The Country of Unique Experiences: Nilesh’s Family Trip to Vietnam with Thrillophilia

“Life isn’t meant to be confined within four walls; it’s meant to be lived through experiences.” This belief has always guided me, especially when it comes to raising my son. I want him to explore life in every way possible—from excelling in studies and sports to learning about diverse cultures and people through travel.

Being part of the hospitality industry, I meet people from all walks of life and hear countless stories about their travels. Recently, I came across many fascinating tales about Vietnam—its breathtaking monuments, charming villages, delicious food, and rich history. The idea of visiting this beautiful country has been on my mind ever since.

As my son was wrapping up his final exams, I promised him a well-deserved vacation once they were free. After all that hard work, they deserved a break! When asked where my family wanted to go, my son excitedly said, “Vietnam! My best friend went there last year, and it sounded so cool and fun!”

I couldn’t believe how perfectly our thoughts aligned. Luckily, I had already done my homework and bookmarked a few Vietnam travel packages. One from Thrillophilia stood out—it offered the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and fun activities. Without much hesitation, I booked it, and soon we were all set to explore the “Land of Dragons.”

The Cycling Adventure in Hanoi

When we arrived in Hanoi, the first thing that struck us was how colourful and charming the city is. After checking in at the hotel, we decided to keep it easy on the first day and explore a bit on our own. We visited the famous Hanoi Opera House and were taken aback by its grandeur and magnificence. We took some time to explore the area, learning about its history and cultural significance. 

Unfortunately, there wasn’t a performance scheduled during our visit, so we headed to the Old Quarters, soaking in the lively atmosphere, and tried ‘’pho’’ for dinner—it was so flavorful and comforting! My son loved it and even insisted on trying ‘’banh mi’’, which quickly became his new favourite. We also took some time to explore the bustling market of the Old Quarters and shopped for local handicrafts and souvenirs, while enjoying the lively atmosphere. 

We started the day at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, which fascinated my son and sparked many questions about Vietnam’s history. Next, we visited the tranquil One-Pillar Pagoda, a peaceful break in our busy day. But the highlight was the cycling tour around the Old Quarters. Riding through narrow streets, vibrant shops, and lively markets was a unique experience that thrilled the kids. A quick stop for bun cha, Hanoi’s famous pork dish, gave us the perfect energy boost for the adventure.

Cruising in the Magical Halong Bay

It was our first time on a cruise and it was nothing short of magical gliding through the emerald waters of Vietnam and the scenic beauty around us. Everything was quite new and amazing for us but the highlight was kayaking through the emerald waters. Paddling between towering limestone islands and into hidden caves felt like an adventure straight out of a movie.

The water was so calm and clear that we could see small fish swimming beneath us. My family was thrilled, splashing around and marvelling at the beauty of the bay. We even paused near Ti Top Island to soak in the peaceful surroundings. It was an unforgettable experience, blending adventure with the peaceful surrounding waters.

The Golden Bridge or The God’s Hands!

Our visit to Da Nang was unforgettable, especially seeing the Golden Bridge. As we walked along the majestic bridge, held up by giant stone hands, we couldn’t stop marvelling at the view. The lush mountains surrounding the bridge, the misty clouds, and the magnificent wonder felt like they were God’s hands taking us on a beautiful journey.

My son, wide-eyed with excitement, said, “We’ve only seen this in pictures, and now we’re actually here!” Of course, we took so many photos—it was too beautiful not to capture every angle.  

Another highlight was exploring Hoi An, a charming town that felt like stepping into a storybook. The narrow lanes lined with centuries-old houses, lanterns swaying in the breeze, and colourful shops were mesmerising. The Japanese Covered Bridge stood out with its unique architecture. Our guide told us its historical importance and took us around many places for a deeper insightful experience. 

We then enjoyed a peaceful boat trip around My Tho, which was a perfect way to end the day. Cruising through the calm waters, we passed floating markets and endless rice fields. We had never seen such a market and they were quite unique and fun to explore! 

This part of the trip felt like a dream come to life, blending awe-inspiring sights with serene moments.

A Fun Ending to the Trip

Our last destination on the itinerary was Ho Chi Minh City. Exploring this unique city was full of adventure and rejuvenation, a perfect end to a perfect trip. First, we visited the Cu Chi Tunnels which were both fascinating and adventurous. Crawling through the narrow underground passages gave us a glimpse of how the Viet Cong lived and strategised during the war. My son was amazed by the dark tunnels! 

Next, we took the city tour, and the Reunification Palace stood out for me with its grandeur and deep historical significance. Walking through its halls felt like stepping into a time capsule of Vietnam’s journey to victory.

That night, before heading back, we enjoyed a nice dinner acknowledging how amazing the trip had been and making a pact to enjoy such trips more in the future. It was a fun evening with delicious food and my happy family!

Read more: Thrillophilia Vietnam Reviews