Gratitude Journal – A Slow Weekend in Vũng Tàu

Date: May 10-11
Location: Home, post-trip reflections

A Different Kind of Trip

This past weekend marked a subtle but meaningful shift in how my wife and I travel. Instead of cramming in as many food stops as possible—which usually leaves us uncomfortably full and sometimes regretful—we let go of the itinerary and embraced a slower, more mindful approach. We didn’t plan where to eat, and that made all the difference.

I’ve realized that not only does overeating weigh on my body, but the rigid structure of chasing food spots can sometimes overshadow the real purpose of getting away: to rest, to be present, and to feel joy.

Arrival in the Rain

Our journey began with unexpected difficulty. As we drove toward Vũng Tàu, a sudden, heavy rain forced us to pull over. For a while, we couldn’t see more than a few meters ahead, and the trip felt uncertain. But then, a small act of kindness transformed our delay into a memory I now treasure.

We stopped at a roadside coffee shop, and the waiter—despite the storm and rush—served us warmly with hot tea, even refilling it without being asked. That moment grounded me. It reminded me that even in inconvenient or stressful moments, there's always space for comfort, warmth, and human kindness.

Rest, Play, and Small Joys

Eventually, we made it to our mid-luxury hotel, which felt like a quiet little haven after the 100 km drive. The room was large and welcoming, and my wife told me—with that spark in her eyes—that she’d cover the cost as a gift to celebrate my recent raise. That moment filled me with gratitude. It wasn't just the money—it was her pride in me, her way of saying she sees my efforts.

We didn’t chase activities. Instead, we played Exploding Kittens, sipped on milk tea, and watched Doraemon like two kids on a carefree afternoon. There was no pressure to “make the most of it”—because somehow, we already were.

Sea Breeze & Simple Food

Our meals were modest but full of flavor: lẩu cá đuối (stingray hotpot), gỏi ốc giác xoài (sea snail mango salad), and bánh khọt with heaps of fresh vegetables. We also made it to Viba Mountain in the late afternoon, arriving just in time to catch the sunset. Up there, with the fading golden light spilling over the city and a simple snack of yogurt and soft-boiled eggs in hand, everything felt calm and beautiful.

I noticed how many people walked the mountain path—it seemed like a local ritual. Maybe a daily or weekly routine. That made me smile. There's something beautiful about ordinary people doing something quietly meaningful together.

We captured a few photos just as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in orange and violet hues.

The Return

We let ourselves oversleep the next morning—because we could. That in itself felt like a luxury. For brunch, we went to Ốc Tự Nhiên 3 and brought leftovers back to the hotel, which later became our cozy dinner at home. We also picked up some jasmine milk tea and looped around the beach and city more than once, just soaking it all in.

The whole trip was gentle, grounding, and filled with small delights. It was a reminder that joy doesn't need to be scheduled, and rest doesn't require justification.

Three Things I'm Grateful For

1. The unexpected kindness of strangers
   The storm might have started the trip on a rough note, but the warmth we received at that little coffee shop changed everything. It reminded me how deeply small acts can matter.

2. My wife's love and presence
   Her support—celebrating my salary raise, relaxing beside me, sharing quiet laughs—made me feel seen, valued, and deeply connected. This trip reaffirmed how much I treasure being by her side.

3. The beauty of a slower pace
   From sunset on Viba Mountain to laughter over board games and the simple joy of watching cartoons, I realized how rich life feels when I allow it to breathe. I didn’t overeat, didn’t overstimulate—and yet, I feel more full than usual.

This trip reminded me that sometimes the best memories are made when you don’t chase them—when you simply show up, together, and let the moments find you.