3 1/2 weeks in Vietnam: pure family-friendly adventure with a touch of luxury

Con Dao: a week of castaway calm and scuba diving

My husband and I flew out first so we could spend a week focussed on our love of scuba diving.  So once we landed in Ho Chi Minh we took a quick flight down to Con Dao, a small archipelago that still feels wonderfully untouched compared to more famous islands.

Perfect for couples: quiet beaches and slow days

Con Dao is ideal if you dream of peaceful, unspoilt beaches and time together to truly switch off. Days here slowed right down: swimming, long walks on the sand, lingering over fresh seafood and watching the sky change colour at sunset.

But we were there predominantly for the scuba diving with some of the richest marine life and healthiest & vibrant hard and soft coral gardens in Vietnam, dramatic drop-offs and some of my favourites….sea turtles, sharks and rays.  The water is clear, and there are some lovely spots for both beginners and more experienced divers, along with excellent snorkelling if you prefer to stay near the surface.

Unfortunately, however, and it’s just the way it is with diving, the wind picked up and the conditions rendered it impossible for us to dive! So, we had to do just relax for a week, do some snorkelling instead and explore the beauty of the island on a scooter, including lying on the soft sands of Dam Trau beach watching the small planes come in overhead, exploring the old cells of the prison and taking a hike around the National Park.  To note:

• Couples: ideal if one of you dives and the other wants spa time and a good book by the pool.
• Families: confident older teens who dive or snorkel will love this, but it is more of a low‑key, nature‑focused destination than a big resort playground.

Ho Chi Minh City: history, scooters and street food (3 nights)

All relaxed and slightly frustrated we had carted all our dive gear with us and being unable to dive, we headed back to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s energetic southern hub, to meet up with our family and friends. Ho Chi Minh is busy, colourful and full of life, and with the right planning it works really well for both couples and families.

Cu Chi tunnels & the Mekong Delta: powerful, eye‑opening and delicious

One of our first days was spent at the Cu Chi tunnels, learning about Vietnam’s wartime history. Walking through parts of the tunnel network, seeing how people lived underground and hearing the stories brought everything to life in a way you simply do not get from a textbook.  We also visited one of the social enterprize centers created to employ generations of Vietnamese affected by wartime toxic exposure.  It is truly incredible and inspiring to see the craftsmanship on show…and of course we had to buy something to bring home!

From there, we swapped history for river life with a short cruise along the Mekong Delta. Gliding past small riverside communities and lush green banks felt like stepping into another side of Vietnam completely. We stopped for a brilliant local lunch, where the sticky rice balls & fresh fish were honestly to die for, then we continued deeper into the waterways.

The highlight was a gentle rowboat ride along the smaller channels, Vietnamese hats on our heads and the sounds of daily life around us. It is here you really sense the agricultural richness of the delta region, with its tropical fruits, bee keeping and time to stop & taste honey tea while listening to local music.

• For families: this combination of Cu Chi and the Mekong is incredibly educational for older children and teens, mixing history, culture and fun hands‑on experiences, but the tunnels themselves can be intense so I would not recommend them for very young or sensitive children.
• For couples: it is a wonderful contrast in a single day, from powerful wartime stories to peaceful waterways and long, lazy moments on the river.

I can help arrange private or small‑group tours that balance the day well, so you see and taste a lot without it feeling rushed or overwhelming.

Evening food tour by bike: Vietnam on a plate

Back in the city, one of my favourite experiences was a bike‑based food tour. Zipping through the streets, stopping at local spots you would never find on your own, tasting dish after dish: fragrant noodles, Vietname pizza, fresh herbs, cumquat and sugar cane juice, fresh fish and, of course, Vietnamese coffee. If you like to take in the local culture and food and not afraid to try things – this is the must for anyone going to Vietnam!

• Families: great fun with teens & little kids who are up for trying new foods and the thrill of the traffic.
• Couples: this is such a good “first night” activity to help you get your bearings and feel confident with the local food.

I can help arrange hosted tours that are safe, well-paced and family‑friendly, so you are not trying to navigate it all alone.

Northern Vietnam: a 3‑day luxury cruise Halong Bay

Next we flew up to Hai Phong where we stayed over night before being picked up and taken to board a 3‑day luxury cruise through the limestone peaks and emerald waters of Halong Bay and its quieter neighbours.

Life on board: comfort and scenery everywhere you look

Our cabin was spacious and stylish, with a big balcony & windows so you wake up to those incredible karst formations right outside. On deck, there was heated infinity pool and if not there, there was always somewhere else to sit with a drink and simply watch the scenery drift by.

Activities typically included:

• Kayaking or small‑boat excursions into hidden lagoons.
• Visiting caves, floating villages and Pearl Farms
• Sunset views from the top deck.
• Evening squid fishing

For couples, this part of the trip feels wonderfully romantic. For families, it works best if your children are happy on boats and enjoy a slower pace with plenty of “look at that!” moments.

Choosing the right cruise is crucial, as they vary hugely in style and standard. This is where I step in to match you to a boat that suits your expectations, whether that is ultra‑luxury, boutique or something more relaxed and family‑focused.

Phu Quoc: a week of family fun and big‑ticket experiences

We finished our Vietnam adventure with a week on Phu Quoc Island, which felt like the perfect finale, especially for families.

Hon Thom cable car and water park

One standout day was taking the cable car over to Hon Thom. The ride itself is a real experience, gliding over the sea and little islands below, then ending at a water park that kept everyone happy for hours.

It is one of those days where the journey is as memorable as the destination, and ideal for burning off energy after quieter days on the beach.

Symphony of the Seas, fireworks and evenings in Sunset Town

Our evenings in Phu Quoc had a real sense of theatre. We:

• Watched the Symphony of the Seas show alongside an impressive firework display.
• Wandered along Sunset Town sampling different dishes as we went.
• Rounded off nights in relaxed pool bars, with a mix of family‑friendly spaces and spots that feel more grown‑up for couples.

This part of the trip really shines for families: there is so much to do, from beaches and pools to shows and attractions. Couples who enjoy a livelier atmosphere and plenty of choice for dining and nightlife will also love it.

Who this kind of Vietnam trip suits

This 3½‑week itinerary worked brilliantly as a blend of culture, adventure and downtime. I would particularly recommend it for:

• Couples who want:
• A mix of city buzz, history and serene island time.
• A luxury Halong Bay cruise with space and privacy.
• The chance to dive or snorkel, alongside great food and sunsets.
• Families who want:
• A big, exciting long‑haul trip with lots to talk about when you get home.
• Educational experiences like the Cu Chi tunnels.
• Thrills like food tours, cable car rides and water parks.
• A good balance of “doing” days and pool‑chill days.

How I can help you plan your own Vietnam adventure

Vietnam offers so many options that it can feel overwhelming trying to piece it all together, especially if you are travelling with children or want a touch of luxury without losing the authentic feel.

As your personal Travel Counsellor, I can:

• Tailor the route to your time frame, whether you have 2 weeks or a full month.
• Choose the right mix of hotels, resorts and cruise to suit your style and budget.
• Arrange private transfers and guided experiences so everything runs smoothly.
• Build in the right pace for you: more city and culture for some, more beach and resort time for others.

If a trip like this is on your wish list, contact me today and I will start crafting a Vietnam itinerary that is perfectly designed for you and your family or partner.