In summer 2019 we visited Vietnam. We first visited Vietnam as a couple back in 2010, so it was interesting to see how it would stack up as Asia’s up and coming family travel destination. This time we visited parts of Vietnam we’ve never been to: Da Nang, Hue, Hoi An, Ninh Binh, before revisiting Hanoi. Just like our previous family travel to Sri Lanka, Vietnam has its own things to love and hate.
HERE IS OUR LIST OF THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT FAMILY TRAVEL IN VIETNAM
1. Vietnam is Cheap
Even though we visited during high season, prices were very much value for money. Vietnam has a great range of value for money accommodation options to choose from. We mostly stayed in spacious 4 star hotels with awesome views and complementary buffet breakfasts. We were also lucky enough to receive free room upgrades in 2 hotels (thanks to our son working his charm with the hotel staff).
In Vietnam we also got to enjoy family travel luxuries like upgrading to private day tours, private boat cruise in Hoi An and even having our laundry done at the hotel! In Vietnam you can certainly take a break from doing currency conversions in your head.
2. Each city offers something unique
From one place to the next, there is always something different. We started our trip in Da Nang which is a modern city with pristine white coast line. While Hue’s beautiful citadels and royal tombs (picture below) brought us back to ancient Vietnam times. Then the ‘must visit’ Hoi An gives you that travel brochure Vietnam experience. While northern Vietnam region of Ninh Binh gives you beautiful limestone mountains scenery. Last but not least Hanoi, gives you a rapidly changing modern bustling city.
3. Amazing food (& coffee)
We are definitely Vietnamese food converts! Vietnamese food we have here in Australia is generally MSG laden and generic. Over there however, just about everything we tried was delicious. All the ingredients are fresh. Eat through the traditional must eats: Pho, Cao lao, Bun Cha, Banh Mi, Bun Bo Hue… the list goes on! Pho noodle soup was our son’s favourite dish there. One thing we noticed, almost all Vietnamese cuisines have a hint of chilli, so Pho is the safest bet for kids who don’t eat spicy.
For coffee lovers there are trendy coffee chains like Cong Caphe (watch out for the many fakes) serving Vietnam’s famous egg coffee and coconut coffee (if you prefer cold ice blended coffee)
Families travelling with fussy eaters, need not to worry, there are many western food options. We found Vietnamese are really good at making pork dishes – grilled, fried you name it!
4. Great service
Tourism is very competitive in Vietnam. They rely on good reviews from Tripadvisor and Google. Many hotel and restaurant staff members really go above and beyond to make sure you have an enjoyable experience. Places such as Hotel Monarque in Da Nang may not be the most luxurious hotel we have ever stayed in, but their attention for family traveller is simply amazing. But.. like any other countries not all places are created equal (see our #1 hate below).
5. Fast communicator
Even though many locals speak less than perfect English, they are very good on their smart phones. With Google translate any questions you may have is solved quickly. When making contacts to organise day tours, most operators are lightning fast replying via Whatsapp. In the hotels we stayed in, we were also given Whatsapp contact number of the customer service manager.
ON THE OTHER HAND HERE IS OUR THINGS WE HATE ABOUT FAMILY TRAVEL IN VIETNAM
1. Bad service (especially when visiting Ninh Binh)
Ninh Binh was supposed to be the highlight of our Vietnam trip. However a series of bad service made more impression than the amazing scenery. Our hotel (Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort), the only 4 star hotel in the area was a disaster.
Our hotel airport transfer did not turn up (despite confirmed the day before). Arriving 3 hours later at Hanoi airport the driver didn’t even bother to get out of his van to look for us (Alfred had to chase the van). Halfway through the 2.5 hours trip to Ninh Binh he started coughing nonstop?! Arriving at the hotel, tired and hungry we were impressed with the suite room. Wanting to open the balcony to enjoy the view, the doors were bolted from an unfinished maintenance. We didn’t dare to swim in the outdoor swimming pool as it was cold, slimy and uninviting. During our 3 days stay none of the staff spoke good English or gave an honest explanation.
Other mishaps in Ninh Binh include: being left at Bich Dong pagoda by a Taxi (because he had a call for better job), ticket attendant sleeping at the Bai Dinh Pagoda ticket counter (we had to wake her up), our transfer driver to Hanoi had to stop and wash his face at side of freeway because he was too sleepy (At one point Alfred held the steering wheel for him to stop the car crashing).
Honestly, we have never felt more frustrated in our travels and we felt a huge relief to leave Ninh Binh. At least we came home with amazing photos.
2. Vietnam attracts Excessive crowds
Many travellers would post photos to give an impression of a ‘quiet’, ‘road less travelled’ Vietnam. This is true.. if you visit tourist sights super early or stay late enough. At other times it can get too much, almost unbearable.
Places like the Dragon bridge in Da Nang was quite enjoyable, but it gets really crowded on the weekends especially for the water and fire show. Locals we met are generally friendly. But in crowded places, they can be loud and don’t mind pushing!
Rubbish is also a problem in Vietnam. Plastic rubbish, even though cleaned regularly, can be seen just about everywhere.
3. Insta wannabes
After coming home we felt many photos from Vietnam are Instagrammable but a bit fake. They look great – if edited. Most need cropping – to cut out the rubbish, power lines and new buildings being built just around the corner. Many ‘locals’ would pose for tourists in turn for tips.
We understand there will be many people wanting to take nice photos (including us), but it all gets too much in Vietnam with locals and tourists competing for positions. Everyone are busy with taking photos of every building, every flower, every food, every dessert, every corner, every street sign – it doesn’t stop!
Most don’t even look into the camera, they are all copying the Instagram influencer look away pose (even when using selfie sticks).
4. Extreme hot weather & mozzies
Previously we visited Vietnam during their winter in December. So this time we wanted to experience their summer. Man, it was HOT! We grew up in the tropics, but it is nothing compare to Vietnam’s HEAT and 100% humidity!
Lunchtime onwards is usually better off spent at the hotel poolside to cool off or inside an air conditioned room. Handy tip for travelling families visiting Vietnam in summer: split your itinerary to mornings and evenings.
Just like other South East Asian destinations, mozzies are highly prevalent. Don’t forget your insect repellents. Tara took all kinds of measure to not get bitten by mozzies – yet still managed to come home with 16 bites – ouch!
5. The traffic
“Can you drive in Vietnam Sir?” Asked our driver with a grin.
The answer is obvious isn’t it??! Vietnam’s traffic and non-existent road rules is not for the faint hearted. On a busy street – one way can often become a temporary two way street, some intersections has no traffic lights and speed limit is just a guideline. When travelling around Vietnam, don’t risk your life driving. Hire private drivers – they are very inexpensive. Taxis are readily available but some drivers may be dishonest.
Oh, also, when you’re walking on the sidewalk or at the market, be careful of motor bikes – they can turn up any time.
Despite the above “HATES”, we still had a great time exploring Vietnam. We would absolutely go back in the future (although not in a rush).
