Planning a trip to a booming tourist destination like Vietnam requires thoughtful considerations. To explore such a vibrant and diverse land, we must carefully craft an itinerary that allows us to savour the country’s scenic beauty, delve into its deep heritage and also admire the marvels of contemporary architecture. For our one-week journey through Vietnam, we chose to focus on the two buzzing cities, Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh and to venture into all the iconic attractions in and around these two cities. We began our journey in the capital city of Hanoi with a visit to Hoan Kiem, a fresh water lake near Old Quarter. We could feel a sense of peace while crossing the illustrious red bridge steeped in timeless legends. Next was Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of the founding leader of modern Vietnam. This area also features Museum, One Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace, making it a key stop for visitors. Our exploration continued at Hoa Lo prison, where stories of resilience lingered in the air. Tran Quoc Pagoda perched by the West Lake radiated ancient spirituality.

 

We then visited the momentous Lotte Center and ascended its 65th floor, 360 degree observation deck. The city sprawled beneath us as we took in a mind-blowing panoramic view through the transparent glass floor! Later in the night, we visited Train Street, a unique and prominent spot in Hanoi where a railway track runs right through a narrow residential street, incredibly close to the homes and cafes. We meandered down the eventful street, captivated by the exhilarating atmosphere and the aroma of street food that filled the air. Day-2: Ha Long Bay Day Cruise! Ha Long Bay is a part of the Gulf of Tonkin, which is an inlet of the South China Sea. It is truly a masterpiece of nature. As the cruise passes through the emerald waters and uninhibited islets, the towering limestone karsts rose dramatically from the sea weaving a magical, otherworldly setting. We spent an unforgettable day exploring Ha Long Bay, each stop more mesmerising than the last.

 

At Sung Sot cave, we marvelled at the towering stalactites and clicked some incredible pictures. Luon cave welcomed us with deep green waves, as we paddled beneath an archway carved by time itself. On Titop Island, the climb though steep, unveiled a spectacular vision of the Bay area! Soon the sun began its descent, bathing Ha Long Bay in soft, golden glow. The sky transformed into a bright canvas of multicoloured hues, reflecting off the tranquil waters. The karsts cast long shadows creating a mystic spell. With the gentle sway of the ship, the soft lapping of the waves and the misty horizon each moment felt like a dream - unforgettable in its splendour and calm! Day-3 Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc tour Nestled amid bright green rice fields and limestone karsts, Ninh Binh is a soothing escape that feels like stepping into an eternal landscape. It blends nature, history, idyllic atmosphere and cinematic scenes, captivating the heart of every traveller. As the sampan boat glided gently in Ngo Dong’s river, it passed through thriving paddies, lotus ponds, lofty limestone cliffs and natural caves. The delightful boat ride concluded at Tam Coc or the three water caves viz Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba.

 

The magnificence of these caves filled up with shimmering stalactites left every visitor in awe! Next, we found ourselves at the age-old King Dinh temple in Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital. This temple built in distinctive Vietnamese architectural style features elaborate carvings, stone statues and woody altars that honour the legacy of King Dinh. Day-4 Having wrapped up sightseeing in Hanoi, we took the early next morning flight to Ho Chi Minh or Saigon –Vietnam’s largest and the wealthiest city. In the afternoon, we proceeded for our Half Day City Tour, beginning with the War Remnants Museum. It offers a sobering look into the Vietnam War’s impact, with exhibits showcasing photographs, artefacts and first-hand accounts. Outside the museum, an impressive display of guns, tanks and warplanes stands as a stark symbol of the conflict’s scale.

 

The central post office in the city is another architectural gem, blending French colonial design with Vietnamese elements. Next spot was the Independence Palace or the Reunification Palace, a historical monument frozen in time, capturing the essence of Vietnam’s turbulent past. After this, we stopped at the Notre-Dame Cathedral famed for its beautiful stained glass windows, silent interiors and twin bell towers rising above the city. Our last stop was at the exquisitely embellished Jade Emperor Pagoda. Known for its intricate carvings, giant statues and incense-filled atmosphere, this temple grants a perspective into Vietnam’s spiritual heritage. Day-5 was reserved for Cu Chi Tunnels. This vast network of underground tunnels is located in the Cu Chi district about 40 km from Ho Chi Minh City. They were part of a larger system that stretched over 250 km.

 

The tunnels were used as hiding spots, storage areas, kitchens, hospitals, living quarters and even classrooms for soldiers and civilians. They played a crucial role in the Viet Cong’s guerrilla warfare strategy allowing Vietnam army to move undetected and launch surprise attacks on the U.S. and South Vietnamese forces. Visiting the Cu Chi tunnels provided an insight into the harsh conditions faced by soldiers and civilians during the war. A fascinating but humbling experience! Last Day - Mekong Delta The Mekong Delta also known as the Rice Bowl of Vietnam is an interconnected grid of rivers, swamps and islands where the Mekong River meets South China Sea. Mekong delta tour turned out to be a journey into the heart of Vietnam’s rustic charm.

 

We glided past lush canals, visiting Phoenix, Dragon and Turtle Islands, each proposing its unique slice of paradise. We wandered through abundant orchards and visited traditional beekeeping sites and coconut workshops. Small shops selling fresh coffee, spices, coconut delicacies and handmade souvenirs dotted the paths. We were treated with seasonal fruits and honey tea by the locals who also performed to the sound of southern Vietnamese folk music adding to the warm, lively atmosphere that highlighted the Delta’s rich culture and rural life. The tour culminated at the Vinh Trang Pagoda, a stunning combination of Vietnamese, Chinese and Cambodian architectural styles. It is revered for its sacred atmosphere, flourishing gardens and the enormous statues of the reclining Buddha and the laughing Buddha. The dynamic metros like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh and Da Nang showcase present-day infrastructure with skyscrapers, luxury hotels, swanky malls and trendy cafes.

 

At night, the streets come alive with glowing neon lights, endless flow of zooming motorbikes and excited rush at the roadside food stalls. Tourists and locals are seen relishing the Vietnamese delicacies like Pho, Banh Mi, Goi cuon, Hu tieu, Banh xeo and Cha Ca. The famous Viet coffee culture never slows down. Many late-night cafes serve tea, desserts and Ca Phe Sua Da or iced milk coffee well into the early hours. As against this, the countryside reveals a picturesque scene of peaceful rural living and unspoiled glory with its vast rice fields, coffee & coconut plantations and traditional farm cottages. Vietnam’s resilient spirit has transformed the scars of war into symbol of hope and progress. The breath-taking terrain, fascinating history, rich heritage, delectable cuisine and remarkable experiences captivate visitors at every turn.

 

This rich tapestry of traditions, tranquillity and triumph invites exploration, presenting something for every traveller. So if you are looking for a journey that offers quietude or excitement, serenity or cultural immersion, don’t wait – Vietnam is ready to welcome you with open arms. Plan your visit now and dive into the adventure that awaits!