A land of staggering natural beauty and cultural complexities, with a fascinating history, delicious food and vibrant energy, Vietnam is an exhilarating country to travel. Vietnam has everything that you needed for a perfect vacation. The best way to explore Vietnam is to enjoy itthrill.
On my last vacation to Vietnam, I have found this country more beautiful and full of energy than I have ever heard of it. Vibrant street life, exquisite food and epic landscapes to happy and friendly Vietnamese are just the starts of what you’ll find here. Here, I am penning down my experience in Vietnam that will help you in your trip.
Day-1: Hanoi
Hanoi is also known as the “Paris of Asia”. If you want to have a true picture of Hanoi and get a free city tour then just visit a student-run organization. There are so many destinations to visit like Ho Chi Minh Complex, Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, West Lake, Hoa Lo prison, Museum of Ethnology etc. you can select as per your preferences and time.
Don’t forget to try the delicious street food and the world’s cheapest beer – “bia hoi” there.
Day-2: Ho Chi Minh City
This day was designed for Ho Chi Minh City Tour according to our itinerary. In the morning we had a delicious breakfast in our hotel and went to visit Independence Palace. It is also known as the Reunification Palace and is built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. It is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. It was incredibly beautiful. We then continued to admire the stunning architecture from the French Colonial era, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office. This was followed by a visit to the impressive War Remnants Museum, which features an extensive collection showcasing both the Indochina wars. After that, we had a mouth-watering dinner at one of the local restaurants to try something authentic Vietnamese cuisine and went for the rest in our hotels.
- Suggested Tour: Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia Tour
Day-3: Cu Chi Tunnels Tour
This day early morning after breakfast we departed for Cu Chi tunnel, the trip took approximately one and a half hours bus driving. Upon arrival, we received a brief introduction, followed by an informative video explaining the construction of the tunnels and how people managed to survive under the harsh wartime conditions. It was a really informative part of the trip for this beautiful place. Next, we explored the rest of the area and tunnel systems, which featured specially built living quarters complete with kitchens and bedrooms, alongside essential facilities such as storage areas, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers. These were designed to meet the basic needs of those living in the tunnels. We also saw numerous hidden trap doors and intricate traps throughout the maze-like tunnels, which were used for security during the war.
We were served with special tea and cassava (guerrilla’s food during the war) there. From there we were transferred to our hotels to relax and explore more wonders of this place the next day.
Day-4: Mekong Delta Tour
It was the day to leave the beautiful Ho Chi Minh City and depart for My Tho. My Tho is a town lies on the left side of the Mekong River. We stopped there at Unicorn Island and enjoyed some tropical fruits with folk music performed by the local people. It was really pleasing and peaceful. Then we visited the fruit plantation and rode a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal. It was an amazing experience. From there we visited coconut candy workshop and honey-bee farm, there we were served with a refreshing honey tea there.
It was the perfect place and time to experience the local daily life in the Mekong Delta so we decided to take the cycling experience and meet the local villagers there. The villagers were so happy and welcoming to travellers. They greeted us very kindly and gave us their great hospitality. It was an amazing chance to know and live the culture of Vietnamese.
Day-5: Hoa Lu – Tam Coc Tour
This day was planned Hoa Lu – Tam Coc tour according to our itinerary. We had our breakfast in the hotel and proceeded for our full day excursion in Ninh Binh. Hoa Lu was built in the 10th century and was once depicted as the ancient capital of Vietnam. From there we visited temples of two dynasties of Dinh and Le. It was very uniquely architected in old times. Visitors from all around the world come to this place to explore its architectural beauty. From there we travelled to Tam Coc and had an amazingly delicious lunch in one of the local restaurants there. Next, we boarded a sampan boat in Tam Coc and drifted along the river, passing through villages, mountains, and lush rice fields. It is one of the best ways to adore the entire beauty of this place in a short period. From there we returned to our hotel for good night sleep and to explore more the next morning.
Day-6: Halong Bay – Overnight on Cruise
After five days of enjoying the other beautiful parts of Vietnam, it was the day to enjoy the best part of the trip. It is the place where James Bond said ‘tomorrow never dies’. Yes, it was the time for Halong Bay cruise. In the morning, after breakfast, we drove to Halong Bay, taking in the serene scenery of the countryside, farmlands, and the Red River Delta along the way. On our check in we were welcomed with a refreshing welcome drink and served with Vietnamese seafood you can also ask them for vegetarian lunch if you are vegan. The rock formations in the bay were really fascinating. On reaching Pearl Farm we did kayaking there, you can enjoy other activities too like caving, swimming, fishing and floating villages, visiting the pearl farm and taking Vietnamese cooking classes. Our boat cruised to Dinh Huong, Cho Da and Ga Choi Mountain and Sung Sot cave. The view of the cave was really beautiful. It is also known as one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay. The most beautiful part of the day was to view the sunset on the cruise. It was the moment to die for.
Day-7: Halong Bay
This day we woke up with the music of the ocean in our ears and another spellbound moment of sunrise. After that, we were served with a delicious breakfast and cruised to other Sung Sot Cave and back cruised to Halong dock. In the afternoon we had our heartfelt brunch on the cruise and departed on Harbour. From there we travelled to our hotels in Hanoi.
It was a leisure day so we thought to use it for shopping at some local markets in Hanoi as per recommended by our guide.
Day-8: Departure
So here our trip to Vietnam concluded. After so much adventure and amazing Vietnamese cuisine, it was the day to say a hard goodbye to this beautiful country. This day early morning after our breakfast we left the hotel for our home from Hanoi.
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