Vietnam - The Hidden Gem

Go kiss the world, If you wish to change the world then change your vision, the world will change.

It was a suddenly planned trip, just a week prior to travel date. I was sitting idle at 3 AM and thinking about life then I don't know why and how I booked a non-refundable return ticket to Hanoi, Vietnam.

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Day 1 (9th March) - I wasn't able to sleep last night since I was excited for the longest travel journey I ever had. I left my home at 8 am in the morning and the plan was to reach Jaipur and catch red-eye flight towards Kuala Lumpur. Enroute I enjoyed famous Rajasthani food and WTP mall based in Jaipur then boarded the flight to Kuala Lumpur.

 

Day 2 (10th March) - Kila2 terminal of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian airport is well developed which didn't let me feel lonely during my entire layover of 5 hours. That was for the first time in my life when I took connecting flight since there is no non-stop flight from India to Vietnam. Though the experience was great since I got a chance to eat Malaysian food, bought Malaysian stuff and interacted with fellow passengers.

Sun was glowing at its peak and my aircraft for Hanoi was all set to depart at 12:05 Noon, That was another first time kind of experience for me since I was the only Indian traveling in fully packed A320 aircraft.

Then I finally landed in Hanoi at 3:00 PM after struggling for 31 odd hours since I left my home, Visa on arrival process was extremely smooth and I got visa within a span of few minutes itself.

It was Sunday evening and Hanoi is known for its weekend party nights. The city was packed with European tourists all around. Live music, Dance performances, Pancake stalls, Beer cans in everyone's hands made me feel like that city is preparing for a big carnival but that's the way they usually spend all their weekends (Fri. till Sun.)

Though I was tired but I couldn't resist and join the party along with my friend who was waiting for me since morning. 

That was one of the most memorable night party I ever had.

 

Day 3 (11th March) - Though we slept late last night but we had to wake up early since 1st excursion of the trip was lined up and excitement to visit NINH BINH didn't even make us feel like tiring. Our escort took us to Viet temple, we further enjoyed cycling on the scenic landscape of UNESCO recognized world heritage site of Tam Coc. 

Hunger time - Mouth watering Viet style Buffet lunch was well presented and served in a traditional Viet restaurant. It feels amazing to have a variety of unusual dishes while you are on foreign land.

Now it was time to experience the most awaited moment of our excursion "The Boat Ride"  we got the chance to cross extreme dark caves which are also a home for nocturnal creatures. The strange part of the ride is that your chauffeur ride boat by both hands and legs.

We enjoyed rest of the evening at Bia street followed by chit chatting till late night at the shore of Hoan Kiem lake.

 

  

Day 4 (12th March) - It was time to leave Hanoi for a couple of days as we were intended to experience some peace at the shore of the South China Sea. 

Island - Yes you heard it right, out next destination was an island, CatBa Island located in the North Eastern region of Vietnam. It was a long journey of 5 hours including Limousine Bus and Boat ride to reach island though the most interesting part is that we didn't have to get down of the bus since bus itself got loaded on the ferry on the way towards the island.

Island was quiet and full of European tourists all around though it includes few popular night clubs and roadside food served at the island is must try - Pancakes, Crepe, Local ice cream and the most delicious filter cold coffee.

It was fun - We hired a Bike from our property owner and explored the island in the dark though post crossing few miles we got scared of the extreme dark and decided to spend time at the peaceful shore of the harbor which was quite relaxing and memorable.

Day 5 (13th March) - That was another big day of the journey since the plan was to visit another world heritage site recognized by UNESCO - Hạ Long Bay, in northeast Vietnam, is known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests. 

It was an amazing experience to a river cruise at ha long bay. You can see here caves, coral reefs, lagoons, and caves. The cruise experience was excellent wherein we took breaks for Swimming, Kayaking, and the visit to Monkey Island was the best part of the trip.

Though kayaking for the first time in life was fun but my kayaking experience screwed up just 10 minutes after commencing ride since I accidentally broke kayak paddle which cost me 5 lakh Viet Dong but never mind ups and downs are part of the journey and we can't have an only good experience throughout the journey.

Just after the nightmare experience, the best part of the journey was waiting for us at the monkey island. I and my 2 new friends diverted our route on the island while everyone was heading for hiking on the mountain we explored a hidden resort located on the parallel shore of the island. Trespassing on private property was quite funny and the breathtaking view of the island from the resort was unforgettable, we also enjoyed swimming in an ocean facing private pool which rejuvenated tiredness of entire hiking.

We further enjoyed the rest of the evening at one of the popular club on the island. (Ross Club)

Day 6 (14th March) - The last morning at CatBa island, we were all set to leave the island with a bundle of memories. I bought some souvenirs before leaving the island, we again crossed the ocean while heading towards the mainland but this time our bus was different on parallel shore and speed boat was used instead of the ferry.

Back to Hanoi - We checked in into our hotel and went to have Egg coffee followed by shopping since Hanoi is known for its apparels. We further concluded the day at the peaceful shore of Hoan Kiem lake.

Day 7 (15th March) - I was a bit emotional since that was my last day in Vietnam and I was about to leave that country within the span of a few hours.

We ate most popular hand made Vietnamese spring rolls (non-fried) in a popular restaurant served with traditional Rice Wine. The wine was presented nicely in a coconut shell which was quite impressive.

The next destination was Train Line wherein café's and shops are located next to narrow gauge of the train line. A lot of Western tourists along with us were waiting for the train along with us at Train Line Café.

My last evening in Vietnam was waiting to give me loads of surprises. I was scheduled to meet my friend who was born and brought up in Hanoi itself. He has shown me the hidden and the most interesting part of Hanoi. We went to Loading T cafe first wherein I drank the best Egg coffee and Coconut coffee of the trip, we further spent rest of the evening at the shore of West Lake, this place was more happening and unlike other parts of Hanoi, I hardly found few tourists over there. I also rode bike next to the lake wherein cold winds were breezing and I was feeling very peaceful over there. 

That was a quite emotional moment since I and Vietnam were about to separate within a couple of hours.

Day 8 (16th March) - The final bye-bye: I wasn't able to sleep last night since I had to leave for the airport at 4 am. It was heavily raining throughout the way towards the airport. 

I took a heavy stone on my heart boarded my flight and flew off.

Our experiences make us what we are, hence keep on experiencing the world to expand your exposure.

Happy to help travelers @ 9910326647, prateeksapra.p@gmail.com

About the author

Prateek Sapra is based out of New Delhi. A crazy nomad who loves to explore unexplored and offbeat destinations. He believes that every destination has a message that communicates with him. With each trip, he tries to express the message he receives from each destination through the mode of words and tells the world. "Be what you are, others are already sold" This is what he lives by.