Day 1: Namaste Vietnam — Touchdown in Hanoi
Xin chào! After months of dreaming, I finally landed at Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi. It was 6 AM, humid, and the motorbikes were already out in full force.
Mauzee Holiday’s driver was waiting at the exit, with a name board and a big grin. So reassuring!
Checked into a quaint hotel in the Old Quarter — wooden balconies, potted plants, a tiny café below. Dropped my bag and walked straight into a lane selling pho bo (beef noodle soup).
Slurping broth on a plastic stool, watching scooters and old uncles play chess — this is why I travel.
Tiny thing: The Old Quarter alleys are maze-like. Download Google Maps offline!
Day 2: Temples, Puppets & Train Street
Started the day with Vietnamese drip coffee — thick, sweet, and strong. Walked to the beautiful Temple of Literature, the country’s first university.
Students still come here to pray for good exam results!
In the evening, I caught the iconic Hanoi Water Puppet Show — centuries-old art, with puppets dancing on water to live traditional music.
Dinner was bun cha (grilled pork with noodles). Found a hidden café overlooking Train Street, where trains whizz by just inches away from cafés.
Tiny thing: Locals will invite you to sit and drink tea. Always say “Cam on!” (thank you).
Day 3: Halong Bay — Sleeping on Emerald Waters
Big bucket-list day! Took the 3-hour drive to Halong Bay, boarded my overnight cruise.
Floating limestone cliffs, fishing boats, emerald water — every angle is postcard-perfect.
We kayaked through hidden caves, visited floating villages, and had fresh crab for dinner on deck.
Woke up at sunrise for tai chi — the quiet hum of the sea made it magical.
Small joy: The night squid fishing was hilarious — caught nothing but laughed a lot.
Day 4: Back to Hanoi — Hidden Cafés & Local Life
Back in Hanoi, I decided to explore local cafés. Found a tiny spot hidden down an alley, famous for egg coffee — sweet, creamy, and so unique.
Visited Hoan Kiem Lake — families feeding turtles, old people doing tai chi, couples posing at the red bridge.
Dinner was at an Indian restaurant — a welcome taste of home! (Try Namaste Hanoi if you crave dal and naan.)
Tiny detail: Bargain politely at street stalls — it’s expected.
Day 5: Fly South — Hello Hoi An’s Lanterns
Short flight to Danang, then a scenic drive to Hoi An Ancient Town. Checked into a cute riverside homestay with free bikes — best decision!
Hoi An is like a living postcard — yellow colonial houses, colourful lanterns, and tiny tailor shops. Rode my bike along the river, stopped for Cao Lau noodles — only made with local water.
In the evening, I floated a paper lantern on the river for good luck.
Tiny thing: Hoi An closes its main streets to cars in the evening — stroll and soak in the glow.
Day 6: Basket Boats & Cooking Class
Took a sunrise ride in the iconic round basket boats through coconut groves — the boatmen spin you around for fun!
Later, joined a local cooking class — learned to wrap fresh spring rolls and cook sizzling pancakes.
Dinner was at a riverside restaurant — the night market nearby is great for souvenirs.
Tip: Buy lanterns flat-packed for easy carrying.
Day 7: Local Markets & Indian Food Fix
Last full day! Visited the local market — silk scarves, bamboo lanterns, coffee beans.
Stopped by an Indian restaurant for lunch (there’s a small Indian expat community here — you’ll find dal, dosa, and biryani easily).
Chatted with the owner who moved from Chennai 5 years ago — “Vietnam is home now,” he said, smiling.
Tiny moment: Bought handmade pottery for my mom. Haggling is part of the fun!
Day 8: Goodbye Vietnam — Sweet Memories & New Friends
Early breakfast, last Vietnamese iced coffee, and a stroll by the river. Felt sad leaving the lanterns and warm smiles behind — Vietnam surprised me every day.
Thank you Vietnam — and thank you Mauzee Holiday for making this trip so smooth.
What to Pack for Vietnam
Light, breathable clothes: It’s humid!
Umbrella or raincoat: Sudden showers happen.
Good walking shoes & flip-flops: Cobblestones and beach alike.
Bug repellent: Especially for coastal & rural areas.
Power bank & adapter: Vietnam uses Type A, C plugs.
Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated.
Health & Altitude Tips
Vietnam is mostly low altitude — but stay hydrated in the heat.
Drink bottled or filtered water.
Eat fresh, hot-cooked street food.
Travel insurance is smart — carry basic meds.
Cross streets slowly, let scooters weave around you!
Unique Experiences in Vietnam
Egg coffee at a hidden Hanoi café.
Tai chi on a Halong Bay cruise deck.
Basket boat spinning in coconut groves.
Floating a lantern on Hoi An River.
Scooter street food tour — ride pillion with a local!
Indian Food & Local Cuisine
You’ll find plenty of Indian restaurants in major cities — especially Hanoi, Danang, Hoi An & Ho Chi Minh City.
Try Namaste Hanoi, Ganesh Indian Restaurant (Hoi An), and Tandoor Saigon.
For local cuisine, don’t miss: pho, bun cha, banh mi, fresh spring rolls, and Vietnamese iced coffee.
Currency & Budget Tips
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND) — carry small notes for street stalls.
Credit cards work at hotels & bigger restaurants.
ATMs are everywhere — but watch for fees.
Bargain at markets — it’s expected!
Connectivity & SIM Cards
Grab a local SIM at the airport — Viettel, Vinaphone & Mobifone are good.
4G is widely available & cheap — around ₹300–500 for a week.
Free Wi-Fi is common in cafés & hotels.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Hand-stitched lanterns (Hoi An).
Vietnamese coffee beans.
Lacquerware & bamboo crafts.
Tailor-made suits & dresses — Hoi An is famous for this!
Tip: Always pack extra space in your bag.
Instagram Spots in Vietnam
Train Street Hanoi – the ultimate rail selfie!
Halong Bay sunrise on deck.
Hoi An Ancient Town at night — lantern heaven.
Golden Bridge (near Danang) — those giant stone hands!
Hidden alley cafés with egg coffee.
Best Ways to Travel to Vietnam from India
Maharashtra (Mumbai/Pune): Best routes via Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur.
Kerala (Cochin/Trivandrum): Good connections via Bangkok & Singapore.
Karnataka (Bangalore): Lots of flights via Singapore & Kuala Lumpur.
Delhi: Direct flights to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh, or via Bangkok.