I’ve been meaning to write a post since mid-April 2025, and I can finally say it. April definitely outdid March in terms of experiences.
I’ve been meaning to write a post since mid-April 2025, and I can finally say it. April definitely outdid March in terms of experiences.
Scared is what you're feeling. Brave is what you're doing. – Emma Donoghue
After September 2021, I have always struggled celebrating Christmas and New Year. I appreciate the festive atmosphere around as the holiday approaches. But at home, it has always been different since my mother passed away. Looking back, we have survived four holidays together: me, Dad and my older brother. There are so much to be grateful for. In the end, I close my eyes and end the day with a contented heart. Having a safe and comfortable home, a stable job, food for everyone and more importantly, good health, these are more than enough blessings.
Scared is what you're feeling. Brave is what you're doing. – Emma Donoghue
After September 2021, I have always struggled celebrating Christmas and New Year. I appreciate the festive atmosphere around as the holiday approaches. But at home, it has always been different since my mother passed away. Looking back, we have survived four holidays together: me, Dad and my older brother. There are so much to be grateful for. In the end, I close my eyes and end the day with a contented heart. Having a safe and comfortable home, a stable job, food for everyone and more importantly, good health, these are more than enough blessings.
We were not suppose to take the Halong Bay trip. This was the reason why we chose the more expensive small group tour in Ninh Binh. I initially followed the recommendation of a friend to skip the touristy places in Vietnam. On the way back to Hanoi from Ninh Binh, we made the last minute decision to book a trip to Halong Bay. Armed with a great internet connection (Thank you Shopee for the affordable and reliable Vietnam sim), I booked a trip via Klook. We took the small group tour in a Limousine bus in Hanoi with buffet lunch for Php 2,282.25 per head. If you have more time and patience, you can look for coupon codes from vloggers and influencers from Tiktok. Another option is taking the standard bus, with a price difference of around Php 300. In our case, we chose the small group tour for that much needed comfort and convenience.
We were not suppose to take the Halong Bay trip. This was the reason why we chose the more expensive small group tour in Ninh Binh. I initially followed the recommendation of a friend to skip the touristy places in Vietnam. On the way back to Hanoi from Ninh Binh, we made the last minute decision to book a trip to Halong Bay. Armed with a great internet connection (Thank you Shopee for the affordable and reliable Vietnam sim), I booked a trip via Klook. We took the small group tour in a Limousine bus in Hanoi with buffet lunch for Php 2,282.25 per head. If you have more time and patience, you can look for coupon codes from vloggers and influencers from Tiktok. Another option is taking the standard bus, with a price difference of around Php 300. In our case, we chose the small group tour for that much needed comfort and convenience.
When in Vietnam, Halong Bay has always been identified as the leading destination. Social media leads often mention Sappa, Hoi An and Phu Quoc. Ninh Binh is not a popular choice. Days before our trip, the workplace's travel agency offered optional tours in Ninh Binh or Halong Bay. While everyone chose Halong Bay, we went with Ninh Binh. There were only two of us who signed up and in the end, the tour operator cancelled the trip. It turned out for the better because I scored cheaper tours from Klook. The workplace's travel agency offered the trip for around Php 4,000 in a large group tour. I found this deal from Klook, which costed less than Php 4,000 and best about it, we had a very comfortable luxury van to ourselves.
I highly recommend availing the small group tour for Ninh Binh since the entire trip entailed hiking, walking and a boat tour.
When in Vietnam, Halong Bay has always been identified as the leading destination. Social media leads often mention Sappa, Hoi An and Phu Quoc. Ninh Binh is not a popular choice. Days before our trip, the workplace's travel agency offered optional tours in Ninh Binh or Halong Bay. While everyone chose Halong Bay, we went with Ninh Binh. There were only two of us who signed up and in the end, the tour operator cancelled the trip. It turned out for the better because I scored cheaper tours from Klook. The workplace's travel agency offered the trip for around Php 4,000 in a large group tour. I found this deal from Klook, which costed less than Php 4,000 and best about it, we had a very comfortable luxury van to ourselves.
I highly recommend availing the small group tour for Ninh Binh since the entire trip entailed hiking, walking and a boat tour.
