For years, Vietnam had been on my travel bucket list. The Phong Nha Cave Tour and the cruising experience at Ha Long Bay had always fascinated me. When my best friend and I finally decided to take a break from our hectic work schedules, Vietnam felt like the right destination instantly. We wanted a little bit of adventure and culture on our trip.
We looked for different destinations on the web. After researching for a few days, we chose to visit Vietnam. To be sure, we went through plenty of reviews online, and Thrillophilia reviews made us feel confident that we were making the right decision.
Thrillophilia’s website was very easy to navigate. We were impressed with the way all the packages were described in detail and covered everything from the itinerary to hotel details and inclusions. We left an inquiry, and a representative called us within an hour. She explained the itinerary patiently and answered every single doubt we had. Her friendly nature made the whole process smooth, and soon, we finalized a 7-day Vietnam tour covering Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City.
We packed our bags and were ready to explore a new country full of stories, colors, and flavors.
Arrival in Hanoi
Our flight landed in Hanoi in the morning, and the driver arranged by Thrillophilia was already waiting for us with a placard. We were dropped at our hotel right in the heart of the Old Quarter. After some rest, we stepped out to explore the streets of Hanoi.
The narrow alleys, buzzing scooters, local shops, and street vendors reflected the vibrant life of the city. We tasted our first authentic Vietnamese pho (soup noodles) from a small eatery. That bowl was filled with herbs and flavors, and warmed our hearts.
In the evening, we watched the famous Water Puppet Show (a unique Vietnamese art form). It was fascinating to see how stories were told through wooden puppets floating on water, accompanied by traditional live music.
Cruise Journey on Ha Long Bay
The next morning, we were picked up for an overnight cruise to Ha Long Bay, which was the highlight of our trip. The drive was scenic, and as we reached the bay, we were mesmerized by the sight of limestone islands on the emerald waters.
Our cruise ship was cozy and beautifully decorated in a Vietnamese style. We sailed through the bay and passed by hundreds of limestone karsts. We also explored hidden caves, kayaked through calm waters, and even took a swim. In the evening, the deck turned into a magical place with a beautiful sunset on one side and a peaceful silence all around.
Dinner on the cruise was delicious, with fresh seafood and local dishes. The gentle sway of the boat and the quiet of the bay made the evening even more relaxing. After a full day of exploring, we slept peacefully in our cozy cabin.
Travelling From Hanoi to Da Nang
After returning from Ha Long Bay and spending a short evening in Hanoi, we took a flight to Da Nang the next morning. Once again, everything was pre-arranged by Thrillophilia, including the airport transfers, hotel bookings, and even small details like local SIM card advice.
Da Nang welcomed us with clear skies and a beautiful coastline. Our hotel room had a sea-facing view and was just a few minutes away from My Khe Beach. We spent the evening walking on the soft sand while watching the locals fly kites and kids playing football by the shore.
We also visited the Marble Mountains nearby, which offered a great view of the city and the ocean, a perfect way to wrap up our day.
Reflecting Lanterns in Hoi An
Our next day was reserved for the magical town of Hoi An, just an hour’s drive from Da Nang. This was the part I was most excited about, and it did not disappoint. The streets were lined with ancient buildings, tailor shops, quaint cafes, and of course, colourful lanterns hanging from every corner.
Our guide took us on a walking tour of the Old Town and explained the mix of Chinese, Japanese, and European influences in the architecture. We visited the Japanese Covered Bridge, old houses, and local temples. As the sun set, Hoi An lit up with thousands of lanterns reflecting in the river. We took a short boat ride, released a small paper lantern into the water, and made a silent wish. It was one of the most peaceful and memorable moments of our trip.
Exploring Modern Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City
The next day, we flew to Ho Chi Minh City. Tall buildings and a fast-paced lifestyle reminded us of our own cities.
We visited the War Remnants Museum, which gave us a powerful insight into the history of the Vietnam War. The exhibits of the First Indo-China War were also emotional and thought-provoking. Later, we explored the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the bustling Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs and street food.
That night, we joined a local street food tour arranged by Thrillophilia, and it turned out to be one of our favorite experiences. We tasted Banh Mi (a Vietnamese sandwich) and Vietnamese pancakes, and even dared to try Balut (a developing duck egg), though only one of us was brave enough!
Final Thoughts
This Vietnam trip was a beautiful journey filled with culture, warmth, flavors, and memories that we will cherish forever. Thrillophilia made our experience incredibly smooth, every transfer was perfectly timed and well-planned. The guides were polite, knowledgeable, and always eager to help. If you’re still wondering whether Thrillophilia would be a good choice, you can check out the reviews of Thrillophilia yourself. The experiences of thousands of happy travelers will surely give you the confidence to go ahead.
Lastly, we want to thank the entire team at Thrillophilia for showing us the culture and coastal magic of Vietnam.
See you soon, Vietnam!
