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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!






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