Because Maldives seemed dead costly compared to the variety Vietnam had to offer. Because Bangkok, Krabi seemed kind of passe and most of us traveling had been to Singapore, to zero in on an international destination post COVID in a budget... Vietnam fitted the bill.
Flights were booked, Delhi/Hanoi ...Ho Chi Minh/ Delhi, internal flights Hanoi/Danang/ Ho Chi Minh without burning much hole in pocket. We hopped in to the Vietnam Airlines Airbus 321 at midnight with the thrill of visiting a new country post COVID.
Uneventful flight save the steward liked my name and came looking for me pronouncing my name with a sweet accent, my husband tried to intervene but he was interested only in speaking to Somaaa... 😄... the reason we discovered later was the Hindu non veg meal I opted ( a bit unknowingly because I was only interested in Vietnamese food).
Hanoi airport was quiet not much hustle bustle and my daughter remarked after we got out of the terminal " Maa isn't it a bit like Guwahati Airport! " Cabs, cars just outside the terminal she was correct actually. Infact that was what we were afraid of, the topography would it be similar to our homes in North East....a bit of Guwahati and Silchar.
It was similar to any North East City, lots of two wheelers overloaded with vegetables, eggs , groceries might be for some retail store in the suburbs. We checked in to a hotel at Old Quarters, nice colonial feeling with narrow streets , congested buildings , bit like our own Kolkata.
Day 1 : Hanoi Tour: Temple Of Literature, Train Street, Ho Chi Minh memorial, One Pillar Pagoda
We were a group of nine with six adults and three kids and our guide Henry was warm, jovial. Our first stop was Temple Of Literature, University opened by Confucius, giving us insight into Chinese influence in Vietnam.
Next was the much awaited ' Train Street' , yes hyped but enchanting none the less. Reel makers and Insta's delight train Street was fun with the cosy food joints on and off the streets.
Egg Coffee @ Train Street
After tit bits with Egg Coffee, next stop was at Ho Chi Minh memorial. There was a fuss about short dresses , deep neck , thigh slits... After covering ourselves as much as possible and buying a longish skirt for my daughter we had the view of the beautiful street and Ho Chi Minh memorial and the One Pillar pagoda.
Dinner was some Banh Me ( Filled baguettes) from the street then visit to a local restaurant with awesome food where the lovely waitress taught us to mix the ingredients for the right taste of a local dish.
Day 2: Nin Binh
Day began with a two hours drive to Ninh Binh. Our guide Henry was full of anecdotes, fables and kept the journey engrossing in an otherwise mundane countryside. First stop was at Tam Coc where we went boating to see the marble caves, the marvels of nature!
Next on recommendation of a friend and thanks to the sun we started our trek to the Mua Caves. Though we were in doldrums if the trek would be worth it and whether it would drain our energy entirely. The Mua Caves offered spectacular view we loved.Lunch was another round of Banh Me and then some average pizzas.
Near Mua Caves was the Lotus pond but since the Lotus season we left behind it was only a marshy pond without much to offer.
Dinner we chose a local restaurant which serves only Pho, we had pho and bread rolls and the feeling was unparalleled.
We strolled around beer Street, shopped at night market, Hanoi before calling it a day.
Day 3: Halong Bay
The day was destined for the much awaited Halong Bay and overnight stay in the cruise ship. The bay was emerald green, tranquil and the food was warm at the ship. Eyes feasted on the view and we soaked in the serene sights all around.
We visited the limestone caves by boat. Luckily there was no rain though there was a gusting wind. More enthusiastic ones went for kayaking, water was calm and Halong Bay was enthralling. Though the cruise had nothing much to offer but the stay made us feel the Halong Bay and make memories.
Day 4: Flight to Danang
We checked out of the cruise ship and drove off to Hanoi airport to catch the flight for Danang. Danang hotel had a beautiful view of the ocean. Rains were incessant at Danang and we were scared of the ongoing trip to Bana Hills the next day
Day 5: Golden Bridge, Bana Hills
And it turned out to be a dampener! Rains and mist, we wrapped ourselves in raincoats, some horrendous looking plastic shoe covers. View was marred and we hopped on in our raincoats. Golden Bridge , Flower Garden, lovely French Village which served awesome pizzas.
Onion Soup @ French Village
Back at Danang, we roamed through the streets, night market and clicked the beautiful dragon bridge.
Rains continued and we ordered dinner in our hotel room through the app ' Grab', which came out quite handy.
Day 6: My Khe Beach, Marble Mountains, Coconut Village, Hoi An
First half of the day we spent at the beautiful My Khe beach which was underrated and beautiful. Infact Danang was a beautiful unhyped city with beautiful beaches and mountains.
Our trip was booked to Marble Mountains, Coconut Village and ancient town of Hoi An.
We started with Tam Thai pagoda at Marble Mountains, Lady Buddha temple and the enigmatic Am phu caves.
Next was the Coconut Village, it was a different sight to see coconut trees with their roots submerged in the swampy water. The boatmen danced and swirled their boats along with us. All swaying in the Gagnan style, though I'd have liked some peace and quiet but well that's how they marketed their tourism and no one's complaining.
Lunch was at a tiny restaurant in Hoi An. Fresh local fish and dessert but then not all in our group enjoyed the local taste. But we loved the sticky rice and fish, and the rice cake dessert. Hoi An had an ancient flavour, narrow streets with shops, cosy food joints. Though it was raining off and on and the city was flooded, we loved strolling, having crepes and rice fritters in the rain. Though it came as a shocker that the fritters were stuffed with cute looking pigeon eggs. The streets served all sorts of food including frogs for those who can dare.
We drove back to Danang, halted for shopping and foot massage at the night market and again ordered food through Grab and packed for our early flight to Ho Chi Minh City the next day.
Day 7: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Half day City Tour
Reaching Ho Chi Minh we checked in to our hotel near Ben Thung Market. Had lunch at a beautiful roof top restaurant overlooking the lively streets.
Next was half day tour of Ho Chi Minh City. The war memorial invoked goosebumps, the witnesses of the horrific historical blunder made me cringe and cry and could not click much. We visited the post office and posted post cards which never reached! The Notre Dam cathedral was under renovation, so we spent the evening shopping at Ben Thung Market. It's a delight for economical shoppers like me, flooded with copies of premium brands.
Day 8: Long Hai Beach
Our earlier plan was visit to Mekong Delta. But it's similarity with the already visited Coconut Village deterred us. We looked for an alternative and settled for Long Hai Beach at Vung Tau. Turned out to be an ordinary beach thronged by local people. We had lunch at KFC and roamed at Ho Chi Minh City. Dinner was again fabulous local fish.
