Vietnam, a country in Southeast Asia, captivates travelers from all over the world. Its pristine beaches, breathtaking views, traditional Vietnamese cuisine, tranquil monasteries, and warm hospitality of the locals are just a few highlights that make it a true gem of Southeast Asia.
Sriharsha’s research paper was accepted for presentation at the ICOIN (International Conference for Information Networking) in DaNang, Vietnam. Excited about this achievement, he decided to take his mother along on his first international trip, funded by his first salary. This was a dream come true for him. Both Sriharsha and his mother were eager to indulge in the best experiences that Vietnam had to offer. They reached out to Fred and Fuzzys, where they customized their itinerary according to their preferences. They spent a total of 9 days in Vietnam, and each day was filled with unique experiences that created lifelong memories.
Table Of Content
Details Of Our Trip To Vietnam
Trip Type: Family TripCost: INR 1 Lakh Per Person (Approximately)Duration: 9 DaysInclusions: Taxes, Airport Transfer, SightseeingExclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Visa, Personal Expenses, Insurance
Our 9 Days In Vietnam Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, hotel check-in & exploration of the cityDay 2: Exploring Halong Bay and returning to HanoiDay 3: Exploring the cityDay 4: Exploring the cityDay 5: Enjoying a leisurely dayDay 6: Enjoying a leisurely dayDay 7: Enjoying a leisurely dayDay 7: Exploring the city and reaching Hoi AnDay 7: Half-day tour and departure
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Vietnam Weather In January
The weather played a significant role in enhancing our trip. During our visit, the temperature was a pleasant 18°C, which made our experience even more enjoyable. We encountered no obstacles due to the weather, and the journey to Hue city via Hai Van Pass, Lang Co Beach, and Lap An Lagoon was truly beautiful, thanks to the lovely weather.
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Our Unforgettable Experiences During our 9 Days in Vietnam
We were amazed at how quickly our 9-day adventure in Vietnam flew by. My mother and I experienced some of the most memorable moments of our lives. Here are a few highlights from our incredible trip:
1. Memorable Cruise Journey
During the second day of our adventure, we embarked on a bus journey that took us through the lush rice fields until we reached the awe-inspiring Halong Bay. It was a remarkable experience to traverse among the striking limestone formations. For lunch, we indulged in a delightful meal aboard the cruise. Our next stop was the fishing village, where we had the privilege of engaging with the friendly local fishing community. They enthusiastically shared their fishing process and stories, which we found incredibly captivating. Continuing our cruise, we captured breathtaking photographs of the iconic “Fighting cock” rock, a symbolic feature of Halong Bay. We were then treated to a visit to the exquisite Thien Cung “Heavenly Palace” cave, known as the most stunning cave in the bay. The emerald waters sparkled as we cruised around, marveling at the enchanting scenery. As night fell, our hotel staff recommended attending the mesmerizing Water Puppet show, an unforgettable experience that immersed us in the magic of Vietnamese music.
In our quest to explore Vietnamese culture, we ventured to the Buddha Sanctuary Place at Bai Dinh Pagoda. This grand temple, boasting 500 Arhat statues, provided us with valuable insights into Vietnamese customs and beliefs. One of the highlights was witnessing a colossal bronze Buddha statue towering at an impressive height of 10 meters and weighing a staggering 100 tons. Our journey continued with an extraordinary boating excursion through captivating caves. This unique adventure took us to the Trang An grottoes, characterized by 31 valleys and 50 cross-water caves. We were amazed by the incredible biodiversity, including 600 varieties of flora and over 200 species of fauna, many of which are listed in the Red Book of Vietnam. Our exploration led us to explore Sang Cave, Toi Cave, Ba Giot Cave, and Sinh Cave.
To find out more about the best places for shopping in Hue during your Vietnam tour, check out this informative article: [10 Best Places For Shopping In Hue On Your Vietnam Tour]
Looking for an affordable and authentic homestay experience in Hanoi? Look no further! Discover these budget-friendly and welcoming homestays that showcase the true Vietnamese hospitality: [Enjoy Authentic Vietnamese Hospitality In These 10 Cheap Homestays In Hanoi]
3. Exploring the City of Hanoi
Today, we had the opportunity to venture to numerous captivating locations. Initially, we visited a place called Tran Quoc pagoda, an invaluable Buddhist relic and a cherished national treasure situated on the serene West Lake. Additionally, we paid a visit to the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the ultimate eternal abode of Vietnam’s esteemed founding father. As we strolled along the stilt house of Ho Chi Minh, where he resided and toiled from 1958 to 1969, we were astounded to witness his remarkably preserved remains. It was indeed an astonishing sight! Apart from these magnificent landmarks, we also explored the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temples of Literature.
4. Embracing the Splendor of Danang City
During the days 5, 6, and 7, I attended a conference, which restricted our organized tours. Nonetheless, we had the delightful opportunity to leisurely explore the enchanting city of Danang. My mother took advantage of the chance to engage in conversations with the locals, relying on Google Translate to comprehend and communicate effectively. We took leisurely night strolls on the beach, often encountering groups of individuals skillfully playing musical instruments with the accompaniment of a remarkable portable speaker. The ambiance was truly extraordinary! Later on the seventh day, we were transferred to the captivating city of Hue. En route, we made memorable stops at the Hai Van Pass, Lang Co Beach, and Lap An Lagoon, capturing breathtaking photos along the way. This leg of the journey was undeniably awe-inspiring, owing to the picturesque drive alongside the lake and the remarkable weather. The driver displayed immense kindness by acceding to our requests for frequent photo breaks. To conclude the day, we opted to rent a bicycle and meander through the lively streets of Hue.
Shopping in Vietnam: A Colorful Extravaganza
Venturing into the bustling markets of Vietnam is like stepping into a vibrant kaleidoscope of souvenirs and gift items. Hue & Hoi proved to be a treasure trove of shopping delights, captivating my mother’s heart. Our bags were soon filled with lanterns, Vietnamese dolls, and charming jewelry cases from the enchanting town of Hoi-An. Embracing the essence of Vietnam, we couldn’t resist acquiring ao dai, the national costume, along with conical hats, bamboo crafts, and other woody wonders. As we explored Hue, we discovered a myriad of shopping destinations, each offering its own unique collection of beautiful items.
Delightful Culinary Adventures in Vietnam
Being a devoted vegetarian, my mother had some concerns about finding suitable food options in Vietnam. Regrettably, we discovered a scarcity of Indian restaurants during our journey. However, our culinary fortunes turned when we stumbled upon an oasis of Indian flavors in Hoi-An. Our taste buds reveled in the authenticity of the dishes served at this unexpected find. While we encountered spiciness throughout Vietnam, we recommend fellow travelers to carry Maggi packets and a portable cooker for a touch of familiar comfort. And of course, no trip to Vietnam is complete without savoring the unique delights of egg coffee and Vietnamese coffee.
Impeccable Accommodations in Vietnam
Wherever we sought refuge, the accommodations never failed to impress us. During our stay in Hanoi, the warm and gracious receptionist at Church 49 Lan Ong became our guiding compass, helping us unravel the wonders of the city. The staff’s hospitality extended beyond expectations, graciously offering to care for our luggage during our travels throughout Vietnam. In Da Nang, we reveled in the breathtaking view of the ever-colorful Dragon Bridge from our room at Bamboo Green Hotel, particularly soaking in the mesmerizing night lights. Our stay in Hue greeted us with the comforts of Duy Tan 2 Hotel, while in Hoi An, the cozy embrace of Kim An Hotel made our visit truly delightful. Thanks to the meticulous planning of TT, our package included top-notch accommodations, leaving us with nothing to complain about.
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Etiquette Insights: Dos and Don’ts in Vietnam
Dos:
- Embrace modesty in your attire, respecting the conservative values held by the Vietnamese.
- Keep your hotel reception card in your possession at all times.
- Prioritize seeking permission before capturing precious memories through photographs, especially in the UNESCO town of Hoi An.
- Engage in conversations with the warm and friendly locals, discovering the heart and soul of Vietnam.
Don’ts:
- Avoid purchasing water from any source other than reputable confectionery stores.
- Refrain from excessive jewelry, opting for a tasteful and essential selection.
- Avoid mentioning the sensitive topic of the ‘Vietnamese War,’ exercising caution and respect.
- Negotiate taxi fares rather than blindly accepting the initial offer proposed by the driver.
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Useful Tips for Future Adventurers
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- For vegetarian travelers, it’s advantageous to carry a portable cooker along with some Maggi packets.
- Make sure your passport is valid in order to obtain the visa upon arrival
- If you happen to be in Hoi-An, don’t miss the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll through the illuminated streets at night. The lantern lights create a beautiful ambiance.
- Engage in as many conversations as possible with the friendly locals. They are delightful people.
- If you have the chance to visit the silk village, be sure to purchase some clothing items.
- Prior to your visit, educate yourself about the customs and etiquette in Vietnam by conducting online research.
- For vegetarian travelers, it’s advantageous to carry a portable cooker along with some Maggi packets.
Our Remarkable Experience with Fred and Fuzzys
This trip marked my mother’s first international experience, and I couldn’t have asked for a better one! Fred and Fuzzys ensured that everything ran smoothly, leaving us with no worries at all. They provided us with all the necessary contact details for the guides, drivers, and hotels, and every aspect of our trip was organized to perfection!
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Vietnam’s pristine beaches, breathtaking views, and peaceful atmosphere attract travelers from all corners of the globe. During their 9-day stay in Vietnam, Sriharsha and his companion made the most out of their vacation, creating unforgettable memories. If you too find yourself captivated by their incredible experiences, then plan your own trip with Fred and Fuzzys and discover the wonders of Vietnam in the embrace of nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable month to fly to Vietnam?
May is considered the most affordable month to visit Vietnam. As tourist influx is lower during this time, ticket prices are comparatively cheaper.
Is December a good time to visit Vietnam?
Yes, December is an ideal time to enjoy a Vietnamese vacation. During this month, temperatures are milder and numerous tourist attractions can be explored.
Which month is the coldest in Vietnam?
January is the coldest month in Vietnam, with temperatures dropping below 0°C (32°F).
Is Uber a safe mode of transportation in Vietnam?
Absolutely! Uber, Grab, and other ride-hailing services in Vietnam are considered safe.
How safe is Vietnam for travelers?
Vietnam is recognized as one of the safest tourist destinations. Even solo female travelers can feel secure and at ease.
