Imagine cruising past Halong Bay’s majestic limestone karsts or savoring a steaming bowl of pho in Hanoi watching a train pass you by on a pedestrian street. Vietnam offers an affordable family adventure filled with history, culture, and delicious food. We recently explored Vietnam, celebrating my sister’s 25th birthday with my parents.
Ninh Bing, Photo: Khushboo Khanna
Consider guided tours for attractions like Halong Bay and Ninh Binh. Download the Grab app for convenient transportation and food delivery. Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas and keep track of currency (the large values make it confusing). Vietnamese coffee pots or coffee from local brands such as Trung Nguyen or Mr. Viet Coffee, make excellent souvenirs.
Vietnam shines during the dry season March-May and September-November, but it’s beautiful year-round.
Ho Chi Minh City
I recommend you start in the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City. With so many places to visit, 10 days in Vietnam can get overwhelming. You want to save the closest destination as your last.
To understand Vietnam’s past, you must visit the War Remnants Museum. Witnessing the trauma of colonization will make you appreciate the resilient spirit of the country. We skipped Cu Chi tunnels but if you’re fit and not claustrophobic, it’s a lifetime experience to see the passages underground.
Central Post Office
For us, the hop-on and off bus was a waste due to long wait schedules and a tight timeline, but it is a great way to explore landmarks if you come unplanned. We regret not spending more time at the Ben Thanh market, so if you like to shop, spend half a day here. The Times Square and Saigon Opera House are beautiful at night, and there’s a show you can book in advance via Trip.com
Tip: Our favorite stop was the Central Post Office, built in the 1890s and still an active post office with Gothic Renaissance and French Colonial Style design. Take the opportunity to write a postcard as a souvenir.
Da Nang
If you follow the South to North route, the next city is Da Nang. We discovered some of the best modern serviced apartments just 50m from the beach and cannot recommend them enough. It was the most luxurious of our stays, so explore those instead of hotels.
For best time utilization, wake up early to enjoy the beach, then head to My Son Sanctuary to find treasures preserved for over 200 years in the Shiva Linga temple. Our English-speaking tour guide explained the ancient ruins of the Indian Kingdom of Champa with its distinct red bricks.
Linh Ung Pagoda, Marble Mountains, Photo: Khushboo Khanna
Next is Bana Hills, with the world’s longest cable car and breathtaking views. The famous Golden Hands Bridge, Linh Ung Pagoda, and the giant Buddha statue are all located here. Don’t miss the 19th-century French villages, complete with a cathedral, cobblestone street town, and wine cellar. We spent the whole day here despite the foggy weather but would recommend going on a dry day to take photos.
Kids will love Fantasy Park, with over 100 games, most of which are included in the ticket price. There are also fabulous dance shows inside.
Tip: The Lady Buddha pagoda is believed to be the protector of the land from sea storms, and we discovered the pagoda is still the living quarters of many monks. You can spot monkeys here.
Hoi An
Next is Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that blends Vietnamese and Chinese architecture. An unforgettable experience was the Hoi An Memories Show, an acclaimed performance that showcases 400 years of Vietnamese history through extravagant displays of musical theatrics put together by 500 people.
Photo: Mahek Khanna (left)
Tip: For an aesthetic stay, book the Blue Sky Boutique Hotel & Spa. Try Cao Lau, a grilled meat and noodle dish unique to Hoi An with Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese influences. Hoi An boasts a vibrant market known for bespoke tailoring. Have a custom-made outfit made in just 48 hours, a testament to local craftsmanship!
Hanoi
Visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and feeling the rush of a train passing inches from our faces felt like a perfect way for us to cap off our tour. For the scholarly, a visit to the Temple of Literature, an homage to Confucius, may be the better way to finish a Vietnam adventure.
Photo: Mahek Khanna
Tip: Plan Hanoi for the weekend for the street flea market, which is perfect for souvenirs. Because it’s the last stop on your trip, it also keeps luggage light for airlines you’d use domestically.
Must-Try Food
Banh Mi (baguette sandwich), Pho (noodle soup), Bun Cha (cold vermicelli and grilled meat patty), Ban Xeo (French-inspired savory crepe), Che (Vietnamese dessert of jellied ingredients, tropical fruit doused in coconut milk), Vietnamese Condensed Milk Coffee (cà phê sữa đá), Saigon Lager 333, Bia Hoi.
