A Love Rekindled: Aditya’s Anniversary Adventure in Vietnam with Thrillophilia
I closed my laptop with a satisfied sigh. The weeks of juggling deadlines and coding marathons were finally behind me. As I glanced at the calendar on my desk, the date circled in red caught my eye - our anniversary trip to Vietnam!
I called out to my wife while stepping into the living room where she was packing our bags. “I double-checked the itinerary, everything looks great, and anyways, we have got each other, right?”
My wife smiled warmly and added, “Vietnam, huh? I have heard it is very beautiful. Do you think it will live up to the hype?”
I chuckled and replied, “Let us go find out.”
A Perfect Beginning in Ho Chi Minh City
Our anniversary trip kicked off in the best way possible as we landed in Ho Chi Minh City. Excitement buzzed between us as we spotted our driver holding a placard with our names.
Our driver was a friendly localite who transferred us from the airport to our hotel. The drive through the city was only a teaser of what was to come: vibrant streets alive with scooters, street food vendors, and a mix of modern skyscrapers and colonial buildings.
When we arrived at our hotel, we were greeted with big smiles and even a small anniversary surprise- flowers and a note in our room! Speaking of the room, it was sheer luxury. Spacious, with a dreamy king-size bed, soft lighting, and huge windows offering a spectacular view of the city’s skyline.
I really wanted to take a nap after our long journey, however, my sweet wife reminded me, “We have got dinner on a cruise tonight. Let’s quickly freshen up and start getting ready!”
The Saigon Princess Dinner Cruise turned out to be a perfect remedy for our tired nerves. As the boat glided along the Mekong Delta, the city lights danced on the water like a million tiny fireflies.
“This,” she said, raising her glass of sparkling wine, “is exactly what we needed.”
I nodded in agreement, taking in the view. “It is surreal. Like we have left all our stress back in Mumbai.”
The evening was filled with soft music, delicious cuisine, and whispered conversations about our future dreams.
History Beneath the Surface of Cu Chi Tunnels
The next morning, we joined a group tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, which was a widespread network of underground passages used during the Vietnam War.
“Can you imagine living down here for months?” my wife asked, peeking into one of the narrow tunnels.
“Not unless they had Wi-Fi”, I replied jokingly, earning a playful elbow jab from her.
Our guide was a passionate storyteller and he brought the history of the tunnels to life by describing the originality and resilience of the Vietnamese soldiers. For me, it was a humbling reminder of how much could be endured for the sake of freedom.
A Fairytale in Da Nang
Flying into Da Nang, we went on a journey to the Ba Na Hills, where the famous Golden Hand Bridge awaited. Suspended above a sea of mist, the colossal stone hands supporting the bridge seemed to belong to a mythical giant.
“It is like walking into a fantasy novel”, my wife said.
I immediately took out my camera and snapped a picture of her against the backdrop of the bridge. “This one is going straight to Instagram”, I said with a smile.
We also explored the Le Jardin D’Amour flower garden and laughed as we tried to guess the stories behind the whimsical architecture. “This place is more romantic than I imagined,” my wife said.
Lanterns and Love
Hoi An turned out to be one of the most favourite stops for my wife. The ancient town, with its cobblestone streets and glowing lanterns, was a dreamlike experience.
At the Nguyen Hoang night market, we picked out trinkets for the family back home. “This will look perfect in our living room,” she said, holding up a hand-painted lantern.
As we walked along the Hoai River, the reflection of countless lanterns shimmered on the water’s surface. “Do you remember our first date?” she asked.
“How could I forget?” I replied. “But this... this might be even more magical.”
We ended the evening with a candlelit dinner, the flickering flames casting soft shadows as we exchanged stories from our years together.
From the Streets of Hanoi to the Waters of Halong Bay
Our Hanoi city tour was a whirlwind of culture and charm, but it was the cruise on Halong Bay that truly stole our hearts. Boarding the boat, she could not contain her excitement and said, “I have been waiting for this moment!”
As the cruise made its way through the emerald waters, we marvelled at the limestone karsts rising dramatically from the sea. “Nature really outdid herself here,” I said.
We also kayaked near Pearl Farm Village, explored the mesmerising Surprise Cave, and learned to make Vietnamese spring rolls during a cooking class on deck. That night, lying down under a canopy of stars, we turned to each other:
“Happy anniversary,” she whispered.
“Happy anniversary,” I replied, kissing her forehead.
Reflecting on the Journey
Back in Mumbai, I couldn’t help but drift off into memories of our trip while typing up my review for Thrillophilia. I was recounting the beautiful memories I got to create in Vietnam with the love of my life.
After such an amazing experience, below are some of my personal recommendations:
- Skip the regular tourist trail and explore Sapa, Dalat, Hue, or Phu Quoc for a deeper dive into Vietnam’s beauty.
- Group tours are a mixed bag - you meet great people but lose time for personal exploration.
Finally, I would like to conclude by saying:
Vietnam is an experience in itself. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh to the ethereal beauty of Halong Bay, every moment is etched into our memories. This trip was perfect and memorable from end-to-end.
Just as I was going to hit "submit," my wife walked in with two steaming cups of coffee.
“Reliving the trip?” she asked, handing me one.
“Always,” I replied, grinning. “And dreaming about the next one.”
Read More: Thrillophilia Vietnam Reviews