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A girl traveller’s tropical sojourn to Vietnam.
In my solo travels to different parts of India, one thing that has stayed with me forever is the connections made with the locals. From monks who live in the harsh and cold mountains of Kaza in Ladakh to café owners on the quaint beaches of Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh – the solo journeys across India as a woman are equal parts exhilarating and liberating. So, when it came to my first solo international trip, I was super excited to check out what the world has on its plate. The moment I got my passport, the first thing I did was book a flight to the cosmic and enchanting country of Vietnam. The country has had a deep impact on me ever since I can remember. Be it the vibrant chaos of Hanoi, the capital city or the pristine work of Mother Nature at Ha Long Bay, or the mystic allure of Hoi An or the beautiful beaches of Phu Quoc – all these places for me are like chapters in a well-worn travel novel, waiting to be read. So, I packed my bags and headed to the beautiful Vietnam. Here’s a quick throwback at my solo adventure through the captivating landscapes and rich culture of Vietnam.
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I decided to utilize my off days well and opted for a traditional route, i.e. fly down to the beautiful city of Hanoi.
Like any other country, Indian passport holders need a visa to enter Vietnam. The icing on the cake is that e-visa to Vietnam takes only about 3 days to a week. And the cost for the entire process is $25 or ~Rs.2200 only. There are two ways you can get it – third-party apps like Atlys can get it for a service fee or you can get it from the official Vietnam immigration portal as well.
After exploring Hanoi, I took a scenic bus ride from the city to the majestic Ha Long Bay. A 2D/1N cruise to explore the emerald waters amidst towering limestone karsts was a surreal experience. The peacefulness of the bay stood in stark contrast to the bustling streets of Hanoi. The sunset and sunrise felt like I was in a painting by Mother Nature. One of the takeaways was the kayaking through hidden caves, which allowed me to connect with fellow travellers.
Pro tip: Book the cruise for 3D/2N because one night is not enough to appreciate its beauty.
Having majored in history, I have always fancied cities with a deep impact on a country and Hue has a significant place in Vietnam’s heritage. After an overnight train from Hanoi, the city of Hue was a pleasant departure from what the country had to offer. Cycling through the countryside surrounding Hue allowed me to be a part of the Vietnamese culture. Conversations with locals in the rural villages were difficult – neither I could their local language nor they could understand English. Thanks to Google Translate – I got to know about the country's resilience and cultural identity. The flavours of traditional Hue cuisine, especially vegetarian bún bò Huế (Vietnamese noodle soup infused with chili), showcased the diversity of Vietnamese gastronomy.
Must Visit: The Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From a historical city set in the imperial era to a city of utmost importance in the modern era, the historical spectrum Vietnam offered was enough to keep me on my toes. After arriving in Ho Chi Minh City in Southern Vietnam, I felt the pulse of modernity. Ho Chi Minh City, previously known as Saigon, is at par with any other global city when it comes to offering a variety of experiences. From the War Remnants Museum, which reflected the country’s tumultuous past to exploring Cu Chi Tunnels, a network used during the Vietnam War, brought history to life, underscoring the resilience of the Vietnamese people. On the other hand, Saigon's street food scene is a culinary adventure for your tastebuds; from vibrant coffee shops to local restaurants serving lip-smacking pho, the city offers insights into contemporary Vietnamese life.
Even though an emergency didn’t allow me to explore Phu Quoc Island, I am sure I will be back to explore the pristine beaches and azure waters provided a tranquil finale. From what I have read and talked to the locals; Phu Quoc is an ideal destination for a laid-back escapade. Things I have on my bucket list for my next visit – Snorkelling, Seafood, Surfing and Sunsets!
One of the cultural shocks about Vietnam was people here drink a lot of coffee. Local food vendors & cafes would open for business as early as 4am and serve a hot cuppa. It is common for the locals to ba tam or to ‘gossip’ over a cup of coffee. Unlike coffee shops in India or anywhere in the world, coffee shops serve in the open air, with small plastic stools on the footpath and offer people the chance to talk to friends before they get head to work. Fun Fact: I bet you did not know that Vietnam was the world’s second largest exporter of coffee behind Brazil.
One of my major reasons to opt for Vietnam was the country is considered to safe for solo or women travellers. And in my experience, I have found the Vietnamese people to be highly respectful to a foreigner like me. From folks in the village to everyday city people, never in my trip I felt threatened by someone’s presence.
As I left Vietnam in a rush, I took a moment to replay my days spent in Vietnam, I realised that this solo trip proved to be a journey of self-discovery. The country's warmth, resilience, and cultural richness left an indelible mark on my heart. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay and the ancient charm of Hue, Vietnam is a story waiting to be explored—one that transcended the boundaries of language and culture, uniting solo travellers with the universal language of wanderlust.
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