I just returned from a two-week vacation in Vietnam, my first visit to my homeland in 16 years. So much has changed, and this trip was incredibly special because I brought my two kids along. It was important for them to connect with their roots and understand where they come from. I also had the joy of traveling with my cousin’s family, with whom I grew up in the same house back in Vietnam.
Though the trip was brief, we packed in so many experiences. This was my first time flying direct from San Francisco with Vietnam Airlines, and I have to say, it was impressively quick—just about 15 hours—and the plane was very comfortable.
We kicked off our trip with four days in Saigon, where I booked an Airbnb for the eight of us in District 3. The place was spacious and secure, with its own private security. Downstairs, we had a Highland Coffee, which quickly became our favorite spot. Highland Coffee is a lot like Starbucks in the U.S.; you can find them all over Vietnam. We’d always order the cafe sua da and mini sandwiches. Fun fact: even though Highland Coffee is a Vietnamese chain, it’s now owned by Jollibee!
On our first day, we dined at Nam Giao, a restaurant known for its central Vietnamese cuisine. We also explored Ben Thanh Market, where we shopped and enjoyed fresh fruit. Later, we walked over to the famous Bach Dang Ice Cream. If you’re a fan of coconut ice cream, you definitely need to give it a try!
In the following days, I visited some of my childhood haunts, like my old house and school. It was an emotional experience, bringing back a flood of happy memories. We indulged in a wide variety of seafood and also visited Landmark 81, the tallest building in Asia. Inside, there’s high-end shopping and accommodations, and we went up to the highest level for a stunning 360-degree view of Saigon.
Afterward, we explored Bui Vien District. It was quite a scene—lively and vibrant, almost like being in Las Vegas. I highly recommend checking out these spots if you ever find yourself in Saigon!
We also had the chance to visit some relatives in Vietnam before heading to Ha Long Bay. It was about a 2.5-hour flight from Saigon to Ha Long. We checked into the Vinpearl Resort, which was absolutely stunning. The resort boasts its own private island, and there’s a water taxi that shuttles you to and from the island every 15 minutes. The breakfast buffet was a highlight, with a wide variety of options that changed daily. We also enjoyed their beautiful infinity pool.
We booked a day cruise with Sea Octopus, which took us to all the major spots in Ha Long Bay, including the famous caves. There was even a lovely spot for swimming, so make sure to pack accordingly. The tour included a buffet lunch and cost around $50 per person, which we thought was an excellent deal.
The next day, we spent some time in Hanoi. Hanoi has its own unique charm. We stopped for the famous bun cha, the same place where Obama dined during his visit. We also made sure to visit the renowned coffee train.
We flew from Ha Long to Da Nang, which took about 1.5 hours. On our way to the Melia Resort, we were surprised by how clean and advanced the roads were—it felt almost like being in the U.S.
Our resort featured its own private beach and an infinity pool, with breakfast included. The rooms were super modern and impeccably clean. We also booked tours to explore Marble Mountains and Hoi An on one day, followed by Ba Na Hills the next day.
Hoi An is renowned for its ancient town, beautifully illuminated by lanterns at night. It’s a picturesque spot, especially if you love taking photos. Ba Na Hills will transport you to a European-like setting with its charming architecture and views. While in Hoi An, don’t miss out on trying Banh Mi Phuong—it’s a must!
Afterward, we flew back to Saigon and took a private bus to southwestern Vietnam, which felt like a slice of the countryside. The region offered stunning scenery, including floating markets and the Mekong River. We savored a variety of local dishes and enjoyed every moment.
Overall, this was one of the best trips we’ve had in a long time. We only scratched the surface of what beautiful Vietnam has to offer, and there’s so much more to explore. See you again soon, Vietnam!
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