Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D )
Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi where our driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for relaxation after your journey, before enjoying a welcome dinner at a local restaurant . Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour (B, L )
Today, you and your children will learn about Hanoi’s life through its historical sites and charming streets. Your fist visit of the day is the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam, followed by a visit to the Museum of Art. After lunch, you will see different traditional streets in the Old Quarter and the open Dong Xuan market. The highlight of this evening is a water puppet performance, inspired by Red River Delta peasants, and unique to Vietnam. Dinner on your own and overnight in you Hanoi hotel.
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B, L, D )
This morning you will be driven to Halong Bay and stop at the Dong Trieu Pottery Village en route, for a toilet and refreshment break. Arrive in Halong City and check- in for the cruise, enjoying lunch on board as the cruise begins. A fantastic cruise in Halong Bay, through the nest of islands, ensuring you will enjoy the beautiful nature passing in front of you. The boat stops while you explore one of the biggest caves in Halong Bay. This evening enjoy your dinner on board while watching the sunset. Try your hand at fishing with the crew and spend the night on-board your Junk.
Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hue (B, L )
Today, your family will enjoy a kayaking experience and discover the floating life of Halong Bay fishermen. Continue cruising in the Bay until eventually you reach the pier. On your return to Hanoi, enjoy dinner on your own before catching an overnight train to Hue, in soft sleeper air conditioned 4 berth cabins. Overnight on the train to Hue.
Day 5: Hue Imperial Citadel (B, L )
Arrive in Hue, be met and transferred to have breakfast at a local restaurant. Start your visit of Hue City; from the Forbidden Purple City to some intricate Royal Tombs. A boat cruise on the Huong River will take you to Hon Chen Temple and Thien Mu Pagoda. Lunch included. Dinner on your own. In the evening immerse yourself in a musical performance on the river. Overnight in Hue.
Day 6: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An (B, L )
This morning head to Hoi An, through the most beautiful pass of Vietnam, the Hai Van, with some breathtaking views of the coastline and Da Nang. On arrival in the city, visit the Cham museum, where a vivid exhibition depicting the colourful life of the Cham tribe is on display. You and your children will find it interesting to stop at Marble Mountain, and learn how they make traditional stone carved products. After lunch, continue to Hoi An and check into your hotel. Then free at leisure time to enjoy your surrounds. Dinner on your own. Overnight in your hotel at Hoi An.
Day 7: Hoi An Cycling Tour (B, L )
Our guide and your family will cycle out of Hoi An city for a vision of country life. He/she will show you how local people plant rice and vegetables. After lunch, embark on a walking tour into the intriguing streets of Hoi An. A cultural reflection of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and Eastern countries is inclusive of your discovery today. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 8: Hoi An – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L )
This morning take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Your destinations today are: Reunification Palace, the former Presidential Palace, the War Remnant Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post office. After lunch, our driver will take us to Ben Thanh market, Cho Lon (Big Market) and China Town. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta/Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L )
This morning, after breakfast you leave HCM City for a scenic drive to Vinh Long. Once you arrive in the area of the Mekong Delta, enjoy a boat trip to visit the colourful floating market of Cai Be. Afterwards drop by a typical southern house and garden to learn how the traditions are maintained, your lunch is included. Return to Ho Chi Minh City and your overnight accommodation.
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh Departure (B )
After breakfast, you’ll be free until your driver arrives to take you to Tan Son Nhat airport or the train station and our tour ends here.
We enjoyed our time in Vietnam as a family and the bonding effect it had on our children. We began in Hanoi with a guided tour of Hanoi and the kids were enchanted by the ancient sites and travelling through the countryside and seeing real Vietnamese toiling away at their work. Our cruise on Halong Bay was out of this world, and the boat staff were great. The kids slept like logs on the train to Hue, and we enjoyed the place immensely. Our guide spoke clear English and answered our kids questions with a smile. We drove to Danang, Hoi An and the Cham ruins which captivated the kids even more. We flew to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoyed a Delta visit and cruise. My kids saw a different side of life, one that was alien to them, and I am sure our travels will benefit them both in the future.