April 8 – April 14, 2026
Travel is always a delightful experience, but when shared with family, it becomes truly unforgettable. Our recent journey to Vietnam from April 8 to April 14, 2026, was one such cherished experience. Three families—myself, my sister Sneh and her husband Dr. Suresh, along with my niece Tanu and her husband Naveen—set out together to explore the beauty and history of North Vietnam.
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi – A Glimpse of History and Culture
Our journey began early in the morning on April 8, as we departed for Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam, for a six-night, seven-day adventure.
We arrived in Hanoi in the morning and checked into our boutique hotel situated in the heart of old city. After a brief rest, we were ready to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Our first stop was the iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where we learned about the life and legacy of the revered leader Ho Chi Minh. Though we viewed the mausoleum from outside, the experience was deeply moving.
Next, we visited the unique One Pillar Pagoda, a remarkable structure dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. Built on a single pillar, it stands as one of the most distinctive pagodas in the world.
Our journey continued to the historic Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Walking through its peaceful courtyards, we felt transported back in time, appreciating the country’s deep respect for education and scholarship.
In the evening, we headed to the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene oasis in the heart of the city. We visited the Ngoc Son Temple, dedicated to the legendary general Tran Hung Dao, known for his bravery and military brilliance. We also saw and did some shopping in the nearby market. We also visited, the heritage buildings which were centuries old.
The day concluded with a comforting dinner at The Gujarat, an Indian restaurant that made us feel right at home. After dinner, we relaxed by playing cards before retiring for the night.
Day 2: Hanoi to Ninh Binh – Nature’s Masterpiece
After a hearty breakfast, we set off at 8:30 AM on a scenic 110 km drive to Ninh Binh, a region often referred to as the “Halong Bay on land.”
In the forernoon, we took a short walk to the boat station and embarked on a mesmerizing one-hour boat journey through Tam Coc. Floating gently along the Ngo Dong River, we were surrounded by breathtaking limestone karsts, lush rice paddies, and serene landscapes.
The boat ride took us through three natural caves—Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba—each offering a unique and magical experience. The tranquility of the surroundings made it one of the most memorable parts of our trip.
After completing our boat trip of one hour, we stepped down from the boat at a place where our guide and Driver was waiting for us. We then went to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital dating back to the 10th century. Here, we explored the temples of the Dinh and Le kings, learning about their heroic struggles during the Chinese wars.
By evening, we returned to Hanoi, reaching our hotel around 6 PM, carrying with us beautiful memories of nature’s splendor.
Reflections
The first two days of our Vietnam journey beautifully combined history, spirituality, and natural beauty. From the cultural richness of Hanoi to the serene landscapes of Ninh Binh, every moment was filled with discovery and joy.
Day 3: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay – A Dream Cruise Experience
After breakfast on April 10, our private van was ready by 7:45 AM to take us on a much-awaited journey to Ha Long Bay, one of the most celebrated natural wonders of the world.
The four-hour drive through the countryside brought us to Tuan Chau International Marina. At the port, a knowledgeable guide briefed us about the thousands of limestone islands scattered across the bay. We were also introduced to the fascinating process of pearl cultivation—how pearls are carefully extracted from shells and crafted into exquisite ornaments. A visit to a large pearl showroom added to our understanding and admiration of this delicate art.
From the marina, we boarded a tender boat that took us to our elegant cruise—Venus Cruises. Upon boarding, the cruise manager warmly welcomed us and explained the safety procedures and itinerary.
As the cruise sailed deeper into the serene waters of Lan Ha Bay, a delicious lunch was served. Soon after, we were handed over the keys to our rooms. The cabins were spacious, beautifully furnished, and featured large bathrooms and private balconies—perfect for enjoying the stunning views.
After settling in, we relaxed and soaked in the beauty around us. As evening approached, we gathered on the deck to witness a mesmerizing sunset. The sky transformed into shades of gold and orange, reflecting beautifully on the calm waters. With tea and refreshments served during the cruise’s “Happy Hour,” the experience became even more magical.
A sumptuous dinner followed, and like the previous evening, we ended the day with a friendly game of cards before retiring around 11 PM, gently rocked by the waves.
Day 4: Sunrise Serenity, New Friendships, and Journey to Da Nang
The next morning began on a beautiful note. My sister Sneh’s room had a balcony facing east, offering a perfect view of the sunrise. Although we joined her a little later, the sight of the sun rising over the limestone hills was truly mesmerizing.
Soon after, I learned about a bamboo boat excursion to nearby fishing farms and quickly made my way to join. The ride took us to a floating village, where we experienced a unique way of life on the water. From there, another boat guided us through hidden caves and around majestic limestone formations—an unforgettable and peaceful experience.
It was during these moments at the fishing farm and on the cruise that we formed some wonderful new friendships. Among them were Manual and Santosh from Kerala; Aishwarya and Manik from Punjab; Presha Gupta and Arpit Gupta from Indore (associated with Canara Bank); and Chandra Shekhar from Udaipur, along with his wife Harshita Sonava. These chance encounters added warmth and joy to our journey, turning it into not just a sightseeing trip but a shared human experience.
By around 11 AM, we returned to the cruise for brunch. Shortly after, we checked out and took a boat back to the pier.
Our driver was waiting to take us to the airport for our onward flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, we were transferred to our hotel and checked in for a three-night stay, ready to explore the next phase of our Vietnam adventure.
Day 5: Ba Na Hills – Walking on the Golden Bridge
The highlight of the journey began with a ride on the famous Sun World Ba Na Hills Cable Car, known for holding multiple world records. As we ascended, we were treated to breathtaking views of lush mountains, dense forests, and floating clouds.
Continuing up to Nui Chua Mountain—the highest peak of Ba Na Hills—we visited beautiful attractions like Nghinh Phong Top, Le Nim Villas, the Orchid Garden, and the colorful Le Jardin D’amour flower gardens and most beautiful white colored a big Buddha statue.
The most unforgettable moment of the day was walking on the world-famous Golden Bridge. Held gently by giant stone hands, the bridge offered spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lush greenery. It felt as if we were walking amidst the clouds—truly a magical experience.
Then we took a small train to see and explore Vong Nguyet Hills, the charming old French villas that echoed a colonial past. It was all magical for us as if we were in a different world. The great fun park, the surroundings and the fort type of buildings attracted our attention and we enjoyed a lot roaming around and taking a few pictures.
After exploring, we enjoyed lunch at our own choice of restaurants within the complex where beer manufacturing plant was existing. Naveen and myself also had free beer served to us. Later, we spent fun-filled hours at Fantasy Park, one of Vietnam’s largest indoor entertainment zones, featuring exciting games and immersive 4D and 5D experiences.
Day 6: Sea Beach, Marble Mountains and the Timeless Charm of Hoi An
On April 13, we began our day early with a refreshing visit to the beach in front of our hotel in Da Nang. The calm morning atmosphere made it perfect for a leisurely walk along the shore, followed by a delightful swim in the sea. We spent about an hour enjoying the soothing waves before returning to our room.
After a relaxing bath, we headed for breakfast and enjoyed a hearty meal. Later, we visited the top floor of the hotel, which featured a swimming pool and a well-equipped gym. The panoramic views from there were stunning, and we took several photographs to capture the moment. We then returned to our room and spent some pleasant time playing cards, adding to the joy of our family trip.
We set out around the afternoon at 2:30 pm where our guide Linna was waiting to take us for a visit to the famous Marble Mountains.
We climbed Thuy Son (Water Mountain) via stone steps and were rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the countryside. Inside, we explored the mystical Huyen Khong Cave, where sunlight streamed through natural openings, illuminating a serene Buddha statue in a divine setting.
We also visited the sacred Tam Thai and Linh Ung pagodas and continued to Am Phu Cave, known for its dramatic rock formations depicting the Buddhist concepts of hell and purgatory. The experience was both fascinating and thought-provoking.
At the base of the mountains, we admired the intricate stone sculptures crafted by skilled artisans in Non Nuoc village—a testament to their remarkable craftsmanship.
Later, we headed to the enchanting Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that felt like stepping back in time. Our guide showed us several iconic landmarks, including the historic Tan Ky Old House, marble house, the beautifully preserved Japanese Covered Bridge, and the lively Hoi An Market.
As night fell, the town came alive with glowing lanterns, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere. We ended the day with a delightful dinner at an Indian restaurant around 8 PM before returning to Da Nang.
Day 7: Farewell Vietnam – A Journey to Remember
On April 14, our final day, we enjoyed breakfast at the hotel and prepared for departure. After checking out around noon, we headed to the airport for our flight back home.
As we looked back on our week-long journey through Vietnam—from the cultural richness of Hanoi to the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay and the vibrant charm of Da Nang and Hoi An—we felt a deep sense of satisfaction and joy.
It was truly a perfect trip, filled with learning, laughter, bonding, and unforgettable experiences. Each moment added a beautiful chapter to our travel memories—one that we will cherish for years to come.
DK and Subhadra's Visit to various countries and cities! 