Essential Vietnam Family Adventure - 13 Days

Your Vietnamese family adventure begins today in the energetic city of Ho Chi Minh. On arrival at the airport, make your way to the hotel for check in. You’ll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers around 5pm for a friendly welcome meeting.

It’s a great chance to get an overview of the exciting 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 delicious welcome dinner. It’s the perfect setting to sample your first taste of Vietnamese cuisine and 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, whilst adults can have a go at shooting automatic weapons at the firing range (not included).

Return to the city by mid-afternoon for some downtime before heading out again for a guided walking tour of the city formerly known as Saigon. We’ll explore key landmarks, bustling streets, and hidden corners of the city. 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’s lively night markets.

Today is yours to explore at your own pace, 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 - Da Nang - Hoi An. This morning we’ll fly north to Da Nang and transfer on to the captivating town of Hoi An, known for its lantern-lit streets and timeless charm. After arriving and settling into the hotel, we’ll 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 this picturesque town. 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.

Hoi An - Phong Nha. Enjoy a relaxed morning in Hoi An before we make our way to a peaceful rural farmstay in Chay Lap, on the edge of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

This tranquil location is our home for the next two nights, offering a unique opportunity to experience authentic Vietnamese village life. After checking in, unwind with dinner at the farmstay’s restaurant and soak in the peaceful surroundings - a perfect change of pace.

Today, you can join an optional full-day tour through Phong Nha National Park, visiting the stunning Paradise Cave and the action-packed Dark Cave - complete with ziplining, swimming, and kayaking.

If you'd prefer to stay closer to home, relax by the outdoor pool, take in the views of limestone mountains, or explore the countryside at your own pace. In the evening, there's the option to join a night safari by electric car through the nearby jungle, where you might spot local wildlife beneath the stars.

Phong Nha - Hanoi. We start the day with a scenic bike ride through the countryside, cycling past rice paddies and local farms on a two-hour tour of Chay Lap village. After a well-earned break, we head to the watersports centre to enjoy some kayaking - a fun and peaceful way to explore the river.

Later, there's an optional boat ride along the Chay River timed to catch the golden glow of sunset. After a final dinner at the farmstay, we'll board an overnight train bound for Hanoi.

We arrive in Hanoi and check into the hotel. We'll take it easy this morning so you can rest up after the train ride. A bit later, we'll head out for a guided stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi’s atmospheric Old Quarter.

This area is a vibrant maze of narrow streets, shops, cafes, and historical architecture - full of charm and energy. In the evening, you can join your group for dinner and browse the night market, or choose to watch a traditional Vietnamese Water Puppet Show, a unique cultural performance with roots dating back centuries.

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

In the afternoon, we’ll head to Cap La Island, where you can canoe, swim, or relax on the deck while the sun sets. The evening brings a fun group party on the island before returning to the boat for dinner and a night sleeping peacefully 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’ll visit the Thien Canh Son Cave, known for its impressive rock formations and scenic views.

Return to the boat for a traditional brunch as we cruise back to port. From there, it’s back to Hanoi for our final night in Vietnam. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your group - the perfect chance to reflect on your adventures 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.