There is a strong national pride with the Vietnamese people. They've had to defend themselves from marauding invaders on many occasions. All which has made their identity is very distinctive. That's felt without a doubt the moment you arrive. Super friendly too, their hospitality is world renowned. This closeness is what bonds Vietnam's people together across three very different regions.
If you're feeling lost for ideas for family holidays to Vietnam, look no further. We've put together this accurate guide to some of Vietnam's top destinations for you. All attractions in the country are superb family occasions. The summer months are the best in our experience but take note of the best time and worst time to visit Vietnam.
Once you've decided on which month to travel, the troubling decision is to which part of Vietnam. Will it be the north, the central region or south? We've gathered 3 separate travel guides for you too:
Off the bat, did you know the world's largest cave system is found in Vietnam? It's true. There's quite a trek to the cave, and it's an expensive adventure as well. If you ever do have the opportunity to go on the guided tour, consider it a privilege and honor.
Vietnam follows the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. That's a tradition which has carried on from the times when the Vietnamese were under the rule of China. Luckily, we've worked out the Georgian dates for you.
One of Vietnam's strongest cultural festivals is this one held in Nam Dinh province. The Phu Giay festival celebrates Lieu Hanh, one of four Immortal Goddess. Many will make the pilgrim to the temple this year towards the last week of April. If you are in the north of Vietnam during this time, we recommend you attend.
It is a 2-hour journey from Hanoi to experience traditional folk singing and dancing. There's cock fighting and much more besides. Towards the end of March in Ha Giang you have the Khau Vai Love market festival. Surrounded by natural beauty of the rice terraces, this is a gathering. A celebration of Vietnamese ethnic communities coming together all in one place.
It's the one occasion when past lovers can come together and show their love. Even though a couple may have parted and since married, they celebrate, nonetheless. The festival is fun and has energy. It's actually enjoyable to immerse yourself in local traditions, such as this one, now in its 100th year.
Vietnam's most famous Buddhist pilgrimage takes place from mid-February, early March. The celebrations begin when the pilgrims make the journey by boat on the Yan River. The course of the river takes you past caves and rice fields, to conclude at Huong Mountain. A word of warning, there is a steep climb. We gave up counting the steps to Huong Tich Cave. The sacred cave, as with most places of worship in Asia, has a strong aroma of incense.
It's a pleasant smell in fact and adds so much to the authenticity of the experience.
Our final festival in this guide is in celebration of music in what was once the capital of Vietnam, many years ago. The Imperial City of Hue plays host to a week-long festival of games and music and live performance. Part of the celebrations, there are art exhibitions, acrobatics and puppetry. The former capital transforms into a carnival, an occasion for families on holiday. If you have young kids and want entertainment for them when on holiday to Vietnam, plan to arrive in April for this.
Crunchy on the outside and meaty and tender on the inside. A dish served all over Vietnam during most celebrations are these spring rolls. The fillings are varied vegetables with:
Deep fried and they are mouth-watering delicious. Can you be patient whilst the street vendor prepares them? Served along with vegetables, wrapped in rice paper. The snack comes with a fish sauce that originates from the Phu Quoc Islands.
Vietnam is very unique in that it feels as if you are hearing three different tales but not so. Which major city you decide to drop in on the immediate impression is going to be different for each one. It's not because of a difference in each city either. But a difference in the culture, arts and history of each region. Cuisine too, there are slight differences and Pho is a great example of what we mean. Pho is Hanoi is the original and best, but eating Pho is Ho Chi Minh is far different.
Still a broth soup but the flavors are not the same. The local history and culture may differ, yet the Vietnamese all share close bonds.
Coming to Vietnam once only isn't our recommendation. You have to holiday in the country at least three times. Each time in a different city, Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh. From there, spread your wings and explore the provinces. Until you do so there is no fuller explanation how one could enjoy Vietnam as the people wish you to.
We have a guide specific for Ho Chi Minh City. Further to our thoughts we'd like to add the sense of urgency in experiencing the Mekong River. It's our strong recommendation you book a Mekong River cruise on one of the old rice barges. The old barges, transformed now into cruise boats for paying tourists. A very enjoyable experience we had on one, our guides kept us well informed about local landmarks and so on.
The meal was more of a buffet but excellent all the same on our half day tour. The Mekong River is the region's "blockbuster" attraction. Don't miss it.
Do expect to get the most rainfall in the months of June, July and August when in the north. But the temperatures remain in the 90's Fahrenheit despite the downpours. You accept you head for cover that's all, until the showers pass. But because Vietnam is in the tropics the light rains are warm on the skin. You get a soaking but you're not cold and shivering. We have our favorite haunts, and they are:
Going to the Railway Village, this is our "must see" recommendation, without any doubt. You are visiting for the cafe culture and social atmosphere. Only a breadth away is the Old Quarter. The village offers you the very unique experience. One moment you are sitting outside enjoying a Vietnamese coffee and snacks. With little warning a train rattles down a track, giving you moments to throw yourself against a wall.
Believe it.
Don't panic though. You either go inside the cafe until the train passes or stand and wait against the wall. You dare yourself to visit for the coffee. but also, the electric atmosphere. There is a regular international crowd, which creates a friendly banter. It has to be said, the Old Quarter does feel like a backpacker's commune. It did when we were visiting at least.
This village is an historic part of Hanoi, the railway itself being 100 plus years old. And beside it there's the historic Old Quarter which is even older. Here you will enjoy Vietnamese street food at its finest. There's the cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops at every twist and turn. You are as happy to visit the art galleries as you are the rooftop bars. You see, feel and taste the heritage of "old Vietnam of centuries ago". Visit when in Hanoi because this you'll never, ever forget.
Which is why you travel.
Da Nang is attracting a considerable amount of attention and it's easy to understand why. There are a few beaches within easy access and the weather to go along with them. There is the shopping and night market, and a fire breathing dragon. That alone makes visiting the city worthwhile. Each weekend the dragon awakens to crowds who scream in shock and excitement.
There are many other attractions of course. There is Ba Na Hills, a family friendly resort and amusement park outside the city limits. There's the Lady Buddha on the Son Tra Peninsula, which by the way, is visible from the city's beaches. A few hours' travel north, and you arrive at the imperial city of Heu. But a little south of Da Nang you have the ancient town of Hoi An.
Our thoughts are to take a few days out of Da Nang and head to Hoi An. The history is interesting, as are the attractions themselves.
Ninh Binh is without question, one of southeast Asis's largest eco-tourism destinations. It's a magnet for nature lovers and adventurers. Anticipation builds up too for trekking and backpacking enthusiasts. The lands are one of old villages and rice fields dwarfed by karst limestone mountains. The whole presence is akin to Ha Long Bay, but on land. Incredible beauty surrounds you and engulfs you.
Ninh Binh is one of those places you know it'll stop your heart. It did that to us, and we know for those others in our group, for them too.
Breathtaking gorgeous scenery, the bottom jaw drops. There is the Trang An Grottoes atop the many mountains. Could you dare yourself and climb the many, many winding steps for out of this world views? And how keen are you to set off and discover the caves:
Tam Coc is not a one-day trip out of Hanoi which is further north. If you are going to go, then you are going for two days to see everything. There are the caves and there are the other sights:
All this on the door step of Ninh Binh. To add a sheen to your experience we recommend you take a tour on a boat or at the very least, spend a little of your trip on the rivers, kayaking.
Once the political and cultural powerhouse of Vietnam, for a brief period of time at least. Authority was once again returned to Hanoi. The city is within a wall and in fact the imperial city is a model of China's Forbidden City. Gia Long, the emperor at the time ― of the Nguyen Dynasty, had great admiration for the Chinese. Within the walls there are:
Much of what was had since been destroyed. French colonization and the subsequent 1968 Tet offensive have ruined a lavish piece of history.
The Long An Palace is now a museum of the fine arts with exhibits from the Nguyen Dynasty period. Following on from the palace, there is the Thien Mu pagoda. This iconic 7 tier pagoda, built in 1604 enjoys a UNESCO World Heritage site listing. As you walk around the grounds admiring the ancient architecture you may stumble on the Tu Duc’s Tomb too.
At some point you will want to eat and shop and we recommend you make a move to Bong Ba Market. The largest market in the area there's everything you could imagine for sale. The food court has a few dozen street vendors with traditional Vietnamese dishes. As you figure it can be busy but there is plenty of seating for several hundred diners.
The lifeblood of the region around Hue has been the Perfume River. For thousands of years humans have sailed on this river. Having now traveled to Hue, it would be regrettable were you not to do the same. Leave the notorious noise and traffic of Hue for a day for a serene tour:
Dine in the late evening on a sunset cruise with live performances of folk music in the background.
The striking thing about Sapa is the nature that surrounds you. There are lush green hilly mountainous rice terraces all around Sa Pa. They rise and rise up, way above until the clouds In our hearts, this is the real Vietnam. The Sa Pa area is a dreamland fantasy come true for trekking. A paradise for backpackers and nature lovers.
One experience we recommend is the Ta Phin Cave. 30 minutes travel from Sa Pa Town itself, the cave sits at the bottom of the Hoang Lien Son Mountain. Located at Ta Phin Village, seek guidance from the villagers, they're very knowledgeable. They know the underlying areas very well and where to take you for the best experience and enjoyment.
Approach the villagers direct, and not through your hotel. The reason is you pay the villager yourself they keep all the fee themselves. If you pay your hotel, or their agent then the villager gets very little of what fee you pay. The hotel and agent take most of what you pay for a guide.
The best time to enjoy being up in the clouds is springtime. Autumn too but be wary it can get chilly by early evening.
But this is our summer guide. It's our recommendation you visit Sa Pa before the rainy season starts in June. The late spring evenings are warmer. The sunsets? You're left speechless. Once in Sa Pa you learn of three places to trek towards for the most stunning views of the Earth below. They are:
The trek up to Ham Rong Mountain and the breathtaking scenes you pass are only a sample of what's to come. On the ascend you can see there are orchid and peach gardens and a gate. You pass through this "gate to heaven" and it's believable for you: you are in heaven. A very surreal sensation aloft at the top of the world.
In the summer the O Quy Ho pass has far too much cloud cover. If it's the clouds you're after, then this is the adventure to take. We've heard it's one of the most popular treks of the three. If you're heading for the Ta Phin cave, then this attraction isn't far off from where you're going.
Another thing we must mention about Sa Pa is the waterfalls. There are so many of them and each one beautiful in its own detail. As your guides take you up mountains and down valleys, they'll stop you off at those waterfalls. The local villagers know all the best spots:
Established well known trekking routes include:
Each is easily reached from Sa Pa Town. Cat Cat Village (Tien Sa) is only 2km from the town, you could walk to it.
On route to Thac Tinh Yeu you'll be passing within striking distance of Thac Bac. If you've hired a local guide from Sa Pa Town, they'll take you. It's better to pay a local guide US$5 for their time and guidance, rather than depend upon an app on your smartphone. You won't get lost with the guide and lose valuable time.
The waterfalls are popular with foreign travelers throughout spring and summer. Thac Tinh Yeu (the Love Waterfall) towers 100 meters, and even in the height of summer the water is freezing. It's tempting to jump in for a swim, but you'll jump back out just as quick. Fansipan Sa Pa trekking adventure travel guide.
Aren't Sa Pa and Fanispan one and the same? The Fansipan Mountain can be found in Sa Pa District, about 40km from Lao Cao City. The mountain in question is famous for having the highest peak in Indochina. We urge you to also visit the peak before setting off back to Hanoi City. Fansipan is complementary to your whole Sa Pa trip, it's rather difficult to dismiss it.
You can get to Da Lat either from Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang City. Save your cash and take the train on the 650km journey, but overnight sleeper. Pay extra and get more privacy, and a bed. Unlike a bus trip, Vietnam's trains all have a food service (a snacks trolley). But do check, as there was no service on one train route for us, on a separate holiday.
An iconic landmark of Da Lat is the Xuan Huong Lake. Planning on visiting the town? Da Lat is a hot spot for domestic and foreign holidaymakers, you'll fall in love with it. Thoughts of love surface in this "Love Valley", for honeymoon couples. Strolling by the lakeside you cannot help noticing the aroma of the blossoming flora. The strong fragrance wafting from the gardens. The lake and its valley are perfect for those looking for love, in love and wanting to show their love.
To add to this relaxation and intimacy of the lake there are paddle boats for hire. Once back on dry land, horse-drawn carriage rides around town. You could spend an entire day at this lake, the cafes and small restaurants are open and close by. Also, we are in favor of you visiting two pagodas, actually:
Both offer cultural delights of course with the latter more so than the former in our opinion. But we are suggesting Linh An Tu for the nearby waterfalls known as "Elephant Falls". If sedate pools and the sound of rushing water whets your appetite for peace and quiet, then head there.
Strolling around Da Lat, you can't fail but notice the French colonial architecture. As in many parts of Vietnam the sense of European colonialism remains. You can admire the buildings of the train station, the market and university. Take photos of the Bao Dai Palace and Domaine de Marie catholic church before your time in town comes to an end.
We'll leave this guide (link below) to do all the talking up for Vietnam's Phu Quoc paradise Island. That guide has all the juicy details you need to know. If this Island isn't your planned holiday destination, don't dismiss it out of hand. Because you can be there within a few hours of flying out of Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh for that amazing weekend escape.
Da Nang has lovely beaches but even we must admit Nha Trang has beaches that are a little more special. Whilst Da Nang City does have an Island off its coast, those off the coast of Nha Trang are more interesting. Our top two are:
What Nha Trang City doesn't have is the "big city" buzz you get with Da Nang City but you're not expecting that anyway. So, what does traveling down the coast from Da Nang offer you?
Of the Islands around Nha Trang there are 25 established diving sites for you to explore. Even with zero diving experience there are many schools that will take you out and show you the ropes. Don't shy away, give it a go. Diving is one of the best, most enjoyable water activities you can do when holidaying.
The city has a beautiful 6km coastline for long peaceful walks. The most famous of the white sandy beaches are:
Quality resorts and restaurants are within easy distance of the beaches. Our favorite beach is the remote Doc Let which is to the north of Nha Trang City. We decided on renting a moped to take us the 50km, leaving before sunrise. On arriving at the beach so early we enjoyed seclusion until mid-morning. The ambient atmosphere of being there is one of as if you were in Raja Ampat, Indonesia.
Returning to Nha Trang, we stopped for a detour. Ba Ho Waterfall offers a cooling dip in the deep pools, completely refreshing. Be wary of slippery rocks, take adequate footwear with you.
The Islands off the coast of Nha Trang are also renowned for diving. Do you have diving experience? If you do, you are sure to enjoy your time in Nha Trang even more. In fact, maybe that's why your bound for the city.
The beaches found in this small town are far less developed than those found, say, in Nha Trang. You are definitely left with feelings of the charm of being at the seaside properly, on Ky Co Beach at least. That good fortune can be put down to Qui Nhon, not being so well known as the bigger Nha Trang found further south.
There aren't all that many attractions to enjoy from Qui Nhon, bar the beaches themselves. Those being:
All five beaches are within easy traveling distance in and around the vicinity of Qui Nhon. Note you may need to pay a fee to access Ky Co beach.
Bai Trung beach is accessed from the Ghenh Rang Landscape Park but there is no sandy shoreline. Only large round egg-shaped boulders as far as the eye can see. It's our thoughts this park and rocky shore are a nice distraction for those of you tired of lounging on the beach? That being the case also go wandering a little north to Eo Gio to explore the caves up there.
Vietnam makes you feel special. We mean, each region of Vietnam leaves an indelible mark on you for life. Sure, you could say that of any holiday destination or foreign country, more so if it's a first visit. But no, Vietnam is something more. Could it be you find a new love? Perhaps, like how you fall in love with Bali but for different reasons. Once you return home, you find you've left yourself back there. It's because Vietnam never leaves your thoughts.
You'll look for any excuse to return and in the most expedient manner possible. Not every country you travel to has such a profound impact upon you, like Vietnam. What a truly sensational country.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.