June 10-21, 2024
Is this your first time visiting this location?
Yes. We’d never been to Vietnam before, so everything was a new adventure. It was an unforgettable family trip.
Why did you pick this location?
My first cousin has lived in Vietnam for more than 10 years, so it gave us the perfect reason to finally make the trip. She studied international business in college and has spent much of her adult life living throughout Asia, so we knew we’d get to experience Vietnam through the eyes of someone who truly calls it home. We planned the trip around my birthday in June and were excited to spend time with a family member we’re very close to but rarely get to see. It made the trip feel even more meaningful because it wasn’t just about visiting a new country, it was about reconnecting with family and making memories together.
Name five highlights that replay in your mind
Five highlights of the trip for our family include taking a boat through the Mekong Delta and visiting the floating markets. Drinking fresh coconut water straight from the tree was a simple moment I’ll never forget. We loved wandering through Ben Thanh Market, capturing photos and buying keepsakes for our family and friends. Experiencing the contrast between the energy of Ho Chi Minh City and the peaceful coastline of Vung Tau, where we celebrated my birthday at a breathtaking seaside resort. The fresh seafood was incredible. We’ll also never forget the people! Locals stopped to chat with us daily, taught us a few Vietnamese greetings, and asked to take photos with our family. Those genuine interactions made us feel incredibly welcome and are memories we’ll cherish for years to come. Those interactions reminded us that some of the best parts of traveling are the connections you make with people along the way.
What was the best day of the trip?
If I had to pick one, it would be celebrating my birthday during our weekend in Vung Tau. We stayed at a beautiful seaside resort with an incredible infinity pool overlooking the coast. We enjoyed fresh dragon fruit juice, tasted lychee for the first time, and celebrated my birthday with an unforgettable seafood dinner where I picked out my own live lobster. One of my favorite moments was simply taking off my shoes and walking barefoot along the shoreline with my family.
What was the best meal you experienced?
Vietnam has an incredible food scene. You can certainly find familiar places like Burger King, Popeyes, and even American-style diners, but we wanted to experience as much of the local cuisine as we could. Since my family loves seafood, one of our favorite meals was a dinner cruise in Ho Chi Minh City. We enjoyed fresh lobster, shrimp, vegetables, and other local dishes while taking in the city skyline and listening to live music. Everything was incredibly fresh, and it was the perfect combination of great food, beautiful views, and quality time together
How did the trip shift your perspective on life, home or the world?
Travel has a way of reminding you how connected we all are. Spending time in Vietnam reinforced that, despite our different languages and cultures, people everywhere value family, community, and making visitors feel welcome. It also reminded me to slow down and appreciate the simple moments – sharing a meal, walking along the coast, or laughing with someone even when you don’t speak the same language. I came home with a greater appreciation for the world and a renewed sense of gratitude for the experiences that bring people together.
What challenges did you have during your trip that others can avoid?
The biggest challenge was the language barrier. In tourist areas, many merchants spoke English or could communicate well enough to help us, but once we ventured into local neighborhoods, that wasn’t always the case. I also recommend exchanging your money into Vietnamese đồng as soon as you arrive, especially if you plan to visit local markets. If you’re visiting in June, be prepared for the heat and humidity – it gets very hot, so lightweight clothing and staying hydrated are a must. And if you’re planning to explore the countryside, don’t forget your insect repellent. Beyond that, we found Vietnam was easy to navigate. Transportation was convenient, and there was no shortage of great restaurants, grocery stores, shopping, or places to pick up souvenirs. With a little preparation, getting around was surprisingly easy.
What advice would you give to someone visiting that country for the first time?
Go with an open mind and be willing to step outside your comfort zone. Try the local food, learn a few Vietnamese phrases, and make time to experience both the energy of the city and the beauty of the countryside. Vietnam is very affordable, from delicious meals and fresh fruit to shopping and souvenirs, we were surprised at how inexpensive restaurants, entertainment and groceries were – so don’t be afraid to explore. Some of our favorite memories came from the unexpected moments – talking with locals, trying foods we’d never tasted before, and just slowing down and taking it all in.
Vietnam is very family-friendly, we traveled there with my toddler daughter, and it has so much to offer. Vietnam is a place that stays with you long after the trip is over.
Additional Comments
One place that really stayed with me was the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City. I wanted to visit because my uncle served in the Vietnam War, and I felt it was important to learn more about that part of history while I was there. It’s a deeply moving and emotional experience, with photographs and artifacts that honestly portray the realities of war. It’s also important to know that the museum tells the story from Vietnam’s perspective, and some of the exhibits are difficult to see. Even so, I think it’s an important stop for anyone visiting Ho Chi Minh City. It gives you a greater appreciation for history, the resilience of the Vietnamese people, and the value of peace.
