🇻🇳 Vietnam 2022 – A Year-End Journey(22nd–28th December, 2022)

The much-awaited Vietnam trip finally happened at the end of 2022. We had been planning this adventure since September — hours of research, comparing prices, deciding the itinerary, and getting our tickets, visa, insurance and forex in place. By the time December arrived, excitement had already taken over.

🌙 22nd December — Touchdown in Hanoi

We started from Kolkata at 10 PM and reached Hanoi around 2:10 AM.Our hotel, Silk Classic, was already booked, and after a sleepy cab ride through the quiet streets of the city, we checked in and collapsed into our rooms.

🌆 23rd December — Exploring Hanoi Like Locals

We began the day determined to explore Hanoi through local eyes — sightseeing mixed with street food, culture and slow wandering.

A Grab taxi (their version of Ola/Uber) took us to the Old Quarters, buzzing with life even early in the day. We visited:

• Tran Quoc Pagoda

• Truc Bach Lake

• The peaceful West Lake area

• Temple of Literature

• Flag Tower

Lunch was at Heritage Hotel, where the food — pork, chicken, prawn, baked dishes — was absolutely delicious.

After returning to the hotel for a short rest, we headed back out for a walking tour around the Old Quarters, slipping into the night markets, tasting small bites, and finally enjoying egg coffee at Train Street, watching the narrow lane come alive with anticipation.

🎄 24th December — Christmas Eve in Hanoi

We started early, determined to finish the rest of our sightseeing. We visited:

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

• One Pillar Pagoda

Lunch was at a simple street café — comforting and perfectly local.

Back at the hotel, we rested briefly, then stepped out again for Christmas Eve celebrations.The Night Market near Hoàn Kiếm Lake was glowing with lights. A famous Christmas carnival and concert filled the area with music and energy. Afterward, we walked to St. Joseph’s Cathedral, where the festive atmosphere was warm and crowded in the best way.

We ended the night with dinner and Christmas cake — a simple, happy celebration far from home.

🌄 25th December — A Christmas in Ninh Bình

This was our planned day tour to Ninh Bình. A limousine bus picked us up along with ten other travellers.

Our first stop was the Mua and Lying Dragon Caves, where we climbed 820 steps to the top — exhausting but breathtaking, with panoramic views of the mountains and rivers.

Next came a cycling trip to Hoa Lư / King’s Castle, and then the highlight of the day:a peaceful Trang An boat ride for over two hours. Floating through naturally carved caves, surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains, felt almost unreal.

We returned to Hanoi in the evening. After freshening up, we headed to church for Christmas service, followed by dinner — a beautiful end to a memorable day.

🌊 26th December — Off to Halong Bay

We took a limousine cab to Halong Bay, reached our hotel and boarded our cruise for two days of exploring the bay, caves and beaches.

The 3-hour cruise trip was magical. We visited:

• The largest cave of the Descending Dragon

• Sung Sot Cave

• Took a cave tour

• Went kayaking

• Enjoyed bamboo boat rides

• Relaxed at Titop Beach

By evening, we returned to our hotel and enjoyed a quiet dinner by the bay.

☀️ 27th December — A Day of Leisure

This day was meant for slowing down. We spent time at Diamond Beach, had lunch, relaxed by the water, and returned to our hotel to prepare for our flight.

✈️ 28th December — Goodbye Vietnam

Our flight was at midnight. After dinner and check-out, we headed to the airport.As the plane took off, it felt bittersweet — the trip had ended far too soon, leaving us a little nostalgic.

Since 2023 was about to begin, we made a small wish:may the coming year bring even more beautiful journeys.

Budget per person: ₹57,000