Vietnam has always been described as paradise, add a photographer to this destination and it becomes a dream. A friend decided to move to LA and we wanted to plan a trip one last time. I came across Vietnam while looking for a place that is a cultural hub as well a place that we can lounge at the beach.
The trip was planned for 7 days, all the way from the 10th of February to the 17th of February 2020. The impending threat of Covid had already struck and we were closely monitoring the news all the way till we had to fly out. Though Vietnam was not a risk at the time, it became a concern due to China’s border proximity.
What helped our cause was the fact that there were no travel advisories for Vietnam and we flew with Indigo from Mumbai to Kolkata and finally Hanoi. This is the perfect budget destination since returning from Ho Chi Minh to Kolkata and at last Mumbai all in all cost us just 20,000/- per person.
The first stop, Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Hanoi is known for its centuries-old architecture and rich culture influenced by Southeast Asian, Chinese and French heritage. The streets are jammed with more bikes than cars. Pro tip: Use Grab, it’s a popular ride sharing app and extremely easy to use.
The street food at Hanoi is a must. Try the Vietnamese Pho and egg coffee. By day, explore Hanoi on foot — it’s picturesque and vibrant, especially at night.
Ha Long Bay has been inducted into UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites and is famed for its emerald waters and towering limestone cliffs. It’s four hours from Hanoi and offers overnight boat trips. Ha Long Bay’s sunsets are unforgettable.Next, we flew to Phu Quoc, a stunning island in the Gulf of Thailand. Known for white sand beaches and resorts, it’s perfect for relaxation.An absolute must try in Phu Quoc are the burgers at Winston’s Burgers and Beer — some of the best we’ve ever had.
Finally, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) — a city rich with historical significance from the Vietnam War era. We visited the Cu Chi Tunnels, vital to Viet Cong strategy, and the Mekong River Delta, home to floating markets, Khmer pagodas and rice paddies.
The final day was spent exploring night markets, the Opera House, Central Post Office and the Vietnam War Remnants Museum — a powerful experience. Vietnam was one of the most memorable trips I’ve taken. With Covid restrictions we missed places like Sapa and Da Nang, but I look forward to returning to explore more of its beauty, culture, and food.
