Vietnam - history, natural beauty & an urban adventure!

 A trip through Vietnamese culture, heritage, beaches, war stories, and a modern bustling economy. This time, it was the entire Phanse family - all five of us. Our trip started from Hanoi in the north, to Da Nang in the central and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the south.

Day 1: Hanoi

After landing at Noi Bai international airport, we were received by our cab driver and after a short 30 min trip we were at the hotel.
Tip: Hanoi has a great option of half-day room @50%. Since we reached the hotel at 7AM, we took a couple of rooms for half day by paying just a few dollars.

The half day tour took us around Hanoi’s most interesting sights, including the - Ho Chi Minh Complex: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his Stilts House, the Presidential Palace and the One Pillar Pagoda and Tran Quoc pagoda- the oldest pagoda in Hanoi & Westlake - Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, Ly Thai To Statue.

We ended the day with a nice egg coffee at the famous Train Street as we watched the trains woosh past us just a feet away.

Day 2: Hanoi Halong Bay Day Cruise

From our hotel in the Hanoi Old Quater, we departed for Halong Bay and reached the harbour by noon.  We boarded our cruise to start the excursion discovering the beauty of the world heritage site with a  set menu lunch on the boat with many special dishes of Halong. While having lunch, we could see the beautiful scenery on both sides with thousands of limestones such as Fighting Chicken and Incense Buner Islets – 2 symbols of Halong Bay

The visit to Sung Sot Cave – the most beautiful cave with a lot of stalagmites and stalactites was simply mesmerizing and a natural formation never seen before. A quick kayaking trip through the beautiful lagoon and swim on TiTop island and we were back to the boat for the sunset party.

Once back to Hanoi, we hit the beer street to hop some pubs and try street food. 

Hanoi Beer Street

Day 3: HOA LU - TAM COC DAY TRIP

Today, we had a chance to learn about Vietnamese history in the feudal system under Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasty. A buffet lunch in the restaurant with a lot of local foods such as goat meat, fish, chicken, and fried rice.  A 1.5-hour bamboo boat through the charming beauty here with paddy fields, river, water, cloud, sky, and a stunning cave system.

We continued the tour for 45 mins - cycling around the village to discover the life of the local people. 

Day 4: HA NOI TO DA NANG BY FLIGHT &| BAY MAU COCONUT BASKET BOAT 

We took an early morning flight from Hanoi to Da Nang, and then a cab ride to Hoi An. Enroute, we visited the bamboo basket boat along the Cam Thanh water coconut forest, tried a hands-on experience of round net and cast net fishing done by local fishermen. After exploring the peaceful coconut waterways we returned to fisherman’s house for welcome drink.

In the afternoon, we had free time to walk along the narrow streets, lined on either side by ancient houses with clear Chinese, Japanese, French, and European architectural influences.

The most beautiful part of our tour was the way Hoi An lit up at night. With lanterns on every corner, every boat, every pub, the city comes to life at night.

Day 5: HOI AN - BANA HILLS AND GOLDEN BRIGDE

The thrilling cable car ride, one of the longest in the world, took us to thetop of Ba Na hills. We stopped at Vong Nguyet hills, Linh Ung pagoda, and the famed Golden bridge.

In the afternoon, we enjoyed the games in Fantasy Park with a series of interesting games, rides and shows. 

At night, we enjoyed our time on the beach and tried some fresh lobsters & crabs.

Day 6: HUE LOCAL SIGHTSEEING

Lang Co beach, with more than 10 km long white sand beach and blue sea water, Lang Co beach is an ideal place for relaxing, swimming and taking photos. At Hue, we visited the Khai Dinh tomb – a blend of Western and Eastern architecture. Next, Hue Citadel the administrative and political center of Nguyen dynasty and the home of the king and the royal family. Lastly, Thien Mu Pagoda – the oldest pagoda located on the bank of charming Perfume River in Hue city. 

Day 7: DA NANG to HCMC & SHOPPING

Post check-in, in the afternoon, explored the local sightsThe Reunification Palace, War Remants Museum, Ho Chi Minh statue. Evening shoppig at Saigon square, Ben Than Market, Saigaon Central

Shopping at Ben Than

Day 8: MEKONG DELTA

 During the cruise on the Tien River we saw the Phoenix, Unicorn, Dragon and Tortoise islands, and fishing villages, stilt houses and fruit plantations along the river. Stop at one of the islets for lunch in an orchard garden. A sampan ride took us along the natural canals in the shadows of water coconut trees as we get a real sense of the charm and tranquility of the area. A stop to visit a coconut fudge family business, taste some of their products and buy some favorite candies in the workshop. We savored fresh fruits as you sip honey tea and enjoy Southern Vietnamese folk music performed by locals.

 Day 9: CU CHI TUNNELS 

Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, the guide explained about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. We spent our time exploring the tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purpose during the war. 

In the evening, we took our flight back home to Mumbai from HCMC airport, taking back some wonderful memories of Vietnam.