Vietnam: ASEAN Country Number Five
Indonesia was our first ASEAN country, followed by Thailand and Singapore. With Malaysia included, that made four. Vietnam became number five—and we were more than ready to add it to the list.
Booking Our Flights
We booked our Hanoi flights at a MATTA fair and scored a decent deal. Return tickets cost about RM1,086 each (≈ USD279 / EUR239), which felt fair for another adventure.
An Early Start from Home
Travel day began before sunrise. We were out the door by 5:30 a.m., with Brendan bravely sacrificing sleep to drive us to KL Sentral’s KL City Air Terminal. We arrived just before six and soon checked in our bright yellow suitcases—our trusty “yellow submarines.”
KL City Air Terminal Check In
We had bought our KLIA Express tickets online, costing only RM43.75 each (≈ USD11 / EUR10). This mattered, as entry to the city terminal required a valid train ticket. At six sharp, we scanned in and walked through. At the time, the terminal only served Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, and KLM.
Our bags went through a quick security check before check in. Together they weighed 32 kilograms, well under the limit. After a painful baggage lesson on a past trip, we had wisely purchased extra allowance this time.
Check in was a small joy. No queues, no stress—just friendly smiles and smooth steps. Our bags disappeared, boarding passes appeared, and suddenly we were officially on our way to Hanoi aboard MH752.
Riding the KLIA Express
At 6:20 a.m., we boarded the KLIA Express. The train was quiet, clean, and fast. The city slipped away, and our minds finally slowed down. Thirty minutes later, we arrived at KLIA Terminal 1 feeling surprisingly fresh.
Immigration and Airport Time
With no luggage to drag around, we headed straight to Departures. Our flight was set for 9:30 a.m. from Gate G6, so we felt comfortably early. Immigration quickly humbled us. The auto gates were confusing, signs were unclear, and travelers tried every option available. By the time we made it through, it was already 7:00 a.m.
On the other side, calm returned. Cat wandered into a MAC store “just to look” and walked out with three refill sets for her compact powder. Thanks to a good discount, the damage came to RM433 (≈ USD111 / EUR94)—and she looked delighted.
Waiting at the Gate
We spent the next hour at Dunkin’ Donuts near Gate G6, sharing drinks and a sandwich while watching the airport wake up. For RM46.90 (≈ USD11 / EUR10), we bought ourselves a peaceful pause.
Gate G6 opened at 8:20 a.m., followed by the final security check. This one meant business. Trays flew, bags reopened, liquids judged, and shoes slowed everyone down. The officers were serious, but we survived and escaped with our nerves mostly intact.
Boarding and Takeoff
Boarding for Group 2 began at 9:00 a.m. A few hopeful rule breakers tried to sneak in early, but boarding passes were checked and order prevailed. When our group was called, we boarded calmly and with quiet satisfaction.
The flight was full, with many transit passengers due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. After heavy runway traffic, we pushed back at 9:45 a.m. and finally took off at 10:15.
In the Air
Once airborne, everything softened. The engines hummed, the morning faded, and cruising felt smooth and easy. Time passed quickly. The descent began earlier than expected, and excitement returned to the cabin.
Arrival in Hanoi
We landed at 1:10 p.m. Kuala Lumpur time—12:10 p.m. in Hanoi—arriving a full thirty minutes early.
Fifteen minutes later, we stepped into warm air and gentle smiles. At baggage claim, we waited at Carousel 5. When our yellow suitcases appeared, it felt like the final small win of a very long morning.
Ready for Hanoi
Bags in hand, we were done. Hanoi was ours now—busy streets, Old Quarter energy, and the quiet promise of Hoan Kiem Lake waiting just beyond the airport doors.
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📍 Location:
Havironia Music - https://goo.gl/maps/swtNfVmjFK4FgRsf8
Kuala Lumpur International Airport - https://maps.app.goo.gl/pDCevJLK4PNEfeq39
Noi Bai International Airport - https://maps.app.goo.gl/i4BZvrPcCNE9zJP87
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