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"Dad, let's go play!"
Before setting off, like any other parents, Oc's parents had a thousand and one worries. Would their child be able to make such a long journey? Would their child get sick? What if they did get sick along the way? Would traveling through different regions and eating unfamiliar food be alright? And then there were the issues of who would look after the house and who would handle work? And so on and so forth.
But partly inspired by the challenges faced by fathers and sons in the reality TV show "Dad, Where Are We Going?", we left behind the monotonous routine of modern society and set off on our journey.
And so the 60-day journey across Vietnam begins…
Central Vietnam coastal route:
Hanoi – Quy Nhon – Phu Yen – Nha Trang – Phan Rang – Mui Ne
At dawn, Oc's mother packed the last of her personal belongings into the suitcase and closed the lid. Oc was still fast asleep in bed. Her mother gently lifted her up. It was still dark and cold. The taxi was waiting outside.
Last night, both parents rushed to arrange everything until late, half-asleep from the excitement of the longest trip ever. Ốc was still asleep in Mom's arms, while Dad struggled to carry the suitcases.
At Noi Bai airport, Oc woke up, pulling her suitcase and still yawning, to check in and go through the baggage check-in process.
Quy Nhon welcomed the whole family with its cool, pleasant seaside atmosphere.
The whole family stayed at a homestay near the beach, so early in the morning we all walked to the beach to look for snails and crabs. It was so much fun watching the tiny crabs scurrying across the water.
In Quy Nhon, people are quite friendly, the cost of living is reasonable, and the food is delicious. In the morning, the whole family went for fish noodle soup and jellyfish noodle soup, costing around 20,000-25,000 VND. The cafes have spacious interiors with lots of trees, and a cup of coffee costs around 12,000-17,000 VND. On the way from the city center to Eo Gió, crossing the Thi Nai bridge, the wind was incredibly strong. When we got to Eo Gió, the wind was very strong. My mom went out to play for a while but then went back inside, and she got sick that night. But I was thrilled, constantly calling out, "Oh, the sea! Oh, the sea!"
In the evening, the streets of Quy Nhon are quiet, and everything is much slower and more relaxed compared to Hanoi.
Nha Trang welcomed the whole family with a bustling atmosphere and lively streets, much more so than Quy Nhon.
Although the original plan was for the whole family to go to Phu Yen first, we changed the date and went to Nha Trang first because we wanted to spend time with Kent's family (Oc's cousin). The city was bustling with tourists, with countless Russian and Chinese visitors. When Oc's parents took her to Hon Tam beach, the beach was beautiful, and Oc loved it.
Nha Trang has many delicious and affordable places to eat. If you avoid the crowded tourist areas, there are many good seafood restaurants with reasonable prices. One day, the whole family spent a long time on the beach doing nothing, while Oc (the child) played in the sand all afternoon. Dad bought Oc a very beautiful phoenix kite. Oc loved it.
On the day of saying goodbye to Nha Trang, Oc babbled: "Bye Nha Trang, My is going to Phu Yen."
The Tuy Hoa train station in Phu Yen province was quiet and peaceful on the day the whole family arrived. Oc held Mom's hand and walked slowly. Dad pulled the suitcase behind them. It felt like a journey from long ago, when Dad used to wander all over Europe.
During our 60-day trip across Vietnam, my parents let me stay in many places – sometimes homestays, sometimes hotels, sometimes resorts, sometimes near the beach, sometimes in the mountains. But July Homestay in Phu Yen was one of my favorites, the most comfortable, and the most memorable. Once there, I ran from room to room, chatting with the hostess and playing with two girls around my age. It felt so comfortable, like being at home. We went to the market together and bought fish to cook noodle soup the local way.
In the following days, the whole family rode motorbikes to Bai Xep area and climbed up to the filming location of "I See Yellow Flowers on Green Grass." We went to Ghenh Da Dia (Disk Rock Cliff), and then to Mui Dai Lanh – the easternmost point of the country. Throughout those days, Oc was very cheerful, singing all day long; she sang whenever we got in the car. Even now, I still remember Oc's voice, and the time the whole family sang the song "Dad, Where Are We Going?"
Leaving Phu Yen, the whole family was still craving the incredibly delicious tuna eye dish and the amazing oyster roe we had that morning.
The train arrived in Phan Rang late at night.
The whole family took a taxi to My Nghiep handicraft village to stay at a homestay run by a Cham man. It was pitch black outside, the homestay was in the middle of a deserted field, surrounded by the sounds of frogs, toads, dogs, cats, pigs, and chickens.
Those days there were truly unique experiences. In the early mornings, Oc would go out to herd sheep with his father. In the evenings, many students would come and sit around a campfire, gathering together to the sound of strumming guitars.
After spending days exploring Phan Rang, visiting the Cham towers, sandboarding at Nam Cuong sand dunes, exploring Bau Truc pottery village, and picking grapes at Ba Moi vineyard, we set off for Phan Thiet and Mui Ne. In Mui Ne, the whole family stayed in a beautiful resort, resting and recuperating.
In the following days, the whole family arrived in Saigon, took Oc out for meals and coffee, visited Notre Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace, and strolled along the book street.
Western Vietnam Route:
My Tho – Ben Tre – Can Tho – Nam Can – Ca Mau – Chau Doc – Ha Tien – Phu Quoc
From Saigon, the whole family went on a one-day tour to My Tho and Ben Tre. The feeling of being on the river and traveling by boat was wonderful for those of us from the North, especially those born and raised in the city, who rarely get to experience life on a boat. All day, Oc went boating, saw beehives and pythons, bottle-fed fish at Con Phung, and tried various Western Vietnamese dishes. When we returned to Saigon, the whole family was exhausted.
The bus arrived in Can Tho late at night.
Neither of Oc's parents had ever been to the Mekong Delta before, so they felt a mix of unfamiliarity and excitement. From the bus station, the whole family took a taxi to the homestay. The homestay was vast, like a resort. Early the next morning, upon opening the door, they saw everyone racing their basket boats, singing, and having a lively time. People in the Mekong Delta are open and friendly, and the food is very characteristic of the region.
In the following days, Oc went to see the animals, visited the orchards, and enjoyed the fruits to her heart's content. This was the first time she had seen a durian tree up close. Then Oc went to Cai Rang floating market, sat on a boat, had breakfast, drank coffee, and ate fresh rambutan bought from the boats.
Leaving Can Tho, the whole family traveled down to the southernmost region of the country: the Nam Can area.
There's nothing here but canals, the croaking of frogs, the chirping of birds, the sounds of fish, and the noise of boats on the river. It's a stark contrast to life in Hanoi.
The next day we went down to Ca Mau Cape. The sun was blazing hot, but I was truly delighted to set foot on the southernmost point of our country. Although, upon returning, I still felt regret and wished that if tourism were managed better and exploited more effectively, there would be more experiences for visitors.
Before leaving Năm Căn, my parents took me to Tư Mau stork garden, where flocks of storks flew in and perched everywhere. They even raised crocodiles there. Back up north to Cà Mau, my parents gave me a day trip to the U Minh Hạ forest, where I witnessed the vastness of the forest firsthand and ate delicious eel hotpot. Along the way, many monkeys came out of nowhere, which I loved.
Everything that Oc saw with her own eyes and experienced with her senses stayed with her for a long time, and she often recounted it when she returned to Hanoi. That was exactly what her parents wanted for her.
The bus journey from Ca Mau to Chau Doc took place late at night.
The next day the sun blazed down, the typical heat of the border region. Both Oc and her mother were exhausted, so they had to change their plans. The whole family stayed in Chau Doc for two more days than originally intended. In the cool afternoon, they went sightseeing, taking Oc to visit the Lady's Temple, riding a rickshaw, and enjoying a delicious fish hotpot. The day after that, they went to the Tra Su Melaleuca Forest. Sitting on a boat, they wandered into the vast melaleuca forest, surrounded by a carpet of lush green water hyacinths, a scene as beautiful as a painting.
From Chau Doc, the whole family went to Ha Tien, then took a speedboat to Phu Quoc.
Phu Quoc has developed rapidly, becoming a hot spot in recent years. On the way back to our accommodation, I overheard the taxi driver talking about the land speculation frenzy here.
Bai Sao beach in Phu Quoc is beautiful, truly one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, like a painting with shades of blue and white. It's a shame it's being overexploited and there's so much trash. My days in Phu Quoc flew by so quickly. My parents didn't let me go out much, only one day to swim in the sea. And I got so tanned that my mom kept complaining, saying I was no longer the fair-skinned princess I was when we first left. My dad, however, was happy, because I've grown more mature, stronger, and more resilient.
Central Vietnam - Central Highlands Route:
Da Lat – Buon Ma Thuot – Da Nang – Hoi An – Hue
From Phu Quoc, the whole family flew back to Saigon, stayed overnight, and then flew to Da Lat early the next morning.
Upon arriving at Da Lat airport, all the wonderful feelings came flooding back, the air was fresh and pleasant.
Our whole family has never stopped loving Da Lat; every time we go, we love it. We love everything from the pine forests and hills to the delicious Da Lat food and the dreamy, peaceful cafes. We ended up staying in Da Lat for four days instead of the planned three. On cool evenings, we strolled through the hills, with the magical moonlight overhead and the rustling pine trees on either side, while Oc happily sang "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."
Traveling from Da Lat to Buon Ma Thuot by car, the road was quite winding. My parents worried that I might get motion sickness, but I was very healthy. The days in Buon Ma Thuot were wonderful; we enjoyed drinking coffee, and my parents took me elephant riding in Yok Don National Park. We also visited Buon Don village and saw a cocoa plantation.
From Buon Ma Thuot, the whole family flew straight to Da Nang and then took a taxi to Hoi An on a rainy afternoon.
Unlike her parents, Oc became healthier, more active, and more adaptable as the trip progressed. During their time in Hoi An, the whole family cycled together. Dad would take both Mom and Oc around the old town, to eat sweet soup, cao lau noodles, and chicken rice. Oc loved having her picture taken with lanterns and releasing floating lanterns onto the Hoai River from the bridge.
I arrived in Hue on a rainy afternoon.
Upon arriving at Ana Mandara resort, all fatigue vanished as a peaceful and pleasant scene unfolded before our eyes. The next day, the whole family spent the day visiting the tombs and gardens, enjoying banh beo (rice cakes), sweet soups, and indulging in Hue's culinary delights. In the afternoon, Oc (her daughter) ran around happily in front of the Imperial Citadel, her laughter ringing out in joy.
Final leg:
Quang Binh – Ninh Binh – Sapa – Ha Long – Hanoi
Because I was born and raised in the North, this trip dedicated more time to the Central and Southern regions of Vietnam.
During their few days in Quang Binh, Oc's parents took her to Phong Nha - Ke Bang.
While riding in a taxi with a newlywed couple, they asked how their two-year-old daughter, Oc, had managed to travel across Vietnam for almost two months without getting sick, tired, or throwing tantrums.
Leaving Quang Binh, the whole family went to Trang An - Ninh Binh. We took a boat ride through the caves and rocky landscapes amidst vast lakes, a scene as beautiful as something out of the movie Kong.
After Ninh Binh, the whole family returned to Hanoi, but instead of going home immediately, they rented a hotel near the Grand Cathedral, planning to continue their journey to Sapa the next day.
My parents have been to Sapa many times, but this is the first time they've conquered Mount Fansipan.
The whole family took the cable car up the mountain. Standing on top of the tower, at the 3,143m mark, Dad and Oc took a photo together holding the Vietnamese flag. It was a feeling of satisfaction and exhilaration.
From Sapa, the whole family went to Ha Long and gave Oc a day to explore the caves and visit Ha Long Bay before returning to Hanoi.
And so, the 60-day journey across Vietnam has come to an end, filled with unforgettable experiences.
Hanoi welcomed the whole family with a glorious sunny day. Even after arriving home, both Mom, Dad, and Oc were still ecstatic about the trip, still feeling like they were in the car, checking in, packing their bags, and checking out of the hotel.
After 60 days, the house was a mess, tons of clothes, blankets, and sheets needed washing, the bookshelves were covered in dust and mold, the guitars and piano were dusty, and the plants were withered. My parents and I spent the whole night cleaning up. But everything was wonderful, and my parents went back to work. I went back to school. And we are planning a new journey for me, promising amazing experiences in the future.
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After 60 days traveling across Vietnam…
For two months, her parents took Oc on trips to the mountains and the sea, from the easternmost point - Dai Lanh Cape - to the southernmost point - Ca Mau Cape, from the sea to the highlands, into the forests, and to the islands. The whole family took 4 flights, 10 train trips, and 10 car trips. Oc tried every type of transportation, from taxis, buses, and coaches to small boats, canoes, boats, ferries, boats, trains, cable cars, and high-speed boats…
My parents and I have tried almost every dish in Vietnam, from grilled Ninja fish in Quy Nhon, tuna eye in Phu Yen, to Hoi An chicken rice, braised catfish in clay pot, and Chau Doc fish sauce hotpot. Then there's grilled monitor lizard, fish noodle soup, Ca Mau crab with roe, chicken hotpot with basil leaves, Da Lat grilled rice paper, Ninh Binh crispy rice, Sapa salmon hotpot…
And here are some other impressive statistics.
Total damage:
# A pair of snail-shaped sandals found in Phan Rang
# A pair of "revolutionary" shoes by a snail found in Ninh Binh.
# Mother loses her glasses in Ca Mau
# Mom forgot a stylish hat in Sapa
# Oc forgot a storybook in Nam Can.
War spoils:
# Two boxes full of clams and snails that the whole family collected from all over Vietnam's seas.
# A box of pine cones picked up in Da Lat
# A box of cocoa beans in Buon Ma Thuot
Results:
# 200Gb Photos
Approximately 60,000 image files
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Here's a tip for you:
Experiences of traveling across Vietnam with your child for extended periods.
+ Time:
Everyone has very different circumstances, choices, and priorities. If it's difficult to arrange a 60-day trip, you can absolutely take a two-week trip with your child. Whenever you can find the time, just go. On such a trip, you can dedicate all your time to your child, free from work, emails, and Facebook.
Schedule:
Traveling with young children and the whole family is completely different from backpacking or going on a trip with a group of friends. When visiting new destinations, you'll always want to see everything because there are so many new things to experience. But always remember that experiencing the whole journey with your child is more important. Don't try to visit too many places, travel continuously, or have too many activities in one day. In each place, just choose one or two main points of interest and one or two typical activities for your child to enjoy. Be flexible with the itinerary depending on the health of the whole family.
Health & Safety:
-Healthcare: Always carry basic first-aid supplies like medicine and bandages so you can respond on the spot in any situation. When going to cold areas or mountains, always bring enough warm clothes, sweaters, or light jackets to protect your child from wind and rain. When going to the beach or areas with lots of sun and wind, bring sunscreen, a hat, and a face mask for your child.
-Safety: Children have difficulty walking as well as adults and cannot walk continuously. When traveling by any means, you must pay attention to safety. Always have your child wear a life jacket, and you should also wear a life jacket when traveling on boats or canoes, such as in the Mekong Delta, Trang An - Ninh Binh, or Phong Nha - Ke Bang.
+ Means of transport:
- Self-driving: While owning a car offers many advantages, including greater control over travel, it also has drawbacks. Driving alone continuously can be quite tiring for a father, and there are often unfamiliar areas.
- Public transportation: The most convenient and safest option is flying. However, airfare is usually more expensive, and flight times aren't always convenient. Most major cities have air connections, and you can fly with Jetstar, Vietnam Airlines, or Vietjet. Trains are also a reasonable, safe, and inexpensive option, covering most major destinations along the North-South route. Traveling by train also allows you to enjoy the scenery along the way.
Accommodation:
The best way to book accommodation is to do some research online beforehand, looking for hotels and homestays with good reviews and convenient locations. Find the hotel's phone number on Google and call directly to make a reservation. There are many options to suit different budgets and types of accommodation, from homestays and hotels to resorts, each with its own unique appeal.
+ Food and drink:
Trying local dishes is a great way to enrich your travel experience. Information on what to eat and where to eat is readily available online. Remember, when trying a new dish, eat small portions at a time to avoid stomach upset or food poisoning. If traveling with children, it's a good idea to introduce them to a variety of foods at home beforehand.
+ Costs:
Each family will choose a different budget depending on their circumstances. Generally, when traveling domestically, depending on the destination, the cost per day for the whole family, including food, accommodation, transportation, and entrance fees, will be around one million VND. Always carry extra cash, and more than you anticipate. However, you shouldn't carry too much cash, and it's best to keep it in several places.
+ Luggage:
Always pack just enough, only bring what you really need. Even if you're traveling with a baby, only pack what you need. If you try to overpack from the start, buying this and that at every place you visit, after two or three weeks, your luggage will become excessive. Ideally, you should only pack two suitcases for the whole family, plus a small bag. The two large suitcases can be checked into your hotel upon arrival, while the small bag can hold diapers, formula, or a camera for sightseeing.
Text and photos: Harry Trung Nguyen
