Vietnam is one of the most beautiful and affordable places we’ve ever visited. We spent several weeks traveling around, exploring the country’s most popular spots, trying the most incredible food, and enjoying experiences that were fun for both adults and kids. From bustling cities to serene lakes and stunning beaches, every day felt like an adventure.
Ho Chi Minh City: Big, Friendly, and Full of Flavor
Ho Chi Minh City is enormous, with so many districts to explore, and it’s easy to see why so many expats call it home. The energy in the city is contagious, and everyone we met was incredibly friendly. The food here is some of the best in the country. We tried everything from pork belly banh mi and bun bo to pho, and even sampled pizza at 4P’s and some kid-friendly Mexican spots like Sol Kitchen and Bar.
One of our favorite meals was at Sol Kitchen and Bar, a Michelin-starred restaurant that was surprisingly affordable. Erika even took a coffee class, and as a coffee lover, she declared Vietnam’s coffee among the best she’s ever had—rich, strong, and unforgettable.
Hanoi: Lakes, Egg Coffee, and Kid-Friendly Adventures
Hanoi stole our hearts with its charm. Walking around Hoan Kiem Lake was a highlight for the kids—they loved watching the turtles and exploring the open space. Food was, as always, the main attraction. We enjoyed award-winning pho and banh mi, and Erika couldn’t resist the famous egg coffee, which was rich, creamy, and delicious. The kids even tried the egg hot chocolate, which quickly became a favorite.
We also indulged in affordable massages, including the unique hair-wash massage. It was relaxing, fun, and something everyone enjoyed—even the kids loved watching the process!
Danang: Beach Days and Local Friends
Danang quickly became one of our favorite towns. The beach reminded us of Florida—wide, sandy, and perfect for families. We stayed at hotels within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, and stores, which made exploring super easy.
Danang also has some of the best pork belly banh mi we’ve ever had. We made a local friend at a smoothie spot called Tropi Farm—the owner was young, welcoming, and served the best smoothies and fresh fruit. Hanging out there became one of our favorite parts of the trip.
Hoi An: Colorful Streets and Legendary Banh Mi
Hoi An is a little, charming town that feels like it’s straight out of a movie. Our hotel even hosted the Netflix film A Tourist’s Guide to Love, which added a fun twist to our stay. The streets are colorful and quaint, perfect for wandering with kids. We also took advantage of the town’s tailoring shops and got some clothes made at reasonable prices.
Food in Hoi An was amazing. We tried Madam Khanh, a local favorite, as well as Banh Mi Phuong, which Anthony Bourdain called the best banh mi he’d ever had. Every bite was fresh, flavorful, and unforgettable.
Phu Quoc: Peaceful Beaches and Clean Shores
Phu Quoc was a quiet escape from the hustle of the bigger cities. The beaches here are absolutely stunning—clean, soft sand and crystal-clear water made it feel like paradise. It was the perfect place to relax and unwind as a family, swim in calm waters, and just enjoy the slow pace of island life.
Ninh Binh: Scenic Beauty and Adventure
Ninh Binh surprised us with its lush landscapes and stunning scenery. Known for its limestone karsts and winding rivers, it’s a place where kids could run around freely and take in nature. We loved exploring the river by boat, passing small villages and rice paddies—an adventure that felt far away from the busy streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Sapa: Mountain Views and Local Culture
Sapa’s cool mountain air and breathtaking scenery were a highlight of our northern journey. The terraced rice fields looked like something out of a painting, and the small villages offered a glimpse into traditional Vietnamese life. The kids enjoyed exploring the city, meeting local children, and learning about the culture, making it a unique and memorable stop on our trip.
Food, Family, and Fun Everywhere
Vietnam is a food lover’s paradise. Every city and town offered something new to try, from crispy banh mi and rich pho to fresh fruit smoothies and even pizza. The kids loved exploring markets, sampling treats, and discovering new flavors, while we loved seeing them experience Vietnamese culture firsthand.
Traveling Vietnam as a family was easy, fun, and full of surprises. Between Ho Chi Minh City’s energy, Hanoi’s lakes, Danang’s beaches, Hoi An’s charming streets, the quiet beauty of Phu Quoc, the scenic rivers of Ninh Binh, and the mountain landscapes of Sapa, we made memories that will last a lifetime. Vietnam truly delivered on adventure, culture, food, and unforgettable family experiences.
