Lanterns, Legends and Laughter — A Memorable Vietnam Journey

It was a bright Sunday morning, and as usual, we all gathered—something we’ve done for the past 14 years. We became part of this wonderful group back then, and since then, they’ve not only been among our genuine clients but also a cherished part of our travel family.

Groups like this—and many others—have travelled with us for years through our Travel Bhishi (community savings group) concept. Members contribute a fixed amount each month, set aside solely for travel. By year-end, the group enjoys a well-planned domestic or international tour, free from last-minute financial stress. After all, planning is the key to every successful journey.

One of our oldest groups is a team of doctors who’ve travelled with us for nearly 15 years. When their children were young, they started with Indian destinations—from Himachal’s snow peaks to Kerala’s backwaters, Rajasthan’s forts to Sikkim’s serenity. After exploring India, they ventured abroad to Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Macau, Hong Kong, Bali, and several European countries. Every year, we design something new for them.

This year, our journey took us to Vietnam—a land of emerald waters, rich history, and timeless charm.

We began our journey in Hanoi, Vietnam’s elegant capital. After a hearty Indian breakfast, we set off for the magnificent Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sailing across turquoise waters framed by limestone cliffs was breathtaking. The group relished local cuisine on the cruise, explored the ThienCung Caves, and rode bamboo boats near the cliffs. The laughter, photos, and camaraderie made Halong Bay truly unforgettable.

On the way back, we stopped at a pearl farm to see how pearls are formed and crafted — a fascinating experience. Back in Hanoi, we visited the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Each site reflected the pride and simplicity of Vietnamese culture.

The next day took us to NinhBinh, often called “Halong Bay on land”. We glided through narrow waterways bordered by rice fields and limestone mountains, visiting the Bich Dong Pagoda and Trang An Grottoes—both postcard-perfect. This serene province, where scenes from King Kong were filmed, felt like a dream.

From Hanoi, a short flight took us to Da Nang, a vibrant coastal city. Our first stop was the Marble Mountains—five marble and limestone hills, each representing one of the five elements. Inside the caves, we found ancient pagodas and a former war shelter for wounded soldiers—a humbling reminder of Vietnam’s past.

The highlight of Da Nang was undoubtedly BàNà Hills, rising 1,487 metres above sea level. We rode the world’s longest cable car to the summit and marvelled at the iconic Golden Bridge, held aloft by two giant stone hands. Higher up, a beautifully recreated French village awaited—cobblestone streets, castles, and cool mountain mist made it truly magical.

A short drive brought us to Hoi An, my favourite town in Vietnam. Known as the “City of Lanterns”, it glows each evening with thousands of colourful lanterns reflecting on the Thu Bon River. We joined a lantern-making workshop, visited the Japanese Bridge, and floated our own lanterns—a moment of pure serenity. Walking through its vehicle-free streets lined with ancient houses and cafés felt like stepping back in time.

Before leaving Da Nang, we explored its lively riverside Night Market—filled with souvenirs, conical hats, and cheerful street vendors. The next morning, we flew to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam’s bustling commercial capital.

Here, we visited the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used by Vietnamese soldiers during the war. Crawling through the tunnels offered a glimpse of their courage and endurance. Some even fired the historic AK-47 — a thrilling experience.

In Ho Chi Minh City, we visited the War Remnants Museum, showcasing photographs, tanks, and aircraft from the Vietnam War — a sobering reminder of the nation’s strength and resilience.

From there, we headed to the Mekong Delta, a lush region of rivers and islands. Cruising along the river, we visited Unicorn Island, sipped fresh coconut water, tasted tropical fruits like dragon fruit and longan, and enjoyed Vietnamese folk music performed by villagers in traditional attire — simple yet deeply soulful.

On our last day, we explored Ben Thanh Market, the city’s popular shopping hub, before dining at Banana Leaf—a well-known Indian restaurant loved by travellers. The next morning, with hearts full of joy and memories, we flew back to Mumbai. This Vietnam trip was another memorable chapter in our Travel Bhishi story—filled with laughter, learning, and friendship. Even today, when we meet on Sundays, we relive those moments and dream of our next adventure—this time, our eyes are set on Egypt!

(The writer is a tourism professional and runs a company, Global Voyages. She could be contacted at goglobalvoyages@gmail.com. Views personal.)