Vietnamese boomers redefine retirement with ageless adventures

From sand dunes to starry skies, a growing number of Vietnamese baby boomers are rejecting traditional notions of retirement in favor of bold, life-affirming travel experiences.

Once associated with slowing down, retirement is now being reimagined by Vietnam’s baby boomers as a time to rediscover life - with energy, curiosity, and a sense of adventure. According to new research from Booking.com, 50% of Vietnamese boomers are keen on engaging in physical activities such as horseback riding, while 37% would prefer to invest their savings in a “once-in-a-lifetime” journey in 2025 rather than leaving it as an inheritance.

This shift reflects a powerful new attitude: live fully now, not later. Rather than settling for quiet escapes, this generation is seeking out experiences that challenge convention and rekindle youthful passions. To celebrate this trend, Booking.com has curated a collection of immersive, adrenaline-tinged getaways across Vietnam that prove age is no barrier to discovery.

Sliding into the sands of Quang Binh

Who says adventure is just for the young? At Quang Phu Sand Dunes, where ivory-colored slopes meet green hills, sandboarding is making waves among older travelers. With 31% of Vietnamese boomers interested in trying once-in-a-lifetime activities like this, the dunes offer a gentle yet exhilarating ride that’s as photogenic as it is fun.

The most stunning time to visit? Right after the summer rains, when the sand takes on a warm, golden-red hue beneath the afternoon light - perfect for travelers chasing both serenity and spectacle.

Taking flight over Yen Bai

For those craving new perspectives, paragliding in Yen Bai offers an unforgettable blend of peace and adrenaline. Suspended high above rice terraces, meandering rivers, and mist-covered peaks, boomers can experience northern Vietnam’s raw beauty from the skies, far removed from the tourist crowds.

Hosted by Mebayluon Paragliding Clubhouse in Pu Chu Chay, a scenic base that also doubles as a cozy homestay, the experience invites travelers to step out of their comfort zones while staying rooted in local culture. After their flight, guests can unwind by a seasonal pool, stroll through lush gardens, or enjoy sweeping views from a private balcony.

Skydiving over Nha Trang’s Coast

For the 24% of Vietnamese boomers interested in skydiving, Nha Trang delivers a jaw-dropping plunge above one of the country’s most iconic coastlines. From turquoise bays to forest-covered hills, the descent is nothing short of cinematic.

Tandem jumps with certified instructors ensure even first-timers can safely embrace the thrill. After touching down, Nha Trang’s vibrant energy continues on the ground - whether through island-hopping tours or beachfront seafood feasts. Still, for those seeking the ultimate rush, the sky truly is the limit.

Scooter rides and sailboat drifts in Ben Tre

Not all adventures involve heights. In the lush Mekong Delta, a slower, more sensory kind of exploration unfolds in Ben Tre. Here, a half-day journey bookable on Booking.com, begins by scooter, winding through coconut groves and rural backroads.

The journey is spontaneous and deeply local: impromptu stops at mat-weaving workshops, fruit tastings at roadside stalls, and conversations with villagers. It then transitions into a tranquil sailboat ride along a Mekong tributary, offering glimpses of riverbank life, from children swimming to farmers tending their crops. For boomers seeking cultural richness over adrenaline, this grounded adventure is as authentic as it gets.

Kayaking the calm waters of Phu Quoc

On the serene shores of Bai Sao in Phu Quoc, adventure takes a meditative turn. Kayaking here isn’t about speed, it’s about sync. With clear turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and palm-lined horizons, each paddle stroke becomes a quiet communion with nature.

Ideal for low-impact exploration, the island also offers sea walking through coral gardens, snorkeling trips, and traditional basket boat rides. Whether floating on the waves or snorkeling below them, Phu Quoc invites boomers to embrace the calm, rhythmic beauty of the sea.

Glamping under the stars at Tri An Lake

At Tri An Lake in Dong Nai Province, the thrill of the outdoors meets the comfort of modern luxury. Glamping, or glamorous camping, lets boomers sleep under the stars without sacrificing convenience. Think lakefront tents, morning mist, and a gentle breeze, all paired with amenities like archery, fishing, and quiet forest strolls.

As night falls, the lake transforms into a stargazer’s paradise. With 74% of Vietnamese travelers seeking darker skies for stargazing, this tranquil escape offers rare, unpolluted views of the cosmos. Lying in a hammock, constellations above and silence all around, boomers are reminded that adventure doesn’t always roar, sometimes it whispers.

Across Vietnam, baby boomers are proving that curiosity doesn’t fade with age, it deepens. Whether paragliding above mountains or drifting down the Mekong, this generation is redefining retirement on their own terms: vibrant, daring, and full of discovery.

With platforms like Booking.com making these experiences more accessible, there’s never been a better time to chase that long-postponed dream, try something unexpected, or simply see the world from a new angle. Because in this chapter of life, the adventure is only just beginning.