Experiencing the ultimate adventure in Vietnam - Yaba Travellers
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V I E T N A M

Experiencing the ultimate adventure in Vietnam

Experiencing the ultimate adventure in Vietnam

Vietnam is indeed a destination for truly adventurous souls. It’s a place that will make you remember every single thing you did there even after you leave. Various images, sounds, scents! We are here to share our ultimate adventure in Vietnam, what to do there and share as many feelings as possible.

Off we go to Vietnam!

LOCATION

Our trip


Seems that that Saturday morning that we had a direct flight from Athens to Singapore with Scoot, would be just the very beginning of a life-changing trip. After we had spent two great days in beautiful Singapore, we got ready for our next morning flight, using Scoot again, this time with Vietnam being our next destination. And this, my friend, is how we ended landing, three hours later in a new country ready for a new and welcomed adventure.

Check also: Nội Bài International Airport Private Transfer

First station Hanoi-the capital city


Right after landing and claiming our luggage, we met with our driver in the arrivals hall as he was waiting for us with a welcoming wide smile and holding a tag with our names on it.  We headed in the bustling city and we stuck our faces gazing at the thousands of motor scooters , the tall and narrow houses and whatever our eyes could capture. This is how we finally reached the place where we were supposed to stay in, the Old Quarter. This region is there from the Imperial Times and is what we call today the center of Hanoi. A densely populated area and full of energy is exactly what you need to get the authentic vibe of Vietnam.

What we saw and experienced.


Street Food Tour

Our first experience just a few hours after we reached, was a 3 hour street food tour that we booked through our hotel. There are numerous travel agencies though that can book for you such a tour and it will come at 20-25 dollars per person. It is an ultimate adventure in Vietnam that one must, as far as we are concerned, try as you will dive into the delights and flavors of Vietnam, guided of course by your tour guide explaining exactly what you are tasting and the story behind each plate. So set the little foodie monster that you hide free! Get ready to try pho (one of the most famous plates), bun cha (personally our favorite) and Vietnamese spring rolls.

Check this popular food tour: Hanoi Street Food: Small-Group Walking Tour

Ho Guom Plaza (Shark Jaws) in the Old Quarter


If you want to see the original “madness” of Hanoi accompanied by a great view of the Hoan Kiem lake you should go to the crossroad of this specific mall. It is a trademark of the city, that will leave you in awe with how the cars are moving, especially the motor scooter in a huge crossroad that does not have traffic lights! In order for us to enjoy the view we visited a small café right across the mall.

Read also: Why Singapore must be your Next Travel Destination

Hoam Kiem Lake


 

A lake that one can see like an oasis in the center of Hanoi! You can enjoy your walk gazing how the locals and small merchants live, tourists enjoying romantic moment. A really pretty spot there is the red bridge (The Huc Bridge), as well as the small tower (Turtle Tower) that are illuminated at night.

 

 

Hoa Lo Prison Museum


Vietnam is a country that has a really painful history background. Numerous conquerors, war and a lot of pain.  Paying a visit to the Hoa Lo museum will be a real  food for thought for you, that you seek it. Hoa Lo that is basically a prison, which the French colonial occupiers used in order to keep there the Vietnamese communists of that period. Later, the same prison was used by the Vietnamese to do  the same with the American soldiers. As one obviously understands, it is not exactly what you can call fun, but is definitely interesting.

The Temple of Literature


 

A real sample of the perfectly preserved Vietnamese architecture  is this temple that honors all the fellow scholars and it is dedicated to Confucius. It was established by the emperor Ly Thanh Tong back in 1070 and it is simply magnificent to behold. We came to realize that this place is used for the graduation ceremony of the students!

 

 

The Vietnamese Women’s museum


A contemporary dedicated to the women of Vietnam! In this museum, you can see the life of the woman through the traditions of marriage, their daily life, the evolving of her current role and her role during war periods. It was a truly interesting visit for those who wish to know in greater depth these women that are the definition of strength.

(Some extra interesting activities you can also do when in Hanoi is visit: Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, National Museum of Vietnamese History, Tran Quoc Pagoda, St Joseph’s Cathedral)

 

Next stop: the Halong Bay


It was definitely one of the most impressive landscapes we have visited so far. This is the Halong Bay! As you can probably suppose it could not be excluded from UNESCO’s list and so it didn’t from ours. What we are talking about is a gulf with thousands of islands looking like they just fell from the sky! Halong Bay was totally the ultimate adventure in Vietnam.

 

 

Watch the full video!!!

The cruise


Our excursion began from Hanoi and about 3,5 hours later we found ourselves in Hanlong city, which didn’t have anything special to see. We went straight to the port and from that, we boarded in the cruise ship where we would spend our night. All these plans so far were already arranged plans from the team of the cruise ship (going from and to Hanoi city). This is where we found ourselves dining with 10 people we never met before and being closer and closer to this stunning landscape.

The pictures that you can see speak for themselves. In these two days we had the chance to enjoy the sunbeams bursting reluctantly into one of the most gorgeous sunrises we have ever witnessed, we went canoeing, we visited a pearl cultivation farm as well as the gulf’s biggest cave.

The cost of this cruise will come at 180-400 dollars for 2 days- 1 night and it’s all inclusive (for two people). If you are able to invest a bit more, do so, this experience totally worth it!

Check also: Hanoi: 2-Day & 1-Night Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay Luxury Cruise

Third station: Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)


What is next after Halong Bay is South Vietnam and to be more specific, Saigon city that nowadays is called Ho Chi Minh. As soon as you reach the city you will realize at a glimpse the differences that the South  part has with the North that we were at till now. The city is way more modern with the evident influence of the western elements that the French architecture left. It was anyways  colony of the French people. Although we were more fascinated by the Hanoi city vibe, ex Saigon city had also many interesting parts to see.

 

The Cu Chi Tunnels


There reason why we will be starting with these tunnels is because, apart from the fact that it takes an hour’s drive to get there and it’s outside the  city centre, it is undoubtedly the ultimate adventure in Vietnam and one of the  most interesting part of the city. During the war, the Viet Congs had built their own underground colonies in a particular part of the land, located in tiny tunnels where they were protected from their enemies. This is the point where you will be fascinated by the human’s inventive ability when his life is under threat, but you will also get to understand many aspects of the War of Vietnam.

Check also: Cu Chi Tunnels & VIP Speedboat Tour

Saigon’s Cathedral


 

This Cathedral, which is located in the centre of the city is a characteristic example of the French influence. Built from French colonists around 1863, its distinctive characteristics are the two domes that it has and are 58 meters each.

 

 

 

The Post Office


Right next to the Cathedral, another building based upon the model of French architecture, is the Post Office. Today, the Post Office, serves, apart from what its name states, as a tourist attraction as well. Its trademark is an enormous image depicting Chi Minh’s face.

Ho Chi Minh has also other interesting spots, equally attractive, like the War Museum and Independence Palace. Although we didn’t have the chance to do as much as we wish to, due to an unfortunate, yet short illness of one of the two Yabatravellers, (Vasiliki was the screwed one!). Thankfully everything went according to the plan and the end of our trip left us with the sweetest of the tastes from this awesome destination.

If you, yourself feel also ready for such an endless adventure, you had better book your tickets here!

Read also: Why Singapore must be your Next Travel Destination

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