Our Vietnam adventure began the moment we landed at Da Nang Airport, stepping into warm air, bright skies, and a country bursting with energy. From ancient temples hidden in jungle heat to lantern-lit river evenings and full-day cooking experiences, Vietnam welcomed us with colour, flavour, and unforgettable moments.
Hoi An: Lanterns, Rooftops & Riverside Wanders
We made our way straight to Hoi An, a city that feels like it has stepped out of a painting—yellow walls, silk lanterns, wooden bridges, and a river that glows at night.
We stayed in a hotel close to the water and spent our first days walking along the river, watching the boats drift by, exploring the cloth market, and relaxing on rooftop terraces with views over the lantern-filled streets.
The kids were fascinated by the stalls, the colours, the smells, and the energy. Hoi An has a way of making everything feel alive.
Scooter Adventures to the Marble Mountains
Next came one of our most thrilling days: renting scooters and riding through Vietnam like locals.
We set off down the main roads, zipping past vast paddy fields, farmers in conical hats, and water buffalo grazing in pools of green. The breeze, the excitement, and the thrill of being in the middle of Vietnam’s buzzing scooter culture made it unforgettable.
Our destination was the Marble Mountains, a cluster of limestone and marble peaks filled with temples, caves, and shrines.
We explored:
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Am Phu Cave, with its dramatic stairways and spiritual symbolism
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Tang Chon Cave, echoing with cool air
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Huyen Khong Cave, filled with shafts of sunlight cutting through the darkness
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Tam Ton Pagoda, peaceful and ornate
Each cavern felt like its own world—mystical, ancient, and full of atmosphere.
Egg Coffee, Markets & Teh Dar Circus
Back in Hoi An, we sampled egg coffee (Ca Phe Trung)—sweet, creamy, and more like dessert than a drink.
We wandered through night markets, weaving between stalls of lanterns, trinkets, fresh fruit, and sizzling street food.
One of the most memorable evenings was watching the Teh Dar Circus—a breathtaking Vietnamese cultural performance combining acrobatics, bamboo structures, tribal rhythms, and incredible strength. The kids were mesmerised.
My Son Sanctuary: Ancient Temples in Jungle Heat
We took a day trip to My Son, the ancient Hindu temple complex tucked deep into the jungle. Built between the 4th and 13th centuries, the sanctuary felt like a hidden kingdom of mossy brick towers and forest shadows.
But it was extremely hot—the kind of heat that slows everything down. The kids struggled to keep pace with the enthusiastic tour guide, but the beauty and history of the site made every step worthwhile.
Green Bamboo Cookery School: A Full Day of Flavour
One of the absolute highlights of our trip was spending a full day with An at the Green Bamboo Cookery School.
Morning Market Adventure
We began by shopping at the local market—choosing herbs, vegetables, seafood, spices, and fresh produce alongside local shoppers. The kids loved the hustle and bustle.
Eight Traditional Recipes
Back in the open kitchen, we cooked eight traditional Vietnamese dishes from scratch.
We sliced, pounded, steamed, stir-fried, wrapped, and plated—laughing, tasting, and learning as we went.
Cooking with banana flower was a fun challenge—delicate strips that needed careful preparation but resulted in such a fresh, crunchy dish.
Rural Rice-Making
After cooking, we travelled into the countryside where we learned how to press rice and make traditional rice paper the old-fashioned way.
It was a beautiful glimpse into rural life and Vietnamese culinary traditions.
Boating Down the Thu Bon River & Resting at An Bang Beach
We took a gentle boat ride down the Thu Bon River, watching fishermen cast nets, water palms sway in the breeze, and life unfold along the riverbanks.
Then it was time to unwind.
We moved to An Bang Beach, where we swam, relaxed, and let the kids play in the sand. The sea, the quiet, the warm evenings—it was exactly what we needed after days of adventure.
Hue: Palaces & Imperial History
Our final stop was Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam.
We wandered through the enormous Imperial City, exploring palaces, courtyards, gates, and ancient stone walls that whispered stories of emperors and dynasties.
It was majestic, atmospheric, and the perfect final chapter of our Vietnam journey.
A Trip Full of Energy, Heat, Flavour & Magic
Vietnam gave us everything:
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scooter adventures through the countryside
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hidden cave temples
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jungle heat and ancient ruins
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cooking classes full of flavour
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boat rides and beach days
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circus shows and colourful city life
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royal history in Hue
Every moment brought something new, surprising, or delicious.
It was a trip packed with energy, culture, colour, and memories our family will carry forever.
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