Day 0: India to Vietnam
17th February 2023 | We started from Jaipur and went to Ahmedabad by Train. From ahmedabad, took direct flight to Hanoi. Flight was Vietjet and we reached Hanoi early morning. From Airport, we took cab to reach our hotel and since we arrived early we couldn’t check in. So we dropped our luggage at the hotel and went out to explore cafes and surroundings. Many cafes were open even early morning so we tried Vietnamese coffee with Croissont and loved it.
Day 1: Hanoi
18th February 2023 | We were back to our hotel by 12PM and our rooms were ready. After resting for a couple of hours, we went out looking for scooter for rent. We found a scooter just for 600 INR per day and we rented it for only one day. After roaming around for some time in Hanoi, we went to the incense village, the instagram spot and had a good time there. Since it was very far from Hanoi so it took us a few hours to return to Hanoi. There was no challenges with riding the scooter in a new country since Vietnam is very two-wheeler friednly. We were back to Hanoi by 6:30PM and went straight to the Train Street, another insta spot. We didn’t have to wait longer and the train arrived in just a few minutes. The cheers, the vibe, everything was very fun of that place. Then we returned the scooter and back to the hotel by 10PM.
Stay feedback: Hanoi Garden Hotel & Spa | 3.5*/5
Honestly no complaints from the hotel. The location, rooms, everything was good but not the best. We found the staff a bit rude and less cooperative.
Restaurant feedback:
Day 2: Halong Bay
19th February 2023 | We booked an overnight cruise for Halong Bay because that’s the best way to explore it. However a bit expensive though. A private van picked us from Hanoi and we reached Halong bay in around 3 hours. We then had to some formalities for the cruise and had to wait for around 1 hour for boarding the cruise. A guide was assigned to us and she was very helpful. The cruise was great overall and we loved our cabin. The balcony was spacious and the bed was very comfortable. We did our lunch and went to the room for some time to enjoy our balcony. In the evening, there was some activities on the cruise such as live music, cooking session, etc. which we enjoyed. We then went to the deck to enjoy sunset and to absorb the beauty of Halong Bay. Then our dinner was ready and to our surprise, the food was very tasty. Then there was a fishing session, we tried our luck but couldn’t catch any. We called it a day.
Early next morning, there was a land tour of caves organized by the cruise so a bus picked us from a port and took us to the caves. It was an amazing experience. It dropped us back to the cruise where we did our breakfast and bid goodbye to the cruise. It was expensive but worth the experience. We enjoyed our 22 hours there. 🙂
Stay feedback: Mon Cheri Cruises | 4*/5
The staff, cabin, food, vibe, everything was amazing. We loved our time with the cruise. The only reason for not giving full 5 stars is that we expected a ship but it was more like a big boat. Nothing major though.
Day 3: Hanoi
20th February 2023 | We checked out from our Cruise and the private van dropped us back to Hanoi, or specifically to our new hotel. We rested a bit and then went out to explore the local markets of Hanoi. Tried street food and we also wanted to try the famous egg coffee of Vietnam so we went to the very popular The Note Coffee cafe which was filled with sticky notes. We left a couple as well. The egg coffee was average. I found it a bit thick and I’m not a coffee person anyway so not the best one to judge. A relaxing day I’d say.
Day 4: Hoi An
21st February 2023 | Flight from Hanoi to Danang. Went directly to Hoi An from Airport in a cab. Checked into our hotel, rested a bit, and then went out for lunch. The vibe of Hoi An was amazing. Small village but very charming. All you can see is lanterns, tailor shops, and some Japanese structures. After lunch and exploration, we went back to our hotel for some more rest. We then came out in the evening when Hoi An was full lit up. there was lanterns shining everywhere and the place was looking like a scene from movie. All cafes on the riverside cafes were hosting live music and the food street had amazing varities for everyone. We took a boat ride in the river which was an unforgettable experience. We later stayed back on the side of river for a couple of hours before going back to the hotel since it was a very lively atmosphere.
Day 5: Hoi An
22nd February 2023 | Started day early and went for basket boat tour.
Day 6: Ba Na Hills
23rd February 2023 |
Day 7: Da Nang
24th February 2023 |
Day 8: Nha Trang
20th February 2023 |
Day 9: Nha Trang
20th February 2023 |
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh
20th February 2023 |
Why we didn’t go to Sapa?
Why we didn’t go to Ninh Bin?
Why we didn’t go to Dalat?
Why we spent only a few hours in Ho Chi Minh?
Why did we go in February?
Why did we choose Vietnam as our first international trip?
Can you do Vietnam in 1.5L as a couple?
Best Day: Tie between Day 2 and Day 6
Best Place: Hoi An
Best Indian Restaurant: PK
Best Hotel: Tie between Kymodo and Chillax