• By: RIYANKA
• Nov 01, 2025
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What Happened When I Decided to Travel to Vietnam with 5 Strangers

If there’s one country that makes me feel at home, it has to be Vietnam. I’ve travelled there thrice in the last four years, and when the idea of hosting a group trip first crossed my mind, Vietnam was the obvious choice. I’ve spent lazy afternoons walking around the streets of Hanoi, embraced the slow life of Hoi An, and soaked in the emerald beauty of Ha Long Bay. The thought of sharing those experiences with others filled me with an unexplainable joy.

Once I decided to travel to Vietnam and host the trip, I began curating the itinerary. I wanted to include everything I love, from the best temples and cafes to the cultural experiences that had stayed with me.

But what I didn’t know was that travelling with five strangers would let me see Vietnam through an entirely new lens. There’s something so beautiful about journeying with people you don’t know — it teaches you to open up, to listen, and to connect in the most unexpected ways.

[Also read: First-time traveller’s guide to Vietnam]

Travel to Vietnam and You Might Find More Than Just Beautiful Landscapes!

Day 1: Exploring the City of Hanoi

We all met in Hanoi and began our journey with lunch at Bancong, one of my all-time favourite eateries in the city. There was a quiet excitement at the table, a mix of curiosity and warmth that comes when you meet people for the first time yet feel like you already know them a little. Between bites of smoky Bun Cha, sips of local beer, and easy laughter, the hesitation began to fade. By the end of that meal, it already felt like we were travelling together, not just sharing a table.

After lunch, we set out to explore Hanoi. We walked by West Lake, where the afternoon light danced on the water, and stopped at Tran Quoc Pagoda, the city’s oldest temple, standing gracefully against the skyline. There was something peaceful about watching the locals light incense sticks and bow their heads in prayer. At the Temple of Literature, we wandered through courtyards shaded by old trees, listening to the rustle of leaves and the distant sound of chanting.

Later, we paused at Phe La for vanilla lattes. The café’s charm, with its simple interiors and soft music, made it the perfect spot to slow down and talk. Our conversations flowed easily, from stories of past travels to why each of us had decided to join this trip. It’s incredible how travel connects people so quickly, how within hours, strangers start to feel familiar.

As evening approached, I took them to one of my favourite experiences in Hanoi, the Water Puppet Show. Many travellers skip it, but I’ve always been drawn to it. The show tells old Vietnamese legends through puppets that glide over water, accompanied by traditional music and narration. There’s something almost childlike about it, something that makes you pause and watch with wide eyes. Seeing everyone enjoy it made me happy in a way I can’t quite describe.

For dinner, we went to Banh Mi 25, a tiny, bustling shop tucked into a side street. Their crispy baguettes and flavorful fillings never disappoint. We ended the day at the night market, walking beneath rows of lanterns, weaving through the crowd, and stopping for little souvenirs.

By the time we headed back, it didn’t feel like our first day together. Somewhere between the laughter, food, and quiet moments, Vietnam had already started to work its magic on us.

Day 2 – Cruising on Ha Long Bay

Can a trip to Vietnam ever be complete without cruising on Ha Long Bay? I don’t think so!

No matter how many times I visit, that feeling of gliding through the emerald waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs always leaves me spellbound.

We left Hanoi early that morning, the city still half asleep, and the roads slowly waking up with the buzz of scooters and street vendors setting up shop. By the time we reached the port, the air was heavy with the scent of salt and sea breeze. We hopped onto the Phoenix Cruise, which was ready to sail, and as we stepped aboard, everyone’s faces lit up with excitement.

The cruise began gently, the boat cutting through calm waters as distant karsts rose like green giants from the mist. A lavish buffet lunch awaited us—plates piled high with fresh seafood, noodles, and tropical fruits. Between bites and conversations, I caught myself smiling at how comfortable everyone had become in just a day. There was laughter, shared stories, and the kind of quiet companionship that only travel can create.

After lunch, we stopped at Sung Sot Cave, one of Ha Long Bay’s most fascinating spots. The name means “Surprise Cave,” and it truly lived up to it! As we climbed the rocky steps and entered the cool chambers, we were met with otherworldly formations, softly lit in golden hues. The stalactites and stalagmites looked almost alive, shaped by nature’s patience over millions of years. Inside, our voices echoed as we tried to take it all in, humbled by the beauty of what lay hidden beneath the cliffs.

Later, we boarded smaller boats to explore the narrow passages of the bay, and everyone got busy clicking photos and recording videos of the landscapes around us. As the day drew to an end, we reached a quiet island just as the sun began to set. The sky turned shades of orange and pink, casting a soft glow on the limestone peaks. Some of us sat on the sand, others waded into the cool water, simply enjoying the moment.

When we returned to Hanoi that evening, the city was alive again. We made our way to the famous Train Street, grabbing the local beer and waiting for the train to thunder past just inches away! The thrill of that moment never gets old.

Later, we wandered through the Old Quarter, hopping between tiny pubs, trying local brews, and reliving the day’s memories. By the time we called it a night, our hearts were full and our bond a little stronger.

That day on Ha Long Bay reminded me why I keep coming back to Vietnam. It has this way of slowing you down, of making you feel small and grateful at the same time. And getting to explore with these people just made it all the more special.

Day 3 – Exploring the Stunning Landscapes of Ninh Binh

It was time for a day trip to Ninh Binh, and the journey began from Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, nestled quietly among limestone mountains and emerald fields. The drive there felt like a slow unveiling, as the air grew fresher, the roads narrower, and the world a little quieter. Most of us took a quick nap on the way!

When we arrived, the stillness of the place instantly made us pause. The stone gates, moss-covered temples, and gentle rustling of leaves seemed to carry stories from another time. We wandered through the temple grounds, each of us moving at our own pace. Some stopped to take photos, others sat in silence, just breathing it all in. I remember watching a few locals lighting incense sticks, their soft prayers curling into the morning air. It was peaceful in a way that words can’t fully capture, the kind of calm that sinks into you and stays long after you’ve left.

After a simple lunch, we made our way to Trang An, one of the most breathtaking landscapes in northern Vietnam. The boat ride there felt like drifting into a painting. Each of us climbed into small wooden boats, rowed by women who seemed to know every turn of the river by heart. As we glided through the still water, limestone cliffs rose on both sides like guardians of a secret world.

It wasn’t something that we were expecting, for sure!

Dipti, Sanjivani, and I were on one boat, while Bharath, Darshini, and Teja were on another. Soon, we rowed into the echoing caves where we had to duck our heads low, and out again into open stretches of sunlight. We passed by ancient temples nestled at the base of cliffs, their red roofs reflected in the water. Mist floated gently over the karst peaks, and for a while, no one spoke. There was something sacred about that silence, as if the world had slowed down just for us.

And it felt as if 3 hours had passed by the wink of an eye!

Somewhere between laughter, awe, and quiet reflection, I realised how special this day was. It wasn’t about checking off places or rushing through sights. It was about feeling small before nature, about sharing glances of wonder with people who had been strangers just days ago.

Day 4 – Travelling From Hanoi to Da Nang & Hoi An

We took a short morning flight to Da Nang and drove straight to Hoi An, a town that never fails to charm me, no matter how many times I visit.

The forecast predicted rain, so we decided to make the most of the day before the skies turned grey. After a delicious riverside lunch at The Noodle House, everyone set off to explore the postcard-perfect lanes of the Ancient Town. Some went shopping for silk scarves and lanterns, others wandered through the narrow alleys, pausing every few minutes to take in the town’s quiet rhythm.

As it started getting dark, we stopped at 25S Cafe for a coconut affogato, a creamy blend of espresso and coconut ice cream that I can never resist (trust me, it’s worth trying!). Later, we made our way to the river and hopped on a small wooden boat for a peaceful ride along the Thu Bon. When we released our own floating lanterns, it felt like setting our wishes free, trusting that the river would carry them where they were meant to go.

For dinner that night, we headed to Morning Glory Original, one of my absolute favourites in Hoi An. The place was warm and buzzing, with the scent of lemongrass and garlic filling the air. We ordered a spread of Vietnamese classics: crispy spring rolls, stir-fried morning glory, and a duck roast noodle bowl.

Surrounded by laughter, good food, and stories from the day, it felt like the perfect way to end our evening in this magical town.

[Also read: Best things to eat in Hoi An]

Day 5 – Coffee and Conversations in Hoi An

This was the day I had been looking forward to the most: the coffee-making workshop.

In just two hours, we learnt how to brew five different types of Vietnamese coffee, each with its own unique story and flavour. As the rich aroma filled the room, the local family hosting us spoke about how coffee wasn’t just a drink for them, but a way of life. Their warmth and laughter made the experience even more special. I loved how something as simple as brewing coffee could feel so personal, almost like learning a new language of connection.

After a slow lunch, we decided to unwind with foot massages and a little spa time, a treat we all needed after days of exploring. By evening, we found ourselves wandering through Hoi An’s markets again. My folks were busy shopping again, and I was just happy to see everyone having a good time.

That night, we decided to chill by the pool in our hotel and went for dinner at a local eatery just next to it.

Day 6 – A Day Trip to Ba Na Hills

Everyone had one question before the trip began — “Are we visiting the Golden Hands Bridge?” Of course, I had to add it to the itinerary!

But the weather wasn’t in our favour that day. It had been drizzling since morning, and by the time we reached Ba Na Hills, it only got worse. The cable car ride was fun, and we even crossed a waterfall that looked absolutely breathtaking. We bought raincoats just to make the most of our time, even though it was extremely misty and windy.

We had a delicious lunch at the Four Seasons Buffet Restaurant, and some of the folks went to watch the cabaret show afterwards. We decided to spend most of our time indoors, where they had free beer on the house! Finally, we went to get a quick glimpse of the Golden Hands Bridge, which appeared through the thick mist and looked absolutely surreal.

We drove back to Da Nang late in the afternoon and relaxed for a while. That evening, we gathered at East West Brewing Co. for our final dinner together. Over craft beers and shared plates, we laughed, reminisced, and clinked our glasses to the week that had brought us together. It’s funny how a trip that began with strangers could end with such warmth, as if we had known each other for far longer than just a few days.

Day 7 – Bidding ‘Goodbye’ with Gratitude

Our final morning was quiet and reflective. Over breakfast, there was an unspoken feeling that we were no longer strangers. Saying goodbye wasn’t easy, but I knew this wasn’t the end, just the beginning of many stories that would stay with each of us.

What I’ll Remember Most from This Trip

Even though it was my fourth time in Vietnam, experiencing it with new people made the country feel brand new again. There was something incredibly special about seeing familiar places through their eyes — the sparkle of excitement as they watched the Water Puppet Show, their smiles over bowls of steaming pho, and the quiet joy of walking together along the lantern-lit riverside in Hoi An.

Watching others fall in love with the places I already held close to my heart was deeply fulfilling, almost like sharing a secret that had always been mine.

Travelling with strangers has its own kind of magic. You arrive not knowing anyone, yet by the end, you’ve shared laughter, inside jokes, and moments of silence that don’t feel awkward anymore. There are no expectations, no need to be anyone but yourself. Somewhere between conversations over coffee, misty mornings, and long road trips, bonds start to form, quietly and effortlessly.

What stays with me most is how travel brings people together in the simplest ways. Through shared wonder, through the beauty of unfamiliar places, and through the comforting truth that sometimes, the best connections are the ones we never planned for.

Here’s to Dipti, Sanjivani, Teja, Darshini and Bharath, who decided to be a part of this journey and helped me weave the most beautiful travel memories in Vietnam 🙂

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