Client Blog: The Patel family enjoy a 60th birthday to remember in Vietnam and Cambodia
- jetsperling22
- Apr 22
- 3 min read
I always feel incredibly lucky when I’m asked to help organise something as meaningful as a milestone birthday trip - especially one that brings the whole family together.
For Veena, her siblings and their parents, this journey across Vietnam and Cambodia was more than just a holiday. It was a chance to reconnect, celebrate and explore somewhere completely new – with a few surprises along the way...!
We travelled as a family of five – Mum, Dad and the three of us adult kids – to mark Mum’s 60th birthday. My sister flew home before the Cambodia leg and I stayed on for a few days in Singapore at the end, but this was very much a special family trip, and the first time any of us had been to Vietnam or Cambodia.
We flew with Singapore Airlines – comfortable seats, good food and a smooth journey. There was a slight hiccup when our luggage didn’t arrive with us, but it was delivered to our hotel that same evening, so all was well in the end!
The hotels Susan picked for us were great, especially the one in Hoi An - La Siesta - where our rooms had a connecting balcony. It might sound like a small thing, but it meant the three of us siblings could pop in and out of each other’s rooms – a bit of fun and something we haven’t done in years now we don’t all live together.
The excursions really made the trip. The cooking class in Vietnam was brilliant – we learned about traditional ingredients and made some delicious dishes, including spring rolls, soup and a herbal drink.
The coffee-making class was also a highlight (although I’ve yet to try it at home!).
The cruise in Ha Long Bay was another standout – such a high standard, with spa treatments onboard and incredible food. They were great about catering to all our dietary requirements too.
Each place we visited had a different feel. Hoi An was very relaxed...
While Cambodia felt a little more traditional and reflective. Our guide explained how the country’s political situation has impacted growth, which gave us a deeper understanding of the culture and challenges.
Vietnam really stood out – the people were so warm and welcoming, and the country itself is beautiful, with so much history and tragedy. Our guides were exceptional – full of passion and insight – and really brought it all to life for us.
The food? Let’s just say we were adventurous… We tried tarantula in Cambodia, and – completely by accident – chicken testicles in Ho Chi Minh City!
There were so many magic moments. For Mum, Angkor Wat was the highlight – the temples were stunning, and meeting one of the last two survivors of the Killing Fields, Chum Mey, was incredibly moving.
For me, it was the peacefulness of the Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh. Just outside the gates is a busy, bustling city, but inside it was serene and beautifully maintained.
We didn’t make it to the Golden Bridge in Vietnam, which had been on the list, but we chose to have a proper rest day instead. Something to go back for next time!
This was a brilliant trip where we got to spend proper family time together and explore two amazing countries – which we all love to do.
Susan was, as always, amazing. The hotel choices were perfect – in Ho Chi Minh we even had spa treatments included each day – and she made the flight logistics simple, despite us all going in slightly different directions.
She’s organised most of our long-haul holidays now and always gets it right. We recommend her 100%. We’re already looking forward to our next trip to India at the end of the year, with Susan once again at the helm!
Veena
