Family adventure in Vietnam

Welcome to Hanoi!

You will be met at the airport and transferred to hotel in Hanoi. The rest of the day at leisure. If you are feeling energetic, head out to explore the city on foot.

Dating to 3,000 BCE, Hanoi is one of the most ancient capitals in the world. Today, it is a mix of the old and the new, a city defined by the contradictions of a rapidly developing yet deeply traditional society. Walk around the French colonial Old Quarter, absorb the energy of Hanoi's motorbike-packed streets, browse through outdoor markets, and silk shops, and try bánh mì from a street food vendor. Then go for a stroll around Hoàn Kiếm Lake. At the north end of the lake is an arched red bridge leading to Jade Island and the Temple of the Jade Mountain.

Train to Lao Cai

In the morning, you will take part in a guided tour of Hanoi, first with a stop at Hang Be Market. Located in the heart of the old town, just a five-minute walk from Hoàn Kiếm Lake, this municipal market has been open for more than 100 years. Then, we will head north to West Lake (Hồ Tây) and the Trấn Quốc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi. Then we will arrive at the Temple of Literature, which was built in the 11th century and is dedicated to Confucius.

We will continue our tour at Ba Dinh Square and visit the exterior of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the dominant structure that serves as the final resting place for the revolutionary leader. This is followed by a stop at the nearby One Pillar Pagoda, one of the most iconic Buddhist temples in the city.

Your Hanoi tour ends when the sun goes down. However, your big trip to Vietnam is just beginning. After enjoying dinner on your own, you will transfer to Hanoi Train Station and board an overnight train bound for the mountainous region of Lào Cai.

Visit Silver Waterfall & Heaven Gate

Upon arrival in Lao Cai, your guide will be waiting to pick you up for the one-hour drive to Sapa, known for its steep terraces of green rice fields carved out of the mountains. When you arrive, you will transfer to a local homestay to check in and then head to a restaurant for breakfast.

This excursion will take you higher up in the mountains around Sapa for the best views of the countryside. As you continue uphill, you will be able to enjoy incredible views not only of the mountain paddy fields, but also of Mt. Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam.

The first stop will be at Thac Bac, better known to foreigners as Silver Waterfall. Located about nine miles outside of Sapa, this is not only one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region, but also one of the largest.

After the falls, you will continue by car a short way to Tram Ton Pass, which runs along the north side of Mt. Fansipan. At 1,900 meters above sea level, this is the highest mountain pass in Vietnam. Here is a magnificent viewpoint called Heaven Gate, where you will stop for about 30 minutes. During this time, you can take photos and enjoy the incredible views of the surrounding Hoàng Liên Sơn mountain range, which is part of the tip of the eastern Himalayan Mountains.

Ta Phin Village

Sapa is famous for its mountainous rural landscapes and terraced rice fields. Today you will immerse yourself in this natural beauty as you travel a couple miles outside town to a place that seems an entire world away: Ma Tra. This traditional village is almost untouched by time, as locals still go about tending to their fields by hand the same way they have done for centuries.

The hike starts from Sapa on a path through lush green pine forests and flourishing gardens. You will pass smaller towns, like Ma Tra, that have hardly been touched by the modern world. The hike continues through rice paddies and will even stop to visit a local school.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you will arrive at Ta Phin village. Here you will interact with members of the Black Hmong and Red Dao communities, which represent the two largest ethnic groups in the region.

Then, you will return to the hotel in Sapa, where you will have the evening free.

Train to Hanoi

Wake up early for a half-day hike through the breath-taking Sapa Valley. You will walk along a narrow path in the middle of the terraced fields and cross the Mường Hoa River on your way to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai. After walking for a while along the river, you will cross a suspension bridge and arrive at another town, Tả Van Giáy. Here you will visit a fascinating collection of ancient rock carvings depicting everything from images of men to decorative patterns. Then the hike continues through a bamboo forest to Giang Ta Chai, another small country village, this one home to Red Dao people. The Red Dao are one of the oldest ethnic minorities in Vietnam.

The day ends with a hike to a nearby waterfall. Here you will rest for a bit before embarking on an uphill hike to a highway where a car will be waiting to transfer you back to Sapa. From there, you will transfer to Lao Cai Train Station to catch an overnight train to Hanoi.

Hạ Long Bay

You will arrive in Hanoi early in the morning and head directly to a day-use hotel. This will give you a chance to have breakfast and refresh yourself after the overnight train ride. Then, you will take a shuttle bus departing from Hanoi to the Hạ Long Bay coastal retreat and fishing community, arriving around noon.

Your destination today is the Hạ Long Bay coastal refuge and fishing community. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the true natural wonders of the world. At this sweet spot where land meets the Gulf of Tonkin, more than 1,000 karst islets rise above emerald waters.

Upon arrival, you will board a boat that will depart from the port for an unforgettable tour of the bay. Not only will you enjoy fresh seafood for lunch and dinner, but you will also spend the night aboard the ship. This will give you the opportunity to watch the sunset over the water.

Hạ Long Bay's

Get up early and enjoy one of Hạ Long Bay's famous and beautiful sunrises. After breakfast, the ship will sail between the emerald islets on its way back to the port. From here, you will take a shuttle bus for the 2–3-hour return trip to Hanoi.

Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and have the rest of the day free. Perhaps enjoy dinner in the Old Quarter, and then get carried away with a bit of Hanoi's lively bar scene.

Huế

After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport to take a domestic flight to Huế. Upon arrival, you will take a private transfer to your hotel to unpack and relax. Then you can go out and explore what is one of the least visited gems in the country.

This off-the-beaten-path city in central Vietnam abounds with a rich culture and deep history exemplified by well-preserved monuments spanning different eras. It was during the Nguyễn Dynasty, which began in 1802, when Huế was the nation's capital. This lasted until the creation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945 when the country declared its independence from French Indochina and the capital was moved to Hanoi.

First you can pay a visit to the Imperial Citadel. One of Vietnam’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this vast, walled citadel was constructed in 1804 and is surrounded by a moat. Then, enjoy a boat trip to Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of the Celestial Lady. This seven-story octagonal tower is the unofficial symbol of Huế, and it is steeped in mythology.

Continue to the Tomb of Tự Đức, one of the most beautiful mausoleums of Huế. It was built between 1864 and 1867 for the Nguyễn Emperor Tự Đứcs according to the specifications of the emperor himself.

Then, you will return to the hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure.

Hội An

Early in the morning, you will take a two-hour road transfer to Da Nang. This route mainly follows the coast, but also passes along the scenic Hai Van Pass, a mountain pass that offers spectacular views of the limestone Marble Mountains and Da Nang Bay, where the ocean meets central Vietnam.

Upon arrival in Da Nang, you will transfer to nearby Hội An and check into your hotel. This colourful city is located on the central coast of Vietnam at the entrance to the Thu Bồn River and has a long history. You will perceive it as you stroll through its ancient streets along the seafront. Feel free to spend the day at leisure and explore the iconic sights of the city.

Walking through the ancient streets of Hội An you will see why it is so famous. This port city has more than 2,000 years of history, and its heyday occurred between the 7th and 10th centuries, when it was a major player in the spice trade with Indonesia. In the 17th century, Hội An was a thriving international port, and remnants of it can be seen in its Chinese temples, Japanese merchant houses, and covered bridges. The most famous bridge is also of Japanese origin and was built in 1719. Other city attractions you will want to visit include the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall and the local fish market. After exploring the market, perhaps head to a local tailor shop for traditional clothing to take home.

The rest of the day is free to continue walking around the city at your own pace.

Thu Bồn River

After breakfast, you will meet a local guide at your hotel and hop on a bike for a 15-minute ride along the banks of the Thu Bồn River. Your first stop is Kim Bong's Woodworking Village. This small town, quietly hidden from the hustle and bustle of Hội An, is home to a community of artisans who spend their days in their workshops.

Then continue down the river to the Tra Nihau, an ecological village that has retained its traditional roots. This 148-acre community is situated in the Duy Xuyen District of Quang Nam Province. The locals earn their living in several ways, including fishing, mat-weaving, palm-leaf braiding, and making handicrafts. Your next stop is nearby Tra Que. This small village, home to just a few hundred residents, is famous for its organic vegetables. The farmers here grow many types of herbs and vegetables without the use of pesticides or chemicals.

Later, relax and soak your feet in a local herbal water solution - it is guaranteed to soothe. You will take a hands-on approach to lunch as you prepare a meal with a local family and learn how to make traditional dishes like tam hữu (spring rolls wrapped in herbs) and bánh xèo (crispy Vietnamese pancakes). Enjoy lunch with the family before heading back to Hội An.

Then you will have the rest of the day free, and you can enjoy dinner in the city.

Ho Chi Minh City

Take the morning to relax, and then at the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Da Nang Airport for a short domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Once upon a time, this metropolis in southern Vietnam was known as Saigon. Despite the devastation of a protracted war, the city has retained much of its unique cultural mix of Asian and Western traditions. In fact, many of its French colonial landmarks still stand.

The biggest change in Ho Chi Minh City is that it has only gotten bigger, busier, and more energetic. The streets fill with mopeds whizzing past the markets and modern shopping districts as the sidewalks overflow with vendors selling everything from delicious street food to golden lucky cats.

You will see and feel the rising energy of Ho Chi Minh city first-hand during the private transfer from the airport to your hotel. After check-in, you will have the rest of the day free to spend as you see fit. You can relax in your hotel room and dine or go out and let yourself be carried away by the energy of the city.

Củ Chi

After breakfast, you will leave Ho Chi Minh in a private transfer for the short drive north to Củ Chi. This area is home to a huge network of tunnels that became famous during the Vietnam War as a base of operations for the Viet Cong, particularly during the 1968 Tết Offensive. Here you will have the option to go to the tunnels and take a look at the harsh conditions faced by the Vietcong guerrillas who lived here, as well as see the innovative booby traps they left for the unfortunate enemy soldiers.

Later in the afternoon, you will discover the highlights of this former capital of French Indochina on a tour. Historic landmarks include the 19th century Gothic / Renaissance Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral (built in the late 19th century with materials imported from France), and the Opera House, which was built in 1897.

You will also visit the Reunification Palace, also known as the Independence Palace. This is the former home of the President of South Vietnam, which was taken over when Saigon fell in 1975. You will end the tour with a visit to the Thien Hau Buddhist Temple and Ben Thanh Market to buy souvenirs.

After the tour, you will return to your hotel.

Mekong Delta

Today you will experience first-hand the lifestyle that the people of the Mekong Delta live. In the morning you will leave your hotel for the coastal province of Ben Tre. Upon arrival at Hung Vuong Pier in Ben Tre City, you will board a boat for a ride along a tributary of the Mekong River.

As you travel through the mangrove forests of this waterway, you will see the morning bustle of fishing boats and coconut freighters passing from one side to the other. A stop at a traditional brick factory reveals how workers still make bricks the old-fashioned way: by hand. After that, it is a visit to My Long , a town famous for the tasty rice cakes that its residents make.

Back on the water, you will travel through channels lined with coconut trees. Here you will visit a coconut workshop to see the stages of coconut processing, from removing the shell to peeling it, which is done by hand.

You can then experience some of the breath-taking scenery when you embark on a bike ride (or motorized scooter ride) through the coconut trees and orchards around the river. Then, take a sampan rowboat along a tranquil canal shaded by palm leaves to a riverside restaurant where you will stop for lunch.

After lunch, you will return to Hung Vuong Pier by speedboat and return to Ho Chi Minh City by car. Then you will have the rest of the day free.

Back Home

Take the morning to enjoy one last walk around Ho Chi Minh City. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. This concludes his great adventure in Vietnam. Until next time.