The new direct flight from Hyderabad to Hanoi by Vietnam Airlines is nothing short of a gift for Indian travellers like me. Just over four hours, and I’m transported overnight to the poetic chaos of Hanoi. I land at dawn, well-rested, with eyes wide open, not bleary. Hanoi is already in full swing. Here, mornings are sacred; the city hums with energy, the streets awaken with purpose, like an early bird seizing its golden worm. An 85-minute hop to Da Nang later, our curated journey begins. Kiera, young and effervescent from Vietravel, meets us with a warm smile. Our guide, whimsically named Wings, leads us through Da Nang’s highlights — the Love Lock Bridge, the sculptural Dragon Fish, the My Khe Beach, and the iconic Dragon Bridge. Everywhere, tourists click away as local vendors entice with tropical fruit, handmade souvenirs, hats, and sunglasses. Da Nang knows its tourists and plays its cards with grace. From my 27th-floor perch at Novotel Danang Premier Han River, the city sprawls like a painting — the Han River shimmering quietly below, and mountains drawing a jagged line at the horizon. But it’s from SKY36, the rooftop bar at the hotel, that Da Nang dazzles. With pulsating music, kaleidoscopic lights, and intoxicating views, the city turns into a dreamscape reflected in dark, still waters. The vibrant night market later is a maze of shops, bargaining, and mental math converting Vietnamese Dongs into rupees and dollars. Just when the crowds wear me down, a foot massage revives me — a luxurious punctuation to a long, sun-drenched day. Morning finds us en route to Ba Na Hills. We stop at the Ba Na Hills Golf Club, one of Vietnam’s most celebrated, and I enjoy a few swings. Then comes the cable car — a 20-minute record-breaker — gliding over misty jungles and waterfalls. The view? Spellbinding. The audio commentary? Less so. At the French Village, Mercure Danang becomes my haven. Cobbled streets, dancers in baroque costumes, gabled castles — it’s a charming French illusion atop a Vietnamese mountain. Exploring Sun World Ba Na Hills with Linh, a spirited intern, I’m swept up by flamenco performances, martial dances, and whimsical castles. Rain or not, the Golden Bridge, held by massive stone hands, steals the show. At the Alpine Coaster, I twist and tumble through huge tubes to high-speed chills. Flowerbeds burst with colour, a Buddha statue gazes peacefully from above, and at night, donning a mask for the dance show, I feel transported to Venice. Back in Hanoi, Cherry — seasoned and spirited — guides us through the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and finally, the Water Puppet Show — a mesmerising blend of art, folklore, and finesse. At Ha Long Bay, aboard the Ambassador Cruise II, we sail through stunning emerald waters, otherworldly karsts, kayak in quiet coves, and marvel at the luxury on board — delicious food, soulful music. At Sun World Ha Long, the Zen garden calms while a startlingly lifelike Pablo Picasso statue at the wax museum surprises. On our last day, sipping coconut coffee at Train Street, watching vendors push fans and souvenirs to passersby, I’m struck by the unbreakable spirit of the Vietnamese people — proud, industrious, and full of dignity. Inspired by their beloved Ho Chi Minh, they march ahead with discipline and warmth, welcoming strangers like family. So, what are you waiting for? Book that ticket. Chalo Vietnam! The new direct flight from Hyderabad to Hanoi by Vietnam Airlines is nothing short of a gift for Indian travellers like me. Just over four hours, and I’m transported overnight to the poetic chaos of Hanoi. I land at dawn, well-rested, with eyes wide open, not bleary. Hanoi is already in full swing. Here, mornings are sacred; the city hums with energy, the streets awaken with purpose, like an early bird seizing its golden worm. An 85-minute hop to Da Nang later, our curated journey begins. Kiera, young and effervescent from Vietravel, meets us with a warm smile. Our guide, whimsically named Wings, leads us through Da Nang’s highlights — the Love Lock Bridge, the sculptural Dragon Fish, the My Khe Beach, and the iconic Dragon Bridge. Everywhere, tourists click away as local vendors entice with tropical fruit, handmade souvenirs, hats, and sunglasses. Da Nang knows its tourists and plays its cards with grace. From my 27th-floor perch at Novotel Danang Premier Han River, the city sprawls like a painting — the Han River shimmering quietly below, and mountains drawing a jagged line at the horizon. But it’s from SKY36, the rooftop bar at the hotel, that Da Nang dazzles. With pulsating music, kaleidoscopic lights, and intoxicating views, the city turns into a dreamscape reflected in dark, still waters. The vibrant night market later is a maze of shops, bargaining, and mental math converting Vietnamese Dongs into rupees and dollars. Just when the crowds wear me down, a foot massage revives me — a luxurious punctuation to a long, sun-drenched day. Morning finds us en route to Ba Na Hills. We stop at the Ba Na Hills Golf Club, one of Vietnam’s most celebrated, and I enjoy a few swings. Then comes the cable car — a 20-minute record-breaker — gliding over misty jungles and waterfalls. The view? Spellbinding. The audio commentary? Less so. At the French Village, Mercure Danang becomes my haven. Cobbled streets, dancers in baroque costumes, gabled castles — it’s a charming French illusion atop a Vietnamese mountain. Exploring Sun World Ba Na Hills with Linh, a spirited intern, I’m swept up by flamenco performances, martial dances, and whimsical castles. Rain or not, the Golden Bridge, held by massive stone hands, steals the show. At the Alpine Coaster, I twist and tumble through huge tubes to high-speed chills. Flowerbeds burst with colour, a Buddha statue gazes peacefully from above, and at night, donning a mask for the dance show, I feel transported to Venice. Back in Hanoi, Cherry — seasoned and spirited — guides us through the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and finally, the Water Puppet Show — a mesmerising blend of art, folklore, and finesse. At Ha Long Bay, aboard the Ambassador Cruise II, we sail through stunning emerald waters, otherworldly karsts, kayak in quiet coves, and marvel at the luxury on board — delicious food, soulful music. At Sun World Ha Long, the Zen garden calms while a startlingly lifelike Pablo Picasso statue at the wax museum surprises. On our last day, sipping coconut coffee at Train Street, watching vendors push fans and souvenirs to passersby, I’m struck by the unbreakable spirit of the Vietnamese people — proud, industrious, and full of dignity. Inspired by their beloved Ho Chi Minh, they march ahead with discipline and warmth, welcoming strangers like family. So, what are you waiting for? Book that ticket. Chalo Vietnam! Submit