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Feb 01 – Farewell, Hanoi

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 It's hard to believe our incredible journey was already coming to an end. After a tiring yet unforgettable island trip, we started our day a bit late, scrambling to pack up our bags and make the most of our final hours in Hanoi. We headed to a local market for some last-minute shopping—though many shops were still closed due to TET, which limited our options. For a quick, satisfying bite, we stopped at Jollibee, enjoying a meal that perfectly hit the spot. As the day went on, we noticed more shops slowly opening up as the holiday festivities wound down. But with our hearts already heavy from the thought of leaving, we decided it was time to say our goodbyes and headed straight to the airport. In our rush, hunger still nagged at us—we even had one last bowl of pho before we knew it. And as we navigated immigration, we couldn’t help but reflect on all the treasures we missed picking up back in Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang, and Hanoi. It was a bittersweet realization and one more lesson in t...
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Jan 31 – Our 1st Marriage Anniversary: A Day on Cat Ba Island

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 Our long-awaited anniversary finally arrived, and we decided to celebrate in style with a day trip to Cat Ba Island via Serenity Cruise. With Ha Long Bay as our backdrop—and whispers of Cat Ba Island being featured in Kong Island as "Kong Place"—we knew we were in for something special. The day trip took up the entire day, but every moment was worth it. The island was breathtakingly beautiful, and the food on board was fantastic. One of the highlights was diving into the China Sea—a serene and overwhelming experience that left us in awe. Overall, it was a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and celebration. We couldn't have asked for a more memorable way to mark our first marriage anniversary. Here's to many more adventures together!     
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Jan 30 – Cau Go: A Michelin 1-Star Culinary Delight

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 After hearing rave reviews about a Michelin 1-star restaurant in Hanoi, we were eager to experience it for ourselves. We had initially booked several restaurants from India, but thanks to TET, most were closed—leaving us disappointed. That's when we decided to take a chance on Cau Go. This Vietnamese gem turned out to be a revelation. After five days on the road, we hadn't had a proper, satisfying meal—until now. From the moment we stepped in, the hospitality blew us away, and the food? Absolutely outstanding. Every dish was a burst of authentic flavor and quality that only a Michelin-rated spot could deliver. Trust me, after a long journey, this meal was exactly what we needed. Starting from the warm welcome to the exquisite taste of the food, I’d rate our experience a solid 5 out of 5. If you're ever in Hanoi during TET and find yourself missing a good meal, Cau Go is definitely worth a visit!
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Jan 30 – Hanoi Day 1: A Hectic Start & Nighttime Hopes

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 We kicked off our day in Hanoi by grabbing some Vietnamese Dong and renting a motorbike (apparently, bikes were in short supply because of TET). With our rides sorted, we started the morning with a strong cup of local coffee before heading to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. The pace was hectic, and the chilly temperature wasn’t doing us any favors. After a rushed tour of the city, we made our way to Train Street—a spot everyone raves about. We ended up spending around three hours there, but to be honest, the train was late and the experience fell a bit short of the hype. Despite the slower start, we’re holding onto the excitement for the night, which promises to be something truly special in Hanoi. Stay tuned as we share more about our nighttime adventures and uncover the unique vibe of Hanoi!
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Jan 29 – Here Comes Hanoi!

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 We landed in Hanoi about an hour late thanks to some pesky bad weather. Without wasting any time, we headed straight to our hotel. Once there, we discovered that the Old Quarter was all decked out for TET—with beautiful decorations everywhere—but most of the shops were closed. To top it off, our taxi ride ended up costing a pretty penny because of the holiday rush. The weather in Hanoi was a whole different vibe—much colder than Da Nang. So, after checking into our hotel, we decided to go out and grab some food. Surprisingly, there weren’t as many options on offer, which left us a little nostalgic for Da Nang’s bustling food scene. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into Hanoi’s charm and quirks in the coming days!
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Da Nang – Day 3: A Relaxing Farewell

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 We woke up around 8 AM—later than usual by Vietnam standards—and treated ourselves to one last indulgent breakfast buffet at our favorite hotel. The sea-facing views and friendly vibe made it clear: we’d love to come back someday. With plenty of time on our hands, we headed straight to the beach to unwind. A couple of drinks and a coffee at a nearby café (trust me, it was delicious, cheap, and the best!) added the perfect chill touch to our day. Reluctantly, we left the city with heavy hearts as our evening flight to Hanoi approached. At the airport, the scene was calmer than before, thanks to the TET holidays. We even savored an amazing bowl of Pho—surprisingly affordable for airport fare—and with that, we were ready for our next adventure in Hanoi. Stay tuned for our Hanoi chapter! Beach Vibes and Pho
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Da Nang – Day 2 Continued: TET Fire Show and Market Stroll

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 After our amazing day at the Golden Bridge, our guide mentioned that a fire show was scheduled there in honor of TET. We waited eagerly until around 9 PM, only to find out that the show had been pushed to midnight. Given the long and hectic journey, we decided it was best to skip the wait. Instead, we headed over to a nearby market where we enjoyed a leisurely stroll, exploring the local stalls and soaking in the vibrant night vibes. After grabbing a delicious dinner at the market, we wrapped up the night and headed straight back to the hotel to recharge for the adventures ahead. Stay tuned for more tales from our Da Nang journey! City Views on the Night before TET
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Da Nang – Day 2: Golden Bridge Adventure

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We kicked off Day 2 in Da Nang with an early wake-up call at around 5 AM. After a hearty breakfast at our hotel—boasting over 20 buffet options that left our taste buds dancing—we were all set for our long-awaited Golden Bridge experience. Despite the chill in the air (temperatures below 15°C), our spirits were high as our guide took us first to a fascinating Stone Museum. Soon after, we headed over to the iconic Golden Bridge. The journey itself was an adventure: we took cable cars that offered a totally different perspective of the landscape, and by the time we wrapped up around 5 PM, our ears were a bit numb from the high altitude! The day wasn’t just about breathtaking views—the local Vietnamese cuisine was a delight too. With more than 100 variety options available, every meal was a delicious exploration of flavors that we absolutely loved. Stay tuned as we share more of our Da Nang adventures!
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