Travel Diaries: Vietnam

From the breathtaking scenery to the vibrant food, and the warmth and familiarity of the people, my trip to Vietnam truly felt like coming home, and I could not be more grateful for this trip and the chance to gain a deeper connection to my culture.

Da Nang

After a pit stop in Tokyo, a six-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City, and another short flight down South, we arrived at our first destination -- the breathtaking coastal city of Da Nang. Driving down the coast to the hotel, we were greeted by rows of beautiful resorts along the beach (according to my parents Da Nang is the Miami of Vietnam?). When we arrived at our condo, I was amazed by how luxurious the resort was. It completely exceeded my expectations and wasn’t at all what I had imagined Vietnam to be like. Seeing how stunning Da Nang was from the very start made me even more excited to start exploring what else Vietnam had in store.

Marble Mountains

One of the most iconic sites in Da Nang is the Marble Mountain. Just a few miles inland from the coast, a small group of mountains emerge from the ground, seemingly out of nowhere. It was truly phenomenal to see. What makes the mountains even more wonderful are the several ancient Buddhist shrines, pagodas, and temples built in the caves and all around the mountains. After the elevator ride up the mountain, the view is absolutely surreal, and you are greeted with a stunning shrine. While we could've spent hours getting lost in the mountains, exploring the endless number of sites, we spent around 2 hours hiking around. It was fascinating to think about how the mountains formed and the complexity of building such magnificent structures into the stone itself. Overall, it was the perfect introduction to the long and rich history of the country.

Ba Na Hills

Another must-see sight in the area is Ba Na Hills, located in the Truong Son Mountains. Just an hour and half inland and 1500 meters above sea level, lies the most one-of-a-kind amusement park you will ever visit. As soon as you step into the park it feels like you're in a fantasy land hidden in the mountains. After winding through a replica of an ancient Vietnamese town in the queue, we took a 20-minute gondola ride up to the park. I honestly don’t think there’s a better view of the city than the one from that ride.

Once you get up to the park, it feels like you’ve been transported to Europe. Between the several replica castles, churches, and French-style buildings, it really did feel like we were walking around an old European Village. Some of the highlights of the park were visiting the PopMart castle, riding the alpine coaster, walking around the giant Versailles-esque garden, enjoying the enormous buffet that had all kinds of cuisine, and walking across the Golden Hand Bridge! Overall, Ba Na Hills was such a unique experience and definitely worth a visit. Just make sure you get there early as the entry line can get crazy and it can get sunny later in the day.

Hoi An

While staying in Da Nang, we took a day trip to Hoi An which was around a 2.5 hour drive. This was one of my favorite days as we got to make so many fun stops along the way and explore the beautiful and iconic Old Town Hoi An.

My Son

On the way to Hoi An we stopped to explore the ancient My Son ruins. When you get to the entrance, they transport you on a golf cart to the start of a short trail that leads to ruins -- it was about a mile long walk. The ruins are spectacular, and it was so interesting to learn about the ancient Champa Kingdom’s presence in the country. We had a guide walk us through the ruins and explain the significance of each building. From the 4th to the 13th century, each Champa ruler built a temple complex, resulting in their being hundreds of buildings throughout the valley. However, only 90% still stand over time due to various wars.

It was impressive how well preserved some of the structures were, and it made us wonder what kind of ancient technology could produce such durable structures. After exploring the ruins, we enjoyed a show featuring traditional Champa dancers and music. Getting to learn about the Champa Kingdom was amazing as it is such a big part of Vietnam’s history that is so little talked about.

Coconut Boat

Just before we entered the city, we stopped to experience the famous coconut boat ride that takes you along the Thu Bon River which is located in a massive coconut forest. We peacefully glided along the beautiful river which looked like it was straight out of a postcard.

After making our way through the small waterways, we arrived at a wider part of the river where hundreds of other boats and tourists were enjoying entertainment provided by the locals. The scene was vibrant with the colorful coconut baits scattered through the area and music filling the air! Between getting spun around in the boat (which felt like a rollercoaster) and dancing on a floating stage with a performer on the river, this stop was easily one of the most memorable and fun things we did.

Old Town

Right as we entered Hoi An, we were greeted by rows of custom tailor shops which the city is famous for. We stopped in a leather goods store, and I came out with a custom-made purse; I even got to pick out the design, leather, and hardware. Another fun stop we made was at a tailor's shop that makes all their silk in house! We got to tour the shop and see the silkworms turning the cocoons into silk -- it was such a one-of-a-kind experience. After the tour we went upstairs to their store where my mom got a custom Vietnamese Ao Dai made, and my dad got a suit. The seamstresses were so kind and even offered to drive 2.5 hours the next morning to deliver the outfits before we flew to Saigon. They ended finishing in just a few hours and met us inside the Old Town to deliver them and make sure they fit. While I didn’t get any clothes, I picked out a lantern made from the silk produced at the shop!

After we spent a little too much time shopping, we finally arrived in the Old Town. Lined with colorful yellow buildings and lanterns everywhere, we couldn’t get over how picturesque the city was. We spent the rest of the evening exploring all the cute souvenir shops. After sunset, we made our way down to the river which was lit up with lanterns. We got to take the most romantic boat ride down the river and release our own paper lanterns. The boat ride felt like it was straight out of the lantern scene in Tangled and I loved having my little Rapunzel moment. Before we made the trip back to Da Nang, we explored the night market. It was mostly filled with stands that had designer dupes, but it was still fun to look at, nonetheless. Hoi An was truly one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been in, and it made for one of my favorite days of the trip. If you ever get the chance to go, I would definitely recommend spending some more time there than we did!

Mekong Delta

After our stay in Da Nang, we hopped on a short flight back to Saigon. While in Saigon, we took a day trip to Ben Tre, a small village known as the "Kingdom of Coconut Palms". It was a few hours of a drive to the river, and when we got there, we hopped on a ferry which took us to the village. The Mekong River is one of the longest rivers in the world and goes through six countries! It was so interesting to see how wide it was it some parts, almost like a lake, and then how narrow the canals were. The canals were gorgeous and lined with a canopy of coconut trees. Once we got to the village, we walked about a mile along the canal to a tuktuk that drove us through the village. It was so interesting to see how different village life is compared to life in the Dallas suburbs. Ben Tre is actually where our tour guide was from, so we really got to experience it from locals' perspective -- he was even pointing out which houses his friends grew up in! After our tuk-tuk ride, we were dropped off at a small, local food stand along the canal, where an incredible spread of fresh fruit was waiting for us -- beautifully arranged by locals our guide personally knew. It felt like being welcomed into a family gathering rather than a tourist stop. Alongside the fruit, we were treated to freshly made chocolate which was hands-down the best I’ve ever tasted. As we ate, a group of women began singing traditional southern Vietnamese songs, accompanied by a small band playing instruments like the Dan Bau, a one-string zither. They even invited us to get up and dance with them! They weren’t professional performers, just community members excited to share their culture with warmth and pride, and that made the experience feel all the more authentic and special. From there we jumped into small canoes where more locals were waiting to take us through the peaceful canals and back to our ferry. It truly felt like the entire village had come together to create this unforgettable experience.

After exploring the village, our ferry took us to a coconut candy shop along the river, which is a local specialty that Ben Tre is famous for. As soon as we walked in, the air was filled with the scent of freshly made candy, warm and sweet. We had the chance to watch each step of the process, from start to finish, and at the end, we were able to sample the candy right as it was freshly cut. It was warm, stretchy, and perfectly sweet. In addition to the original coconut flavor, they had several other Vietnamese flavors; my favorite was definitely the pandan! Once we were done with our candy break, we got back onto the ferry which took us to an outdoor restaurant on the water. It was perfect timing because right as we sat down under the pavilion, it started pouring rain. It was so peaceful getting to watch the rain on the river while we enjoyed traditional dishes made from local ingredients. We sat there for a few hours enjoying the food, looking at the beautiful scenery, and telling stories with the locals before heading back to Saigon. Getting to experience the village felt like you were thrown into Vietnam 30 years ago. Aside from having mobile phones, the way people live haven't really changed much. This trip was especially meaningful for my dad, who was born in a similar village along the river, and experiencing it together as a family made it all the more special.

Ho Chi Minh City

We spent our final days in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon -- one of Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic cities. Often compared to New York by locals, it’s considered the financial hub of the country. Our hotel was in District One, so most of our time was spent exploring all of the area had to offer -- from malls to restaurants to sightseeing and more!

One of the coolest places we visited was the Saigon Central Post Office, a beautiful piece of French colonial architecture. Inside, you’ll find stands selling the most charming postcards, which you can mail to friends and family right on the spot. Just steps away is Library Street, lined with the most aesthetic bookstores and souvenir shops that are perfect for browsing. Outside of District One, we visited some unique local gems like the iconic pink church, a koi fish café where you can sip drinks while fish swim around you, and a traditional water puppet show that offered a fun glimpse into Vietnamese culture.

Of course, no trip would be complete without exploring the local fashion scene. We stumbled upon an underground shopping market filled with small brands selling everything from clothes and jewelry to perfume and makeup. I came out with so many cute finds, and the best part was that everything was a fraction of what it would cost in the States. With all the fun things Saigon had to offer, surprisingly, one of the best decisions I made while in the city was booking a salon appointment. I had seen online that Vietnam was known for its amazing beauty services, so after scrolling through countless options, I found a spot where I could get a hair wash, head massage, and manicure. This turned out to be one of the most relaxing and luxurious experiences I’ve ever had. The head massage alone was unreal, and the attention to detail on my nails was incredible. I couldn’t believe it only cost $27 USD for three hours of pampering. My only regret was not going back for more. From nails and massages to hair and lashes, if you’re ever in Vietnam, set aside at least a day to take full advantage of their amazing beauty services. We ended our final night in Ho Chi Minh City with one last family dinner feeling incredibly grateful for the experiences we had and already planning our next trip back.

Food Highlights:

Growing up, my mom's homemade cooking played such a big role in fostering my connection to our Vietnamese culture, so I was so excited to see how the food would be when I was actually in Vietnam. Food is such a huge part of the Vietnamese culture and is more than just something to eat. Sharing a meal or cooking for your loved ones is a way to spend time with those you love and show them that you love them -- this was incredibly evident at every meal we had on our trip. Whether you're in the city or the village, there is no shortage of places to eat with every street being lined with food stands and restaurants filled with tourists and locals alike. Vietnamese cuisine is known for its bold flavors, and the freshness of the seafood, herbs, vegetables, and other ingredients magnified that boldness in the best way. While we explored a night market for dinner one night, we mainly stuck to restaurants rather than street food to avoid any food poisoning scares. Overall, the food scene was such a huge part of our experience and added a richness to the trip that went far beyond a delicious meal. Whether we were dining at a Michelin grade restaurant or a small hole in the wall, every dish was a reflection of the rich traditions and culture of the Vietnamese people, reminding me of the same love and care my mom pours into her cooking at home.

Final Thoughts

Leaving Vietnam, I could not have felt more blessed and appreciative of not only my culture, but also my life in America that my grandparents fought for. Traveling throughout the country and seeing the villages where life moves at the same rhythm it did decades ago, I thought about what it must have been like for my grandparents to leave everything behind in search for a better future for themselves, their families, and their future generations. Although my parents grew up in America, they both immigrated when they were young -- technically making me a first-generation American. Getting to be in the very place where my entire family's history was written made me feel so close to the journey of those who came before me, filling me with gratitude for the life I live now because of the path they carved.

As it was my first time visiting Vietnam, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. However, I would have never imagined it to be as developed as it is today. From the skyscrapers of Ho Chi Minh City to the world-class resorts in Da Nag, we were struck by how much Vietnam has progressed since my family left just 50 years ago. Experiencing both the modern cities and the ancient sites of Vietnam allowed me to understand the strength and resilience of its people in a new way. That realization filled me with a deeper pride in my culture I hadn't known until this trip.

Overall, I left Vietnam with so much more than just memories and a full stomach, I left with a new perspective on myself and my heritage. Traveling throughout different parts of the country and seeing the beauty of its nature and people gave me a stronger sense of identity and deeper gratitude for life. This trip showed me that my family's Vietnamese identity isn't just something to look back on, it's something that is carried forward in me, and something I hope to honor in the way I live my life.

While my heritage played such a big role in shaping my experience, what truly brought the trip to life was the friendliness and warmth of the Vietnamese people. From the villagers in Ben Tre who welcomed us with fruit, music, and laughter, to the tailors in Hoi An who went out of their way to create custom pieces for my family, to everyone who welcomed me with patience and understanding despite my pitiful attempts to speak in Vietnamese -- the kindness we encountered made every moment special. It was this hospitality that made the country feel like home even in a place I had never been before. It's a part of the country's spirit, and it's something anyone can experience and appreciate. Beyond the breathtaking scenery and incredible food, it's the people who make Vietnam unforgettable, and it's what makes it a place everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.