Vietnam Family Holidays 14 Days

Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our friendly guide will be there to greet you at the baggage claim area. Look for the sign bearing our Asia Tour Advisor logo and your name. From there, we'll swiftly transport you to your hotel, ensuring your comfort. Along the way, we'll provide you with an introduction to the vibrant city of Hanoi. The remainder of the day is yours to settle in, relax, and begin exploring the area.

Hanoi, Vietnam's capital city and home to seven million people, exudes traditional charm with its French colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards, picturesque lakes, and a bustling Old Quarter. You'll have the chance to witness locals practicing Tai Chi by the lakeside, and you can observe barbers and food vendors engaging in their sidewalk trade.

It is unmissable in terms of its pretty pagodas, ancient temples, enchanting French colonial quarter and cultural institutions. Just as fun, however, is darting down its winding lanes and discovering your own favourite hidden corners.

After a satisfying breakfast at your hotel, our local tour guide will pick you up to embark on an exploration of Vietnam's capital city, Hanoi. With over a thousand years of history, this city is rich with captivating cultural and historical sites. Your itinerary includes visits to the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, home to the preserved body of "Uncle Ho."  and his House on Stilts to observe how he lived and how his life unfolded to become one of modern history’s greatest names. 

You'll also experience the delicate beauty of the One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Temple are a spiritual and cultural symbol of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. With special features in its structure along with historical values, the temple will surely be a real eye-opener for tourists.

After lunch, continue to visit the millennia-old Temple of Literature and explore its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a Confucius temple. Next is Hoa Lo , a prison used by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. Prisoners of War.

To cap off your day, enjoy a one-hour cyclo tour through the bustling and lively Old Quarter, immersing yourself in the vibrant marketplace atmosphere.  Sample delicious dishes like Nom Du Du (green papaya salad), Banh Mi Pa Te (a sandwich that reflects Vietnam’s culinary heritage)

Your journey continues as you depart for Pu Luong Nature Reserve by road, traversing a breathtaking mountain pass that offers panoramic vistas of the entire valley. Upon arrival at your accommodation, a delightful lunch awaits you. Afterward, you'll have free time to explore this stunning retreat, with its captivating panoramic views and serene ambiance.

Next, you'll be transferred approximately 12 kilometers from the Retreat, where your trek begins. You'll cross a suspension bridge over the Cham River, embarking on a picturesque walk alongside the river. The landscape will unfold before your eyes, revealing rice fields, villages, and stunning water wheels. Get up close to these water wheels and discover how they channel water from the river through handmade bamboo aqueducts of various sizes. Your journey will lead you to Chieng Lau village, where you can take a well-deserved rest while enjoying the tranquil streamside scenery. Finally, you'll walk to the main road for your transfer back to Pu Luong Retreat, where a delectable dinner awaits.

Today offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in village life, interact with locals residing in the hills above the Retreat, and gain insight into their daily activities. You'll glimpse the routines of daily life, explore working farmland and rice fields, and learn about the art of weaving colorful textiles.

Lunch will be served at the Lodge, and following this, you'll check out before departing Pu Luong for Ninh Binh. Upon arrival, you'll check in to your hotel and enjoy some well-deserved rest.

Delve deeper into Vietnam's past with a day visit to picturesque Ninh Binh. Explore ancient sites as well as a relaxing sampan cruise through 'Halong Bay on Land'. 

Join the guide for an in-depth exploration of the ruins of Vietnam’s first capital. Learn about the Dinh (968-980) and Le (980-1009) Dynasties and about the history of the site. See ancient tombs and the ruins of the once-imposing Citadel. 

For those feeling adventurous and fit, there's an option to embark on a half-hour trek up one of the nearby limestone karst hills, providing a rewarding panoramic view. Afterward, we'll journey to Tam Coc, located about 10 kilometers from Hoa Lu, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Following lunch, you'll experience the enchanting Tam Coc by boarding a bamboo boat rowed by local experts along the Hoang Long River. Explore the mystical "Three Caves," which provide a refreshing break from the sun. The journey takes approximately two hours, offering glimpses of local fishermen, riverside village life, and the iconic limestone karst formations.

For the more adventurous, you can climb to Bich Dong Pagoda, nestled on Ngu Nhac Mountain and dating back to 1428. Comprising three structures (Ha, Trung, and Thuong Pagodas), the pagoda's ascent offers breathtaking views. Return by sampan to Tam Coc town before heading back to Hanoi, where you'll arrive in the late afternoon.

Our journey embarks from Hanoi where we'll pick you up for a scenic drive through the verdant landscapes of the Red River Delta. Our destination: the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay. Here, you'll embark on a luxurious cruise for an enchanting overnight cruise.

As you relax on board, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking limestone karsts that majestically emerge from the azure waters, surrounded by thousands of jungle-clad islands seemingly suspended on the gentle waves. The turquoise waters of the Gulf of Tonkin conceal hidden grottoes and ancient caves, creating a timeless and mesmerizing world.

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch with breathtaking views and a refreshing drink. Our next destination is a charming fishing village, where locals have ingeniously turned their boats into a floating community. Meet fishermen, explore a stunning lagoon by kayak or rowboat, and unwind on deck as the sun sets. Spend a delightful overnight stay on board!

Discover the vibrant tapestry of Vietnamese daily life and rural heritage on this distinctive Hoi An excursion. 

Begin your day with a morning market tour, sourcing fresh ingredients for your upcoming cooking class. Accompanied by your guide and driver, you'll embark on a journey to the bustling Hoi An local market, where a myriad of sights, sounds, and aromas await. Take a leisurely stroll through the market's vibrant aisles, engaging with local vendors and selecting the finest produce for your culinary adventure.

Following the market escapade, head to Cam Thanh village, making a pitstop at the enchanting Bay Mau Water Palm forest. Enjoy a brief riverside walk in this quaint fishing hamlet, then hop onto a traditional Coracle bamboo boat for a scenic cruise along a charming canal with local fishermen. 

Continue to Tra Que herbs and vegetables village, where a farmer's family awaits. Don traditional farmer attire, explore the nearby farming land with authentic tools, and engage in a cooking class at a local home. Relish the experience of preparing and enjoying your own meal, culminating in a soothing foot soak with local herbs and a foot massage.

Cap off the day with an afternoon exploration of Hoi An's UNESCO-recognized ancient town. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Japanese Bridge, a Sino-Vietnamese merchant house, a Chinese Temple, Hoian Central Market, and the Culture Museum. Conclude this splendid day trip back at your hotel.

Depart Hoi An, you will be driven towards Hue which is about 120km from Hoi An town. Today the journey over Hai Van Pass will be one of the most scenic ones.

In Danang, a stop will be made at Cham Museum which has an open-air collection of Cham sculptures. Many of the sandstone carvings are breathtaking. Visit the marble mountain. You also stop at the famous My Khe Beach  for some quick photos.

You will also stop for a short coffee break at Lang Co beach – one of the most beautiful beaches of Vietnam. Arrive in Hue and check into your hotel.

After a local lunch, you will visit the Imperial Citadel, a 19th-century walled fortress taken by North Vietnam during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War. Later, you’ll embark on a boat cruise along Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda and admire the sunset on the boat.

After breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and continue your exploration of Hue. Visit Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb, a complex of terraces and pagodas. Then set off to discover Emperor Khai Dinh’s mausoleum — though smaller than Tu Duc’s, it is far more elaborate. Stop at Vong Canh – Bird’s eyed view point to admire the wonderful scenery of the perfume River. Stop at the local workshop to see people making joss sticks and conical hats.

After lunch, you will be transferred to Hue airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. You will be met on arrivals by your private guide and driven to your hotel on down town to check in. The evening will be at your leisure.

After enjoying your breakfast, your private guide will meet you and accompany you on a drive to Cu Chi, a quaint community located 60km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Cu Chi is renowned for its extensive network of tunnels, which served as a strategic hideout and infiltration route for the Viet Cong during the latter stages of the Vietnam War.

Upon arrival, you'll have the opportunity to watch a brief introductory video from the era before delving into the tunnels themselves, widely recognized as one of the world's most significant battlegrounds. This hidden labyrinth of Viet Cong tunnels spans "hundreds of miles" in total length, featuring living quarters, storage facilities, makeshift hospitals, kitchens, and more. While some sections of the tunnels remain narrow as originally constructed, others have been widened to accommodate tourists like yourself, offering you the chance to explore a portion of this remarkable system.

Following your exploration of the Cu Chi Tunnels, you'll be transferred back to the city, where you'll enjoy a delicious lunch at Local restaurant.

As the afternoon unfolds, you'll embark on a journey to discover some of Ho Chi Minh City's most iconic landmarks.

Your itinerary may include a visit to the Independence Palace  or the War Remnants Museum, providing you with a profound and sobering insight into Vietnam's tumultuous military history.

Next, you'll explore the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and Ben Thanh Market , where vendors display an array of goods and handicrafts, offering you a deeper understanding of local life.

Afterward, you'll return to your hotel. With some time left in the day, you're free to relax and unwind, or perhaps venture out to experience the vibrant nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City.

Begin your day by departing from Ho Chi Minh City for a visually enchanting drive to Ben Tre. As you leave the bustling city behind, the scenery transitions from lush rice paddies to the region often referred to as the "rice bowl of Vietnam."

Upon arrival at Hung Vuong Pier in Ben Tre, you'll board a boat on the Ben Tre River, a tributary of the Mekong River. Along the riverbanks, witness lively activities such as fishing and water transport. The journey includes a stop at a brickwork site, where you can observe traditional brick-making techniques.

Visit one of the numerous coconut processing workshops along the riverbank, where you'll have the chance to see how coconuts are husked by hand and witness the production of coconut candies. Continue your boat ride along the water palm creek, eventually reaching the charming village of Thuy Bieu. Along the way, enjoy the tranquil beauty of the countryside.

Your next adventure will take you to a local family workshop specializing in making sleep mats. Afterward, choose one of the following options:

• Option 1: Biking (approximately 4km) - Embark on a bike ride through peaceful villages and verdant vegetable gardens to immerse yourself in real rural life and gain insights into tropical culture.
• Option 2: Traditional Cart Ride - Hop onto a cart powered by a motorbike for a unique mode of transportation.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Xứ Dừa. Afternoon activities include a rowing boat ride along the water palm creek, followed by a return boat journey to Hung Vuong Pier. From there, you'll be transferred to Mekong Home, where you can relax with a welcome drink and check-in.

Later in the day, participate in a shrimp-catching activity with a local family, and then join a cooking class to prepare "Banh Xeo," Vietnamese pancakes, alongside your hosts. You'll savor your creations along with other local specialties for dinner, including caramelized pork, fish soup, young coconut and shrimp salad, and spring rolls. After dinner, indulge in a relaxing lemongrass foot bath by the river before retiring for the night at Mekong Home.

Relish the fresh morning air as you enjoy breakfast at Mekong Home. Following breakfast, embark on a cycling trip to Oc Island, passing by a local morning market. Along the way, visit a coconut workshop and engage with a local family to learn about their lifestyle, traditional basket making, and daily life.

Continuing your bike ride through the peaceful and scenic village on Oc Island, you'll explore flat village paths, cycling for approximately 2 hours. Return to Homestay, check out around 12:00 p.m., and drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Enjoy some free time in the morning until your private car arrives to transport you to the airport for your onward journey. This concludes your Flavor of Vietnam tour with Asia Tour Advisor. We express our gratitude for joining us on this incredible adventure to explore the wonders of Vietnam. Farewell, and we hope to welcome you again in the future. If the above itinerary doesn't meet your expectations, remember that Asia Tour Advisor can arrange additional customized trips for you, and you can also explore our other Vietnam tour options for more choices.