The Journey Begins
It was 9 a.m. on August 24th at Fukuoka Airport. I passed through the departure gate, feeling the thrill of adventure rise with every step. The crowd of travelers grew steadily, and so did my excitement.
This time, I chose VietJet Air from Fukuoka to Vietnam. The airline is known for delays and last-minute changes, but the round-trip fare of around 30,000 yen makes it quite affordable.
Finally, boarding began. I was lucky to have a seat near the emergency exit—a perfect spot to stretch my legs. Japan, I thought, goodbye for now. I’ll see you again in a few years.
Farewell to Japan
From my window seat, I observed the last gestures of departure: family farewells, staff bustling efficiently. Even these small details reminded me of the care and order that make Japan unique.
The plane took off. I carefully reviewed the emergency procedures, as my seat required readiness to assist in case of an emergency. The instructions were detailed, and I imagined the nervousness of those encountering this responsibility for the first time. Modern video explanations might be easier to follow, but patience is required on a low-cost carrier.
First Glimpse of Hanoi
After a roughly two-hour flight, Hanoi appeared below. Rows of houses intertwined with greenery stretched across the landscape. The Red River, colored by the rich local soil, gives the city its distinctive red-brown rooftops.
After landing, I transferred to a bus for the ride to the international terminal. The bus was packed tightly, reminiscent of Japan's crowded trains—a memory from my university days when I vowed never to commute by train. I quietly congratulated myself for keeping that promise.
The Challenge of Luggage
Arriving at Noi Bai International Airport, I faced the luggage carousel for what felt like the second time in my life. My nine pieces of luggage, including my bicycle, were scattered across the conveyor belts. By the time I retrieved everything, all other travelers had collected theirs—a surreal scene of remaining baggage.
Initially, I had hoped to skip luggage collection during my Fukuoka-to-Ho Chi Minh transit, imagining a brief visit to Hanoi. Life, however, had other plans. I successfully gathered all my belongings and moved from the international to the domestic terminal, which required a considerable walk.
If you need local currency, there is an exchange counter immediately to the right after exiting the airport. While I used Grab for convenience with my many bags, a free shuttle bus is also available. Many people will try to offer transport, often at higher than normal rates, so politely decline if you prefer the bus.
Finally, I arrived at the domestic terminal. The space is open, clean, and well-organized. From here, I faced a nine-hour layover before continuing my journey.
