Thuy Ninh, 31, from Hanoi, and her family are on their third cross-country journey across Vietnam, a trip expected to last between 40 and 50 days. This time, instead of staying mainly in hotels or homestays, they have chosen to camp by the sea and experience sleeping, cooking and living closer to nature.

After 12 days on the road, the couple and their two daughters arrived at Ninh Van fishing village in Khanh Hoa Province, where they camped beneath a large tropical almond tree beside the clear blue sea.

Each morning, the family watches the sunrise from the beach. As the tide recedes, coral reefs become visible beneath the crystal-clear water, allowing the children to catch small fish, shellfish and mantis shrimp near the shore.

Their first cross-country camping adventure

The couple's older daughter is six years old and their younger daughter is four. This is the family's third journey across Vietnam.

In 2024, they spent about 40 days traveling from Hanoi to Vung Tau. The following year, they completed a 60-day trip from Hanoi to Ca Mau.

During the previous journeys, when the children were younger, the family mostly stayed in hotels and homestays for convenience. Rather than visiting crowded tourist attractions, they preferred destinations with beautiful natural scenery, traditional fishing villages and historic communities where they could experience local life.

"Now that the children are a little older, we wanted to try camping by the sea and spend our days eating, sleeping and relaxing in nature," Ninh said.

To prepare for the extended journey, the family equipped their vehicle with camping essentials, including portable power supplies, fresh water, cooking equipment, kitchen utensils and a tent. The setup allows them to stop wherever they wish, prepare their own meals and explore nearby communities at their own pace.

Two villages they did not want to leave

On this year's journey, Lo Village in Dak Lak Province and Ninh Van in Khanh Hoa Province have become the family's favorite destinations.

Located along the coast, Lo Village stands out for its peaceful atmosphere rather than busy tourism. Red-tiled houses, weathered walls and narrow streets give the village a timeless charm.

Lo Village was recently selected by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism as one of Vietnam's five nominees for the 2026 Best Tourism Villages award presented by UN Tourism.

Before arriving, the family had read travel reviews online. However, they said the real experience exceeded expectations, both because of the scenery and the warmth of local residents.

The family camped directly on the beach, swimming in the afternoon before preparing dinner together at their campsite in the evening. As local residents noticed them setting up their tent and cooking outdoors, many stopped to chat and ask about their journey. Some even invited the family to shower or spend the night in their homes, worried that they might lack fresh water or basic comforts.

"I was deeply touched by their kindness and hospitality," Ninh recalled. "But since we had everything we needed in the car, we decided to stay at our campsite and wait for the sunrise."

The family was equally impressed by the fresh seafood and affordable prices at the local afternoon market near the Hoa Hiep Bac Industrial Park, which opens from around 4 p.m.

"A crab weighing about 700 to 800 grams cost VND190,000 (about US$7.30), while a large squid cost only around VND10,000 (about US$0.40). With just simple preparation, we enjoyed a delicious and nutritious dinner. There were also many kinds of fresh sea fish at very reasonable prices," she said.

Ninh Van fishing village also left a lasting impression. Unlike many of Khanh Hoa's better-known tourist destinations, it offers a peaceful setting for travelers seeking a quieter escape.

According to Ninh, the beach is exceptionally clean, with almost no litter apart from seaweed and naturally washed-up coral. The white sand and clear water provided the perfect setting for her children to snorkel among coral reefs and learn about the lives of local fishermen.

During one visit to Ninh Van Market, Ninh accidentally dropped her wallet on the way back to the campsite. Shortly afterward, she received a call from the local commune police informing her that someone had found it. The person who picked it up later delivered it directly to the family's campsite.

"The sincerity and kindness of the local people made this trip even more memorable," she said.

The family continues their cross-country journey, viewing each trip as more than a sightseeing adventure. For their daughters, it is an opportunity to experience different regions of Vietnam, learn about nature and meet kind-hearted people along the way.

Linh Trang