Day 1: Hanoi to Sapa – The Great Escape (or should we say, Road Trip!)
We landed at Noi Bai International Airport, and right away, our trusty guide Viet (he’s a gem!) was there to whisk us off to Sapa. Let me tell you, the drive was nothing short of breathtaking – the misty mountains, terraced fields, and a dance between sunlight and fog that made the whole place feel enchanted. Of course, we had a couple of much-needed breaks – who doesn’t love stretching their legs?
But the real adventure kicked off after we arrived in Sapa. First stop: Moana! It’s this quirky place filled with man-made structures blending with nature. There’s a Bali Heaven Gate, an infinity lake, golden hand statues, and even a death swing (don’t worry, nobody died). We snapped enough pictures to fill a year’s worth of Instagram posts before we finally dragged ourselves to check into our hotel. Nighttime? It was all about strolling the streets of Sapa, shopping, and soaking in the cool night air (trust me, it was freezing!).
Day 2: Fansipan and Glass Bridge – Conquering Heights and Feeling (Glass) Floors
Rainy and early, we hit the Fansipan Cable Car – the world’s most modern, mind you – with our beloved guide Viet leading the way. Nothing quite like ascending to 3,143 meters (that’s the roof of Indochina, baby!). The view? Epic. The feeling? Freezing!
After descending from the clouds, we geared up for the Rong May Glass Bridge. Picture this: a glass bridge dangling 305 meters in the air, ready for you to walk across. Not for the faint of heart, but who needs hearts when you have courage?
Day 3: Sapa to Hanoi – Ancient Stories and Train Tracks
Time to head back to Hanoi. But first, we swung by Ho Chi Minh Complex, where we soaked up some history about Uncle Ho and his humble wooden house. The iconic One Pillar Pagoda was also checked off our list.
Then came the fun part – Hanoi Train Street! Imagine a street so narrow, a train runs through it and people live right on the edge. We also meandered through the 36 Streets of the Old Quarter, each named after something different – fabric, pottery, medicine…you get the idea.
We closed the day with a Water Puppet Show, a delightful dip into Vietnam’s cultural past. Viet was our guide through it all, and as always, he didn’t miss a beat.
Day 4: Tam Coc & Ancient Capitals – Row, Row, Row Your Boat… Feet First!
First things first, we kicked off the day in Tam Coc with boat rides – but wait for it – the rowers use their FEET. That’s right, while we were floating through stunning caves and limestone landscapes, these pros were out there showing off their foot-rowing skills like it’s no big deal. Let’s just say our boat selfies turned out epic.
After Tam Coc, it was off to the Ancient Capital of Hoa Lu. Cue old temples, tales of ancient wars, and plenty of "imagine living here back in the day" moments. Also, the place looks like something straight out of an ancient history book, minus the dust.
Day 5: Halong Bay – Cruise Control!
We left Hanoi behind and cruised our way into Halong Bay – and no, I’m not talking about lazy cruising, this was pure bliss on water. There was a cooking demo (which we aced, obviously), some squid fishing (spoiler: no squids were harmed), and happy hour (because… why not?).
But the real showstoppers? Titop Island, where we climbed like champions for that Insta-worthy view of the bay, and the Sung Sot Cave, a.k.a. the Cave of Surprises (I mean, the cave didn’t jump out and shout ‘boo,’ but it was definitely jaw-dropping). We wrapped up the day with the kind of sunset that belongs on a postcard. Oh, and did I mention Tai Chi at sunrise the next day? No, we were too lazy to get up early! LOL
Day 6: Halong to Da Nang – A Change of Scenery (and Weather)
After a serene morning on the cruise, we hit the road back to Hanoi and boarded a flight to Da Nang. No guide needed for this leg of the journey, but rain, yes – rain was definitely there to greet us.
Day 7: Ba Na Hills – Dancing in the Rain (Literally)
Rain, rain, and… more rain! But we weren’t about to let a little (okay, a LOT) of water stop us from conquering Ba Na Hills. So we threw on our raincoats, grabbed our umbrellas, and hopped onto the world’s longest cable car like we owned the place. As we floated up the mountain, the clouds decided to join us, making it feel like we were heading straight into the heavens—only a much, MUCH wetter version.
First stop: The Golden Bridge! You know, the bridge held up by two gigantic stone hands that look like they belong to some mythical giant who decided to dabble in architecture. Even with the rain coming down like a monsoon, the bridge looked absolutely magical, shrouded in mist and mystery. Of course, we couldn't resist the obligatory “Titanic” poses, though in reality we were more “Jack and Rose in a hurricane” than anything romantic!
Next, we strolled through the Ba Na Hills Flower Garden. Yes, it was still pouring, but that didn't stop the flowers from showing off their vibrant colors. Tulips, roses, daisies—they were all there, standing strong like tiny floral warriors in the rain. Honestly, it was like nature’s version of a wet t-shirt contest, but way prettier.
Then came Fantasy Park, a.k.a. a mix of arcade games, bumper cars, and all things that make kids scream. Naturally, we dove right in because who can resist acting like a kid again when there’s a giant indoor amusement park? Between the dodging, spinning, and non-stop laughter, we almost forgot about the rain pounding on the roof outside.
We also couldn't miss the charming French Village! Picture quaint European-style streets and stone buildings straight out of a French postcard—except in our version, everyone’s carrying umbrellas and running from cover to cover to avoid getting soaked. Despite the weather, the place had a certain old-world charm that made us feel like we’d time-traveled to Paris… if Paris had a monsoon season.
And just when we thought we were all “watered out,” we visited the Lady Buddha statue at the Son Tra Peninsula. Towering 67 meters tall, she stood there serenely watching over all the soggy tourists below. We couldn’t help but imagine her chuckling at us from her clouded perch. Still, the atmosphere was calm and peaceful, even though we were soaked to the bone.
Through it all, Tu, our fantastic guide, kept us laughing and entertained with stories, jokes, and the occasional umbrella rescue. He made sure we didn’t lose our spirit (or our umbrellas) to the relentless rain.
In short, it was a day of dodging raindrops, conquering epic sights, and finding the joy in soggy shoes. But honestly? The rain made it all the more memorable. We weren’t just sightseeing—we were dancing through the day. And yes, I do mean that literally!
Day 8: VinWonders and Hoi An – The Perfect Blend of Thrills and Tradition
We kicked off the day with a visit to VinWonders Nam Hoi An, the ultimate family paradise. Seriously, this place has it all! We hopped on a buggy ride that zipped us around the park like we were in a real-life video game. The excitement was off the charts as we cruised past colorful attractions and cheering families.
The River Safari was an absolute showstopper! We hopped onto a boat and floated past exotic animals, spotting majestic Bengal tigers and playful giraffes (no, they didn’t try to eat us). It felt like we were on a mini safari adventure right in the heart of Vietnam! The park also had a charming Japanese village, where we soaked in the stunning architecture and culture—definitely Instagram material!
As evening rolled around, we made our way to the enchanting Hoi An Ancient Town—a place that feels like a beautifully preserved postcard from the past. Imagine narrow, lantern-lit streets lined with stunning ancient architecture, vibrant colors, and just the right amount of charm that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.
We decided to try our hand at rowing a bamboo basket boat, which felt like a cross between a fun paddle and a mini workout. Let's just say, mastering that boat was a lot harder than it looked! But the real star of the show was the Japanese Covered Bridge, a beautiful, historic structure that dates back to the 18th century. Its picturesque design and cultural significance made it the perfect spot for a family photo (which we totally nailed, if I do say so myself).
Although we didn't indulge in street food tasting in Hoi An, the atmosphere alone was enough to make us feel like we were feasting on the local culture. With Tu guiding us through the sights and stories, we soaked in all the charm Hoi An had to offer.
Day 9: Marble Mountains – Peaks, Pagodas, and Stone Carvings
Our last day in central Vietnam had us gearing up for an epic adventure at the Marble Mountains! But first, we decided to sneak in a quick visit to a marble factory—because, you know, when in Vietnam, why not check out some marble? We wandered through a wonderland of shiny stones, watching artisans turn slabs of marble into stunning sculptures. Who knew a rock could look so good? We left feeling inspired (and maybe a little envious of their talent).
Once we finished drooling over the marble creations, it was time to head to the mountains. The Marble Mountains are named after the five elements, and trust us, they didn’t disappoint! As we hiked through the caves, we stumbled upon temples that seemed to have jumped straight out of a fantasy novel. Seriously, if we had found a dragon lurking around a corner, it would’ve made perfect sense. The stone carvings were intricate and beautiful, and we spent a good amount of time pretending we were in a movie, striking dramatic poses in front of the breathtaking views.
After soaking in all the spiritual vibes and stunning sights, it was time to pack our bags and head to Ho Chi Minh City (or HCMC for those of us trying to sound cool). We hopped on a flight, buzzing with excitement about the urban adventures awaiting us.
Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels – Guerrilla Warfare 101
Welcome to the bustling heart of Vietnam: HCMC! We kicked off our exploration with a trip to the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels. Now, if you’ve ever wanted to know what it feels like to be a mole, this was your chance! As we crawled through the narrow passages, it became clear that this was not the best place for anyone with a fear of tight spaces. Our charming lady guide, Danny, led the way with a smile and a treasure trove of fascinating stories about the tunnels.
These tunnels are like a mini-subway system for guerilla warfare! Built during the Vietnam War, they were a crucial part of the Viet Cong's strategy against American forces. We learned that the Cu Chi Tunnels stretched over 250 kilometers and included living quarters, storage facilities, and even makeshift hospitals. The ingenuity of the Vietnamese soldiers was remarkable! They created complex networks of tunnels that were equipped with booby traps, secret entrances, and escape routes.
As we crawled deeper, Danny pointed out the cleverly camouflaged pits designed to trap unsuspecting soldiers. These traps were nothing short of ingenious, featuring spikes and other nasty surprises. The Viet Cong soldiers would set these up in the thick jungle, making it a nightmare for their enemies. Danny even showed us the unique shoes they wore—made from rubber tires. These were designed to leave footprints that misled American soldiers, leading them in the wrong direction while the Viet Cong slipped away undetected. Talk about clever camouflage!
We emerged from the depths feeling like warriors ready to take on the world (or at least ready for a snack). Thanks to Danny’s enthusiasm, we were pumped up and ready for whatever came next!
Next on the agenda was a visit to the War Remnants Museum. This place packs a punch with its powerful exhibits, showcasing the harsh realities of war and its aftermath. We walked through displays of photographs, military equipment, and stories that highlighted the resilience of the Vietnamese people. It was a sobering experience, but one that deepened our understanding of the history we had just explored at the tunnels.
As the day wrapped up, we left feeling a mix of emotions—educated, inspired, and maybe just a little hungry again. It was a day filled with adventure, history, and some serious food for thought, thanks to our fabulous guide, Danny!
Day 11: Mekong Delta – Boats, Bees, and Candy
On our last full day, we set off for the lush Mekong Delta—a paradise that felt like stepping into a tropical postcard. But first, we stopped by the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Independence Palace. After a good dose of history and some picture-perfect moments, we finally made our way to the Mekong.
We hopped on a sampan and floated along serene waterways, cruising past coconut trees and adorable local villages. If this was a reality show, we were definitely the stars! Along the way, we tasted an array of tropical fruits that were so fresh and juicy, they practically sang songs of summer. We also tried honey tea that was so sweet, it felt like a warm hug in a cup. But the real highlight was visiting a coconut candy workshop, where we got to see how those delightful treats are made. We watched in awe as the workers turned coconuts into delicious candy, and of course, we indulged in some samples—because who can resist free candy?
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City – The Farewell
Our final day in Vietnam kicked off with a visit to Ben Thanh Market for some last-minute shopping. The vibrant atmosphere was electric, with stalls brimming with colorful souvenirs, textiles, and delicious local treats. As we navigated through the bustling aisles, we met the amazing Phu and Minh, two humble and funny Vietnamese shopkeepers who made our shopping experience even more enjoyable. Their wit and charm added a delightful touch to our morning, making it hard to resist picking up a few extra trinkets.
After our shopping spree, we headed to a local Indian restaurant (because, let’s be real, we couldn’t resist some comfort food!). We indulged in a spread that left our bellies very happy and very full, setting the perfect tone for our last adventure in the city.
Next, it was off to the META SHOW, where technology and entertainment collided in an immersive experience that left us absolutely awestruck. Lights, sounds, and virtual reality whirled around us like a dizzying dream, and we couldn’t help but cheer like kids at a theme park. As we watched the spectacular show, we felt a mix of wonder and excitement, perfectly encapsulating our adventurous spirit.
As the day came to a close, we reflected on all the unforgettable experiences Vietnam had to offer—its rich culture, mouthwatering food, and warm-hearted people. With our hearts full of memories and our bags full of souvenirs, we said our goodbyes to this beautiful country, already dreaming of our next adventure.
Final Thoughts
Vietnam gave us rain, history, thrills, and the tastiest food ever. From sipping coconut-flavored coffee in Hanoi to devouring fresh fruits in the Mekong, our taste buds were on a never-ending joyride. A huge shoutout to our fantastic guides, Viet, Tu and Danny, who packed every day with fun, laughter, and a healthy dose of knowledge.
Until next time, Vietnam! We’ll be back for more adventures, more food, and definitely more memories!
