Vietnam Itinerary
Our family trips to Vietnam holds a very special place in my heart. I grew up going to Vietnam with my family for a month every single summer since I was 6 years old. It was definitely a childhood core memory for my sister and I. We would spend time in Saigon and some time in Phan Thiet, swimming in pools all day long. Our grandpa would take us to different parts of Vietnam to visit and sightsee all the beauty Vietnam has to offer. As we got older, it was more challenging to wrangle everyone to Vietnam due to work and busy schedules, so anytime we have an excuse to go, it’s always so special! Plus, now my sister and I can take our husbands along too to experience Vietnam and our culture!
Hot Tips:
You can tip at restaurants but it’s not the 20% standard like in the US. $5-10 depending on how much the bill is.
Grab is Uber in Vietnam. There’s an app you can download. You can also order food from it as well.
Watch out for your purse/handbag when walking on the street.
Watch out for pickpockets. Especially women with babies trying to sell you things.
Crossing the street with what seems like thousands of motorcycles coming at you is intimidating, but you have to cross slowly with confidence and whatever you do don’t hesitate! You will notice motorcyclists will slowly start to weave around you
To Stay:
Saigon - we stay at my grandpa’s condo when we are in the city, however, there are tons of great hotels all throughout the city.
Phan Thiet - my grandpa has a home in Mui Ne Domaine. They also have rentals in this community if you are interested to rent during your stay!
To Eat/Drink:
Clay Saigon - feels like Tulum in Vietnam
Estella Place - it’s a mall but sneakily has the best restaurants we went to during our trip. Go to: Som Thai, Haidilao Hot Pot
Dong Pho - Our favorite restaurant. Get everything. It’s all small plates!
Man Moi - a new restaurant with a beautiful gift shop downstairs. Definitely worth checking out to have a traditional family-style Vietnamese dinner.
Banh Mi Huynh Hoa - viral banh mi spot we tried during our trip and it was phenomenal. The line is usually pretty long so if you are not in the mood to wait, you can order it on Grab (an app similar to uber eats)
RuNam - not the best best restaurant you will have here but it’s in a nice setting, air conditioned. I actually loved my wonton noodle soup here and would come back again for just that!
Tandoor - amazing Indian food
Xoi Ga/Xoi Bắp (15 Nguyễn Trung Truc) - Get the Xoi Bắp (sweet and savory corn sticky rice)
Com Tam Kieu Giang - Vietnamese grilled pork over rice
To Do:
Cho Benh Thanh - be prepared to walk through a sauna here because it’s indoors and not air-conditioned. I think it’s a great place to grab souvenirs/gifts for family and friends. I found really cute soy sauce dishes and chopsticks here. Just prepare yourself to be approached by the salespeople pressuring you to buy haha..make sure you bargain!
Takashimaya Mall - fun mall to walk around. It’s attached to Saigon Center. Check out Charles & Keith, Pedro, Sunnies Studio. There’s a food court downstairs for various food and drink options. Our favorite was Yamazaki Bakery where we would get the pork floss Hawaiian roll with an egg cream on the inside…it’s so good.
DATT - I found this brand through IG, there stuff is really cute but very limited selections
HOBB - randomly stumbled upon this store and they had cute clothes
The New Playground - if you have teenagers, worth checking out. Street style
Charles & Keith - cute affordable shoes that are very comfy. I like the location linked and the one at Saigon Center
