I took my mom to Vietnam for the first time, and she’s already planning to return

Editor’s note: At the request of Tuoi Tre News, Canadian travel blogger Alyshia Turchyn shared her reflections on what makes visitors want to return to Vietnam. In this piece, the blogger who previously lived in Vietnam also recalled a trip back to the Southeast Asian country last year with her mother.

Back home after four years living in Ho Chi Minh City, Turchyn decided to take her mom on a mother–daughter trip to the country she once called home and fell deeply in love with. The 2025 journey turned out to be the most memorable trip her mother has ever had.

The piece has been edited by Tuoi Tre News for clarity and coherence.

I recently traveled to Vietnam with my mother. It was honestly such a special trip and we got to experience a mix of everything.

I took her to some of my favourite spots in Ho Chi Minh City, and we also explored places like Hanoi, Hoi An, Ninh Binh, Tam Coc, and Ha Long Bay. It was really incredibly special seeing it all again through her eyes.

My mother was most blown away by Ha Long Bay because it’s one of those magical places that almost don't feel real, like stepping into a fairytale you can barely put into words.

She was also smitten by Hoi An. The quiet, ancient streets, the glowing yellow facades, and the charming lanterns everywhere. Hoi An has that undeniable magic that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s one of those places that captured her heart instantly.

And then there’s Ho Chi Minh City, a city that’s full of life, energy, and endless surprises that I’ve been telling her about for years.

I got to show her some of my favourite places in Ho Chi Minh City, from little hidden cafés in Thao Dien to street food spots I used to go to all the time.

An unforgettable trip for both

I knew going into it how special it would be to share that experience with her, and it truly lived up to everything I hoped for.

It was especially meaningful because I lived there, and she could see why it holds such a special place in my heart. The food, the people, the constant buzz of life, it’s all so unforgettable.

Vietnam exceeded every expectation my mom had, and sharing it with her made me appreciate just how incredible it truly is.

I really miss the day-to-day life in Saigon, especially grabbing street food, riding around on a motorbike, and just the overall sense of community.

I also really miss the people. Having coworkers and friends who were always around and down to go out for food or drinks made everyday life feel so social and easy. 

The lifestyle there was exciting, spontaneous, and easy-going. And of course, I really miss the food and deep culture Vietnam offers.

Vietnam has always meant so much to me and I really wanted to share that part of my life with my mom. She is one of the greatest people, supports and friends that I have and this part of my life is so important to share.

It’s one thing to tell someone about a place you love, but experiencing it together is completely different. I knew she’d fall in love with it, and it turned out to be an unforgettable trip for both of us.

It was her first time travelling overseas to Asia, so she was especially excited. Our original plans actually got cancelled because of COVID-19, so it felt like everything finally came together perfectly last summer.

My mom fell absolutely in love with Vietnam and keeps saying it was the most amazing trip she’s ever had! We enjoyed it so much that we’re already planning to go back together in the summer of 2027. Fingers crossed!

A Vietnam that never leaves you

To me, it’s the combination of everything that makes Vietnam so appealing and keeps people coming back.

The food, the affordability, the stunning landscapes, and the rich culture. You can have completely different experiences depending on where you go and what you want your itinerary to incur.

From the bustling streets of Saigon to the peaceful lantern-lit rivers of Hoi An, or the breathtaking limestone karsts of Ha Giang, Vietnam holds something for everyone and I think that’s what makes people want to come back.

In addition, Vietnamese people are incredibly welcoming and warm, which makes every visit feel personal and memorable.

There’s also a sense of adventure everywhere, for example, when you can stumble across a hidden café, a vibrant market, or a quiet temple, it tends to feel like finding a hidden gem just for yourself.

And the food! Oh, the food! It just can’t be beat! Every meal is fresh, flavorful, and unique, making you crave it long after your experience.

Vietnam has a way of staying with you long after you leave. You miss it. You crave it. And it pulls on your heart strings!

I had been counting down the days until I could return last summer, and now the cycle begins again. 

I think that there’s a specialness that Vietnam lends itself to those that are lucky enough to visit, that will continue to call them back for the rest of their lives!

'Vietnam feels endless'

Even though I spent four amazing years living there and explored a lot, Vietnam is one of those places that never stop surprising me.

Every time I return, I discover something new. Whether that’s a new vendor with the best banh mi, a stunning and peaceful riverside town, or a local market bursting with colors and energy that I hadn't experienced before.

Vietnam feels endless. The bustling energy of cities like Saigon and Hanoi is just as unforgettable as the peaceful beauty of the countryside, the mountains, and the rivers. There’s so much culture, history, and natural beauty to soak in.

Living there gave me a sense of everyday life that tourists rarely get, but even now, returning allows me to experience it from a fresh perspective that I am so grateful for.

Vietnam has a way of leaving a mark on your heart, and I know I’ll keep going back as often as I can because I love it so much!