Vietnam tour for Family

14 days / 13 nights

Overview

With its stunning natural landscapes, millennia-old history, exciting cosmopolitan cities, friendly hamlets and melange of cultural influences, Vietnam has it all. And there is no better way to become acquainted with this vibrant country than by exploring it under your own locomotion and at your own pace. Walk past pagodas and temples in old Hanoi, kayak amid labyrinthine limestone outcrops in Halong Bay, bike past vibrant green rice paddies, investigate magnificent historic sites in Hue and stroll through the enchanting city of Hoi An, one of Vietnam architectural gems. Round out your days of discovery with meals of delicious local cuisine and stays at warm welcoming hotels.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi
Upon arrival, our guide will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner at Hoa Sua restaurant where street kids undergo hospitality training for a brighter future. Overnight in Hanoi (D).
Day 2: Hanoi
In the morning, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed on Mon & Fri & all afternoons and from Sep 10 until Dec 10 for re-embalmment); an imposing monument lavishly built using marble and granite, and where the preserved body of “Uncle Ho” resides. The family will get a chance to offer a wreath to The Great Father of the country. Then embark on an hour-long cyclo ride around the Old Quarter – a criss cross of 36 streets named after 36 wares – to witness the vibrant markets along the street sides and the local daily life. The serene Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mon) is 30- min drive out of town and offers a chance to get to know Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups better. Mainly visit the interesting outdoor area with ethnic houses; the Museum’s rich displays showcase the cultural heritages of diverse communities. Then make an excursion to Hanoi Children Palace where the young students are learning music, drawing and painting. Join and interact with the kids at school. Attend a water puppet show in the evening, a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. Overnight in Hanoi (B).
Day 3: Hanoi
In the morning, around 0800am, visit Hoa Mi primary school (or another secondary school depending on the age of your children) in the center of Hanoi, for an overview of the local education system and infrastructure and play games with the pupils. Afterwards, drive 40-min through lush countryside to Xuan La “Tohe” Village where villagers use colored flour to shape and sculpture characters that bring the funny and charming folk tales to life. A local currently residing in Hanoi will escort and show you around his hometown – the perfect host to tell you more about his village and the craft history. Upon arrival, meet his brother, a well-known artisan and witness the full process of making “Tohe.” If you are adventurous, you can even try and make your own creation. Drive back to the hotel and relax. In the afternoon, embark on another 30min scenic drive to Ba Giang, the kite-making village. The village plays host to a massive festival which falls on the March 15 of every Lunar Year where hundreds of kites are released in the sky for competition. Walk around the village; speak to the villagers most of whom are artisans, and how kites are being made. In the evening, visit the house of a musician couple – the husband is a flutist in the National Orchestra while the wife is a piano teacher – for home-cooked dinner. Enjoy the meal hosted in the cozy dining room to understand the important role meals at home play in Vietnam. Chat and share with them life experiences. After the meal, enjoy a melodious performance of flute and piano. Overnight in Hanoi (B, D).
Day 4: Hanoi - Halong
A 3.5-hour drive from Hanoi with a quick rest stop en route at a handicraft center (this place is quite touristy but the best stop available); you will reach Halong City by noon. Board your private deluxe junk where a welcome drink awaits. After a relaxing break, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch while cruising through the magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waters like dragons’ teeth. After lunch, take a short trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay, swim on a quite beach or sunbath on the deck. Later in the afternoon, visit a fishing village and interact with the fishermen who have been living in the bay for generations. At sunset, join a bamboo boat to discover a water tunnel with coral reefs in a scenic lagoon. Back on board for sunset. Dinner on board the junk followed by the acclaimed movie L’Indochine featuring famous French actress Catherine Deneuve and set in Vietnam. Overnight on deluxe junk (joined boat – private cabin, 2 persons per cabin) (B, L, D).
Day 5: Halong - Hanoi
Wake up early to catch the dramatic sunrise on the bay and enjoy a Tai Chi demonstration on the sun deck. Relax with a cup of hot coffee before departing to the splendid Sung Sot grotto where stalactites hanging from the high ceiling take on numerous shapes and forms. Enjoy late buffet brunch on board while cruising back to the boat docking station. Arrive at the boat docking station around 1100. Return to Hanoi with a stop at Phu Lang village, one of one of the last survivors of an old pottery village amidst the modern pressure to industrialize. The pottery here is defined by the brown color and unique patterns. Wander around the village and chat with the artisans at Gom Nhung workshop or try sitting behind a potter’s wheel. (Note: only 25-seater bus is accessible to Phu Lang village-snack provided en route). Overnight in Hanoi (B).
Day 6: Hanoi - Hue (flight)
Morning is free at leisure until transfer to the airport for an onward flight to the former Royal Capital of Hue during the Nguyen Lords, a feudal dynasty which reigned from the 17th to 19th century. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for checking in. Start the cultural integration with a 10- min cyclo tour from your hotel to the Imperial Citadel to visit the remains of the royal family’s exclusive residence. Tonight, enjoy a home-cooked dinner at a restored royal home of a local couple boasting beautiful carvings reflecting the former royal art and culture. Overnight in Hue (B, D).
Day 7: Hue
Take a leisure boat trip on the Perfume River in the morning to visit the octagon pagoda and interact with the monks. This is followed by a visit to Khai Dinh Royal Tomb where the different architecture and atmosphere showcase elements of eastern art and western designs. Stop by at Minh Tu pagoda, which houses an orphanage – observe how the orphanage operates, interact with the head nun and founder Minh Tu, and observe orphans at the wood carving workshop. Any kind of donation is welcome. Drive back to your hotel to relax. Later in the afternoon, there is a great opportunity to see a half-hour performance of different martial art forms, reminiscent of the past heroic plots of Vietnamese patriots against colonialists’ suppression. Held at the Temple of the Left Commanding General Le Van Duyet who served under Gia Long King of 1800s, the 10th generation of family member still resides there. The family can join in for some simple lessons with the students. Overnight in Hue (B, D).
Day 8: Hue - Hoi An
In the morning, embark on a 3.5-hour drive over Hai Van Pass cloudy offering a spectacular panorama of the central coastline at the summit, with numerous photo opportunities. Upon arrival in Danang, drive another 45min to the ancient town of Hoi An, stopping in Danang at a garden full of stone carving statues and chat to the owner about the meaning of the statues while your kids would love to explore the fun artworks displayed here. Free and easy for the remainder of the day. Overnight in Hoi An (B).
Day 9: Hoi An
Embark on a walking tour of the ancient town center and take in the former merchants’ house, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colorful market with its stalls brimming with local specialties. Visit the home of a lantern craftsman in the old streets for a brief introduction to the history, shape, and color of the lanterns as well as the stages of production. Why not make your own lantern and keep it as a souvenir? You can explore the ancient town at your leisure for the remainder of the day. Overnight in Hoi An (B).
Day 10: Danang - Nha Trang (flight)
(The weather in Nha Trang from November to January may not be ideal for relaxing on the beach) Check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for onward flight to the beautiful beach city of Nha Trang. Upon arrival, meet with your local guide and drive to your resort. Free and easy for the rest of the day. Overnight in Nha Trang (B).
Day 11: Nha Trang
Today, embark on a fun boat trip to an island with white sand and turquoise water. Time to rest, relax or go for a swim. Overnight in Nha Trang (B).
Day 12: Nha Trang - Saigon (flight)
After breakfast, free at leisure till the transfer back to Nha Trang airport for your onward flight to Saigon. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Drive to Ben Thanh market to meet your chef, who will take you around the market to introduce Vietnamese food and raw materials. Select the best vegetables and other ingredients under the chef’s guidance. Then proceed to the spacious Saigon Culinary Art Center for your private hands-on cooking class. Here you can see a familiar image of a traditional Vietnamese kitchen corner with stoves made by clay, wooden ‘garde manger’. It is chance to use your artistic flair to present your favorite Vietnamese. This cooking class truly offers an authentic Southern cuisine. Sample what you have prepared with the chef. Despite the well-documented hustle and bustle, Saigon retains its connections to the past. Embark on a walking tour to admire Saigon’s historic landmarks including a stroll down Rue Catinat of Graham Greene's 'The Quiet American', which reveals several colonial classics; the Opera House, a three-story classical theatre built to entertain the French colonists (outdoor visit); the former Hotel de Ville constructed for the French bureaucrats of Indochina in 1901, now The People's Committee building with no public access; the Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunningly massive red-brick edifice with twin spires, a clear reminder that French once ruled this city (open only 3-4pm every day, otherwise just an outdoor visit); the Central Post Office influenced by Renaissance architecture; and the former Presidential Palace, headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American war. Return to your hotel and relax. Dinner is at Wrap & Roll restaurant where you will experience various types of local food that can be wrapped and rolled. Overnight in Saigon (B, L, D).
Day 13: My Tho
After breakfast, set out on an excursion to My Tho, a charming city in the Mekong Delta close to Saigon. A 2-hour drive brings you through urbanized areas until you reach the river tributaries of the Mekong Delta. Stop over at Vinh Trang pagoda, an ancient southern architectural gem. Built in 1849, the structure is a mixture of Asian and European architecture including elements from the Renaissance period, Romanesque style, French decorative flowers and Japanese enameled tile. On arrival in My Tho, board a private but rustic local motorized boat to cruise along upper Mekong and observe the abundant agricultural life. Visit a fish-rearing village before entering Vam Xep canal and its beautiful water palm scenery. Disembark and stroll around Quoi An fruit orchard, visiting fruit-drying kilns and a workshop for coconut craftwares. Take a short horse-drawn cart ride along the village road. Upon arrival at Ben Truc – Phong Phu garden, sample delicious fruits from the Mekong delta and enjoy traditional local music. This is also an opportunity to interact with local people who make their livelihoods on the river. End your journey with a rowing boat trip to explore the water palm canals. After the main boat has transferred you to My Tho, enjoy your lunch at Ngoc Gia Trang restaurant - a simple eatery offering tasty Mekong specialties. Drive back to Saigon Farewell buffer dinner tonight at a garden village restaurant in Binh Quoi village, a green space for your kids to run around and enjoy traditional games with local kids. Overnight in Saigon (B, L, D).
Day 14: Saigon departure
Enjoy Saigon at your leisure until transfer to the airport for departure flight. End of service (B).

Cost

Tour cost is upon your request !
You are interested in of this tour, please feel free to contact us at booking@asianatravel.com.vn or info@asianatravel.com.vn. One of our staffs will contact you within 24 hours when we receive your request.
We are here to meet and exceed all of your requirements and expectations !

Trip note

* Tour code: VNFAM-01

 

 

* Included:

• Hotel accommodations with daily breakfast

• Private airport transfers and transportation on tour

• Sightseeing with English speaking guide

• Special arrangements/visits as indicated

• Admission fees as per the itinerary

• Private boat cruises

• Domestic airfares: HAN-HUE, DAD-NHA, NHA-SGN (economy class) with airport taxes

• Meals as indicated (no drink)

• Mineral water and cold towel on car/van/bus

 

 

* Excluded:

• Vietnam visa

• Other meals

• Drinks

• Early check-in or late check-out

• Other flights

• Personal expenses

• Travel insurance

• Tipping / Gratuities

• Others items not listed as included

Destination Info

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea to the east. With a population of over 86 million, Vietnam is the 13th most populous country in the world.
The people of Vietnam regained independence and broke away from China in AD 938 after their victory at the Battle of Bạch Đằng River (938). Successive dynasties flourished along with geographic and political expansion deeper into Southeast Asia, until it was colonized by the French in the mid-19th century. Efforts to resist the French eventually led to their expulsion from the country in the mid-20th century, leaving a nation divided politically into two countries. Fighting between the two sides continued during the Vietnam War, ending with a Communist victory in 1975.
Emerging from this prolonged military engagement, the war-ravaged nation was politically isolated. The government’s centrally planned economic decisions hindered post-war reconstruction and its treatment of the losing side engendered more resentment than reconciliation. In 1986, it instituted economic and political reforms and began a path towards international reintegration. By 2000, it had established diplomatic relations with most nations. Its economic growth had been among the highest in the world in the past decade. These efforts culminated in Vietnam joining the World Trade Organization in 2007 and its successful bid to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in 2008.

Maps & Photos

Hanoi capital city

Ho Chi Minh mausoleum

Halong bay

Halong bay

Hue citadel

Hoian ancient town

Nha Trang beach

Hoian ancient town

Ho Chi Minh city

Notre Dame Cathedral

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Weather

Ha Noi

No significant clouds
  • No significant clouds
  • Temperature: 30 °C

Ho Chi Minh

Scattered clouds
  • Scattered clouds
  • Temperature: 26 °C

Vientiane

Broken clouds
  • Broken clouds
  • Temperature: 27 °C

Phnom-Penh

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  • Scattered clouds
  • Temperature: 31 °C

Siemreap

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  • Temperature: 27 °C

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