Bhanu & Himadri 7-Day Vietnam Journey: From Northern Landscapes to Central Vietnam’s Charm

Thrillophilia Verified Booking
PNR: BKDMFPH2TG1  
Rating: ★★★★★
Travellers: Bhanu Joshi, Himadri Das Mandal
Trip Duration: 7 Days | 6 Nights
Date of Travel: 15 Aug 2026 - 21 Aug 2026    
Package Booked: Wonders Unleashed A 7 Days Discovery Of Hanoi S Treasures 

A trip to Vietnam is appealing for its affordability, diversity in experiences, and ease of coordinating the flights from major Indian cities. But for Bhanu Joshi and Himadri Das Mandal, a trip to Vietnam was the result of countless late-night chats over the years that finally turned into a reality. Their seven days in Vietnam brought together ancient capitals, dramatic natural landscapes and the lively character of its central coast. Their journey moved from Hanoi’s cultural surroundings to the limestone scenery of Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay before continuing to Da Nang, Ba Na Hills and the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An.

Bhanu had known early on that they wanted Thrillophilia to operate their trip. The primary reason being his friends having travelled with them and reported back a good experience, and multiple traveller reviews that described in detail how Thrillophilia operates their trip comprehensively around their preferences and needs rather than offering a generalised itinerary. And for Bhanu and Himadri, that’s exactly what happened with the thorough guidance of their destination expert, Vansh.

The experience earned a five-star rating, with both travellers appreciating the organisation and support throughout the trip. Their feedback also offered a practical observation about one of the hotel stays, making their account a useful reflection of both the highlights and the small details that shape a holiday.

Hanoi: A Relaxed Arrival Before the Excursions Begin

Bhanu and Himadri arrived at Noi Bai International Airport on 15 August 2026, where a private transfer in a Toyota Vios or similar vehicle took them to TK123 Hanoi Hotel. With three nights booked in Hanoi and breakfast included, the first day was deliberately left free of scheduled sightseeing.

This gave them time to settle in after the journey and prepare for two full-day excursions. Keeping the arrival day light was particularly useful because the following outings involved shared transfers and longer hours away from the hotel.

Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay: Two Very Different Landscapes

The first excursion took Bhanu and Himadri to Ninh Binh for an 11-hour shared tour covering Hoa Lu and Tam Coc. The day introduced them to a different side of northern Vietnam, combining the historic temples associated with the Dinh and Le dynasties with the natural scenery around Tam Coc and Bich Dong.

With lunch included in the tour, the arrangement also made a long day of sightseeing easier to manage. The shared shuttle meant travelling with other visitors, while the planned return to Hanoi brought them back to the same hotel for the evening.

The next day was devoted to Ha Long Bay, with a 13-hour Harmony Day Cruise departing from the Old Quarter. The itinerary included Luon Cave and Sung Sot Grotto, alongside kayaking, snorkelling, cave exploration and island visits. A sunset gathering with tea, cakes and light snacks added a relaxed end to the cruise.

Lunch was served on board, while breakfast and dinner were not included in the cruise arrangements. Since the excursion occupied most of the day, having the main sightseeing and lunch organised in advance helped Bhanu and Himadri focus on the experience rather than coordinating individual stops.

Da Nang: A Change of Pace and a Hotel Observation

On 18 August, Bhanu and Himadri checked out of TK123 Hanoi Hotel and travelled by private transfer to Noi Bai International Airport. After their flight to central Vietnam, another private transfer brought them to Nhat Minh Hotel and Apartment in Da Nang, where they had a three-night stay with breakfast included.

The change of destination brought a different rhythm to the trip. Hanoi had been the base for long excursions into northern Vietnam, whereas Da Nang offered a convenient starting point for exploring the region's coastal and cultural attractions.

Bhanu's review did, however, point out one area where the experience could have been better. But, with the support team’s consistent assistance, that didn’t hinder their overall trip experience in the least, as Bhanu’s post-trip review on Thrillophilia’s platform highlighted, "Hotel in Da Nang needs some improvement. Overall the trip was very amazing. Thank you Thrilophilia!!"

The feedback is worth acknowledging because accommodation is an important part of a multi-city holiday, particularly when travellers return after full days of sightseeing. While the hotel experience in Da Nang did not fully meet Bhanu's expectations, the overall trip remained very positive. Their assigned destination expert, Vansh, was associated with the trip's planning, and the broader itinerary maintained a clear structure, with transfers and major excursions arranged around the travellers’ three-night base in the city. The review does not specify whether a particular hotel concern was resolved during the stay, so the feedback also serves as a useful area for improvement.

Ba Na Hills: A Full Day Among the Mountains

The first major outing from Da Nang was a nine-hour shared tour of Ba Na Hills. With tickets and lunch included, Bhanu and Himadri could explore several of the area's main attractions without having to arrange each visit independently.

The itinerary featured the Golden Hand Bridge, whose striking design makes it one of the region's recognisable landmarks. They also had Linh Ung Pagoda, Le Jardin D'Amour and Fantasy Park on the day's schedule. The range of stops brought together landscaped spaces, cultural attractions and entertainment, making this a varied day beyond the city.

Hoi An: Traditional Streets and Coconut Forest Experiences

On 20 August, the travellers joined a five-and-a-half-hour shared excursion combining Hoi An's heritage with a visit to the Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle. The walking tour covered Hoi An Ancient Town, the Japanese Covered Bridge, Central Market and a handicraft workshop, offering an introduction to the town's historic streets and local craft traditions.

The experience then shifted towards the waterways around Cam Thanh, with a coconut boat ride through the coconut jungle and a lantern boat ride adding a different perspective to the day. The shorter duration compared with the previous day's Ba Na Hills excursion also left the evening less tightly scheduled.

A Five-Star Trip Remembered for Its Support

The final morning was reserved for breakfast and the private transfer from Nhat Minh Hotel and Apartment to Da Nang International Airport on 21 August. In seven days, Bhanu and Himadri had travelled across two distinct regions of Vietnam, balancing long sightseeing excursions with free time at their hotels.

Bhanu and Himadri’s post-trip feedback on reviews.io highlighted the service they valued most: "Thrilophilia organize the tour is very satisfying. The tour guide supported very well throughout the journey. Thank you thrilophilia." 

Together, the two reviews reflected a holiday that was highly enjoyable overall while also identifying room for improvement in the Da Nang accommodation experience. This feedback is what helps Thrillophilia’s Vietnam Operations team of 15+ destination experts improve how we operate trips with enhanced insightfulness. The five-star rating and appreciation for the tour guide's support underline what stood out for Bhanu and Himadri: a well-organised journey, varied experiences across Vietnam and assistance that helped them make the most of their time in the country.

Also Read: Karthik's Hanoi and Northern Vietnam Trip with Thrillophilia