Vietnam Unveiled: A Traveler's Discovery

We excitedly booked a flight from Bangalore to Ho Chi Minh with VietJet Airlines, enticed by their alluring inaugural offer of just 9 INR for a one-way ticket from Bangalore Airport. However, our journey took an unexpected turn when we reached the payment gateway, and the total amount surged to 11,647 INR without any prior notice or intimation. Frustrated by this sudden change, we reached out to VietJet Airlines for assistance, and they presented us with two options: rescheduling our flight from Mumbai or giving us the option to cancel at a later date. In the end, we chose to reschedule our flight from Mumbai to ensure our travel plans could proceed smoothly.

On our first day, we arrived at Mumbai Airport at 7:30 AM, greeted by the bustling energy of the city. Eager to make the most of our layover, we began our day with a delightful breakfast at Bademiya, a renowned culinary gem in Mumbai. After savoring some local flavors, our next mission was to negotiate with drivers for a one-day tour, which would conclude with our arrival at Mumbai International Airport by 8 PM. We had a flight to catch to Ho Chi Minh at 11:30 PM, and we didn't want to miss the chance to explore Mumbai in the meantime.

After some negotiations, we managed to secure a driver who agreed to our terms. Our day trip in Mumbai was set in motion, and we embarked on a whirlwind adventure through the city. Our itinerary included visits to iconic landmarks such as Nariman Point, the Siddhi Vinayak Temple, a glimpse of Ambani's extravagant Antilia from the outside, the historic Gateway of India, and the iconic Taj Hotel. In the midst of our exploration, we treated ourselves to a delectable Mumbai-style biryani for lunch, savoring the rich flavors of the city's diverse cuisine.

Our day was filled with excitement and wonder as we experienced the vibrant culture and history of Mumbai, all while ensuring we made it back to the international airport in time for our flight to Ho Chi Minh, ready to embark on the next leg of our journey.

Our journey to Saigon, Vietnam got off to a somewhat rocky start when our flight was unexpectedly delayed by nearly 2 hours, departing at 2 AM instead of the scheduled time. Despite the initial setback, we landed in Saigon at 7:15 AM local time. The silver lining was that our prior Vietnam eVisa made the immigration process incredibly smooth, with the immigration officers not posing a single question.

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast, we proceeded to our pre-arranged transport with Giant Ibis as we had ambitious plans to explore two countries: Vietnam and Cambodia. By 12:47 PM, we reached the Moc Bai border station, where a surprising turn of events awaited us. Despite having all the necessary documentation, including eVisas, accommodation reservations, sufficient currency, and return tickets, we were denied entry into Cambodia. Locals informed us that the reason for this unfortunate development was an altercation between Indian and Pakistani youth at Angkor Wat just a few days prior.

With our original travel plans in shambles, we made the decision to return to Ho Chi Minh City and began devising our backup plan, determined to make the most of our time in Vietnam and ensure that our journey continued in a positive direction.

In accordance with our Plan B, we secured accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City and savored a delightful lunch at a local eatery. Eager to explore the city further, we meticulously charted out our itinerary for the upcoming days, driven by the enticing prospect of Vietnam's reputedly affordable clothing. Our first destination was the renowned Ben Thanh Market, famous for its fashion offerings, though somewhat unexpectedly, we left without making any clothing purchases.

Later in the day, we ventured to Bui Vien Walking Street, which, in contrast to its bustling Thai counterparts, had a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. By 11:30 PM, we returned to our hotel, keeping in mind that an early morning bus awaited us for our journey to Ha Tien, a charming coastal town in Vietnam that shares its border with Cambodia. This marked the beginning of the next exciting chapter of our adventure.

On Day 3 of our journey, we departed from our hotel at 12:10 PM and made our way to the Ben Xe Mien Tay - Kinh Duong Vuong bus terminal to catch our bus. The journey to Ha Tien was quite long, and we arrived at our destination at 9:38 PM. Fortunately, we managed to catch up on some much-needed rest during this trip, given our tiredness from the previous days of exploration. It's worth noting that we were delighted with the excellent bus service provided by Giant Ibis, which made our travel experience even more comfortable.

Upon reaching Ha Tien, we promptly checked into our hotel and took some time to refresh ourselves. Eager to savor the local cuisine, we ventured out to sample some of the region's delicacies. However, our plans took an unexpected turn when Arun began vomiting. The episode was quite severe, and he ended up filling the entire bathroom with his vomit. This unfortunate incident caught us off guard and required immediate attention.

After a morning of dealing with the unexpected illness, we decided to check out of our hotel by 11:27 AM. We arranged for a taxi to take us to the Ha Tien Ferry Terminal, where we would catch a ferry to Ham Ninh on Phu Quoc Island. The journey to the terminal took us approximately 90 minutes, during which we managed to capture some candid pictures and videos to document our experiences.

Once we arrived at the ferry terminal, we opted to book a Grab ride to transport us to our accommodation, Pearl River Motels, on Phu Quoc Island. The change in scenery and the anticipation of our island adventure brought a sense of excitement and renewed energy to our journey.

After getting ourselves settled in our hotel with a kitchen, we decided to make the most of the amenities and ventured out to a nearby supermarket. There, we gathered the necessary items to prepare a simple yet satisfying meal. With our provisions in hand, we returned to our accommodation and set about preparing a delicious meal, which included rice and tomato gojju (a South Indian dish with tomato-based sauce) along with some boiled eggs. This homemade meal allowed us to enjoy a taste of comfort and familiarity while exploring a new destination.

After taking a well-deserved one-hour rest, we were eager to continue our exploration of Phu Quoc Island. Our destination for the evening was Bach Dang Night Market, also known as Phu Quoc Night Market. This vibrant market was renowned for its extensive array of seafood options. With enthusiasm, we embarked on a culinary adventure and sampled a variety of seafood dishes from the numerous stalls and vendors. The experience was a delightful immersion into the local flavors and a memorable part of our journey on Phu Quoc Island.

Day 5 marked the beginning of an exciting island-hopping adventure. We had pre-booked a comprehensive day trip that included visits to four islands. This package not only covered our transportation but also provided us with a delicious lunch, refreshing drinking water, flavorful juice, the opportunity for stunning drone shots, and thrilling snorkeling experiences.

The highlight of the day was the chance to visit a water park, adding an element of fun and excitement to the trip. Additionally, we had the unique opportunity to experience the world's longest ropeway, which was a thrilling and memorable part of our island-hopping adventure. It was a day filled with remarkable experiences and breathtaking sights, making it one of the most memorable days of our journey.

After an exhilarating day trip filled with unforgettable memories and an abundance of pictures capturing our adventures, we returned to our hotel by 2:38 PM. The day had left us with a sense of fulfillment and a treasure trove of photographs to commemorate the experience.

In the evening, we decided to revisit the lively Phu Quoc Night Market, drawn by the allure of the bustling stalls and delicious local cuisine. It was the perfect way to round off a day packed with exploration and excitement on Phu Quoc Island.

By 11:58 AM, we completed our checkout from Pearl River Motel, as our plan was to spend the remainder of our time on Phu Quoc Island at the Grand World Phu Quoc. The moment we set foot in the Grand World, we were transported to a world that resembled the enchanting Venice City in Italy. The place was a true embodiment of beauty and charm, with its intricate canals and picturesque architecture, which added a new layer of richness to our island experience.

However, it's worth noting that the grandeur of the Grand World was reflected in the prices as well. This extraordinary world came at a cost, but the experience and memories it provided were truly priceless, making our stay on Phu Quoc even more special.

The rest of the day was filled with delightful experiences as we explored the Grand World Phu Quoc. Given our hunger for familiar flavors, we opted to dine at an Indian restaurant, where we relished the comforting taste of Indian cuisine that we had been craving.

As the day drew to a close, we decided to attend a mesmerizing laser show that beautifully showcased the rich history and culture of Vietnam. It was a captivating way to end our day, and it left us with a deeper appreciation for the vibrant heritage and traditions of this remarkable country.

Our visit to Vinpearl Safari, which included access to the animal park, the Aquatopia water park, and the amusement park, was an action-packed adventure. The animal park, reminiscent of the Bangkok Safari Park, was an enjoyable experience that allowed us to observe a variety of fascinating creatures.

The true highlight of the day, however, was the amusement park. It was a haven for thrill-seekers, featuring an exciting array of rides, including heart-pounding roller coasters and a wide selection of exhilarating water games. Our time at the amusement park was filled with laughter, excitement, and unforgettable moments, making it one of the most memorable aspects of our Phu Quoc adventure.

Upon returning to our hotel by 6:49 PM, some locals recommended that we visit the Corona Resort and Casino. Intrigued by the suggestion, we decided to check it out. Unfortunately, our visit to the casino turned out to be a disappointing experience, as it didn't meet our expectations and left us with the impression that it was one of the worst casinos we had ever been to.

On Day 8 of our journey, we began our day early by checking out of our hotel in Phu Quoc. Our flight to Hanoi was scheduled to depart at 10 AM, and to avoid any last-minute stress, we arrived at Phu Quoc Airport by 7:38 AM. Thankfully, our flight was punctual, and we reached Hanoi by 12:10 PM.

Upon exiting Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, we were approached by a Fortuner driver who made a generous offer: he promised to accept whatever amount Grab, the ride-hailing app, indicated as the fare. Intrigued by the offer, we accepted his proposal, and he drove us to our destination. Our accommodation for this leg of the journey was the Golden Time Hostel 3, conveniently located in the heart of the city.

After inquiring with various tour operators for a day trip to Ha Long Bay, we decided to go in a different direction and booked a trip to Ninh Binh instead. This decision was based on the belief that Ninh Binh offered a more enriching and less commercialized experience compared to the more touristy Ha Long Bay, which some travelers find to be too commercialized and crowded. It sounds like you made a thoughtful choice to explore the less-traveled path and discover the unique beauty of Ninh Binh.

Our trip to Ninh Binh was an immersive adventure, encompassing a wide array of remarkable destinations and experiences. The itinerary featured visits to the Trang An Complex, Mua Cave, Tam Coc, Tuyet Tinh Coc, Van Long Natural Reserve, and the Thung Nham Bird Park. These natural sites allowed us to bask in the stunning landscapes and observe the local wildlife.

In addition to the natural wonders, your journey encompassed cultural and historical treasures, including visits to the Hoa Lu ancient capital, the King Dinh and King Le Temples, the Bai Dinh Pagoda, and the Bich Dong Pagoda. These stops provided us with a deeper understanding of the historical and spiritual significance of the region.

With a satisfying lunch, an informative guide, and access to drinking water, our Ninh Binh adventure was well-rounded and thoughtfully arranged, ensuring we had a memorable and fulfilling experience.

On Day 10, we began our day with a leisurely start, sleeping in after our late arrival the previous night. We headed to an Indian restaurant for a delightful brunch to kickstart our day. Later, we checked out of our hotel and made our way to Hang Dao Market for some last-minute shopping, taking advantage of the opportunity to pick up souvenirs and mementos.

In the evening, we reached the airport by 6:33 PM, as our flight was scheduled to depart at 7:55 PM, whisking us away to Saigon. By 10:26 PM, we touched down in Saigon, bringing our journey full circle as we returned to this vibrant city to conclude our unforgettable adventure.

As our initial itinerary underwent a change on the very first day of our trip, we decided to shift our focus to the enchanting Mui Ne City, known for its captivating sand dunes. To save some funds, we made a conscious choice not to book a hotel for an overnight stay. Instead, we secured a bus for our journey to Mui Ne City the following morning.

In the meantime, we stored our luggage at the transport office, allowing us the freedom to explore the city individually. Some of our group members took advantage of this time to rest and found a peaceful spot in a park to catch up on sleep. This flexibility in our plans not only helped us save money but also added an adventurous and spontaneous element to our journey.

On Day 11 of our journey, we wrapped up our daily routines and boarded the bus, which commenced its journey at 10:15 AM. Our destination was Mui Ne, and by 12:15 PM, we had arrived at this picturesque coastal town.

Our choice for accommodations was the EVA Hut Mui Ne Homestay, known for its exceptional beachside location and breathtaking views. The homestay was equipped with a lovely kitchen, giving us the opportunity to prepare some meals for ourselves. Given the previous day's adventures and limited sleep, we decided to take a well-deserved rest, recharging our energy for the upcoming Mui Ne experiences.

On Day 12, our day began with an exciting trip that we had pre-booked. This adventure included a visit to the mesmerizing sand dunes of Mui Ne to witness the enchanting sunrise. After enjoying the stunning natural spectacle, we proceeded to explore the Mui Ne fishing village market, which provided us with a glimpse into the local culture and livelihoods of the fishing community.

Our journey continued with a visit to the Fairy Stream in Mui Ne, a unique and surreal natural attraction known for its vividly colored landscapes and intriguing rock formations. It was a day filled with incredible sights and experiences that allowed us to appreciate the beauty and diversity of Mui Ne.

On Day 13, we planned to make our way back to Saigon, as our return flight was scheduled to depart from there. To maximize our time in the city, we booked an early morning bus. By 12:45 PM, we had arrived in Saigon, allowing us ample time to engage in some last-minute shopping.

Our destination for shopping was the renowned Ben Thanh Market, where we found all sorts of interesting and unique items. After completing our shopping spree, we indulged in a delicious meal at Banana Leaf Saigon.

With our shopping done and our hunger sated, we made our way to Saigon Airport, marking the end of our memorable journey in Vietnam. Our trip had been filled with incredible experiences and left us with a treasure trove of memories to cherish.

On Day 14, we arrived back at Mumbai Airport and caught an early morning domestic flight to Bangalore. By 9:34 AM, we had safely returned home, bringing our adventurous journey to a close. It was a trip filled with incredible experiences and unforgettable memories, and we were back in the comfort of our own home, reflecting on the amazing moments we had encountered throughout our Vietnam adventure.