From chaotic Saigon streets to peaceful Mekong waters — here's how our Vietnamese adventure unfolded.

Chapter 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Beautiful Chaos

Day 1: Welcome to Saigon

Our Vietnamese journey began with an overnight VietJet flight from Mumbai. The aircraft felt a bit tired but got us to Ho Chi Minh City on time. Immigration tested our patience with nearly two hours of waiting and very few active counters. Not the ideal welcome, but part of the story.

Everything improved once we reached Sofitel Saigon Plaza. The noise and rush outside disappeared instantly. With Accor Gold, the check-in process was quick and smooth. The staff made us feel comfortable right away.

After a short nap, we headed to District 1 which is the vibrant heart of Saigon.

Scooters zipped past in every direction, street vendors grilled lemongrass-scented snacks, and the entire atmosphere buzzed with energy.

Dinner was at a small alley café that felt warm and rustic. Good music, great food, and soft city lights made it the perfect way to end our first night.

Day 2: Tunnels and Delta

We started early with a full day of history and countryside experiences.

Our first stop was a handicraft workshop where artisans with disabilities created beautiful eggshell lacquer art. Their craftsmanship was inspiring to watch.

Next, we explored the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network from the Vietnam War era. Our guide narrated powerful stories of survival that made the visit truly meaningful. The highlight was crawling through the narrow tunnels ourselves. It was dark, tight, slightly claustrophobic and absolutely unforgettable.

By noon, we were on our way to the peaceful Mekong Delta. After a fresh local lunch, we boarded a longtail boat that glided through lush canals.

We stopped at:

A bee farm with amazing lemon honey tea
A snake station where I held one very briefly
A crocodile enclosure
A coconut candy factory where we tried wrapping candies

Evening took us to Ben Nghe Street Food Market, one of the best food experiences of our Vietnam trip. It was crowded, lively and full of incredible flavors. We sampled everything we could before heading back.

Day 3: Scooter Freedom

Our last day in Saigon was all about exploring at our own pace. Renting a scooter for 150,000 VND (about ₹500) was the best decision. Riding through the city made us feel like locals.

After breakfast and a strong Vietnamese coffee, we visited the War Remnants Museum. It was powerful and emotionally heavy. The photographs leave a lasting impact and offer deep insight into Vietnam’s past.

We then visited the Parliament House, although it did not impress us much. It felt more like a furniture showroom than a government building.

Toward sunset, we rode along the Saigon River and enjoyed beautiful views before arriving at Bùi Viện Walking Street. This is Saigon’s nightlife hub with neon lights, loud music and street performances in every corner. The energy here is unmatched.

We ended the day with a quiet ride back to Sofitel for our final sleep in Ho Chi Minh City. Beaches and lantern-lit streets awaited us next in Da Nang and Hoi An.

Chapter 2: Hoi An to Da Nang – Lanterns, Hills and Seaside Serenity

Day 4: Hoi An Vibes

We flew from Saigon to Da Nang and drove straight to Hoi An, where our cozy Airbnb set the tone for a relaxed stay. After renting a scooter, we rode into the Old Town and were instantly charmed by its yellow buildings, lantern-lit streets and riverside cafés.

A peaceful boat ride on the Thu Bồn River, with floating candles and glowing lanterns, became the highlight of our evening. Later, we found a small café with live acoustic music that made the night feel even more magical. Dinner was simple street food before heading back to rest.

Day 5: Hidden Beaches and Ba Na Hills Magic (Anniversary Day)

We started the morning with a sunrise ride through Hoi An and some quiet time at a hidden beach. Just waves, coffee and calm.

By noon, we left for Ba Na Hills to celebrate our anniversary. The cable car ride felt surreal, gliding through clouds toward Mercure French Village. Our room was beautifully decorated, and the fog-covered views from our terrace made everything feel dreamlike.

By evening, the sky cleared and we enjoyed the Golden Bridge almost crowd-free. Nighttime in Ba Na Hills felt like wandering through a sleepy European village in the clouds. Dinner at the hotel tasted even better with our Accor Plus discount, and we ended the day dancing at the pub.

Day 6: Golden Bridge Sunrise and Da Nang Breezes

We woke early for a sunrise visit to the Golden Bridge, and it was worth every minute. After checkout, we squeezed in a few fun rides and performances before heading down to Da Nang.

At Pullman Da Nang Beach Resort, the mood shifted to full coastal relaxation. We unwound by the beach, enjoyed a sunset cocktail party and later visited Dragon Bridge for the fire show, which turned out to be a letdown. Dinner at a street market ended the night on a better note.

Chapter 3: Hanoi – Calm Lakes, Buzzing Streets and Northern Magic

Day 7: First Evening in Hanoi

After a lavish breakfast at Pullman, we headed to the airport for the final chapter of our Vietnam journey: Hanoi.

We reached Hanoi by early afternoon and checked into our Airbnb beside a peaceful lakeside. The view from our window felt straight out of a postcard, a calm contrast to the city’s traffic and noise.

After resting, we headed to Hoàn Kiếm Lake. By evening, the entire area transforms. Streets turn pedestrian-only, musicians perform live, couples dance, children run around and the whole atmosphere feels festive.

We walked the full loop around the lake, stopping for sizzling skewers, bánh mì and strong Vietnamese coffee. The glowing Turtle Tower reflected on the water, creating the perfect first impression of Hanoi.

Day 8: Ninh Binh – Peaks, Caves and Cinematic Landscapes

We left early for a full-day trip to Ninh Binh, often called Ha Long Bay on land.

Our first stop was Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital, where the temples of the Dinh and Le kings sit surrounded by rice paddies and towering cliffs. We biked through nearby villages, soaking in the quiet countryside.

After lunch, we took a stunning sampan boat ride through Trang An. Emerald waters, cave tunnels and otherworldly limestone formations made this a highlight. Our rower even rowed with her feet.

The day ended with the Mua Cave hike. Nearly 500 steps led us to the famous Lying Dragon viewpoint, offering a panoramic view of Tam Coc that looked like a painting.

Day 9: Ha Long Bay – Caves, Kayaks and Sunset Views

We drove to Ha Long International Cruise Port and boarded our day cruise after a smooth, well-organised check-in. A lavish buffet lunch welcomed us as we sailed past emerald waters and limestone giants.

Our first stop was Sung Sot Cave, the largest and most dramatic cave in the bay. Next, we kayaked through the peaceful lagoon at Luon Cave, gliding under a narrow archway surrounded by cliffs.

The final stop was Ti Top Island, where we relaxed on its crescent-shaped beach and enjoyed a quick swim.

By sunset, we were back on the sundeck with canapés and live music. Watching the karsts float by in golden light was the most serene moment of our trip.

Day 10: Goodbye Vietnam

For our last morning, we explored the Old Quarter one final time. At the famous Train Street, we sipped rich Vietnamese egg coffee just a few feet from the tracks. Tourist attraction or not, it was unforgettable.

We bought authentic coffee beans and drip filters to bring a little Vietnam home with us.

With full hearts and packed bags, we headed to the airport. Vietnam had been everything we hoped for and more.