Buckle up, fellow adventurers, because this story starts with a journey of epic proportions. Picture this: three planes, nearly 24 hours of flight time, and a layover in Incheon, South Korea that turned out to be the unexpected highlight of our travels. Who would've thought that an airport could steal our hearts? But Incheon did just that, earning itself the title of my new favorite airport with its sleek design, endless amenities, and mouthwatering culinary offerings. Seriously, if you ever find yourself with a layover in Incheon, consider yourself lucky – it's a layover worth savoring!
But enough about airports – let's talk about the real star of the show: Hanoi, Vietnam. Oh, Hanoi! With its chaotic streets buzzing with energy, its ancient temples whispering tales of bygone eras, and its vibrant markets overflowing with colors and scents, this city is a feast for the senses. From the moment we set foot in Hanoi, we were captivated by its beauty – a mesmerizing blend of old-world charm and modern-day hustle
(beautiful flowers in Hanoi)
Our first taste of Vietnam's magic came with an overnight junk boat ride in the legendary Ha Long Bay. As we cruised through the breathtaking landscape, with limestone karsts rising majestically from the emerald waters, it felt like we were sailing into a dream. And speaking of dreams, did I mention that Ha Long Bay was the backdrop for the filming of "King Kong: Skull Island"? Yep, we kayaked right past those iconic scenes, feeling like action heroes on our very own adventure. And as if that wasn't cool enough, we even had some cheeky monkeys join us for the ride – talk about unexpected guests!
(Kayaking in the green waters of Ha Long Bay)
Now, let's address the elephant in the room (or should I say, the boat) – sleeping on the junk boat was like sleeping in a sauna. But hey, a little sweat never hurt anyone, especially when you're surrounded by such jaw-dropping beauty. Besides, the discomfort was a small price to pay for an experience that we'll be reminiscing about for years to come.
Next up on our Ha Long Bay hit list: Surprise Cave. This hidden gem had us feeling like intrepid explorers as we navigated its twisting passageways and marveled at its otherworldly formations. It was like stepping into a fairy tale – one with a whole lot of stalactites and stalagmites!
(Beautiful Scenery in Ha Long Bay)
Back in Hanoi, we wasted no time diving into the city's vibrant culinary scene with a walking street food tour. And let me tell you, our taste buds were in for a treat! From the chewy goodness of Boba tea to the crispy perfection of spring rolls, from the soul-warming hug of Pho to the pillowy softness of Banh Bao, each bite was a flavor explosion that left us craving more. And let's not forget the custard coffee and coconut ice cream – talk about a match made in dessert heaven!
As our time in Hanoi came to a close, we found ourselves at the train station, ready to embark on the next leg of our adventure to Hue. Now, I'll be honest – the overnight train wasn't exactly a five-star experience. But hey, sometimes the most memorable adventures are the ones that come with a few bumps (or in this case, a lot of bumps) along the way. And looking back, I wouldn't trade those bumpy train rides for anything – because they're all part of the story, part of the adventure, and part of what makes traveling so, SO fun.🙃🤣
(Our Spacious rooms onboard the overnight train)
So here's to Hanoi – a city that stole our hearts, filled our bellies, and left us with memories to last a lifetime. Next up Hue!
Comentarios