Breaking Boredom and Borders: Nilesh Bompilwar’s Vietnam Trip Review with Thrillophilia
It was a quiet Sunday morning in Mumbai when the idea of an international vacation first came up. The Bompilwar family- Nilesh, his wife, and their teenage son had gathered for breakfast. Like most mornings, the aroma of fresh idlis filled the air, and the clattering of cups echoed through the kitchen.
For months now, life has been a monotonous cycle.
Nilesh, a hospitality professional in Mumbai, was very busy with work. His days were spent tackling meetings and chasing deadlines, leaving him exhausted by the end of the day. His wife, a schoolteacher, juggled between home and classes, rarely finding time for herself. Their son, the youngest of the family, was neck-deep in his studies, preparing for board exams.
One morning, while going through Facebook, Nilesh’s eyes stopped on an advertisement for international tours. “Vietnam,” it read, “A land of scenic landscapes and rich history. Explore it with Thrillophilia’s exclusive packages.”
Without looking up, Nilesh casually said to his wife, “Hey, what do you think about a trip abroad?”
Stirring her tea she laughed softly. “Abroad? With all that’s going on? Our son’s exams are just around the corner, and your work... How will we manage?”
But Nilesh wasn’t joking this time.
“I’m serious. We’ve all been so busy, caught up in work and school. It’s been years since we took a real vacation, let alone something outside India. Our son is growing up so fast, and before we know it, he’ll be off to college. Let’s make some memories together while we can.”
The conversation stretched throughout the day, and his son was the first to back his dad’s idea.
“Vietnam sounds awesome, mom! One of my friends went there last year with his family, and they said the beaches and food are next level. We can actually take a break.”
Over the next week, the idea grew into a plan. His wife, hesitant at first, finally agreed after seeing how excited Nilesh and their son were.
“This is it,” Nilesh declared one evening as they gathered around the laptop. “We’re going in April. The weather will be great, and Thrillophilia has got everything covered.”
Arrival in Vietnam
As the flight from Mumbai touched down in Hanoi, the family felt the thrill of being in a new land. Nilesh, his wife, and his son stepped out into a world completely different from what they knew. Their guide, Linh, greeted them with a broad smile and a signboard that read,
“Welcome Bompilwar Family!”
“This is it, guys,” his son said, snapping a picture for Instagram. “First international trip- let’s make it count!”
The capital city of Hanoi, with its motorbikes, street vendors, and colourful French architecture, welcomed them. The family explored the lively Old Quarter- its narrow streets filled with the scent of pho and the buzz of street vendors calling out to passersby.
“This place is incredible,” Nilesh said as they walked past rows of shops selling everything from souvenirs to fresh fruit. “It’s chaotic, but in a good way.”
His son couldn’t get enough of the street food. “Mom, you’ve got to try this bánh mì. It’s like a vada pav, but way tastier!”
In the evening they found a cosy restaurant serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Sitting together over a meal of pho and spring rolls, Nilesh looked at his family and smiled. “This was the right choice.”
The Wonders of Halong Bay
The highlight of their trip came on the second day when they set sail on the emerald waters of Halong Bay. As their boat glided past towering limestone cliffs and hidden caves, the Bompilwar family was left speechless by the sheer beauty surrounding them.
“This is like something out of a postcard,” his wife said, standing on the deck, the cool sea breeze in her hair.
Nilesh, who rarely allowed himself moments of relaxation, took a deep breath. “No emails, no deadlines- just us and nature.”
Their son was the most adventurous of the three. “Dad, let’s try kayaking! We’ve got to explore these caves up close.”
With kayaks ready, they paddled through the tranquil waters, discovering hidden lagoons and secret grottos. The laughter and excitement they shared that day were moments they would cherish forever.
Exploring Vietnam’s History
As they moved from the natural wonders of Halong Bay to the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, the family was eager to learn about Vietnam’s rich history. They visited the War Remnants Museum, where their son was particularly captivated by the stories of resilience during the Vietnam War.
“Dad, this is intense,” he said as they walked through the exhibits. “It’s hard to believe how much the country went through.”
Nilesh put a hand on his son’s shoulder. “History shapes us. It’s important to remember the past.”
The next day, they went to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. Crawling through the narrow underground passages used by the Viet Cong during the war, they couldn’t stop thinking about its importance in the past.
“Can you imagine living down here?” their son asked. “These people were so strong.”
Relaxing in Da Nang
After Ho Chi Minh City, the Bompilwars arrived in Da Nang, a coastal city known for its pristine beaches. The blue waters and white sand beaches were just what the family needed after days of sightseeing.
“I could stay here forever,” their son said, lying back on a beach chair, watching the waves roll in.
Nilesh laughed off and said, “Don’t get too comfortable. You’ve still got school waiting for you back in Mumbai.”
His wife, dipping her toes in the water, smiled. “Vietnam has been full of surprises. Every place we’ve seen has been so different from the last.”
Saying Goodbye
As their trip neared its end, the family spent their last evening in the ancient town of Hanoi, where the streets were lit with colourful lanterns.
On the flight back home, Nilesh remembered the past ten days.
“We’ve been so caught up in life back in Mumbai. This trip gave us a chance to reconnect, to spend time together without any distractions.”
His son, flipping through the hundreds of photos he had taken, grinned. “Best trip ever. Where to next, Dad?”
Nilesh smiled. “We’ll see. But thanks to Thrillophilia, this one will be hard to top.”
Read more: Thrillophilia Vietnam Reviews