Waking up in Hanoi
On the morning of July 12th, the sharp screech of my alarm ripped me out of sleep in my little hostel bunk in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Just hours earlier, my sister Arli and I had stumbled in, backpacks weighing us down, exhaustion in our bones, but excitement buzzing beneath it all. We had landed in Vietnam around midnight the night before, then made the hour-long drive into the city to reach our final stop. By the time we checked in and settled, the night had nearly slipped into morning.
By this point, we were nearly a month into our Southeast Asia backpacking adventure, running mostly on adrenaline, iced coffees, and the thrill of what came next. Looking back now, it’s wild how much we had already crammed in: a month in Koh Samui living the island life with our parents, the “real backpacking” kickoff in Bangkok, Thailand, the calm streets of Luang Prabang, Laos, sunrise over Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia, the six-hour bus ride into the capital city of Phnom Penh, diving into history in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and finally winding our way north to Hanoi. Each stop carried its own magic, its own challenges, and its own lessons we tucked away (alongside way too many souvenirs).
With just four hours of sleep under our belts, Arli and I braced ourselves for the long day ahead. We were about to embark on an overnight cruise through Vietnam’s legendary Ha Long Bay, and a two-hour drive stood between us and the ship that would carry us into this natural wonder.
At 7:00 a.m. sharp, our driver arrived, and we began weaving through the narrow, lively streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Early risers perched on tiny stools, sipping on steaming coffee; families moved through morning markets; shopkeepers arranged fresh produce and trinkets for the day ahead. As the hum of the city slowly faded behind us, the gentle sway of the bus, and my exhaustion, finally caught up with me. My eyes grew heavy, and I drifted off, surrendering to a rare moment of rest.
Day 1 in Ha Long Bay
Roughly two hours later, our tour guide’s voice roused the group—it was time to disembark. Stepping off the bus, I was immediately awestruck: towering limestone cliffs rose dramatically in the distance from the sparkling blue waters of Ha Long Bay. Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a surreal seascape made up of nearly 2,000 islands and islets. Hidden caves and a rich marine ecosystem add to its otherworldly beauty. Visiting here feels almost like a rite of passage for anyone traveling through Vietnam. Despite the lingering fatigue from our early morning and travel, my excitement surged. I had been dreaming of this moment for months!
We climbed aboard a small transfer boat that would take us to the larger ship where we’d be spending the night. With my 30-pound backpack weighing me down, I stepped across the gap between the boats, doing my best not to test the waters.
Once on board, we checked into our cabin and were instantly impressed. The walls were lined with warm, polished wood, giving the space a cozy, traditional feel. But what truly took my breath away was the view from the window. It framed a scene so stunning it could have come straight out of a postcard.
We had barely five minutes to catch our breath before heading up to the top deck for lunch. A traditional Vietnamese feast awaited, served family-style at a long table shared with other guests. Platters of fresh fish, tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and fragrant rice filled the table—and our plates—tempting us to dig in immediately. Every bite felt like a celebration of Vietnam’s flavors.
Afterward, we lingered on the top deck, letting the warm sun and gentle breeze wash over us. As the ship began to glide through the bay’s entrance, I found myself completely in awe. Jagged limestone formations rose from the crystal-clear water, their dramatic silhouettes casting shifting shadows across the waves. Birds soared overhead, dipping and diving with effortless grace. For a brief second, everything felt still and tranquil—a moment of true peace in the midst of adventure.
Our first stop was a small island with a pristine white-sand beach, lined with swaying palm trees and dotted with sunbathers. Considering the hot, humid weather, a dip in the sea felt like pure bliss. We splashed and floated in the sparkling water, letting the beauty of the bay sink in.
As the afternoon wore on, it was almost time to board the boat again. Just before leaving, a tiny shop caught our eye, selling ice cream that looked far too tempting to pass by. We each picked a cone and lingered, letting the sweet chill cool us down. Eventually, refreshed and smiling, we made our way back to the boat, ready to continue our journey through the bay!
The next activity was, without a doubt, my favorite. Ever since I was little, I’ve been fascinated by caves, crystals, and the wonders of nature, so when our guide announced, we were heading to an ancient limestone cave carved into the side of a massive mountain, I was beyond thrilled.
The temperature dropped as soon as we stepped inside, a welcome relief from the tropical heat. Standing at the entrance and looking down at the vast cave, I felt like I’d stepped into a fairy-tale world—small pools, intricate stone shapes, and dim lights that lined the winding path for about a mile. Our guide pointed out formations shaped like animals, people, and other objects. Some were eerily accurate, others downright hilarious. Every twist and turn revealed a new surprise, and I marveled at how nature could carve such intricate, whimsical sculptures over thousands of years.
By the time we emerged, the sun was beginning its slow descent, casting golden light across the bay—one of the most beautiful sights we saw the entire trip.
Back on the boat, the fun didn’t stop—our sunset party was just getting started. The deck was alive with music, laughter, and clinking glasses. We even joined a spring roll-making class, rolling fragrant herbs, fresh vegetables, and chicken into perfect little parcels while sipping fruity drinks and soaking in the stunning sunset. The sky blazed with oranges and pinks, reflecting off the water like a living painting, and I couldn’t stop smiling.
Afterward, we moved to the dining room for another mouthwatering Vietnamese meal. Every dish was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The night ended on an unforgettable high note with karaoke. Arli and I were pretty tired, but we got pulled into singing a few songs, including our karaoke staple, “Unwritten”. Everyone on the boat grew closer as we sang, laughed at each other’s questionable skills, and danced the night away. By the time we finally retired to our cabin, the gentle rocking of the boat and the twinkling lights of Ha Long Bay through the window lulled me into a dreamy sleep.
Day 2 in Ha Long Bay
“Good morning!” we heard our guide call out at 7 AM sharp. The smell of hot coffee was already drifting down to our room. It was time for another day in Ha Long Bay. Still a bit sleepy, we headed upstairs to sip a perfectly made Vietnamese latte and stepped out onto the back deck. The crisp morning air and the view of sky-scraping rock formations instantly energized me—I felt completely ready for the day ahead!
Our first stop that morning was a traditional Vietnamese pearl farm in Ha Long Bay. The farm floated serenely in emerald coves, surrounded by towering cliffs. We hopped onto kayaks and paddled through, weaving around the pearl beds. As we explored, tiny water caves appeared along the cliff shores. The lagoons sparkled in every shade of green and blue, so clear that we could see fish darting beneath us.
After wrapping up our kayaking adventure, we eased back onto the boat. The final views of Ha Long Bay were absolutely magical—the water shimmered like liquid glass, and the lush greenery reflected perfectly on the calm surface. It was one of those moments where time felt suspended, and I couldn’t help but think this was an experience we would carry with us forever.
Back to Hanoi
Eventually, we returned to the port and hopped on the bus for the two-hour ride back to Hanoi. The scenery slowly shifted from the serene bay to the bustling streets of the city. We arrived at a new hostel around 2 PM, quickly showered off the travel fatigue, and regrouped. There was no time to waste—we had a few precious hours to explore as much of Hanoi as possible before our early morning flight to Hong Kong. With the city’s energy buzzing around us, we dove back in, determined to squeeze every last adventure out of our short time there.
Our main goal for the evening was finding yet another perfect bowl of pho—and we definitely succeeded. After a few hours of exploring, we sat down on the smallest stools imaginable, practically on the side of the road, and devoured our delicious soup.
As we continued to wander through the Old Quarter, we found ourselves on Hanoi’s famous Train Street. Imagine a narrow stretch lined with tiny bars and cafés right up against the railway tracks. We grabbed seats just inches from the rails, sipped on some cold drinks and chatted with fellow travelers and friendly locals who seemed completely unfazed by what was about to happen.
Then suddenly, the energy shifted. Staff rushed to clear tables, everyone stood and pressed themselves against the walls, and within seconds the train came roaring through! So close we could have reached out and touched it. A tunnel of wind and pure adrenaline rushed past us, followed by laughter, cheers, and strangers instantly bonding over the shared thrill.
By the late hours of the night, our tiredness finally caught up with us. We made our way back to the hostel and drifted off to sleep like babies. Overall, our journey through Vietnam was unique, eye-opening, fun, and culturally fascinating. It’s a country with so much to offer, and I will definitely return. Thank you for coming along on this journey through Ha Long Bay and Hanoi. Stay tuned for the next chapter of our Asian adventure, taking place in lovely Hong Kong!
Xoxo, Addi
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