Rekindling Friendships: Nilesh’s Vietnam Adventure Review with Thrillophilia
After what felt like ages, I finally got the chance to reconnect with two of my old friends and their families for an memorable adventure in Vietnam.
We had all been caught up in our busy lives, but this trip was the perfect opportunity to relive our youthful spirit while creating new memories with our families.
As we explored the lively streets of Hanoi and the stunning landscapes of Halong Bay, it felt like no time had passed at all. The laughter, shared meals, and heartwarming moments made it a trip to remember.
Today, I’m excited to share my family's experience- filled with fun, exploration, and a little bit of nostalgia as we all embraced the beauty and culture of Vietnam together. Let’s dive into the highlights of our journey!
Our Walk Through the Golden Bridge
Our Vietnam trip kicked off at Ba Na Hills, and the Golden Bridge was the first thing on our list. I had seen countless photos of it, but nothing beats seeing those giant hands holding up the golden pathway in real life. The bridge was stunning, almost magical, with clouds rolling in and the panoramic views of the hills.
My son, who’s usually hard to impress, stood there for a moment, just taking it all in. “Dad, this place is insane,” he said, clicking pictures with his phone, trying to capture every angle.
We spent some time walking across the bridge, marvelling at how beautifully it blended with the surroundings. The weather was perfect, with just the right amount of mist giving the bridge an even more dramatic look. My wife, always the one encouraging us to get that perfect shot, said, “Make sure you get the whole bridge in the frame!”
After the Golden Bridge, we explored the rest of Ba Na Hills, which was like stepping into a fairy tale. We wandered through the beautiful Le Jardin D’Amour gardens, with vibrant flowers and quirky statues around every corner. My wife loved the Linh Ung Pagoda; it had such a serene vibe, and the towering Buddha statue was a sight to behold.
The Debay Wine Cellar was a pleasant surprise. My son found it cool to see a French wine cellar in the middle of Vietnam, and we even had a little wine-tasting session. As we sipped our wine, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this trip- the perfect start to our Vietnam adventure with my family.
Our Journey to the Fansipan Peak
Next, we headed to Sapa Valley, where stunning rice terraces and towering mountains awaited us. Our main focus was to conquer Fansipan Peak, the highest mountain in Vietnam, but we also made time to explore the charming Cat Cat Village.
We started our adventure in Cat Cat Village, walking through narrow paths lined with traditional wooden houses. My wife picked up a few handmade crafts, while my son enjoyed interacting with local children. “This place feels so alive, Dad,” he said, pointing at the colourful traditional attire worn by the villagers.
After soaking in the village’s charm, we set off for Fansipan Peak. The journey itself was fantastic: first, a small bus ride, then a monorail, followed by a scenic cable car ride, which holds the record for the longest and highest in the world. As we soared above the lush landscape, my son remarked, “I can’t believe how beautiful this is!” The anticipation built as we lastly hiked to the summit.
Reaching the top was exhilarating. Standing at 3,147 metres, we felt on top of the world. The mist swirling around us added a magical touch to the stunning views. “We did it!” my son exclaimed, taking a moment to breathe in the fresh mountain air. Sapa Valley was a perfect cultural adventure, making it one of the highlights of our trip.
Through Culture and Cuisine
After our adventure in Sapa Valley, we made our way to Hoi An, a charming town known for its well-preserved ancient architecture and vibrant culture. Our stay was classic, located just a few kilometres from the beach and the bustling ancient town. We loved the relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to explore this beautiful area.
One of our favourite experiences was visiting the Cam Thanh Coconut Forest. We hopped into traditional boats and glided through the serene waterways surrounded by lush greenery. It was a unique way to immerse ourselves in the lively Vietnamese culture. My son playfully paddled while I tried to steer our boat, leading to some good-natured laughter.
We also visited the Linh Ung Pagoda, where the towering statue of Buddha offered a peaceful backdrop for reflection. Later, we enjoyed the magical sight of floating lantern boats on the river, lighting up the night like stars. The famous night market was a highlight of our visit, where we sampled unusual local delicacies.
A Serene Escape
Our adventure in Vietnam wouldn’t have been complete without a full-day cruise through Halong Bay, a true vacation vibe place. As we set sail, the stunning limestone karsts rose dramatically from the emerald waters, creating a breathtaking backdrop that felt like stepping into a postcard. Surrounded by the calm of nature and the magnificent caves, we knew this was a place like no other.
We began our day with a visit to Luon Cave, where we hopped into kayaks and paddled through the serene waters, flanked by huge cliffs and lush greenery. “I feel like a movie star in a romantic film,” my wife joked as she expertly manoeuvred our kayak.
After kayaking, we had the chance to swim in the warm waters, which was refreshing and fun. Floating there, I turned to my son and said, “Yahi ruk jaye kya?” to which he laughed, “Haan Papa, I could get used to this. Who needs a beach resort?”
The most fascinating thing exploring Sung Sot Grotto, where the intricate cave formations took our breath away. My wife remarked, "These caves look like something from a storybook!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder. I replied, “If we see a dragon in here, I’m officially never leaving!” We both laughed, imagining ourselves in a fantasy world.
Halong Bay truly captured our hearts and marked a perfect end to our Vietnam family trip. We liked the way things were well planned meticulously. Overall our 9-day tour was value for money and well organised.
Read More: Thrillophilia Vietnam Reviews