Vietnam: My First Love in Travel

Published by Fred on

Vietnam was the very first country I visited abroad, and because of that, it will always hold a sacred place in my heart. It wasn’t just a stamp on my passport—it was the beginning of a love story with the world. That trip awakened something in me: a hunger to explore, to understand, to feel life outside the borders I’d always known.

You know how sometimes you can imagine something for so long, but it still doesn’t compare to the real thing? That’s exactly how it felt. I’ve always believed that we don’t truly know until we experience. You can read, watch, and dream all you want, but until you’re there—breathing in the air, tasting the food, hearing the sounds—you only have half the picture.

Vietnam gave me the full picture.

A Journey That Started in Doubt—and Ended in Tears
I boarded that plane with a mix of excitement and doubt. I wasn’t sure what I’d find or how I’d feel. And honestly, I cried—a lot. Not out of sadness, but because the experience was just that overwhelming. Every moment felt so new, so full of feeling, like my soul had been cracked open to something bigger than me. And it was all so worth it.

Arriving in Hanoi: My First Step Into the Unknown

I landed in Hanoi around 3 AM in the middle of summer. Even at that hour, the air was thick and humid, like the city was gently wrapping itself around me, saying, Welcome. I couldn’t believe I was finally standing on foreign soil. Vietnam—a place I had only read about—was now under my feet.

The city, with all its political, historical, and cultural richness, instantly intrigued me. It wasn’t just another destination. It was a place that had lived through so much and still stood tall and proud.

A Love Affair with Food

My first day? It was all about food. I walked around Hanoi, letting the scent of street stalls guide me. Noodles. Soups. Dim sum. Flavors I’d never tasted before. Vietnamese food carries a subtle sweetness that warmed my heart just as much as it pleased my palate.

Even a trip to the grocery store felt like an adventure. I laughed to myself when I saw the prices—measured in thousands and millions. For a moment, I was a millionaire in Vietnam.

The Heartbeat of Hanoi

That night, I roamed the city, temple-hopping and people-watching. Hanoi is alive in a way few cities are. I wandered through the bustling Beer Street in Hoan Kiem—bars, pubs, neon lights, music, laughter. I grabbed a bottle of beer, danced in the street, and struck up conversations with strangers who felt like old friends. Hanoi never sleeps, and for that night, neither did I.

Coffee, Culture, and Quiet Moments

The next day, I visited the Royal City Mall, which had its own unique vibe. But the highlight? A cozy café where I tried egg coffee for the first time. Creamy, rich, and strong—it was like a hug in a cup. I sat there sipping slowly, soaking in the moment. That coffee shop felt like a tiny world of its own.

Ha Long Bay: A Piece of Heaven

But nothing prepared me for Ha Long Bay.

The countryside along the way—lush, green, alive—already felt like something out of a painting. But Ha Long Bay was art. The jade waters, the towering limestone islands, the gentle breeze… everything about it felt like the world pressing pause. I went kayaking, explored quiet caves, and stared at the horizon with tears in my eyes.

I remember thinking, This… this is healing.

Nature, in all its raw beauty, reminded me that there’s still so much good and peace in the world. Ha Long Bay wasn’t just a destination; it was a spiritual experience.

Rooftop Views and Soft Reflections

On the fourth day, I treated myself to a rooftop dinner at the InterContinental Landmark72, the tallest hotel in Hanoi. Pizza, wine, and the entire city glittering below me—what a contrast from the chaos of the street markets. Up there, everything looked soft, magical, like a dream I didn’t want to wake up from.

A Bittersweet Goodbye

My final day was a whirlwind—shopping for souvenirs, visiting the iconic train street (which, I’ll admit, made me nervous), and riding on a motorbike through the city’s winding roads. That motorbike ride was wild, exhilarating, and slightly terrifying. But I did it. And I survived. And I felt alive.

As I left Hanoi, a part of me stayed behind.

Getting There and What You Should Know

I flew directly from Manila to Hanoi via Philippine Airlines—a smooth, three-hour flight that marked the beginning of everything. Filipino passport holders don’t need a visa for stays under 21 days, which makes Vietnam such an easy and accessible destination for us.

My Final Words?

Hanoi is more than just a place I visited—it’s my second home.

It gave me courage when I didn’t know I needed it. It gave me joy, healing, perspective, and stories I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.

I didn’t just visit Vietnam. I felt it—deeply, fully. And I’ll never forget the way it made me feel.

Categories: BlogTravels

1 Comment

TommyWap · April 25, 2025 at 8:53 pm

hi

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