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Vietnam Diaries: Day Story in the Land of Lanterns & Pho

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.

Tip: Mauzee Holiday can handle your flights, visas & local bookings — so you just eat, explore, repeat.


Why I’d Go Again with Mauzee Holiday

Every hotel, local guide, street food stop, and boat ride felt stress-free and genuine — that’s the real win.
Vietnam felt like home — warm, flavorful, and full of surprises.


Ready to Write Your Vietnam Story?

📞 Phone: 8655110202
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.mauzeeholiday.com