this massive cave system, which was clean, well-lit, and fascinating to explore.
Then we hopped on a bamboo boat ride, gliding gently through a low cave opening into a quiet, scenic area. The weather was perfect, and the experience was serene.
We later visited Ti Top Island, where we saw a beautiful sandy beach and a viewpoint offering breathtaking views of Ha Long Bay.
We returned to Hanoi by around 7 PM. The night market was still buzzing with music, laughter, and food stalls. It was the perfect end to a memorable day.
🏞️ Ninh Binh – Temples, Rivers & Caves
On the third day, we left early for Ninh Binh, a region known for its natural beauty and historical sites. On the way, our guide pointed out an impressive mansion owned by the CEO of Siemens!
We visited temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, located amidst green hills. The calm surroundings added to the charm. We were lucky to witness a local ceremony, where people offered not just flowers and incense—but also cigars and beer!
Lunch was at Cozy Restaurant, which was clean and welcoming. The vegetarian buffet was simple but satisfying.
Then came the highlight of the day—a 90-minute boat ride in Tam Coc. Surrounded by limestone mountains and lush paddy fields, the experience was peaceful and breathtaking. Our boatwoman rowed using her feet—a unique sight! We passed through three quiet caves, the last one being the longest.
Back in Hanoi that evening, we visited the Ngoc Son Temple. Inside was a preserved giant turtle, which locals pray to for good luck.
🌊 Danang – Mountains & Sea
The next morning, we flew to Danang, a coastal city with a different vibe. Our hotel, Grand Sunrise Boutique, was just a five-minute walk from the beach.
Our new guide took us for a short tour of the city. We visited the Marble Mountains, stopping at a nearby shop that displayed stunning marble sculptures. We took a lift up and explored temples and viewpoints hidden in the hills.
Later, we drove to see the Lady Buddha statue—tall and serene, overlooking the sea.
In the evening, we walked along the Beach, which was clean and lively with people enjoying water sports and sunset views.
🌉 Ba Na Hills & Lantern Town
The fifth day was the most magical! We started early to visit Ba Na Hills, known for the stunning Golden Bridge.
The 20-minute cable car ride to the top was scenic and peaceful. The Golden Bridge, with its giant stone hands, looked surreal. We took our time walking through the flower gardens and visited the giant white Buddha statue.
There was a fun show at Beer Plaza, and we had a lovely vegetarian Indian lunch at Bharatha Restaurant. The French Village on top felt like walking through a European town, complete with cafes, castles, and even amusement rides.
The ride down was extra special—we were surrounded by thick fog, and it felt like floating through clouds.
Later in the evening, we visited the magical town of Hoi An, also called Lantern Town. With its glowing lanterns, river boats, old architecture, and charming cafes, it felt like stepping into a fairy tale. We loved it.
✈️ Farewell, Vietnam
On the final day, we left for the airport at 11 AM. Our return flights were on time, and we landed in Bangalore just past midnight.
Vietnam was unforgettable. From the lively streets of Hanoi to the peaceful waters of Tam Coc, from the stunning Ha Long Bay to the hills and lanterns of Danang and Hoi An—the trip gave us everything: beauty, culture, adventure, and wonderful memories.
Trip Duration: 6 days
