To pack or not to pack: Vietnamese netizens debate bringing food on trips

Many people believe that traveling with prepared food is convenient, tasty, and cost-effective. Others argue it defeats the purpose of a vacation and liken it to “torturing oneself” or suggest it's better to just stay home.

Photos of a family traveling with a meal that included rice, two kilograms of braised ribs, and two kilograms of stir-fried beef sparked online debate.

Most commenters praised the idea, calling it a thoughtful way to create memories.

“My family of 50 brought along a whole pot of bun rieu (Vietnamese crab noodle soup)— it was delicious and aromatic,” shared Diep Pham.

Phung Nguyen added, “We do the same. Whenever we travel, we prepare food to bring along. It’s fun, safe, and suits our taste.”

Others pointed out that taking food from home helps avoid tourist traps and overpriced meals.

Cong Thanh said his family car has only seven seats, otherwise he would’ve brought a gas stove and full cookware set.

User Bi Bo noted that bringing food isn’t about being stingy — it’s about sharing joy and good meals.

Nguyen Phuong Ty shared, “We travel with kids and elders, so I always prepare food to keep everyone energized and save on costs.”

“It’s totally normal,” wrote Kieu Trinh. “Not every place sells food that fits our taste. This way, we save money to spend on entrance tickets or souvenirs. Not everyone can afford to eat out every meal while traveling.”

Truong Thi Ngoc Lan explained her family’s plan: they bring home-cooked meals for the first day, then dine out from the second day onwards.

“We use the first day to scout for good local restaurants. If we run into a bad one, we still have home-cooked food to fall back on,” she said.

However, not everyone agrees.

Hoang Long commented that carrying so much food defeats the purpose of relaxing.

“Might as well stay home, cook, eat, and sleep — more comfortable.”

Hiep Thanh added, “With this travel style, just turn on the TV and watch travel shows. No need to waste time going anywhere.”

Similarly, Nguyen Cong argued that traveling is for enjoyment and spending money.

“If you're doing that, don’t call it travel. Call it self-punishment.”

In contrast, Nguyen Trinh stated, “If you don’t like eating out, just cook and bring your own food. There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s safer, tastier, and more economical if it helps save costs.”

Agreeing with her, Nguyen Hoang Kham said, “It’s a great way to enjoy a change of scenery while still sharing a warm family meal that you’ve prepared yourselves.”

Many users said the image of families gathering around homemade meals while traveling reminded them of their own families.

“This reminds me of my family 15 years ago. Such happiness,” shared Loc Nguyen.

Long Suong wrote, “Doesn’t matter where or what we eat, as long as the family is happy together.”

Trang Tai Nha added, “A beautiful family memory. I wish I could experience that too.”

Nguyen Van Bi from Binh Loi Trung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, said he supports the idea of bringing food on family trips.

He noted that preparing food at home can sometimes be more expensive and time-consuming than eating out.

“The whole family joins in to cook, and when we arrive, everyone pitches in to set up. It’s joyful and communal.”

However, he emphasized the importance of cleaning up after meals and leaving the area as it was to avoid disturbing the surroundings.

His tip is to cook simple dishes that everyone likes and that don’t take much time. His family usually brings dry, easy-to-carry items like sticky rice, boiled chicken, pork sausage, bread, and fruit, along with soft, easy-to-eat dishes for the elderly and children.

Thuy Phung from Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, shared that if her group agrees, they’ll bring food for the first day.

Each person is in charge of one dish, such as roast duck, pork sausage sandwiches, cucumbers, or fermented pork rolls.

“Eating out every day gets tiring. It depends on the destination — it’s not necessary to always bring food, but sometimes it’s just the better option,” she said.