Day 8 In Vietnam "Saturday August 1, 2026"

 I feel like I’ve gained new knowledge, new experiences, and wonderful memories with my friends that I’ll always cherish, even though this trip has come to an end.
I can’t believe it’s been almost a week since I arrived in Vietnam. Time seems to be flying by because every day brings new experiences that make me enjoy this trip even more. The seventh day was one of the days I was most looking forward to because our chaperone had told us we’d be going on a city tour to visit several famous sites in Hanoi.
From early in the morning, the atmosphere at the guesthouse was already livelier than on previous days. All the participants seemed excited as they got ready. Some were busy charging their phones and cameras, some were packing hats since the weather was expected to be quite hot, and others couldn’t wait to discuss the places we’d be visiting.
Before leaving, we had breakfast together as usual. Our chaperone reminded us again to always behave appropriately, not to wander off on our own, and to pay attention to the scheduled times. He also reminded us to bring drinking water since much of the day’s activities would involve walking.
Around eight in the morning, we boarded the bus that had been arranged for us. During the trip to our first destination, I sat by the window, enjoying the view of Hanoi. The streets were starting to fill with passing vehicles. I watched the daily activities of the people who were already They start their day early in the morning. There are shopkeepers opening their stores, children heading to school, and workers commuting on motorcycles. This atmosphere gave me a deeper sense of the daily lives of the Vietnamese people.
Visiting Ba Dinh Square
The first destination we visited was Ba Dinh Square, one of the most historic sites in Vietnam. As soon as I stepped off the bus, I was immediately struck by the vastness of the area. The enormous square was filled with expanses of well-maintained green grass. The surrounding streets looked clean and neatly organized.
Our accompanying teacher gathered us first to give a brief history of Ba Dinh Square. He explained that this place is a significant site in Vietnamese history and is often used for various state events. Hearing this explanation made me realize even more that this trip wasn’t just about taking photos at tourist spots, but also about learning to understand the history and culture of the country we were visiting.
After the explanation, we were given time to walk around and take photos. My friends and I strolled slowly, enjoying the atmosphere around the square. From a distance, we could see many other tourists also capturing their moments. We took turns taking photos of one another so that everyone would have a memento of the place.
The weather that morning was quite sunny, so the sky was blue and It made the photos turn out really well. Even though the sun was starting to get hot, our enthusiasm for exploring the area didn’t wane one bit.
Back to An Noor Mosque
After thoroughly enjoying the atmosphere at Ba Dinh Square, we boarded the bus again and headed back to the An Noor Mosque in Hanoi. Upon arriving there, we immediately performed wudu and prayed in congregation.
For me, revisiting An Noor Mosque evoked a different feeling. I felt calmer and more familiar with the mosque’s surroundings compared to my previous visit. After finishing the prayer, I sat for a moment inside the mosque, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. I was grateful that, even amidst a busy itinerary, we were still given the opportunity to perform our worship properly.
Before leaving the mosque, I took another look at the building’s architecture and the surrounding area. I was amazed to see how Muslims in Vietnam are still able to worship with such devotion, even though their numbers aren’t as large as in Indonesia. This experience taught me to always be grateful for the many conveniences I have back home.
Enjoying the Atmosphere of Train Street
The journey then continued to one of the most famous spots in Hanoi: Train Street. Ever since I first learned we’d be visiting this place, I’d been very curious because I’d often seen it on social media.
As soon as we arrived at the location, I immediately  We saw rows of houses and cafes standing very close to the train tracks. The road we were walking along turned out to be an active rail line still used by trains every day. Although it looked unique, the area’s management still prioritized visitor safety.
We walked down a narrow alley, taking in the various cafes with their eye-catching decor. Many tourists from different countries came to enjoy the atmosphere while waiting for the train to pass by. My friends and I chose to sit at one of the designated spots while waiting for the train’s scheduled arrival.
While waiting, we chatted about our experiences during our nearly one-week stay in Vietnam. Before we knew it, the trip—which had initially felt so long—was now nearing its end. We shared stories about our favorite places, the tastiest foods, and the funny moments that happened during our backpacking trip.
A few minutes later, staff began signaling to all visitors that the train would be passing soon. Everyone was asked to stand in a safe area and not cross the designated boundaries.
Before long, the sound of the train’s horn could be heard in the distance. The atmosphere, which had been bustling, suddenly grew quieter. All the visitors pointed their cameras toward the tracks. I also quickly got my phone ready to capture the moment.
Slowly, the train came into view. As it passed right in front of me, I truly felt how The train passed very close to the visitors. The wind generated by the train was strong enough to make my clothes flutter slightly. Although it only lasted a few seconds, that experience became one of the most memorable moments of my time in Vietnam.
After the train passed, the area became bustling again. Tourists began walking around once more, while café owners welcomed visitors back to enjoy the atmosphere as usual.
Visiting Uniqlo Vietnam
After the entire series of activities on Train Street was over, our teacher gave us about an hour of free time. My three friends and I decided to walk to Uniqlo Vietnam, which wasn’t too far from there.
As soon as I entered the store, I was very happy to see that the clothing selection was quite extensive. The store layout was also very organized, making it easy for shoppers to find what they were looking for. My friends and I immediately started browsing the various products on display.
At first, I only intended to browse, but after trying on a few options, I finally decided to buy a pair of pants. In my opinion, the pants had a simple design and were comfortable for everyday wear. Besides, I wanted to bring home something I’d actually bought directly in Vietnam as a souvenir from this trip.
Before leaving the store, we walked around one more time to look at some other products. Although there were many items that caught my eye I chose not to shop too much so I could stay within the budget I had set while still in Indonesia.
Back to the Lodging
After free time ended, my friends and I immediately headed back to the meeting point designated by our chaperone. Thankfully, we arrived a few minutes before the scheduled time, so we weren’t late.
All the participants then gathered, and the teacher did a headcount to make sure no one was left behind. Once everyone was accounted for, we boarded the bus back to our lodging.
During the ride home, the bus wasn’t as lively as usual. Some of my friends looked exhausted and chose to rest, while others were busy reviewing the photos and videos they’d taken throughout the day. I sat by the window, gazing at the scenery of Hanoi—perhaps for the last time.
Deep down, I felt sad because this trip was almost over. It felt like just yesterday that I said goodbye to my parents at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, but now I’ve had so many experiences I never could have imagined before.
Upon arriving at our lodging, we immediately freshened up and gathered again for dinner. That evening, the atmosphere felt different. We spent more time reminiscing about the experiences we’d shared together—from our first arrival in Vietnam, walking around Tay Ho, meeting the older members of PPI, playing mini-soccer, all the way to the city tour we’d just finished. I realize that this backpacking trip not only gave me the opportunity to see other countries, but also taught me the meaning of independence, responsibility, teamwork, and the courage to face new environments. All of these experiences will remain cherished memories and serve as valuable lessons for my future journey through life.