I can hardly believe it’s been a while since my incredible trip to Vietnam with three of my office buddies back in August 2019. The memories are still so vivid! We had the time of our lives exploring this beautiful country, filled with laughter, excitement, and, of course, mouth-watering food. Join me as I take you through our whirlwind adventure packed with unforgettable experiences!
Day 0: Journey to Ho Chi Minh City
Our adventure kicked off with an exciting flight from Mumbai to Ho Chi Minh City via Malaysian Airlines, with a quick stopover in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was a smooth connection—just one hour, so we didn’t even need a transit visa! To our surprise, we got upgraded to premium economy! The extra legroom and comfy seats made the long flight so much more enjoyable. And let’s not forget about the unlimited drinks! We settled in, enjoyed some snacks and refreshing beverages, and eagerly anticipated our arrival in Vietnam.
After a restful night (or as restful as it can be on a plane), we touched down in Ho Chi Minh City the next morning, buzzing with excitement for the adventures that awaited us!
Day 1: Hello Ho Chi Minh City!
After snagging an early check-in at our cosy Airbnb (totally worth the extra $10!), we freshened up and hit the streets. It was a bit rainy, but that didn’t dampen our spirits one bit!
First up was a local market, and wow—what a sensory overload! The colours, the smells, the hustle and bustle! We wandered around, soaking it all in and picking up some snacks for later.
Next, we made our way to the stunning Opera House. It was the perfect backdrop for some fun photos! Then it was off to Backpackers Street for dinner, where we indulged in some mouth-watering street food. Seriously, I could eat banh mi every day!
Pho - yummy dish
To end our first night, we hit Lush Club, where we danced the night away. The energy was infectious, and we had an absolute blast!
Day 2: More Ho Chi Minh City Fun
On Day 2, we started at Nha Trang Market, diving deeper into the local culture. The vibe was awesome, and we found some cool souvenirs to take home.
After that, we headed to the Bitexco Financial Tower. The views from the observation deck were jaw-dropping! We couldn’t resist snapping tons of pics with the city skyline in the background.
In the afternoon, we did a Heineken tour, where we learned about brewing and enjoyed some tasty samples. By the time we made it to the walking street, we were ready to explore more street food and soak in the lively atmosphere.
That night, we joined the bustling nightlife again, dancing and laughing until we could hardly keep our eyes open!
Day 3: History and a New Destination
Day three was all about diving deep into Vietnam’s rich history. We started our morning with a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War. As we arrived, we were immediately struck by the dense jungle surrounding us, a stark contrast to the historical significance of the area.
Our guide shared fascinating stories about how these tunnels played a crucial role in the war, allowing soldiers to hide, travel, and launch surprise attacks. As we descended into the tunnels, the atmosphere shifted; it was a surreal experience to imagine what life was like for those who had lived there. Some of us even tried crawling through a section of the tunnels, which was both exhilarating and eye-opening!
After our tunnel exploration, we had the unique opportunity to shoot an M1 rifle at the shooting range on-site. The adrenaline rush was incredible! Hearing the loud bangs and feeling the power of the rifle in our hands brought a whole new level of understanding to the stories we had just heard. It was an unforgettable experience that added a thrilling twist to our historical day.
Once we had finished at Cu Chi Tunnels, we hopped on a flight to Da Nang, excited for the next leg of our adventure. As we took off, we reflected on the morning’s profound experiences, knowing we were about to embark on a different kind of exploration. Upon landing, we settled into our hotel, eager to unwind after a long day. After a quick refresh, we decided to venture out and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Da Nang.
That evening, we strolled along the Han River, taking in the beautiful views and vibrant lights. The city was buzzing with energy, and we couldn’t wait to see what Da Nang had in store for us in the coming days!
Day 4: Ba Na Hills Magic
Our fourth day was dedicated to the enchanting Ba Na Hills, a stunning destination known for its breathtaking views. We kicked off the day by taking a scenic cable car ride to reach Ba Na Hills. The ride was about 20 minutes long, offering mesmerizing panoramic views of the lush greenery and distant mountains that left us in awe!
Bana Hills Cable Car
Once we arrived, our first stop was the famed Golden Bridge. This stunning structure, held up by giant stone hands, provided us with incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. We captured countless photos, feeling like we were in a fairytale as we soaked in the beauty around us!
Golden Bridge
After enjoying the views at the Golden Bridge, we made our way to Sun World Amusement Park, nestled in the mountains. It was a wonderland of attractions! We took our time wandering through the beautifully themed areas, riding thrilling roller coasters, and enjoying various fun rides. The laughter and excitement were contagious, and we felt like kids again!
Sun World Amusement Park
Later in the afternoon, we spent some time exploring the whimsical French village, complete with charming architecture and delightful gardens. The atmosphere was magical, and it was hard to believe we were still in Vietnam!
Day 5: Marble Mountains and Beachside Fun
On our final day in Da Nang, we started the afternoon by visiting the incredible Marble Mountains. We hiked up to admire the breathtaking views, explored the intricate caves and temples, and soaked in the serene atmosphere.
View from Marble Mountain
After our hike, we treated ourselves to some delicious Indian food for lunch. After days of Vietnamese cuisine, it was a comforting change that hit the spot!
With our bellies full, we headed to the beach for some thrilling parasailing. Floating above the sparkling waters and taking in the stunning coastline was absolutely unforgettable. The views were breathtaking, and it was the perfect adrenaline rush!
As the sun began to set, we strolled along the beach, admiring the vibrant night lights of the city and the spectacular Dragon Bridge, which illuminated the night sky in a dazzling display. The atmosphere was magical, and it was the perfect way to wrap up our adventure in Da Nang.
Day 6: Off to Hanoi
On our last day in Da Nang, we hopped on a flight to Hanoi, the capital city! As we landed, we were immediately swept up in the hustle and bustle of the city, where scooters seemed to outnumber people.
We spent the day exploring the vibrant streets, taking in the sights and sounds of this dynamic city. Our first stop was a cozy café where we tried some traditional Vietnamese coffee. The rich, bold flavour was a delightful pick-me-up!
Next, we caught an incredible water puppet show, a unique cultural experience that showcased traditional Vietnamese folklore. The performances were mesmerizing, and we loved every moment.
Afterwards, we headed to the city centre, where we explored a local market filled with all sorts of goodies. We picked up some last-minute souvenirs and tried a few more tasty snacks.
To wrap up our day, we visited the iconic Long Bien Bridge, soaking in the views of the Red River and watching the sunset over the water. It was the perfect end to an unforgettable trip!
Day 7: Boat Party in Ha Long Bay
Bright and early, we set off for an unforgettable boat party from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. The stunning limestone islands surrounding us were a sight to behold!
Once we anchored, we had the chance to swim in the ocean. Even though none of us could swim, we still had a blast splashing around in the shallow waters and enjoying the breathtaking views. It was a memorable experience, with laughter echoing all around!
Ha Long Bay
That night, we stayed on a private island, where the fun continued with plenty of drinking games. The atmosphere was electric, and we all let loose, making some hilarious memories under the stars.
Day 8: Kayaking and Back to Hanoi
The next morning, we rose early for an exciting kayaking adventure through the fishing villages of Ha Long Bay. Paddling through the calm waters and taking in the stunning scenery was a highlight of the trip!
After our kayaking adventure, we cruised back to Hanoi, where we had some time to go street shopping. We scoured the markets for unique souvenirs to take back home, and of course, indulged in a few last bites of delicious street food!
Day 9: Departure Back to India
On our final day, we packed our bags and headed to the airport for our flight back to India. As we boarded the plane, we couldn’t help but reminisce about all the incredible moments we shared during our trip.
Final Thoughts
Travelling with friends made this trip even more special. Vietnam’s culture, food, and stunning landscapes stole our hearts, and we left wanting more. If you’re thinking about visiting Vietnam, go for it! You won’t regret it. Here’s to more adventures in the future! 🌏✈️❤️