Vietnam Family Tour 10 Days / 9 Nights

Start exploring the biggest city in Vietnam with a visit to the War Remnants Museum which displays the history and consequences of the wars in Vietnam. The museum is a member of the International Network of Museums for Peace and was established on September 4, 1975. Next, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office, two iconic examples of French colonial architecture. The post office was built between 1877 and 1883 by Gustave Eiffel, the renowned designer of the tower in Paris that proudly bears his name. To honor the city’s Chinese heritage, pay a visit to Thien Hau Pagoda, a temple built in 1863 by the Chinese community of Saigon and dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea, and the Cho Lon market, a bustling place to shop for local goods. 

Finish the day in style enjoying splendid sunset views from the top of one of the tallest buildings in the country, the Bitexco Tower. 

Overnight in Saigon

Take a morning flight to Danang from the airport. Our guide will greet you there and take you to Hoi An. 

Along the way, you will visit the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five marble and limestone peaks, and the Danang Museum of Cham Sculpture built by the French in 1915. It has a main building that looks like the Champa temples – towers in Central Vietnam. It also has some aspects of French colonial architecture from the early 1900s.

Arrive in Hoi An and check in at your hotel. 

After a short break, start your afternoon tour with a stroll through the ancient town of Hoi An, a former trading hub on the Thu Bon River. Hoi An has a rich history of cultural exchange and commerce, dating back to the Cham civilization from the 2nd to the 10th century. Later, it became a popular destination for merchants and missionaries from various countries, such as India, China, Japan, Portugal, France, and more. They left their mark on the architecture and culture of Hoi An, creating a unique blend of influences. Today, Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a charming place to explore.

Start with the Japanese covered bridge, a symbol of Hoi An that was built in the 16th century by the Japanese community to connect with the Chinese quarter. Then, visit the Phuc Kien assembly hall, a beautiful temple that was founded by the Fujian Chinese in the 17th century to worship their ancestors and gods. Proceed to the Phung Hung old mansion, a typical example of Hoi An’s architecture that combines Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese elements. The house is over 200 years old and has been preserved by eight generations of the same family. Later, pay a visit to the Hoi An museum (either the Sa Huynh museum or the Ceramic museum) and learn more about the history, culture, and art of Hoi An. 

At the end of the day, wander around the old town, soak up the atmosphere, learn more about its unique culture, shop for tailor-made clothing, shoes, lanterns, and food.

Overnight in Hoi An

Start the day with a fun tour with the basket boat, a round and mobile boat that local fishermen use to catch fish and transport goods. The basket boat is made of bamboo and tarred every six months to keep it waterproof. It can fit up to 5 people (4 guests + 1 rider). You will learn how to steer it and spin it around in the water. The basket boat is called a thung chai in Vietnamese; a similar boat on the British Isles would be called a coracle.

In the afternoon, hop on a bike and pedal to a local farm in Tra Que village. You will get to see the vegetable garden and help the farmers with various tasks, such as preparing the soil, fertilizing it with seaweed, sowing, watering, and harvesting greens. You will have a chance to experience the rural life of Vietnam.

At the end of the tour, say goodbye to your host family before biking back to Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An

In the morning, transfer to Danang airport for a flight to Hanoi, nation’s capital.

On arrival, your guide and driver will take you on a 30-km journey from Noi Bai airport to Hanoi and assist with hotel check-in. 

After some rest, start exploring Hanoi with a visit to the renowned Museum of Ethnology and learn about the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam through exhibits, pictures and model houses. Proceed to the Ngoc Son Pagoda, a beautiful temple on an island in the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake. 

End the day with a spectacular Water Puppet Show, a unique art form that showcases the culture and folklore of Northern Vietnam. 

Stroll around the Old Quarter afterwards, a historic area with narrow streets and old buildings.

Overnight at Hanoi

Start the day by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and see the former leader’s house on stilts. Proceed to the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique Buddhist temple that stands on a single pillar. 

Later, drive to Halong bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning natural beauty. Its name means “The Descending Dragons” in Vietnamese. The bay features more than a thousand islands of limestone that jut out of the sea, and some of them have incredible caves within. 

Arrive at the pier, board the cruise and start exploring this amazing bay. Enjoy a wonderful journey among the surreal islands in the calm emerald green waters. 

At night, you will anchor on the bay and savor a delicious seafood dinner on board.

Overnight on board

Note: the Halong itinerary may vary depending on the latest cruise itineraries

Start your day early in the morning with coffee and tea on the sundeck, along with a Tai Chi class. After breakfast, keep exploring the bay and some of its many caves. 

Lunch is served on board as you head back to the docks.

After disembarkation, head to Ninh Binh, a province known for its stunning scenery and rich culture. Check in to hotel and visit the Mua (Dancing) Cave, a spectacular cave that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Then, take a look at the Bich Dong pagoda, a complex of three ancient Buddhist temples built into the mountain.

Overnight in Ninh Binh

In the morning, continue to Trang An, a scenic area that is often called “Ha Long on the land” because of its limestone mountains and rivers. Take a boat trip to visit the caves complex and observe the mysterious and wild beauty of nature. Visit Sang Cave, Toi Cave, Ba Giot Cave, and Nau Ruou Cave, each with its own features and stories.

After lunch, transfer to the Four Paws Bear Sanctuary, a place where Asian bears are rescued and cared for after being exploited by the bear farming industry. Learn about the conservation efforts and the challenges faced by these animals. Next, visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, a non-profit organization that protects the threatened monkeys of Cuc Phuong National Park. Since 1993, the center has been providing shelter and rehabilitation for the monkeys, who are eventually released into a semi-wild area of the park. Continue to the Turtle Conservation Center, where 20 species of turtles and tortoises are kept for rescue and conservation.

Proceed to Mai Chau, a valley where the Thai ethnic minority group lives. 

Arrive in the evening and walk along the rice fields to Lac village. Stay in a traditional Thai stilt house, which offers a rustic and authentic experience. 

In the evening, join the villagers in their traditional song-and-dance performances and have fun with them.

Overnight in Mai Chau

After breakfast, drive to Hang Kia, a peaceful Hmong village in a small valley at 1200m altitude, passing by Muong and Dzao villages on the way. 

Pa Co and Xa Linh communes are two places to stop by to experience the culture of the Hmong people. Every Sunday morning, the locals gather in Xa Linh to hold their ethnic market, where they sell and buy various goods. The Pa Co Sunday market is a small but lively event that showcases the colorful and vibrant lifestyle of the locals.

Have lunch at a local house in Hang Kia and walk around the village to learn more about the community. 

Drive back to Mai Chau and then return to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi

Enjoy some free time until airport transfer for your outbound flight.