Lanterns, Legends, and Love: Aditya’s Vietnam Anniversary Story
“Do you know what the best way to celebrate our anniversary is?” I asked my wife one evening as we flipped through our travel photo albums.
She raised an eyebrow, “Let me guess. A trip?”
“Not just any trip,” I said while pulling out a glossy brochure I had bookmarked.
“Vietnam. Imagine this: us cruising along Halong Bay, wandering through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, and reliving history in Da Nang. What do you think?”
My wife’s eyes lit up. “I think it would be wonderful! When do we leave?”
And then we started planning for our anniversary trip, having no idea that it would turn out to be the best and most memorable trip of our lives.
First Impressions and Early Adventures
Vietnam welcomed us with its distinct energy: a chaotic symphony of honking scooters, street vendors, and smiles as warm as the tropical breeze. Our first stop was Hanoi, where history blended gracefully with modernity.
Here, we wandered through the Old Quarter. At one corner, an elderly man served steaming bowls of Pho, a local delicacy. “Let us start the trip”, I said, gesturing toward the tiny plastic stools lining her stall.
As we slurped the flavourful broth, my wife sighed contentedly and added, “I would like to call this, happiness served in a bowl!”
On the next day, we boarded a traditional wooden boat to glide through the emerald waters of Halong Bay. Tall limestone karsts rose dramatically around us, like ancient sentinels guarding the secrets of the sea.
“This is absolutely gorgeous,” my wife whispered, leaning over the railing.
Then, we explored hidden caves and kayaked through quiet lagoons. At one point, we paused to watch a fisherman cast his net, its arc graceful against the setting sun.
As night fell, we dined under the stars, right on the boat’s deck. “Here is to many more adventures,” I said while raising a glass of wine.
“To us,” my wife replied, her eyes sparkling like the starlit water.
The Land of Lanterns and History
Hoi An was the place that left us speechless with its beauty. Its mustard-yellow buildings, decorated with vibrant bougainvillaea, seemed to glow in the afternoon sun.
As we walked along the Thu Bon River, a local vendor approached us and said, “Lantern festival tonight,”, handing my wife a small paper lantern. We got so excited and knew it well in our hearts that the Lantern Festival cannot be missed.
That evening, the town transformed into a celebration. Lanterns of every colour lit up the streets and their reflections shimmered on the water. We released our lanterns into the river, with each one of them carrying a silent wish.
“What did you wish for?” I asked.
My wife smiled. “That every trip feels as magical as this one and we shall remain together forever.”
From Hoi An, we made our way to Hue, the former imperial capital. The grandeur of the Citadel left us spellbound. Its towering gates, intricate carvings, and vast courtyards spoke of a time when emperors ruled this land.
Our guide delighted us with interesting stories of the dynasties of Vietnam. He also said that this place was the soul of our trip to Vietnam and I couldn’t agree more.
Later, we visited the Thien Mu Pagoda, which is located on a hill overlooking the Perfume River. The soft chime of a temple bell echoed through the air as my wife and I stood in quiet reflection.
The Mountains of Da Nang
When we visited Da Nang, we found a change of pace and a mix of natural beauty and modern charm. The Marble Mountains were our first stop of the day, where the caves and pagodas offered a spiritual retreat.
“You have to see this,” my wife called, her voice echoing through a cavern. I found her staring at a ray of sunlight that pierced through the rocks and illuminated a serene Buddha statue.
It was truly a magical sight to witness.
A Culinary Love Affair
Vietnam was not just a feast for the eyes but was a treat for the taste buds too. From the smoky flavours of Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancakes) to the tangy notes of green mango salad, every meal was an adventure.
One really favourite memory of mine was when we joined a cooking class in Hoi An. Our instructor was a firecracker of energy and humour.
She said, “Cooking is like love. You have to put your heart into it.”
Together, we prepared a feast of spring rolls, clay potfish, and Pho. As we sat down to eat, my wife declared, “From now on, you are not just my travel partner - you are also my sous chef!”
Vietnam was everything we had hoped for and more - a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking beauty.
Back home, as we unpacked and relived our memories, my wife asked with a grin on her face, “So, where to next?”
I smiled. “Anywhere, as long as it is with you.”
And with that, our journey continued, with hearts full and endless horizons.
Read More: Thrillophilia Vietnam Reviews