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.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, your local tour guide will pick you up for an immersive exploration of Hanoi, a city with over 1,000 years of history. During your full-day tour, you'll have the opportunity to visit several captivating cultural and historical landmarks. Highlights include the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the preserved body of "Uncle Ho" rests, the delicate One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Temple, and the Quan Thanh Pagoda.

Following lunch, you can choose between visiting the Temple of Literature, where you'll encounter ancient Vietnamese relics, or exploring the Hoa Lo Prison or the Art/Women/History Museum. Your day will culminate in a mesmerizing show at the water puppet theater, a beautifully unique cultural performance from northern Vietnam.

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.

After breakfast, our tour guide will accompany you to Tam Coc. There, you'll embark on a sampan boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, exploring three magnificent caves. You can also opt for an enjoyable biking excursion around Tam Coc (an optional surcharge of approximately USD 5 per bike applies). At noon, savor a delicious lunch before proceeding to the ancient capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu. Explore the Ding King Temple and Le King Temple, dating back to the 10th century, and learn about their heroic histories in Chinese Wars. Your journey continues to the intriguing Mua Cave, known for its captivating stories. Ascend 500 stone steps to a vantage point where you can relish a stunning panoramic view of the countryside and the Ngo Dong River. Conclude your day by returning to Hanoi.

We'll pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi and embark on a scenic journey through the verdant Red River Delta, en route to the renowned UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay. Upon arrival, you'll board a luxurious junk ship for an overnight cruise. As you relax on board, take in the breathtaking limestone karsts that rise from the sea and the myriad of jungle-covered islands seemingly floating on the waves. Halong Bay's turquoise waters are dotted with hidden grottoes and ancient caves, creating an enchanting and timeless landscape.

A delightful seafood lunch will be served as you marvel at the incredible views, with a refreshing drink in hand. Your journey will lead you to a traditional fishing village, where the locals have ingeniously constructed an entire town on the decks of their boats. Later, you can explore Tien Ong Cave before returning to the cruise for cocktails, canapés, and a breathtaking sunset. The day concludes with a romantic candlelit dinner.

Option 1 – Cooking Class:

Begin your day with a visit to a vibrant local market to select the necessary ingredients. Return to the kitchen, where your chef will demonstrate the preparation of typical Vietnamese cuisine. Then, try your hand at cooking these dishes and relish the flavors of your creations.

In the afternoon, embark on a guided walking tour of the captivating Old Hoi An. Hoi An's history as a major Asian sea port has resulted in a unique blend of architectural styles and cultures, which have been meticulously preserved. Stroll through traditional Chinese shops, opulent French homes, and an ancient Japanese bridge. The town is dotted with silk markets, Vietnamese food stalls, and talented street performers, all of which are sure to enchant you.

Option 2 – Vegetable Village:

After breakfast at your hotel, engage in some physical activity with a bike ride to Tra Que Village and a visit to a local farm. This immersive experience allows you to delve into authentic Vietnamese rural life. Learn about the village's history and observe the daily practices of vegetable farming. Discover how these vegetables are used in traditional Vietnamese medicine. Participate in farming activities such as collecting seaweed fertilizer, sowing, raking, watering, and harvesting. Your cultural immersion continues as you join a family to prepare and enjoy a lunch made from the vegetables you helped cultivate. You'll also taste other local specialties such as Tam Huu (spring rolls) and Banh Xeo (pancakes). Don't miss the opportunity to take a post-lunch nap in the traditional manner before returning to the field to learn how to harvest and wrap the produce. In the mid-afternoon, bid farewell to your newfound friends and return to Hoi An to explore the Old Quarter.

Option 3 – Countryside Motor Riding (No Bicycle):

Our guide will pick you up from your hotel via motorbike and take you to Tra Que Village. From there, you'll ride back to the river and board a local ferry to Kim Bong Village. This village is renowned for its woodcarving and mat weaving, so you'll stop by a family to witness the art of mat weaving and see how traditional mats were made before the advent of modern mattresses. You'll also visit a local family to observe the production of the famous local noodle, Mi Quang, and even try your hand at making and eating Banh Dap (rice crackers). Afterward, ride into a small village and gear up for an exhilarating 300-meter bamboo bridge river crossing to the picturesque landscape on the sea-side of the island. Your journey continues to Duy Hai Market and Harbor. Here, you'll take a local ferry to Cam Thanh Village, known for its water coconut palm-fringed landscape. Enjoy lunch at Cam Thanh Homestay before returning to your hotel via motorbike.

Start your day with breakfast at your Hoi An hotel. Then, your guide will escort you to Hue, driving through the dramatic Pass of Ocean Clouds, which offers panoramic views of mountains and the sea. Upon reaching Hue, you'll visit the Imperial City, located within the Citadel. Designed after Beijing's Forbidden City, the Imperial City was constructed in the early 19th century. Explore the Thai Hoa Palace, with its spacious hall and a striking roof supported by 80 intricately carved and lacquered columns. Discover the Halls of the Mandarins, the Nine Dynastic Urns, and the site where the Forbidden Purple City once stood.

Your adventure in Hue also includes a visit to Dong Ba Market. In the afternoon, take a boat trip on the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda and the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, constructed in 1840. Known for its magnificent architecture and intricate decorations, this pagoda is considered one of Hue's most beautiful. Conclude your day in Hue City.

Embark on a cycling journey from the city center to Thuy Bieu Village via the southern bank of the Perfume River. The initial part of the route may be a bit busy, but the experience is rewarding as you reach the village. Explore the Tiger Fighting Arena, a historical site where elephants and tigers once fought to the death for the entertainment of the Emperor, the royal family, and mandarins.

Depart from the arena and continue cycling to the Elephant Temple, a royal temple where the King's war elephants were buried and honored. Following this, ride to Thuy Bieu Village, where you'll visit the first local house to observe the craft of silk painting by local artisans. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along verdant paths in Thuy Bieu Village for relaxation. You'll also have the opportunity to make incense sticks in a private house, an essential element of Buddhist and ancestor anniversaries in Hue. Take part in making "banh nam" and "banh loc," Hue's specialty cakes, under the host's guidance. These dishes will be enjoyed immediately after preparation. Additionally, taste other local delicacies such as Tam Huu (spring rolls) and Banh Xeo (pancake). Of course, you'll join in the traditional after-lunch nap before returning to the field to learn how to harvest and wrap the produce. In the mid-afternoon, bid farewell to your new friends and return to your hotel.

Subsequently, you'll be transferred to the airport for your departure flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your guide and driver, who will accompany you to your centrally located hotel. Check-in and take some time to explore the nearby area at your own leisure.

In the morning, our guide will pick you up for a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a significant part of the Vietnam-American War and an intriguing day trip. Explore the mysterious tunnels, discover hidden doors, and learn about the once-deadly traps that were used.

After lunch, return to Ho Chi Minh City, where you'll spend the afternoon either visiting the War Remnants Museum or the Reunification Palace, depending on your preference. Following this, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city's colonial streets, taking in sights such as the Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, the Continental Hotel, Opera House, and City Hall.

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.