Luxury Voyage: A Surprising Twist from Japan to Vietnam

Just returned from a European trip in July, I thought, "How can I let my August vacation go to waste?" So, I quickly planned my next trip! Without hesitation, I booked a cruise on the Gulangyu and even splurged on a VIP balcony suite. The moment I stepped on board, I felt, "This is what a real vacation should be!" The room was spacious and elegantly designed, with a balcony where I could sit, enjoy the sea breeze, and take in the ocean view. Watching the sunrise in the morning and stargazing at night created an incredibly soothing atmosphere. Spending a bit more money truly elevated the comfort level to a whole new tier, and I managed to capture a ton of Instagram-worthy photos—pure satisfaction! 📸

The ship's facilities were top-notch, featuring a pool, bar, theater, and buffet restaurant. There were different performances every day, and I could also relax at the gym or spa. Sitting on the balcony at night, listening to the sound of the waves while sipping a glass of wine, made me feel like life was half complete.

Originally, our itinerary included two small islands in Japan 🏝️, and I was really looking forward to it. However, due to a typhoon, the route was changed to Ha Long Bay in Vietnam for two days 🫠. At first, I was a bit disappointed, thinking Vietnam might not be that special and worried it would affect the overall experience. But this "unexpected twist" turned out to be the highlight of the trip!

The scenery in Ha Long Bay was breathtaking, with turquoise waters and uniquely shaped limestone islands that felt like stepping into a traditional Chinese painting. We even took a bamboo raft to explore hidden caves. The water was calm, and the cool breeze was incredibly refreshing. The food in Vietnam was amazing too—fresh seafood at unbeatable prices, making every meal satisfying. The locals were so warm and welcoming, completely overturning my previous impressions.

Although this trip had an unexpected detour, it made the journey even more special and unforgettable. Sometimes, the best part of traveling is the surprises that come when plans change.

Post by Brian_Book_Buff | Sep 9, 2025