Essential Vietnam Family Adventure - 13 Days

On arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, make your own way to the accommodation and check in. Your Vietnamese family adventure begins at around 5 pm, when you meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting.

It’s a great chance to get an overview of the journey ahead and pick up useful tips for adjusting to local life. In the evening, the group heads out to a local restaurant for a Welcome Dinner - the perfect setting for a first taste of Vietnamese cuisine and a chance to connect with the other families on tour. .

After breakfast, we set off on a morning visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels - a remarkable network of underground passageways used during the Vietnam War. Crawling through parts of the tunnels offers a moving and eye-opening glimpse into the country’s recent history. We can also see tanks and bomb craters, and adults can have a go at shooting automatic weapons at the firing range at an additional cost.

We return to Ho Chi Minh City by mid-afternoon for some downtime before heading out again on a guided walking tour of the city formerly known as Saigon, taking in key landmarks, busy streets and lesser-known corners. In the evening, you can join an optional group dinner, and if you’re still hungry for adventure, wander through one of Ho Chi Minh City’s lively night markets.

Today is yours to explore Ho Chi Minh City, or you can choose from a range of fun family optional activities. One of the most popular choices is a full-day trip to the Mekong Delta, where you’ll drift through narrow canals on a sampan boat, explore a quiet riverside village, visit cottage industries and enjoy a countryside lunch.

If you’re looking for something more hands-on, try a traditional Vietnamese drawing workshop or take part in a cooking class led by a local chef - you’ll visit a local market and cook up four tasty dishes. In the evening, there’s the option to join a Saigon River dinner cruise, with views of the city skyline lit up by night.

Ho Chi Minh - Danang - Hoi An. This morning we fly north to Danang and transfer on to the captivating town of Hoi An, known for its lantern-lit streets and timeless charm. After arriving and settling into our accommodation, we join a cultural lantern-making workshop - a fun and creative activity for all ages.

Later, we explore the Ancient Town on a guided orientation walk, taking in its wooden shopfronts, riverside views and colourful history. In the evening, you can opt to attend the Hoi An Memories Show - a spectacular open-air performance telling the story of the town through music, dance and dazzling visuals.

Enjoy a laid-back day in Hoi An. You might simply relax at the beach, stroll through the market stalls or try some local street food. For those after more adventure, optional activities include a full-day tour to Ba Na Hills, where you’ll ride a scenic cable car, visit French-style gardens and temples, and walk the iconic Golden Bridge.

Alternatively, take a boat trip to the Cham Islands, a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, or try a unique basket boat ride through the coconut groves followed by a visit to a working farm. Round off the day with an optional group dinner back in Hoi An.

Please note: The Cham Islands tour is independent, so there will not be a guide for this tour.

Hoi An - Phong Nha. After a relaxed morning in Hoi An, we check out and travel north to the lush countryside of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO-listed area known for its jungle-clad mountains and spectacular caves.

On arrival, we head to our countryside retreat, a peaceful spot surrounded by tropical forest. Settle into your accommodation and soak up the serene atmosphere before the group gathers this evening for a BBQ dinner under the stars.

After dinner, you can join an optional night safari by electric car. Venture quietly into the forest with your ranger guide and headlamp, keeping an eye out for nocturnal wildlife and listening to the sounds of the jungle as darkness falls.

Wake up to birdsong and a relaxed breakfast at the retreat. Those feeling active can join an optional jungle walk, a 2-3 hour trek through dense greenery and ancient canopies where you may spot butterflies, birds and other wildlife.

Later, we transfer to the charming Chay Lap Farmstay, a community-run eco-retreat on the edge of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. After checking in, grab a bike for a scenic 2-hour cycle tour through the surrounding countryside, past rice fields and limestone peaks.

This afternoon, we take to the water for a kayaking session from Chay Lap Riverside. Afterwards, you can join in some gardening, head out for a jog or simply relax by the river.In the evening, you can join an optional group dinner at the farmstay restaurant, or keep the night free to enjoy the farmstay’s riverside setting . Please note: Kayaking at Chay Lap Riverside is subject to availability. Meals: Breakfast

Phong Nha - Hanoi. This is your final morning in Phong Nha, so choose how to spend it after breakfast. Adventurous families can join an optional National Park Tour, exploring two of the region’s most incredible caves - Paradise Cave and Dark Cave. Glide through jaw-dropping limestone caverns, zip-line or kayak across emerald waters, and enjoy a hearty local lunch along the way.

If you’d prefer something slower, spend a peaceful morning at the farmstay, soaking up the scenery before packing up.

Later, we leave Phong Nha behind and set off north to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital.

Please note: The Dark Cave zip-line has a 90 kg weight limit, but kayaking is always an option.

After checking into our accommodation in Hanoi, we head out together to explore Hoan Kiem Lake and the surrounding Old Quarter, with its maze of narrow streets, colonial buildings and lively street scenes. Our Tour Leader will help uncover hidden spots and local favourites along the way.

As evening falls, you can join the group for dinner and drinks at the Old Quarter night market, or opt to attend a traditional Water Puppet Show, one of Hanoi’s most unique cultural performances.

Today is yours to explore Hanoi as you wish. You might join a day trip to Ninh Binh to discover the dramatic limestone cliffs and pagodas of Trang An, or visit the enormous Bai Dinh Temple complex.

Another hands-on option is a pottery workshop in Bat Trang, where you’ll craft your own ceramic keepsake. In the afternoon, you can opt to hop in an open-top Jeep for a quirky tour around the city’s key sights, from the French Quarter to West Lake, with plenty of street food stops along the way. Or simply ask your Tour Leader for local tips to craft your perfect day.

Hanoi - Halong Bay. We travel today to one of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations - Halong Bay. After arriving at the harbour, we board our overnight cruise and enjoy lunch on board as we sail past emerald waters and limestone karsts.

In the afternoon, we head to Cap La Island. Here, you can choose to canoe, swim or relax on the deck as the sun sets. The evening brings a fun group party on the island before we return to the boat for dinner and a peaceful night on the water.

Halong Bay - Hanoi. Wake up to a magical sunrise over Halong Bay, perhaps joining a tai chi session on the sundeck before breakfast. Afterwards, we visit Thien Canh Son Cave, known for its impressive rock formations and scenic views.

We return to the boat for a traditional lunch as we cruise back to port. From there, it’s back to Hanoi for our final night in Vietnam. In the evening, we gather for a Farewell Dinner - the perfect chance to look back on the adventure and celebrate new friendships.

Your tour ends this morning after breakfast and check out. Make your own way to the airport or your next destination.

Those keen to keep exploring can add the optional 4-day Ha Giang Loop extension at an additional cost, following a route through Dong Van and Du Gia that takes in mountain passes and remote villages.

Please note: The Ha Giang Loop extension requires a minimum of four guests. The Ha Giang Loop extension is unguided.