Heartbeats and Horizons: Aditya’s Thrillophilia Review for a Trip to Vietnam
“Remember the solo trip that I once booked with Thrillophilia?” I asked my partner over dinner.
My partner smiled, “Yes I do. You told me about how well they crafted the itinerary for you” she said.
“I’m thinking of booking another trip—this time to Vietnam. Would you like to join me?” I asked.
“How could I say no? I’d love to explore the Mekong Delta, visit the floating markets, and enjoy a scenic cruise. It sounds amazing!” she replied.
“Imagine us cruising along in a boat, trying fresh coconuts while hearing fascinating stories from the locals,” I suggested.
“Let’s make it happen! When do we leave?” she asked.
With joy filling the air, we spread out several travel brochures, planning our adventure. Each destination promised a sense of adventure and exploration. In a few hours, our travel plan was ready, fueled by the thrill of discovery and shared anticipation.
The Land of Lanterns
As we arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, the warm, humid breeze embraced us in its comfort, with promising adventures ahead.
We began our exploration with the Mekong Delta Tour. I'd been to Vietnam before but the experience felt more immersive this time, thanks to my partner.
We cruised along the waterways and watched several floating markets and surrounding lush green landscapes. The locals there were adorable and greeted us with welcoming smiles everywhere we went. It was such a delight to see their boats loaded with handmade crafts and tropical fruits.
Unable to fight the urge, I asked if I could try a coconut, and they were more than happy to share one with us. There is something nostalgic about a freshly cut coconut - or maybe it's the travel advertisements. Regardless, it was very refreshing and carried a taste of tropical paradise.
Speaking of nostalgia, our experience on the Saigon Princess dinner cruise was truly unforgettable. As the sun set, the boat gently swayed among the calming sounds of authentic Vietnamese music. We enjoyed a delicious meal, with each dish offering a unique flavor- from fragrant rice, and tender seafood, to sizzling spring rolls.
As I stood by the railing, I noticed the reflection of city lights in the water and at that moment, the world slowed down for a bit. As we shared the special moments, we found ourselves connecting more deeply not only with one another but also with the magical landscapes around us.
From Shadows to Light
As a history enthusiast, I’ve always felt a pull from the interesting history behind the Cu Chi Tunnels. Since I’ve never had the chance to explore them before, I made sure it was included in our itinerary.
Equally excited to share my enthusiasm with my partner, we visited the underground world where courage thrived among chaos. It proved to be a haunting yet incredible glimpse into the turbulent past of Vietnam. Exploring the tunnels was a captivating experience for us, as each step revealed more of Vietnam’s fascinating past.
We visited the narrow passages that once used to serve as a stronghold for the Viet Cong. To add to the historic charm, our tour guide narrated several stories of survival and resilience, which painted a vivid image of the fierce battles fought.
To our amazement, the tunnels stretched for more than 200 km and were filled with storage facilities, kitchens, and even traps. While climbing into the cramped chambers, I looked at my partner, our eyes widened thinking about the trauma experienced by the people who had to hide there. The kind of struggles people must have faced to survive under such conditions was unimaginable.
Later, we also got a chance to taste rice tapioca and a cup of hot tea, which was symbolic of what soldiers used to eat during the war. I found the experience to be very humbling and felt grateful for the peace we enjoy today.
Taste and Tranquility
My partner particularly loved visiting Da Nang, as she is a nature enthusiast.
It didn't take her long to fall in love with the scenic hills and stunning coastline. We had a great time at Ba Na Hill, enjoying the cable car ride that offered stunning views of the lush green mountains.
"Doesn't it look like a scene from a mythical realm?" my partner exclaimed.
It was as if The Golden Hand Bridge belonged to the land of gods. The grand architecture supported by colossal stone hands reaching from below was a breathtaking sight. My partner enjoyed clicking countless selfies, feeling as if we had stepped into a fantasy world.
We lost track of time as we walked across Le Jardin D'Amour or 'Flower Garden of Love'. Exploring the colorful flowers where each garden showcased a unique architecture was a marvelous experience.
Since my partner wanted to visit a religious site, we also made a stop at the Linh Ung Pagoda, where we witnessed a Lady Buddha statue which was more than 220 feet tall.
The delicacies that we enjoyed at the Vietnamese buffet were incredible. I think rice noodles have become my new best friend!
Well, we got a chance to try more than 70 delicacies that were made from freshly sourced ingredients. Every bite carried a distinct flavor, from sweet desserts to savory pho - it was like Vietnam on a plate.
As we continued to explore, we came across the historic architecture and lantern-lit streets of Hoi An. We strolled hand in hand, taking in the ambiance, and feeling the region's tranquility.
Our time in Vietnam was a beautiful combination of history, connection, and adventure, leaving us with life-long memories of bonding and magical landscapes.
Read More: Thrillophilia Vietnam Reviews