Vietnam

By Gaurav

Guys last month I did a trip to Vietnam. I have tried to put my trip in words. Though honestly no words or pics or even videos could capture the real vibe of the trip but here is an attempt to give people a glimpse of my trip .... In case you are interested give it a read and share feedback

*Vietnam: A Cultural and Culinary Odyssey*

My family and I recently had an opportunity to visit Vietnam, a country steeped in history and tradition, that offers a journey of discovery that tantalizes ones senses and leaves you enchanted. 

From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the scenic beauty of Ha Long Bay, and from the ancient towns of Hoi An to the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored.

In Hanoi, the capital city, we immersed ourselves in the rich cultural heritage of the Old Quarter, where ancient temples and colonial architecture blend seamlessly. Also tucked away in the heart of Old Quarter lies the famous Train Street where we experienced the thrill of watching a train speed by just inches away while we enjoyed the vibrant eateries on the street.

We savored the flavors of the local cuisine, including the iconic Pho, a hearty noodle soup, and Bahn Mi, a crispy baguette filled with yummilicious fillings including fresh vegetables and herbs. Loved the Bun Cha, grilled seafood served with rice noodles and herbs, but the real highlight was the strong and fragrant Vietnamese coffee, made rich and creamy with sweetened condensed milk. Got an opportunity to try the famous egg coffee, a unique and delicious concoction made with coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and a soft, creamy egg yolk. It was simply devine and I for a change chose  coffee over cocktails each time I got a choice.

Just a short drive from Hanoi lies Ninh Binh, a province known for its stunning natural beauty, with lush rice fields, ancient temples, and the magnificent Tam Coc caves. We got an opportunity to visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. We then took a boat ride through the Tam coc caves and enjoyed the breathtaking scenery. I successfully did the 500+ steep stone steps trek to reach the top of Ngoa long mountain and got rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the Ngo Dong river and the paddy fields below.

Next, we embarked on a Ha Long cruise, where towering limestone karsts rise dramatically out of the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. As we sailed through the islands, enjoying fresh seafood and local delicacies, we got to try our hands at kayaking and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Also, did a bamboo boat trip to the famous dark and bright caves.

In Da Nang, we enjoyed the beautiful My Khe beach and had some of the best massages we ever had. We visited the famous Bana Hills, a hill station with a rich history and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. We Stayed at the Mercure French Village, a charming hotel nestled in the heart of a beautiful French Village, where we enjoyed the picturesque views of the surrounding hills. We took a walk across the iconic Golden Bridge, a stunning architectural feat that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. We were lucky to enjoy the golden hour at the golden bridge since we stayed there overnight. 

We also, had a blast at Sun World, a theme park that offered a range of thrilling rides and attractions. The highlights were the Alpine Coaster, and the sci-fi multi dimensional shows and rides. The Alpine Coaster was a high-speed self controlled roller coaster that twists and turns through the hills. It was simply superb.

Next we went to Hoi An, a charming ancient town, is surely is a must-visit destination, with its well-preserved architecture, vibrant markets, and delicious street food. We tried the local specialty, Cao Lau, a flavorful noodle dish made with fresh vegetables and herbs. Wandered through the town's picturesque streets, adorned with colorful lanterns, and took a lantern boat ride along the river, watching the town twinkle to life at night.

We also, took a boat ride through the Coconut Forest, a tranquil and picturesque destination, where we enjoyed the serene beauty of nature and had a rollicking time spinning in the round bottom boat.

Finally, we went to Ho Chi Minh City, a vibrant metropolis of the south, a poignant reminder of the country's history. We indulged in some retail therapy (for Tanu) at Ben Thanh Market, one of the city's oldest and most iconic shopping destinations, where one can find everything from souvenirs to high-end fashion.

In conclusion, Vietnam is a country that will captivate your senses, with its rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and delicious cuisine. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the scenic beauty of Ha Long Bay, and from the ancient towns of Hoi An to the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam is a journey that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. We had a fantastic time in Vietnam and fell in love with the country... Surely added back on our list as a revisit ...🥰🥰🥰