A Thrillophilia Review on Pavani’s Vietnam Escapade
“Let this trip be worth every day I waited for it,” Pavani whispered to herself as she stepped into Hanoi’s early morning air. After planning carefully and preparing for a long journey, she wanted a holiday that felt organised and meaningful.
When her driver greeted her at the airport with a clear schedule and an early check in already arranged, she felt a small sense of relief settle in. It was the start of a journey that would take her from historic pagodas to limestone caves, from calm coastlines to vibrant lantern streets, and from quiet rivers to stories hidden beneath the earth.
A Gentle Introduction to Hanoi
Her first day in Hanoi began with a relaxed hotel check in and a warm lunch before she joined the half day city tour. Tran Quoc Pagoda gave her a calm beginning. Its lakeside setting and steady breeze helped her ease into Vietnam’s rhythm. The Ho Chi Minh complex gave her a deeper look into the life of the leader whose presence shaped the country. She walked through the garden, observed the preserved residence, and spent a quiet moment near the One Pillar Pagoda, a structure she found unique.
The Museum of Ethnology opened up stories of Vietnam’s many ethnic groups. She enjoyed the way the displays helped her understand the cultural layers of the country. Later, she visited the Temple of Literature and then Hanoi Train Street, where the narrow lanes, cafes, and tracks created a lively atmosphere.
Her second day took her to Ninh Binh. She enjoyed the history at Hoa Lu and the calm beauty of the Tam Coc boat ride. The caves, limestone cliffs, and green fields looked almost unreal. The cycling that followed felt different from what she expected. She had hoped for a guided ride through local villages, but instead they were simply given cycles on a normal lane. It felt more like a photo stop than an actual exploration. Even so, the scenery was pleasant, and she appreciated the quiet paths.
Cruising Through Halong Bay and Moving Toward New Cities
The next morning began with a scenic drive to Halong Bay. Boarding the cruise felt smooth, and the welcome on deck made her feel comfortable. She enjoyed the lunch as the boat moved between tall limestone formations. The visit to Titop Island, the swim, and the kayaking brought variety to the day. Later, the cooking class and tea time on the sundeck helped her end the day with ease.
The early morning Tai Chi session felt peaceful, and the light breakfast prepared her for the visit to Surprise Cave. Walking through the chambers, she admired the reflections, rock shapes, and bright spaces inside. The cruise ended with brunch before she returned to Hanoi and took her flight to Da Nang.
Her hotel in Da Nang gave her a pleasant welcome. The city had a comfortable atmosphere, and she found it easy to settle in. Her next day was reserved for Ba Na Hills. The cable car ride, the Golden Bridge, the flower gardens, and the vibrant French Village created a full day of activity. She enjoyed the buffet lunch and liked how organised the place felt.
A Mixed Experience in Hoi An
Her local Da Nang tour the next day began with Marble Mountain, where the caves and viewpoints offered a combination of history and nature. Son Tra Peninsula gave her views of the coastline, and the Lady Buddha statue stood tall above the landscape. She visited the Champa Sculpture Museum and later stopped at Han Market, where she explored local items and produce.
The afternoon was dedicated to Hoi An. This was the part of the trip where she felt the itinerary could have been better. The ancient town was charming, with its lanterns, bridges, craft workshops, and historic structures, but she felt the time there was shorter than she hoped. One of the guides focused too much on taking the group to shops, which reduced the time left for actual sightseeing. She wished she had one or two more days in Hoi An because the atmosphere felt warm and inviting.
Even with these challenges, the boat ride on the river in Hoi An at night gave her a quiet and beautiful moment. The lanterns reflected softly on the water, and she enjoyed the small experience of drifting through the glow lit lanes.
Stories of History and Rivers That Carry Life
Her next flight took her to Ho Chi Minh City. The afternoon was dedicated to the Cu Chi Tunnels. The guide here impressed her with his clear explanations of the war period, the construction of the tunnels, and the resilience of the people who lived inside them. Walking through the preserved sections and seeing the structures added weight to the experience.
Her final day took her to the Mekong Delta. The visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda, the boat ride across the river, the fruit orchards, the honey tea, the local workshops, and the later cycling time created a balanced mix of activities. She felt connected to the countryside and enjoyed seeing how people lived along the river. The evening shopping in Ho Chi Minh City gave her a light ending before her late night drop at the airport.
Reflecting on the entire experience, Pavani felt that Thrillophilia’s team in India worked hard to ensure everything stayed smooth. She appreciated the planning, the steady communication, and the way they handled her requests. She shared her suggestions for Hoi An and Ninh Binh cycling with the hope that future travellers could benefit from those improvements. Even with these points, she believed that the effort from the team, the quality of the hotels, and the overall structure made her journey memorable.
Read More: Thrillophilia Vietnam Reviews