Course Description: Unforgettable Vietnam Family Tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh

Introduction

Enjoy a 2-week Vietnam discovery with your family. You will explore the whole country traveling at a comfortable pace and try the activities, which are fun for both parents and children. See the beautiful natural sites of Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, and Mekong Delta, cook Vietnamese meals together, visit interesting workshops, and relax at the stunning beach in cozy Mui Ne. This trip will leave unforgettable memories of the happy time you spent together.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Vietnam - Hanoi Arrival

Day 2: Get Away from the Big City with Bavi Eco Tour (B/L)

Day 3: Explore the Beauty of Ninh Binh - Vang Long Nature Reserve and Ancient Hoa Lu (B/L)

Day 4: Cruising in the Spectacular Halong Bay (B/L/D)

Day 5: Halong Bay - Back to Hanoi - Flight to Hoi An (B/L)

Day 6: Hoi An Sightseeing Tour and Lantern Making Lesson (B/L)

Day 7: Hoi An Free Day (B)

Day 8: Hoi An - Travel to Ho Chi Minh City - Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing (B)

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Nghia/Vung Liem (B/L/D)

Day 10: Trung Nghia/Vung Liem - Back to Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City - Transfer to Mui Ne (B)

Day 12: Mui Ne Leisure (B)

Day 13: Mui Ne Leisure (B)

Day 14: Mui Ne - Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City - Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Vietnam - Hanoi Arrival

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to the exit gate and look for your driver, who will be waiting in the lobby, holding the signboard with your name. If you cannot find the driver, go to the Airport information counter to call the number provided in the confirmation voucher for assistance.

You will be transferred to your hotel in the Old Quarter by private car.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2: Get Away from the Big City with Bavi Eco Tour (B/L)

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel then our experienced English-speaking guide take you on the trip to Ba Vi, a countryside located on the outskirt of Hanoi.

Arrive at Ri village, enjoy the welcome drink and snacks, and meet your first host - Mr. Duoc, a Vietnam War veteran and tea-farm owner. Listen to the stories of Mr. Duoc's life during the war while enjoying the drink and then visit his tea plantation. You will learn how to pick the best tea leaves to make the most wonderful beverage in Vietnam. Carry on with the tea production at his small workshop, where most of the work is manual. Then have a short drive to Moc village, where you will meet your next host Mrs. Chin, who will teach you how to cook local Vietnamese dishes. Later have the meals you made for lunch in a beautiful tropical garden.

Have a short break after lunch, and join Mrs. Chin for a walk around the village. You will visit some local families to understand the rural lifestyle and learn how tofu, conical hats, and other local products are made. Then have a cycling trip through beautiful paddy fields. Wrap up your countryside tour with traditional feet soak in warm water with herbs, following the traditional recipes of the Muong ethnic minority. It will relax you (and your feet) after cycling around the village. Later, enjoy a transfer from Ba Vi back to your accommodation.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 3: Explore the Beauty of Ninh Binh - Vang Long Nature Reserve and Ancient Hoa Lu (B/L)

Today you will visit the less crowded part of Ninh Binh to explore the spectacular views of the limestone cliffs rising from the river and rice paddies.

In the morning, take a 2-hour private transfer (110 km) to Vang Long Nature Reserve. Upon arrival, we will get on a bamboo rowboat to explore the beautiful wetland of Van Long, seeing the spectacular sceneries of the rice paddies, lotus pond, and towering limestone mountain peaks.

Have lunch at the local restaurant by the riverside. In the afternoon, we will visit Vietnam’s ancient capital Hoa Lu, where you will explore the Dinh and Le temples, which were built in the 10th century. Then head back to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 4: Cruising in the Spectacular Halong Bay (B/L/D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we will take you for a 2,5-hour drive to the famous Halong Bay along the scenic road. Upon arrival at the harbor, you will board the cruise and proceed with the check-in formalities. And get ready to explore the breathtaking sceneries of Halong Bay, where thousands of limestone islands jut out of the emerald sea, sculpted into bizarre shapes.

Enjoy the delicious lunch while the cruise is making its way to a secret place, where you can explore the karst formations closer to kayaking.

Then get back on a boat and take part in boat activities and enjoy the sunset views before having dinner.

Overnight on the cruise

Day 5: Halong Bay - Back to Hanoi - Flight to Hoi An (B/L)

The sun rises on Halong in the morning, and a Tai Chi lesson is awaiting you before light breakfast. After breakfast, you could take a short trip to visit one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay. When you are back, complete the check- out formalities and enjoy brunch while the boat is making its way back to the harbor.

Then we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival in Da Nang, you will be transferred to Hoi An . The rest of the day is free for leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 6: Hoi An Sightseeing Tour and Lantern Making Lesson (B/L)

A colorful lantern is a symbol of Hoi An, we are sure you and your kids will love to have it as a souvenir, so why not make it on your own?

This morning we will take you for a walk through the cozy alleys of the Hoi An Old Town to see its most interesting attractions, such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and Cantonese Assembly Hall. Then we will stroll around the lively central market before getting to the workshop. You will visit the family-owned lantern-making workshop to learn more about the role lanterns play in Hoi An’s culture and make your souvenir under the guidance of an experienced artisan. You will also enjoy green tea with candies from locals.

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 7: Hoi An Free Day (B)

Today you will join a group to learn how to cook Vietnamese meals, which later you can make together at home remembering your fun holiday.

This morning you will meet your group and chef at the Hai Café and enjoy a welcome fresh drink. Then we will head to the market to buy fresh ingredients for today’s cooking. Then embark on the relaxing 20 minutes boat trip to the cooking school and explore the school’s herb garden. Now it is time to try your hands at cooking Vietnamese meals under the instruction of a professional chef. Later savor the dishes you have made in the lovely restaurant overlooking the river. Board a local boat for a short cruise back to Hoi An town along the Thu Bon River.

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 8: Hoi An - Travel to Ho Chi Minh City - Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing (B)

Have breakfast at the hotel and enjoy your free time until we transfer you to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh. Upon arrival, we will meet you at the airport and transfer to your hotel for a quick refreshment.

Then we spend time exploring the most interesting parts of this bustling city. We will visit the remarkable historical site – the Independence Palace. Then explore the beautiful masterpieces of French colonial architecture, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, and the historic Central Post Office. End your city tour by learning about tragic historical moments in the War Remnants Museum.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Nghia/Vung Liem (B/L/D)

This morning, check out hotel and transfer to Coco Riverside Lodge in Trung Nghia - Vung Liem within three hours via Ben Tre or within three and a half hours via Vinh Long City. Upon arrival, meet a representative who will guide you to the lodge located by the river, where you'll be greeted with a welcome drink.

Check in and enjoy lunch at the lodge, then take some time to relax before choosing bicycles for a village tour. Visit Mr. Cong’s home to observe the traditional process of pop rice production and gain insights into this age-old technique. Experience his daily life firsthand and learn about his craft.

Next, stop by another local home to harvest and weave water coconut leaves, used in Mekong Delta construction. Mrs. Chien will also demonstrate making 'poon' sticks. Further, your guide will explain animal raising and biogas collection.

Cycle along serene village paths, explore rice paddies, and visit a dragon fruit plantation (you can discuss with your guide if you'd like to extend the ride). Enjoy the sunset before returning to the lodge to freshen up. Later, visit home of Mr. Hai Luong, a war veteran, who will share his memories of the Vietnam War in this village. Enjoy traditional military music, illuminated by the soft glow of poon candles. At the end of the show, walk back holding torches made from dried coconut leaves, a traditional local custom for nighttime.

Conclude the evening with a cooking class where you'll learn to make Vietnamese pancakes, followed by dinner at the lodge's restaurant

Overnight at Coco Riverside Lodge

Day 10: Trung Nghia/Vung Liem - Back to Ho Chi Minh City (B)

After breakfast, board a motorboat and head to the local market to immerse yourself in the region's vibrant culture and daily life.

Next, visit a Cao Dai temple and a nearby coconut factory along the river, where you'll observe the handcrafting of coconuts into ropes and rugs. This artisanal process caters primarily to international buyers, particularly from Korea.

Afterward, return to the lodge to unwind or take a swim before checking out.

Finally, transfer to your next destination with your guide and vehicle.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Note: The program may be adjusted due to tides or weather conditions.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City - Transfer to Mui Ne (B)

After breakfast, check out the hotel and enjoy the transfer by private car to Mui Ne. This place used to be a small fishing village, and now it is a beautiful resort town with sandy beaches and charming natural landscapes. The rest of the day is free to have fun at the beach.

Overnight in Mui Ne

Day 12: Mui Ne Leisure (B)

Enjoy your free time in Mui Ne swimming in the warm gentle sea and relaxing at the beach. We recommend you walk to the Fairy Pond and visit the sand dunes to see the sunset. You also could visit the fishing village to see the local life and amazing views.

Overnight in Mui Ne

Day 13: Mui Ne Leisure (B)

Enjoy your free time in Mui Ne swimming in the warm gentle sea and relaxing at the beach. We recommend you walk to the Fairy Pond and visit the sand dunes to see the sunset. You also could visit the fishing village to see the local life and amazing views.

Overnight in Mui Ne

Day 14: Mui Ne - Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City - Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)

Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip. Complete the hotel check- out formalities and hop in the car, which will take you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh for your flight back home.

Trip ends.

Accommodation

• Hanoi:  La Siesta Luxury Premium Hotel - Room Type: Deluxe

• Halong Bay: Hera Grand Luxury Cruise - Room Type: Junior Suite

• Hoi An: Hoi An Eco Lodge & Spa - Room Type: Grand Deluxe

• Ho Chi Minh City: Silverland Jolie Hotel - Room Type: Executive

• Can Tho:

• Mui Ne: The Cliff Resort & Residences Mui Ne - Room Type: Azul Pool View

What's Included?

• Door-to-door pick-up & drop-off services

• All transportation mentioned in the itinerary

• Accommodation based on double/twin share with breakfast (including 5% service fee and 10% VAT tax)

• Experienced English-speaking guides

• Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner)

• All sightseeing tickets according to the itinerary

• Tissues and water during transfers

• Service charges and government tax

• Exclusive and personalized single agent/single customer service

• 24/7 hotline support guaranteed

• No extra charge after service confirmation

• Domestic flights in Vietnam - 7kg carry-on & 20kg checked baggage: Hanoi - Da Nang; Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City

Excluded

• International flights

• Beverage, Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities

• Travel Insurance

• Public holiday surcharge (if any)

• Compulsory Gala Dinner on 24 Dec and 31 Dec

• Early check-in and Late check-out (If not mentioned)

• Evisa to Vietnam

• Surcharge for airport transfers between 12:00 am – 05:00 am

• Other services not mentioned above