A Week in Vietnam: Exploring Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

In the first week of May, I embarked on an unforgettable journey from Kolkata, India, to the enchanting landscapes of Vietnam. With a week to explore, I set my sights on two of the country’s most vibrant cities: Hanoi, the capital, and Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling southern metropolis. Here’s a detailed account of my adventures, filled with rich culture, stunning sights, and culinary experiences.

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

We arrived in Hanoi at 2:30 AM, greeted by the warm, humid air that instantly enveloped me. After a quick check-in at our hotel, we took some time to rest and recharge for the day ahead. By morning, I was ready to explore.

Hoan Kiem Lake: Our first stop was the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, a picturesque spot in the city’s heart. The calm waters reflected the surrounding greenery and ancient temples. We took a stroll around the lake, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Thai To Park: Adjacent to the lake, “Ly Thai To” Park was a perfect continuation of my morning walk. The park, adorned with flowers and trees, offered a refreshing escape from the urban hustle. I took a moment to sit on a bench, soaking in the beauty of my surroundings. In the afternoon, we have a booking of half-day guided city tour, which promised to unveil the historical treasures of Hanoi.

The country is also celebrating Reunification Day and people especially ladies are all in beautiful red outfits. Altogether it has created an amazing atmosphere.

Afternoon Tour Highlights

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Our first stop was the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the revered leader’s body is preserved. The solemn atmosphere was palpable as we paid our respects to a man who played a pivotal role in Vietnam’s history.

2. Change of Guard Ceremony: Witnessing the Change of Guard Ceremony was a highlight. The precision and discipline of the soldiers were impressive, and it felt like stepping back in time.

3. One Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot): This iconic pagoda, built on a single stone pillar, was a marvel of architecture. Its serene setting amidst lush greenery made it a perfect photo opportunity.

4. Lotus Silk Emporium: At the Lotus Silk Emporium, I learned about the intricate process of silk production. The craftsmanship was astonishing, but I felt they were a little too overpriced, or maybe they were asking us a tourist’s price.

5. Weasel Coffee (Kopi Luwak): I decided to try the famous Weasel Coffee, known for its unique production method. While it was an interesting experience, I found it overrated and didn’t notice a significant difference from a regular coffee.

6. Dong Xuan Indoor Market: The bustling Dong Xuan Market was a feast for the senses. From fresh produce to colorful textiles and lively souvenir shops, the market buzzed with energy. We enjoyed wandering through the stalls, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. We bought many souvenirs there, and I highly recommend it for souvenir shopping. You can even try your hand at bargaining; while you may not always get the best price, the experience is always fun.

7. Saint Joseph’s Cathedral: This stunning Gothic-style cathedral was a sight to behold. We marveled at its architecture. But unfortunately, it was closed that day and we missed the opportunity to go inside and appreciate the peaceful and spiritual ambiance there.

8. Hanoi Train Street (Phung Hung Street): A visit to Hanoi wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the famous—or perhaps infamous—Train Street. Watching the train pass through the narrow alleyways was exhilarating and a testament to the city’s unique charm. The area is beautifully adorned with Chinese lanterns, creating a dreamy ambiance. You can sit in one of the many restaurants and enjoy your egg coffee just a foot or two away from the passing train.

9. Egg Coffee: I couldn’t leave without trying the egg coffee. While it was delicious, I found it to be more of a novelty than a must-have.

Day 2: Ha Long Bay Adventure

The next day, we set off on a day trip to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its emerald waters and limestone islands. We booked a group tour and we were picked up from the hotel early in the morning. Our journey on a luxury minibus was comfortable.

Ha Long Pearl: This captivating place demonstrates how the renowned Vietnamese pearls are cultivated. The experts explained the process of inserting an external material into a living shell, which eventually forms a pearl. They also have a storefront where you can purchase these exquisite pearls. For the first time, I saw black and greyish pearls, having always thought that pearls were only white. It was a fascinating and eye-opening experience.

2. Ha Long Bay Cruise: The cruise was a highlight of our trip. I enjoyed the fresh sea breeze and stunning scenery while relaxing on the deck.

3. Food on the Cruise: The onboard dining experience was delightful, with a variety of fresh seafood dishes and also vegetarian dishes that showcased the local cuisine. The vegetarian food served was at best meh but if you are into seafood, you will like it.

4. Speed Boat Adventure: We hopped on a speedboat that whisked us through the bay, revealing stunning rock formations and structures like Heaven’s Gate. The thrill of speeding across the water, with the wind in my hair and the sun shining down, was exhilarating.

5. Bamboo Boat Ride through Luon Cave: For a more intimate experience, we boarded a bamboo boat to navigate through the famous Luon Cave. As we glided through the calm waters, the towering limestone cliffs surrounded us, creating a magical atmosphere. The boatman skillfully maneuvered us through the narrow entrance of the cave, where we were greeted by a hidden lagoon adorned with lush greenery and vibrant wildlife. The tranquillity of the cave, combined with the gentle rocking of the boat, made it a serene escape into nature. The option of kayaking through the caves was also on offer if you are adventurous enough you can always choose that.

7. Hang Sung Sot Cave: The Hang Sung Sot Cave, or Surprise Cave, was a stunning natural wonder. The intricate formations and vast chambers left me in awe.

8. Ti Top Island Mountain Hiking: Our day ended with a hike up Ti Top Island, where I was rewarded with panoramic views of Ha Long Bay. The sight was breathtaking and a perfect way to conclude the day.

Day 3: Exploring Ninh Binh

On our third day, we ventured to Ninh Binh, known for its stunning landscapes and historical sites.

Tran Quoc Pagoda: We began our day at Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Vietnam. The serene atmosphere and beautiful lake views made it a peaceful start to the day.

2. Rico Taco for Lunch: After visiting the pagoda, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at Rico Taco, where we savored a buffet featuring Vietnamese, Mexican, and even Indian dishes. We were quite hungry by then, so it’s hard to say if the food was exceptionally good or if our hunger made it taste even better. Nonetheless, it was a satisfying meal.

3. Trang An Landscape Boat Ride: The highlight of the day was the Trang An Landscape Boat Ride. Gliding through the tranquil waters surrounded by towering limestone mountains was a surreal experience. The boat ride took us through a series of caves and lush valleys, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

4. Bich Dong Pagoda: We visited Bich Dong Pagoda, nestled in the mountains. The pagoda’s unique architecture and stunning views made it a memorable stop.

5. Dragon Statue in Ninh Binh: Climbing up to see the dragon statue on the hill was well worth the effort. The views from the top were breathtaking, providing a perfect backdrop for photos. The path splits midway, with one route leading to the hilltop with the dragon statue and the other to a viewing platform. The hill with the dragon statue is taller and the climb is more challenging. You can choose which direction to take, but I, of course, opted for Dragon Hill.

Our tour ended here and we were taken back to our hotels. For dinner, we dined at Banana Leaf, a South Indian restaurant. It was a comforting meal after a day of exploration.

Day 4: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City

Early the next morning, we flew to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving around 10 AM. After resting at our hotel, we ventured out to explore.

Bui Vien Street: In the evening, we strolled along Bui Vien Street, known for its vibrant nightlife. The atmosphere was electric, filled with music and laughter, but it’s worth noting that it’s not a children-friendly space.

Day 5: Discovering Ho Chi Minh City

We booked a guided city tour to explore the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City.

Independence Palace: Our first stop was the Independence Palace, a historical landmark that played a significant role during the Vietnam War.

2. Underground Bunker: We explored the underground bunker, which provided insight into the city’s history and the war’s impact.

3. War Remnants Museum: The War Remnants Museum was a heart-wrenching experience, showcasing the devastating effects of the Vietnam War. The exhibits were powerful and thought-provoking.

4. Chua Phuoc Hai Temple: We visited Chua Phuoc Hai Temple, a beautiful place of worship that offered a glimpse into the local culture.

5. Central Post Office: The Central Post Office, a stunning example of French colonial architecture, was a must-visit. I made sure to buy postcards to send to my loved ones.

6. Notre Dame Cathedral: The nearby Notre Dame Cathedral was another architectural gem. I took a moment to appreciate its beauty and the surrounding gardens. Unfortunately at that time Notre Dame Cathedral was under maintenance and completely covered with scaffoldings.

7. Book Street: Near the Central Post Office, Book Street was a delightful spot for book lovers. We enjoyed browsing through the various titles and soaking in the literary atmosphere. The street also features artworks, especially paintings, by local artists and artisans, adding to its charm.

8. Acoustic Bar: In the evening, we visited Acoustic Bar, where live music created an amazing environment. The energy was infectious, and it was a great way to unwind after a busy day.

Day 6: Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta

I booked a day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta, where our guide kept the spirits high with his singing and jokes.

Handicap Art and Craft Factory: Our first stop was the Handicap Art and Craft Factory, where we saw beautiful artwork made from seashells and eggshells. I couldn’t resist purchasing a stunning piece to take home.

2. Cu Chi Tunnels: Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels was a fascinating experience. Crawling through the narrow passages gave me a glimpse into the resilience of the Vietnamese people during the war.

3. Mekong Delta: The Mekong Delta tour was enchanting, showcasing the region’s lush landscapes and vibrant culture.

4. Slow Boat Ride: We enjoyed a slow boat ride, taking in the sights and sounds of the delta. The tranquillity of the water was a refreshing change.

Day 7: Relaxation and Departure

After a busy week of exploration, we took the last day to relax. We visited a “District K” club in the evening to enjoy our final night in Vietnam. With a flight scheduled for 2:30 AM, we returned to our hotel to prepare for our journey back to Kolkata.

Final Thoughts

While my culinary experiences in Vietnam were mixed, with local food not quite meeting my expectations, I found solace in Indian restaurants in both cities. For vegetarians, I recommend sticking to Indian cuisine, as options can be limited elsewhere. During our visit, Vietnam celebrated Reunification Day, and I was fortunate to witness the vibrant street celebrations, with women dressed in red. However, the festivities meant that some famous night markets were closed. Overall, our week in Vietnam was filled with unforgettable experiences, rich history, and the warmth of its people. I left with a deeper appreciation for the country and its culture, and I can’t wait to return for more adventures in the future!

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