Embracing the Wonders of Nature in Vietnam- Shailendra’s Vietnam Family Trip with Thrillophilia
Shailendra and his family come from Mumbai, where the concrete jungles leave little room to take a long breath without inhaling dust. That is why every travel plan they make steers clear of city life. They always look for places where their souls and bodies can find rest.
For them, nature is the ultimate healer, standing far above the typical chaos of urban life. The family firmly believes that staying away from technology and the daily comforts of modern living, and nurturing oneself amidst nature, is the best way to truly rejuvenate.
Of course, that is not entirely possible all the time. In today’s world, nothing seems to function without an internet connection. Yet, their goal always remains the same: to get as far away as possible from all of it.
So, last year, they decided to escape reality by booking a Vietnam tour package for a seven-day family retreat with Thrillophilia.
2023 took us to Vietnam
Unconventional, unique landscapes and a rich heritage drew them toward this destination. The fact that it was also pocket-friendly added to its charm.
Although the family was quite excited about the experience, their research stretching across several days did not uncover much. Vietnam, despite being a rising star in the travel world, still lacked the kind of tourist information available for places like Europe or America.
But sometimes, going off track brings one back on track. That was exactly what they hoped for from their Vietnam trip, and not to spoil the ending, but it exceeded every expectation.
The first highlight of their journey was a cycling tour through the countryside of Hanoi. The landscapes were so soothing and serene that cycling felt like the perfect way to explore. Designated trails wound through forests, open grasslands, and farmlands, leading to scenic viewpoints where dotted hills stretched out under a green canopy.
Later that evening, the family strolled through the famous Train Street Market. It was a Sunday, and they witnessed trains passing through the narrow market lanes. It was a strange but fascinating sight, as vendors quickly pulled back their stalls until the train passed and then unfolded them again over the tracks. Shailendra’s daughter was both surprised and amazed that such a system still operated without anyone getting hurt.
“Perhaps that’s their way of preserving their ancient culture,” Shailendra remarked.
By then, the evening had grown late and the family was starving. They decided to try the local street food, including Banh Xeo, Cau Lau, Pho, and Xoi. Each dish, made with fresh ingredients, was wholesome and full of flavour. They enjoyed it so much that they could not even make space for dessert.
The market itself was beautifully lit with fairy lights, Chinese lanterns, and colourful banners. The air smelled of sizzling street food, and upbeat local music filled the space. It was a vibe and quite a memorable one.
Time to Dive
One of the most exciting experiences of the trip was scuba diving at the Cham Islands. It turned out to be a wonderful decision since the area was less crowded and the waters were crystal clear. The rich marine life, with hydras and thousands of fish gliding past in perfect formations, created memories they would cherish forever. The activity also gave the family a chance to bond more deeply as a team and as a family.
Next, they visited the famous Golden Hand Bridge in Ba Na Hills. At first, both Shailendra and his wife felt a twinge of fear standing on such an elevated walkway. But seeing their daughter’s excitement gave them the courage to take slow, confident steps until they eventually crossed the entire bridge.
Their one-day stay in Halong Bay turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of the trip. The calm blue sea reflected the sky with quiet confidence, while the emerald-covered seamounts added depth and colour to the view. It felt like standing inside one of nature’s finest masterpieces.
They also took a longboat tour around the archipelagos, ending the day with a breathtaking sunset. For a while, the world stood still. All their worries faded, and they simply existed in that moment, silent, content, and in awe of the horizon.
To Life and Nature
Food, shelter, and clothing are essential for human survival, but in Vietnam, the ways of obtaining them were unlike anything the family had seen before. From the farming techniques to the materials used in clothing and the ingredients in food, everything felt refreshingly different, even to them as fellow Asians.
Their final destination was Ninh Binh, a land that left them spellbound. Vast stretches of green and yellow fields were dotted with towering hills that sheltered tropical trees, animals, and birds.
The area is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trang An Landscape Complex and Tam Coc, often called “Ha Long Bay on land”. For the family, this was perhaps one of their most beautiful experiences to date. The destination felt tailor-made for travellers like them who sought peace, authenticity, and connection with nature.
The journey also sparked some deep reflections in Shailendra’s mind, thoughts that might guide their future travels. He realised that Asia itself is a storehouse of surprises. Exploring this part of the world is just as, if not more, important than exploring others. The balance between natural beauty and human life in these regions shows how coexistence and mutual respect shape sustainable living, something the world needs now more than ever.
With that hopeful realisation, Shailendra and his family bid farewell to Vietnam. Their hearts were full, their minds at peace, and their bond stronger than before.
They left with a simple promise that they would return soon, and when they did, Thrillophilia would be part of their journey once again.
Read More: Thrillophilia Vietnam Reviews