Thuy still vividly remembers peaceful sunrises by the coast and cool, rainy days in the Central Highlands. Even now during meals, her 8-year-old twins recount memorable moments of the trip.

Thuy runs a food business and her husband works for a Chinese company. Twelve years ago, the couple did a cross-country trip but due to inexperience, it left little impression. In the years that followed, busy with young children and work, they only managed short, nearby trips for a change of pace.

“About five years ago, we started saving a separate fund for a second cross-country trip, hoping to bring lots of joy and experiences,” Thuy said.

In early June, the couple drove from Hanoi to Buon Ma Thuot (Dak Lak) to visit Thuy’s mother-in-law, then continued exploring 30 provinces and cities.

“Ten days before the trip, I consulted the ‘Cross-Vietnam Experience’ group for advice to plan the itinerary. I listed the provinces and cities we’d pass through, then chose standout destinations in each place that suited our family’s interests,” Thuy explained.

The family’s longest stop was Buon Ma Thuot, nearly 20 days, to visit family, enjoy the cool rainy season, and enjoy delicious food. They arrived during durian season, when the fruit was both tasty and affordable.

During the journey, the Hanoi family particularly loved coastal fishing villages like Phuoc Dong (Dak Lak), My Thang (Gia Lai), Phuoc Hai (HCMC), and Go Co (Quang Ngai).

Go Co proves to be a village of “many no’s”: no bustling shops, no air conditioners at many homes, and no TVs. For the first time, the family stayed in a mud-walled, thatched-roof house with no air conditioning or TV, going to bed at 8 PM, lulled by the sound of crickets.

Yet, sleep in the fishing village was surprisingly restful, surrounded by lush gardens and fresh air. The homely hosts served simple but flavorful meals with garden vegetables and freshly caught seafood.

“After a week on the road, when arriving at Go Co we felt like coming home, warm and sincere. The sea in front of the village was crystal clear, with visible depths, clean sandy beaches, and fascinating rock formations. Unfortunately, all homestays were booked, or we would’ve stayed longer to enjoy this peaceful place,” Thuy recounted.

The twins were thrilled to visit Con Son in Can Tho. The Hanoi family cruised on a motorized boat to visit Ly Van Bon’s (Bay Bon) fish cage farm.

Bon owns over 30 fish cages of varying sizes (about 5,000 sqm), raising diverse species, including rare Mekong River fish, as well as visually striking species with unique traits suited for tourism.

The most memorable incident occurred on day 40, when traveling from HCMC to Mui Ne. In Phan Thiet, Thuy’s husband, Tuan Anh, suddenly suffered a severe headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, and nausea. His blood pressure spiked to 200, requiring a 4-hour hospital observation.

“We canceled our Mui Ne booking and stayed in Phan Thiet for a night to monitor his health. Thankfully, he didn’t experience it again. But after this trip, we’ll definitely get thorough check-ups,” Thuy shared.

The total cost of the 53-day trip was about VND150 million, which Thuy deemed well worth it for the memories, new knowledge, and valuable experiences. Her children became more independent, courageous, and outgoing.

“The key to a happy trip is to travel with the most relaxed mindset. We stayed cheerful even when a room wasn’t as clean as expected or a restaurant wasn’t as good as recommended. Every moment, good or not, was a memorable experience,” Thuy shared.

Many Vietnamese families today are drawn to cross-country travel for several compelling reasons, rooted in cultural, economic, and social shifts.

Families like Thuy’s see cross-country trips as opportunities to create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds. Traveling across Vietnam’s diverse landscapes, from coastal villages to highlands, offers rich experiences that are cherished, especially for children.

Economic growth in Vietnam has boosted disposable incomes for many middle-class families, enabling them to save for significant experiences like cross-country travel. The rise in private vehicle ownership and improved infrastructure also makes self-driven trips more affordable compared to past decades.

Linh Trang