Skip to main content

Birthday Trip to Vietnam - Hanoi (29 March - 3 April 2025)

This year, I chose Vietnam as the destination for my birthday and our couple's trip. I’ve always dreamed of visiting Vietnam because of its rich food culture, vibrant heritage, and exotic charm. Interestingly, my husband was never too keen on going—until recently.

With the upcoming launch of our winter rental business, we discovered that many branded winter jackets are manufactured in Vietnam. That sparked an idea: why not combine leisure and a bit of business by exploring potential suppliers there?

So off we went—half holiday, half work trip—starting in Northern Vietnam to enjoy the beautiful scenery.


We landed in Hanoi on a Saturday morning around 8 AM and spent almost the entire day exploring the Hanoi Old Quarter on foot. Because everything was so affordable, we did a mini food tour, hopping from one place to another. Thankfully, Vietnamese food is quite healthy and balanced—carbs, protein, and lots of vegetables—so even with all the eating, the walking helped us stay calorie-neutral!









On our first day alone, we managed to try four of Vietnam’s must-have dishes:

  • Pho Bo – beef noodle soup that’s warm and comforting.


  • Banh Mi – a crunchy, flavor-packed sandwich with grilled meat.


  • Egg Coffee – a unique Hanoi specialty with creamy egg yolk foam on top.




  • Bun Cha – grilled pork served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and sweet dressing.


Before catching our overnight train to Sapa, we squeezed in a visit to St Joseph Cathedral for Evening mass and  the famous Train Street. Although we didn’t get to see the train pass by, the atmosphere itself was still a fun experience.






Around 10 PM, we boarded the overnight train to Sapa in a VIP double bed cabin. It was fairly comfortable, though the bumpy ride made it hard for me to sleep well. Still, the experience was one-of-a-kind—and to my surprise, the train provider (VIC Sapa) even offered a complimentary birthday cake and wine upon request to celebrate my birthday. Such a sweet gesture!






Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Since I Found You

Today's mood is this song. SINCE I FOUND YOU I think of you in everything that i do To be with you what ever it takes i'll do Cause you my love, you all my heart desires You've lighten up my life forever i'm alive Since i found you my world seems so brand new You've show me the love i never knew Your presence has spark my whole life through Since i found you my life begin so new Now who needs a dream when there is you For all of my dreams came true Since i found you Your love shines bright Through all the corners of my heart Maybe you are my dearest heart I give you all i have my heart, my soul, my life My destiny is you Forever true... i'm so in love with you Since i found you my world seems so brand new You've show me the love i never knew Your presence has spark my whole life through Since i found you my life begin so new Now who needs a dream when there is you For all of my dreams came true Since i found you My heart fo...

Birthday Trip to Vietnam - Hanoi (Cafe hopping)

We spent our  last day in Hanoi  doing what we love most— café hopping ! The day started with a local breakfast of  Banh Cuon , a soft steamed rice roll filled with minced pork and mushrooms, quite similar to  chee cheong fun  but with its own Vietnamese twist. Light yet flavorful—perfect to kick off the morning. Next, we visited  Café Giang , the birthplace of the famous  egg coffee . Rich, creamy, and unlike any coffee we've had before—it’s a must-try when in Hanoi. Our last café stop was  The Note Coffee , a cozy and cheerful little spot decorated from floor to ceiling with colorful  sticky notes  left by visitors from all over the world. Their  iced coconut coffee  was refreshing and delicious—definitely a highlight. Since our hotel was located near  Train Street , we couldn’t resist visiting it multiple times— three to be exact!  We even had dinner there one evening, enjoying the thrill of the train zooming by ju...

As for me and my house will serve you Lord

Finally, I’ve joined the boys in serving at the Eucharist. It’s not my time, but His time. Two of the communion ministers were unable to serve on Sunday morning and requested to move to the Saturday sunset Mass. This left the group leader looking for replacements — and he thought of me, knowing that my hubby has been serving at Mass for 10 years. I said “yes” to the invitation, and so began my journey: the commissioning Mass on 3rd August, a Day of Recollection on 9th August, and my very first duty on 10th August. It is such a privilege to offer Jesus, in the Body of Christ, to His sheep. As I looked into the eyes of each parishioner receiving the Body of Christ, I saw so many different expressions. My prayer is that this gift of the Body of Christ will strengthen them in their journey, whatever season of life they are in.