Christmas & New Year Family Trip: Detroit → Bangkok → Saigon (Dec 19 2025 – Jan 2 2026)

Day 1: Dec 19 – Travel to Bangkok

Morning: Depart Detroit on a budget-friendly flight to Bangkok with a layover in Dallas, taking advantage of airline promotions for families of five.

Afternoon: Arrive in Dallas, grab a quick lunch at Dallas Food Hall, and continue on the connecting flight to Bangkok.

Evening: Arrive in Bangkok, transfer to a budget hotel near Khao Suan Road and settle in for the night.

Day 2: Dec 20 – Bangkok Exploration

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then visit the iconic Grand Palace and explore its golden architecture.

Afternoon: Stroll through the bustling Chatuchak Weekend Market, sampling local snacks and shopping for souvenirs.

Evening: Dine by the Chao Phraya River at Riverside Deck, then enjoy a traditional Thai dance show.

Day 3: Dec 21 – Arrival in Saigon

Morning: Fly from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Afternoon: Check into a family-friendly hotel near District 1 and unwind with a quick nap.

Evening: Take an introductory walk to the illuminated Saigon River promenade, enjoying a light dinner at a riverfront café.

Day 4: Dec 22 – City Highlights

Morning: Visit the historic Reunification Palace and learn about Vietnam’s history.

Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Ben Thanh Market for local crafts and delicious street food.

Evening: Dine at Ngon for traditional Vietnamese dishes and enjoy a leisurely stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

Day 5: Dec 23 – Culture & Cuisine

Morning: Tour the War Remnants Museum for an insightful historical perspective.

Afternoon: Take a short boat trip on the Saigon River to see the city from the water.

Evening: Savor dinner at Hoa Công, known for its family-friendly atmosphere.

Day 6: Dec 24 – Christmas Eve

Morning: Join a festive morning service at Notre Dame Cathedral and enjoy the Christmas decorations.

Afternoon: Attend a Christmas market at Saigon Center for seasonal treats and gifts.

Evening: Celebrate with a festive dinner at Công Thánh featuring a special holiday menu.

Day 7: Dec 25 – Christmas Day

Morning: Relax with a leisurely brunch at the hotel’s terrace.

Afternoon: Take a family-friendly cooking class at Saigon Cook to learn Vietnamese holiday dishes.

Evening: Stroll through Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden for a relaxed evening.

Day 8: Dec 26 – Day Trip to Cu Chi Tunnels

Morning: Depart early for a guided tour of the historic Cu Chi Tunnels with a private family driver.

Afternoon: Explore the tunnels and learn about their role in the Vietnam War.

Evening: Return to Saigon for dinner at Phở Hà and enjoy a relaxed night.

Day 9: Dec 27 – Mekong Delta Excursion

Morning: Depart for a day trip to the Mekong Delta, cruising through canals on a small boat.

Afternoon: Visit local villages, taste tropical fruits, and enjoy a riverbank lunch.

Evening: Return to the city for dinner at Nhà Vị and relax at the hotel.

Day 10: Dec 28 – Shopping & Relaxation

Morning: Visit the modern shopping complex Vincom Center for a shopping spree.

Afternoon: Relax at the hotel pool or enjoy a spa treatment for the whole family.

Evening: Dine at Quán Sứ with a rooftop view of the city.

Day 11: Dec 29 – Historical Sites

Morning: Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda and learn about Buddhist traditions.

Afternoon: Explore the Saigon Opera House and take a guided tour.

Evening: Dinner at Pizza 4P's for an Italian twist.

Day 12: Dec 30 – Culture & Arts

Morning: Attend a workshop at Saigon Museum of Fine Arts for a family art activity.

Afternoon: Take a walk through Le Park and enjoy its fountains and green space.

Evening: Night market at Bến Thành for street food and souvenir hunting.

Day 13: Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve Celebration

Morning: Relax at the hotel and enjoy a family brunch at Café Mộc.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely bike ride through Nguyen Du Street and shop for souvenirs.

Evening: Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Saigon Skydeck, watching fireworks over the city.

Day 14: Jan 1 – New Year's Day

Morning: Start the new year with a relaxing walk in Saigon River Park.

Afternoon: Family brunch at La Villa and share resolutions.

Evening: Light dinner at Nhà Bếp and early rest.

Day 15: Jan 2 – Departure

Morning: Pack up and enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel.

Afternoon: Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for the flight home to Detroit.

Evening: Arrive in Detroit, concluding a memorable family holiday.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Detroit → Dallas (round‑trip): 5 h, $250 per adult, $200 child (total $1,200)
• Dallas → Bangkok (round‑trip): 13 h, $650 per adult, $550 child (total $3,150)
• Bangkok → Saigon (round‑trip): 2 h, $350 per adult, $300 child (total $1,700)
• Hotel in Bangkok (2 nights): $150 per night for family room, $300 total
• Hotel in Saigon (13 nights): $120 per night, $1,560 total
• Grand Palace, Bangkok: 2 h, $10 per adult, $5 child (total $55)
• Chatuchak Market, Bangkok: 3 h, free entry, meals $40 (total $40)
• Reunification Palace: 2 h, $3 adult, free child (total $6)
• Ben Thanh Market: 2 h, $30 for meals & snacks (total $30)
• War Remnants Museum: 2 h, $2 adult, free child (total $4)
• Cu Chi Tunnels tour: 4 h, $40 per adult, $30 child (total $110)
• Mekong Delta day trip: $70 per adult, $50 child (total $190)
• New Year’s Eve at Saigon Skydeck: 3 h, $20 per adult, $15 child (total $115)
• Meals (average $50 per day for family): 15 days, $750 total
• Transportation (taxis, rideshares): $200 total
• Total Estimated Cost: $8,990

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra day in Bangkok before heading to Saigon to explore the Ayutthaya Day Trip; this adds roughly $150 per person. To shorten the trip, skip the Cu Chi Tunnel day and the Mekong Delta excursion, which reduces travel time and cuts about $300 from the total cost while still keeping the core Saigon experience.