A Family Trip to Vietnam That Felt Like One Long Celebration

A family trip to Vietnam is always a little different when the family lands from two different countries — and this one was extra special. Chirag and his family of five came together from Australia and Nepal, met up in Hanoi, and packed one big week into the north and centre of the country. I quietly call them my “aeroplane ticket family”, because getting everyone onto the same itinerary from opposite sides of the world was half the adventure.

I first started chatting with Chirag back in February. We swapped messages for months — options, questions, little changes — and slowly shaped a plan that suited everyone. He confirmed the booking in June, and by August they were finally here, ready to go.

First stop: a whirlwind city tour in Hanoi

The family had only one week, but they wanted to see both the north and the centre, so we hit the ground running in Hanoi. Their city day took in Tran Quoc Pagoda out on West Lake, the Ho Chi Minh complex and the One Pillar Pagoda, then the Temple of Literature — Vietnam’s first university — and Hoa Lo Prison.

What struck me straight away was their energy. The guide would finish for the day and they’d simply keep going, wandering the Old Quarter on their own, soaking up the street life. They never seemed tired — they just didn’t want to waste a single moment.

An anniversary surprise on Ha Long Bay

This was the part I was most excited about. Chirag and his wife’s wedding anniversary fell right in the middle of the trip, so I arranged a small surprise: an upgrade to a higher-class cabin on their Ha Long Bay cruise, with some simple, heartfelt decorations waiting for them on board.

It wasn’t a grand gesture, but the joy it brought them made every bit of effort worth it. They told me later how much it added to their memories — and honestly, hearing that made my day.

Out on the water there was plenty to fill the day too — climbing Titop Island for the view over the bay, kayaking around the limestone karsts near Luon Cave, and watching the sun drop from the deck. For a couple celebrating an anniversary, it’s hard to beat that backdrop.

Da Nang and Ba Na Hills at full speed

From the north we flew down to Da Nang, and even after a domestic flight the family barely paused — they were straight out exploring the city late into the night. That adventurous spirit was contagious, not just for me but for everyone around them.

The big day out was Ba Na Hills, with its French Village, the gardens and that famous mountain-top air. They laughed, explored and celebrated together the whole way — exactly the kind of trip I love being a small part of.

Tips for a family trip to Vietnam

A few practical things this trip reminded me of, if you’re planning something similar:

• Allow at least a week if you want both the north and the centre — Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Da Nang each deserve their own time.
• Mention special occasions early. If there’s an anniversary or birthday during the trip, tell your consultant ahead — a cruise-cabin upgrade or a little surprise is much easier to organise in advance.
• Leave some evenings free. Active families love wandering on their own after the guided sights, so don’t over-schedule every night.
• Use domestic flights between Hanoi and Da Nang to save a full day of travel for sightseeing instead.
• Pack layers for the north — Hanoi can feel cooler than you expect, especially compared with a Sydney or Melbourne summer.

Plan your own family trip to Vietnam

Looking back, what stood out most wasn’t only the places they visited — it was the way they embraced every single moment together. If you’d like a trip like this, our Best of Northern Vietnam – 7 Days covers Hanoi and Ha Long Bay beautifully, while Central Vietnam – 5 Days brings in Da Nang and Ba Na Hills. Celebrating something special? Have a look at our Vietnam Honeymoon Trip – 10 Days.

Tell us who’s travelling and what you’d love to see, and we’ll shape an itinerary around your family — enquire with My Viva Tour and let’s start planning.