Majestic landscapes, distinctive architecture and the exotic fragrance of Vietnamese cuisine dot the streets of Hanoi. A hidden gem in the Eastern world, Vietnam caught me by surprise as an idyllic tropical retreat with a vibrant culture.
I chose to travel to Danang, the center of Vietnam, because of its better weather compared to other tourist destinations. Short, cool breezes came and went amidst intense heat waves, and round coconut trees, marble mountains, beautiful blue lakes, and colorful birds adorned the area. Although somewhat foreign, the tranquil scenery and weather reminded me of my home country, Mozambique.
The beaches of Danang washed away my worries. I frequented the beach from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. after the locals enjoyed their morning swim. In addition, ladies on the beach sold fresh fruits like mango, orange, and coconut to quench thirst in the blazing heat.
Additionally, I also overcame my fear of heights and tried parasailing out for the first time. Euphoria washed over me as I soared over the seas, and I felt grateful that my parents convinced me to try the recreation out.
For the second part of my journey, I visited Hội An, a city that reminded me of Venice with its waterway transportation. But unlike Venice, which I found overrated, the latter’s heavenly nighttime boat rides reminded me of a scene from Tangled, with vibrant lights and colorful floating candles reflected on the Thu Bon River, cutting through the old town.
Throughout my travels, I rose early for a stroll on the beach and ended nights with boat rides and exquisite massages. It freed me from the physical fatigue of the day and the anxiety of school.
Food
When I first arrived, the exotic fragrances of Vietnamese cuisine tickled my sense of smell. I enjoyed affordable, delicious food all throughout my time in Vietnam. Pho, sold at under 1,000 KRW, delighted my taste buds with its unmatched freshness and lightness compared to Korean noodles.
I also enjoyed Banh Xeo, a crispy taco-like pancake and Cau Lao, a spicy, lemon-flavored noodle soup for variety. Later in my journey, I came across Goi Cuon, a fresh delicacy under 1,500 KRW, and I had it every day without getting sick of it. The distinct aromatic flavors gave every dish a unique taste different from any other cuisine.
Shopping
The markets in Hội An and Danang offered quality goods at lower prices. A delicious meal cost next to nothing, and exquisite jewelry made out of jade, marble, and tailor-made leather came with an affordable price tag as well. The generous demeanor of the vendors lured me into each shop.
Although the action-packed markets confused me at first, I eventually learned to navigate the busy vendors. Soon, the impeccable craftsmanship and the abundance of tailor shops filled my knapsack to the brim with souvenirs.
However, hawkers and scammers often tried to push unfair deals on tourists including myself. For my first purchase, a friendly woman convinced me to buy a marble bracelet for 67,000 won. Later on, shockingly, I found the same item at another shop for a quarter of the price.
All in all, I recommend a trip to Vietnam for its contagious energy that invigorates every person in the nation. On top of that, the exquisite beach scenery and the euphony of color, flavor, and sound lends itself to both visual and cultural appeal.
