Vietnam ultimate family itinerary

Vietnam had been on our bucket list for years. The promise of incredible food, rich history, vibrant cities, and unforgettable landscapes had us counting down the days. What we didn't expect was just how deeply this beautiful country would capture our hearts.

From bustling cities and floating villages to overnight trains and luxury cruises, Vietnam delivered adventure around every corner.

First Impressions of Saigon

We landed in Ho Chi Minh City late at night, exhausted but far too excited to sleep.

As our taxi wound through the busy streets, the city seemed alive in a way we'd never experienced before. Motorbikes buzzed in every direction, street food stalls glowed under neon lights, and the anticipation of finally being in Vietnam was impossible to contain.

After checking into our hotel, we did what any excited traveller would do. We dropped our bags and headed straight back outside.

A quick wander through the local streets, a stop at Circle K for snacks, and our Vietnam adventure had officially begun.

The next morning started with one of my favourite travel rituals: a hotel buffet breakfast. A great breakfast is non negotiable when I book accommodation, and Vietnam certainly did not disappoint.

With no plans and nowhere to be, we spent the day exploring Saigon.

Ben Thanh Market was our first stop, where bargaining quickly became a sport. Prices often started at several times their actual value, so negotiating became part of the experience. We wandered through endless stalls selling everything from handbags and clothing to souvenirs and shoes.

Across the road, Saigon Square provided welcome air conditioning and a chance to escape the tropical heat while continuing our shopping adventures.

We discovered Lu'ru Van Lang street (fixed price Street) just to the side of the market. It's a great spot to start to get a idea of prices.

That evening, we enjoyed dinner overlooking the city skyline before heading back to the hotel to prepare for our first full day of sightseeing.

Walking Through History

Vietnam's history is impossible to ignore.

Our city tour began at the Reunification Palace, one of the country's most significant historical landmarks. Walking through rooms that have remained virtually unchanged since the 1960s felt like stepping back in time.

Old military vehicles sat in the gardens, underground bunkers remained intact, and stories from the Vietnam War came to life around every corner.

The War Remnants Museum followed and proved to be one of the most moving experiences of our trip.

The photographs, personal stories, and historical displays are confronting, emotional, and incredibly important. It was a powerful reminder that history is often far more recent than we realise.

That afternoon we visited the famous Cu Chi Tunnels.

Crawling through sections of the tunnels gave us a glimpse into the extraordinary resilience of those who lived and fought underground during the war. The kids absolutely loved exploring the tunnels, while I discovered that my tolerance for confined spaces has definite limits. If your brave enough you a even shoot some guns at the end..... of course I did!

A Restaurant That Changed Our Perspective

One of the most memorable evenings of our entire trip came at a restaurant run by an Australian who helps disadvantaged Vietnamese youth build a future.

Young people are trained in hospitality, kitchen work, and customer service, giving them skills and opportunities that can transform their lives.

The experience had a profound effect on our children.

After dinner, they insisted on ordering extra meals so we could share them with people living on the streets nearby.

It was one of those unexpected travel moments that stays with you long after you've returned home.

Life on the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta felt like stepping into another world.

We travelled by boat through winding waterways lined with mangroves and stilt houses. We visited local villages, sampled honey, cycled through rural communities, and enjoyed an incredible traditional Vietnamese lunch.

The pace of life felt slower here.

Watching our boat glide silently through narrow waterways while locals went about their daily lives was one of the most peaceful experiences of our journey.

That evening we spent the last days in Saigon walking the streets and trying the street food. We discovered the Street food market which was fantastic for us. Lots of different foods so all of us to try. A trip to the  Việt Nga Mall (Russian Market) was one of the best shopping experiences ever! I go so many beautiful winter items for a great price. Its so strange to by purchasing winter clothes in such a hot environment.

Falling in Love with Hoi An

Every traveller has that one destination they never want to leave.

For me, it was Hoi An.

From the moment we arrived, I knew this place was special.

Ancient yellow buildings, lantern lined streets, rice paddies stretching to the horizon, and an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.

At night, Hoi An transforms completely.

Thousands of colourful lanterns illuminate the streets and reflect across the river, creating a magical atmosphere that feels almost impossible to describe.

We spent our days exploring ancient streets, cycling through rice fields, relaxing at the beach, and discovering hidden corners of the city.

One afternoon, an electric buggy tour led us through rural villages where we met local farmers, rode a buffalo, and experienced a side of Vietnam many tourists never see.

If someone asked me where I'd happily retire tomorrow, Hoi An would be near the top of the list.

Bana Hills: Vietnam's Most Unexpected Attraction

Imagine if someone watched every Disney movie ever made and decided to build a theme park on top of a mountain.

That's Bana Hills.

Reaching the summit via one of the world's longest cable cars is an adventure in itself. As temperatures dropped and clouds rolled past, we arrived at a surreal world of castles, gardens, entertainment, and the famous Golden Bridge.

The bridge, held aloft by giant stone hands, is one of Vietnam's most photographed landmarks.

Even with clouds rolling in, it was every bit as impressive as we'd imagined.

The highlight for us was undoubtedly the alpine coaster, where family competitiveness quickly took over and scenic views became secondary to racing each other down the mountain.

*** Tip don't get the buffet lunch - there's better alternatives.

Through the Hai Van Pass to Hue

The drive from Hoi An to Hue via the Hai Van Pass is one of the most scenic road trips in Vietnam.

Winding coastal roads reveal spectacular ocean views around every corner.

Stops at Marble Mountain, local viewpoints, and roadside cafes turned what could have been a simple transfer into an unforgettable day of sightseeing.

Hue itself offered a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam's imperial past and served as our gateway to some of the country's most significant war history.

Stepping Back in Time at Khe Sanh and the Vinh Moc Tunnels

If you're looking to explore a side of Vietnam that feels raw, authentic, and far removed from the typical tourist trail, a visit to Khe Sanh Combat Base and the Vinh Moc Tunnels should be high on your list.

Our first stop was Khe Sanh Combat Base, one of the most significant American military outposts during the Vietnam War. Located near the Laotian border, the base was the site of the famous 77 day siege in 1968 and played a major role in the conflict.

What makes Khe Sanh so fascinating today is how untouched it feels. Unlike many historical attractions, there are no crowds pushing past you or long queues to navigate. Instead, you can wander freely across the former base at your own pace. Old military aircraft still sit scattered across the grounds, creating an almost surreal atmosphere. Standing beside these relics of history and imagining the events that unfolded here gives you a powerful appreciation for the scale of the war and the stories of those who lived through it.

From Khe Sanh, we travelled to the remarkable Vinh Moc Tunnels.

Stretching for almost two kilometres beneath the ground, this extraordinary underground village was built between 1965 and 1967 to protect local civilians from relentless bombing during the war. More than just tunnels, Vinh Moc was a complete underground community. Families lived here, children were born here, and daily life continued deep beneath the surface while conflict raged above.

Walking through the tunnels is an unforgettable experience. The narrow passageways, living quarters, meeting rooms, and escape routes offer a fascinating glimpse into the resilience and determination of the Vietnamese people. It is hard to imagine what life must have been like underground for months at a time, yet the tunnels stand as a testament to human ingenuity and survival.

Together, Khe Sanh and the Vinh Moc Tunnels offer one of the most powerful and eye opening days in Vietnam. They provide a deeper understanding of the country's history while allowing visitors to experience places that remain largely untouched by mass tourism.

For anyone interested in history, culture, or simply seeing a different side of Vietnam, this journey is one you won't forget.

Overnight on the Sleeper Train

One experience I had been dreaming about sharing with the kids was Vietnam's overnight sleeper train.

My first sleeper train journey in Vietnam was more than twenty years ago and involved questionable toilets, uncomfortable beds, and a healthy dose of adventure and cockroachs

Things have changed.

Our modern cabin was comfortable, air conditioned, and surprisingly luxurious.

As the countryside rolled past our windows and we settled into our bunks, it became one of those travel experiences that feels every bit as exciting as the destination itself.

Ninh Binh: Halong Bay on Land

If Hoi An stole my heart, Ninh Binh came very close.

Towering limestone cliffs rise dramatically from rivers and rice fields, creating landscapes that seem almost unreal.

We explored the region by traditional rowboat, drifting through caves and waterways that felt untouched by time.

The scenery was breathtaking.

But the highlight wasn't the landscapes.

It was when our guide invited us home for dinner.

Sharing a meal with her family, enjoying homemade Vietnamese dishes, and experiencing genuine local hospitality became one of the most meaningful moments of our trip.

Cruising Through Halong Bay

Halong Bay is one of those destinations that somehow exceeds expectations.

Cruising between towering limestone islands while watching the sun set over the water felt almost dreamlike.

Our overnight cruise was pure luxury.

Private balconies, gourmet dining, kayaking through hidden lagoons, swimming in emerald waters, and waking up to one of the world's most beautiful natural landscapes.

Kayaking through caves and discovering hidden lagoons remains one of my favourite travel experiences ever.

Hanoi: The Final Chapter

Our final stop was Hanoi.

Immediately, we noticed differences between the north and south.

The atmosphere, culture, and pace all felt distinct.

One of our favourite experiences was exploring the city by open air jeep.

We visited local markets, historical sites, banana plantations, Train Street, and met locals who shared personal stories about life during the war.

Train Street was every bit as chaotic and fascinating as we'd hoped.

Watching a train squeeze through a narrow alleyway packed with cafes and tourists is something you truly have to see to believe.

Why Vietnam Should Be on Your Bucket List

Vietnam surprised us in the best possible way.

It challenged us, inspired us, educated us, and welcomed us with open arms.

We discovered incredible food, fascinating history, breathtaking scenery, and some of the kindest people we've met anywhere in the world.

Most importantly, we created family memories we'll talk about for years to come.

From the lanterns of Hoi An and the waterways of the Mekong to the limestone peaks of Halong Bay and the stories shared by locals along the way, Vietnam delivered adventure, connection, and perspective in equal measure.

And as we boarded our flight home, already missing our dog in Melbourne, one thing was certain.

We'll be back. (And have 4 more times)