Duy's family takes a photo on the road from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang. On this trip, his mother joined them, while his father chose to celebrate Tet at home.
Duy, who lives in Ho Chi Minh City, had long planned this trip, though his wife opposed it, preferring to celebrate Tet traditionally. This year, after fulfilling family obligations and preparing for their eldest son to start school next year, she finally agreed.
The three-generation family set off on Jan. 20. The trip started under clear skies, lifting everyone's spirits. After about eight hours of driving, they reached Kampi, Cambodia, via the Hoa Lu border gate in Binh Phuoc Province.
Duy and his wife had traveled through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, making it easier to plan the trip. However, traveling with his mother and three young children, he limited their daily driving distance to 200 kilometers, half of what they had covered before.
The photo shows a branch of the Mekong River in Cambodia, where freshwater dolphins often appear in the early morning or late afternoon when the family visited.
The family briefly explored Cambodia, staying only one night before heading to Pakse, Laos. Given Pakse's proximity to Thailand via the Vang Tao - Chong Mek border, they decided to visit Ubon Ratchathani for a day to experience more cultures.
"I want my children to learn about the culture of each place we visit," Duy said.
In Ubon Ratchathani, he introduced his three sons (pictured) to tuk-tuk rides, local markets, and Thai cuisine.
In Thailand, the family visited Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Prao, a well-known spiritual site. The temple features a glowing "Tree of Life" mural, which illuminates at night thanks to fluorescent paint.
Continuing their journey, they reached Vientiane, Laos, where they visited the Patuxai Victory Monument.
Duy shared that keeping three boys entertained on such a long trip was challenging, but because they had been used to camping and road trips since childhood, they adapted well.
"My kids don't bury themselves in phones. They love going out and discovering new places," he said.
One of their most memorable experiences was flying in a hot air balloon over Vang Vieng, offering views of limestone mountains and rice fields. Each flight cost about VND2.5 million (US$100) per person.
Duy's son views Vang Vieng from a hot air balloon.
To save money, the family chose guest houses instead of expensive hotels, prioritizing local experiences and food over luxury stays.
When they arrived in Luang Prabang, they woke up before dawn to witness the Buddhist almsgiving ceremony. Every morning between 5:30 a.m. and 6 a.m., hundreds of saffron-robed monks walk through the streets, receiving food offerings from locals and tourists.
After the ceremony, some monks stay to recite prayers before returning to the temple to clean and prepare for the new day.
Duy noticed that many tourists focused on taking photos or left quickly, missing out on the full experience.
For him, cultural encounters like these are valuable life lessons for his children. Instead of spending Tet at home, he believes that traveling allows them to learn much more.
Initially, Duy considered finding travel companions through social media groups, but he decided to invite only a close family friend. He explained that long road trips can come with many challenges, such as differences in itineraries, food preferences, and travel styles.
"Every day on the road feels relaxing, like an escape from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City," Duy said.
Although Laos does not celebrate the Lunar New Year like Vietnam, the streets were quiet, with little traffic and almost no honking.
The photo captures Kuang Si Waterfall in Luang Prabang.
On Jan. 29, the family arrived in Dien Bien Province, continuing their exploration of northern Vietnam, before making their way south.
Duy believes that Tet road trips will become more common in the future, especially among younger generations. He pointed out that traveling at other times of the year can be stressful due to work obligations, whereas during Tet, businesses and partners are on holiday, allowing people to enjoy their trips.
Previously, Duy and his wife had planned a road trip across Europe, but the pandemic forced them to postpone. Looking ahead, he hopes to resume those plans and explore new destinations with his family.
