Exploring, Bonding, and Rediscovering Joy: Nilesh’s Vietnam Trip with Thrillophilia

When we decided on Vietnam for our family vacation, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. The name conjured images of lush greenery, bustling markets, and rich history, but I wondered if it would be the right destination for my wife and our young son. What I didn’t anticipate was how deeply this trip would resonate with us and create memories we’d carry forever.
Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
As soon as we landed in Ho Chi Minh City, the energy of the place hit us. Motorbikes zipped through the streets like schools of fish navigating invisible currents, and the air was alive with the scent of street food. My wife held our son’s hand tightly as we maneuvered through the chaos, his eyes wide with wonder.

Our first stop was the War Remnants Museum. It was a somber yet powerful experience. I noticed my wife explaining the exhibits gently to our son, emphasizing themes of resilience and peace. “It’s important to understand history,” she whispered to him. I saw his young mind working to process the stories, and it made me realize how travel could be an education far beyond textbooks.
That evening, we took a cyclo ride through the city, the three of us squeezed into the small carriage. As the driver pedaled us through neon-lit streets, my son leaned into me and said, “This is so fun, Dad!” His laughter as the cyclic wobble over bumps was infectious, and my wife and I couldn’t help but join in.

Mekong Delta: A Journey into Tranquility
The next morning, we ventured to the Mekong Delta. The contrast to the bustling city was striking. We boarded a small boat that drifted lazily through the river’s narrow channels, flanked by dense greenery.
Our guide showed us how locals lived along the river, pointing out floating markets and tiny wooden houses on stilts. At one point, we visited a family-run coconut candy workshop. My son was enthralled as he watched the candies being made and even got to try wrapping a piece himself.

“Look, I made this for you!” he announced proudly, handing it to my wife. She pretended to inspect it like a jeweler appraising a diamond, which sent him into fits of giggles.
Lunch was a feast of freshly caught fish, served on a banana leaf. My son was initially hesitant to try it but gave in after some gentle encouragement. “It’s good!” he declared, his face lighting up. It became a running joke for the rest of the trip- every time he tried something new, he’d say, “It’s good!” with the same triumphant tone.

Hanoi: Tradition Meets Modernity
Our next destination was Hanoi, a city that felt like a step back in time and forward into vibrancy all at once. We stayed in the Old Quarter, where narrow streets buzzed with life.
One evening, we attended a water puppet show, a traditional Vietnamese art form. My son sat mesmerized as the puppets danced across the water, their movements synchronized to live music. “How do they do that?” he asked, his face a mix of curiosity and awe.

We spent the next day wandering around Hoan Kiem Lake. The tranquility of the lake in the heart of the city was a welcome break. We watched elderly locals practicing tai chi, and my son attempted to mimic their movements. My wife captured it on her phone, her laughter ringing out in the crisp morning air.
Halong Bay: A Floating Paradise
Halong Bay was the crown jewel of our trip. As our cruise ship glided through emerald waters dotted with limestone karsts, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe. My wife and I stood on the deck, our son between us, as the cool breeze carried the scent of salt and freedom.

The highlight was kayaking through caves and hidden lagoons. My son sat in the middle of the kayak as I paddled, his excitement bubbling over every time we spotted a fish or a bird. “It’s like a treasure hunt!” he exclaimed.
That evening, under a canopy of stars, we enjoyed a seafood barbecue on the deck. My wife and I toasted to the beauty of the moment, while my son, ever the entertainer, regaled us with tales of his “adventures” in the bay. It was one of those rare moments where time seemed to pause, and the simple act of being together felt like the greatest treasure.

Hoi An: A Living Postcard
Hoi An was like stepping into a painting. The lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture, and gentle rhythm of life made it my wife’s favorite part of the trip.
We took a lantern-making workshop, a tradition unique to Hoi An. Watching my son’s tiny hands try to glue the fabric onto the frame was both hilarious and heartwarming. “I’m making this for you, Dad,” he said, his tongue sticking out in concentration.

That night, we floated lanterns down the Thu Bon River, each of us making a wish. My son whispered his wish into the water, but when I asked him what it was, he grinned mischievously and said, “It’s a secret!”
The Journey Back
As our trip came to an end, I found myself reflecting on what it had meant for us as a family. Vietnam had given us more than just beautiful sights; it had given us time to connect in ways that daily life often doesn’t allow.
On the flight home, my son fell asleep with his head on my shoulder, clutching the little lantern he had made. My wife looked at me and smiled. “This was perfect,” she said simply.

And it was.
Vietnam wasn’t just a destination- it was an experience that brought us closer, filled us with wonder, and reminded us of the simple joys of being together. It was a story we’d recount for years, not just in words but in the quiet moments of understanding that travel had given us.
As we landed back home, I made a silent promise to plan another family adventure soon. Because if this trip taught me anything, it’s that the world is vast, life is fleeting, and the best memories are made when you embrace both with the people you love most.
Read more: Thrillophilia Vietnam Reviews