A cyclo tour of Hanoi is an excellent introduction to bustling inner-city Vietnam, and the novelty of travelling on these three-wheeled wonders is a thrill for all ages

There's a great mix of included activities and free time, which is perfect in atmospheric destinations like Hoi An, with the beach just a short bike ride away

Halong Bay is not only an amazing and unique natural wonder – it's a proper escape from the world around you. Sleep under the stars on a comfortable cruise boat and enjoy a sumptuous lunch and dinner on board

By dining at KOTO in Hanoi, you and your family will not only feast on dellicious northern specialties, you'll be supporting an excellent cause that helps connect street kids with careers in hospitality

One of the many advantages of group travel is the social aspect, and kids often have playmates, giving you a little more time to relax

This is Vietnam, so days are hot and sticky and nights can get quite cool! Be sure to wear layers, use adequate sun protection and drink plenty of water.

You  and your family will visit a number of temples on this trip, and it's important to respect the local custom. Arms and knees should be covered. A light scarf is a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.

Be prepared for basic shared facilities at your Mekong Delta homestay (Day 11). The lack of creature comforts is, of course, a small price to pay for such an authentic local experience.

Your overnight train journey from Hanoi to Hue (Day 4) is quite long. The upside is you'll wake up in a thrilling new destination and experience travelling like a local. Whilebedding is supplied some families opt to bring their own sleep sheets.

Day 1: Hanoi

Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Hanoi is famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, verdant public parks and its thriving Old Quarter. The latter is a veritable architectural museum piece, with blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a 1930s provincial French town. You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel, and your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5pm. Afterwards, perhaps enjoy some dinner with your family and fellow travellers (this is optional).

Accommodation: May De ville Classic Hotel or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

• Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information: The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through us. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

Day 2: Hanoi

Embark on a full-city tour of town. You will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, and the tranquil Temple of Literature – an oasis of calm in the heart of town. Also head to the Museum of Ethnology to learn more about the diverse heritage of Vietnam. Enjoy some lunch at KOTO restaurant, an excellent establishment and longtime friend of Intrepid which lives by the philosophy of 'know one, teach one'. It supports the underprivileged local youth by giving them a chance at making a career in the hospitality industry. In the evening, sit down to a traditional water puppet performance. This northern tradition, dating back nearly a thousand years, is performed alongside traditional Vietnamese music that employs drums, wooden bells, horns and bamboo flutes.

Accommodation: May De ville Classic Hotel or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

• Hanoi - Temple of Literature
• Hanoi - Water puppet show
• Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex
• Hanoi - Lunch at KOTO
• Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Special Information: Please note that the Ethnology Museum is closed on Mondays. If you are on a departure that falls on a Monday in Hanoi, you will visit the Vietnamese Women's Museum instead. If you are arriving into Hanoi before the trip departs, we highly recommend you take the time to visit the Ethnology Museum in your own time as it is a real highlight.

Day 3: Halong Bay

Travel by minibus to the spectacular World Heritage-listed site of Halong Bay (approximately 4 hours). The bay is a breathtaking secluded harbour, with some 2,000 limestone islands jutting out of the waters of the Bac Bo Gulf. Board your private boat and cruise among the dramatic limestone peaks. There's an opportunity to swim in the famous Vietnam East Sea and explore caves filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Spend a peaceful night on board, beneath a sky alive with stars. Your sailing junk has twin-share cabins that have air-conditioning and private facilities. There's also a dining room and bar.

Notes: Due to recent, unforeseen changes by local authorities, many boats are no longer permitted to stay overnight on the bay. This has resulted in a boat shortage. To ensure Intrepid travellers are all accommodated, a larger boat, usually with 12 cabins, may be used, and passengers may be split across multiple boats. An Intrepid group leader will be present on each boat, and the route and onboard inclusions will remain the same.

Accommodation: Halong Bay Junk (1 night)

Included Activities

• Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Hue

Enjoy breakfast on the boat this morning and perhaps head out for an optional early morning kayak. Return to Hanoi by bus (approximately 3.5 hours). From there you will board an overnight train bound for Hue. As the former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue holds the treasures of Vietnam's royal past. It's a curious mix of bustling streets and tranquil settings. Although conditions are basic on your train journey, overnight trains are a classic South East Asian experience and the best way to travel long distances with the locals. Lie back and enjoy the ride! Most trains have a dining carriage serving simple food, but it's a great idea to stock up on fresh bread, cheese and fruit before you head off.

Notes: Sleeper trains typically have four-berth compartments (occasionally six-berth, depending on seasonal variations) which have bench seats that convert into sleeping bunks. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. On occasion, passengers of different genders will be required to share a compartment and there will be occasions where you'll be sharing with local travellers or travellers who are not part of your group.

Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Optional Activities

• Halong Bay - Kayaking Tour - VND250000

Meals Included: Breakfast

Special Information: In order to safely participate in the optional kayaking children must be a minimum of 8 years old. All kayaks are two seater and the experience will last for approximately 1-1.5 hours. Note that kayaking is restricted to designated zones within the bay.

Day 5: Hue

Welcome to Hue! Your leader will help you chose a local, tasty breakfast option this morning after you disembark the overnight train. Afterwards, you will take a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, which is considered by many to be the unofficial symbol of Hue. It's an active Buddhist monastery originating in 1601. One of the most poignant displays here is a car belonging to a former monk who, in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime.
You will have some free time to explore on your own before an afternoon cyclo tour. Journey through the streets of Hue, travelling around the citadel, passing through the local fruit and vegetable marketing, stopping to climb the ancient Citadel towers for a birds eye view of the town before stopping over at Ho Chi Minh’s house.

Accommodation: Thanh Lich Hue hotel or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

• Hue - Perfume River cruise

Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.

Day 6: Hue

Delve further into the fascinating former capital today. You will visit the Imperial Citadel, which is the best-preserved remnant of a large citidel and Royal centre that once existed on this fortified site. The unique fortifications are fascinating, even though much of this place has sadly been destroyed by war. The foliage-covered ruins make for an interesting couple of hours of exploring. You will visit the Forbidden Purple City, which was almost totally wiped out during the Tet Offensive in 1968. The gaping holes left by bombs give an idea of the shocking destruction wreaked upon the country during the war. You will visit one of the royal tombs, that of Emperor Tu Duc, and see the central lake set amid a grove of frangipani and pine trees. There is also the chance to visit the tomb of Minh Mang. Its lush forest backdrop and impressive architecture make it perhaps the most majestic of all the royal tombs.

Afterwards stop into a local non-government organisation that supports Hue’s deaf community by providing training, employment, support and a place to connect with others. Here you’ll meet members of the community and join them for a traditional paper flower making class – a fun and interesting way to get to connect with your hosts without exchanging any words.

Accommodation: Thanh Lich Hue hotel or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

• Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
• Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour
• Hue - Lavin House Craft Experience

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7: Hoi An

Travelling by bus, head south through coastal rice paddies, then traverse the spectacular Hai Van Pass along the mountains en route to Hoi An (approximately 4 hours). Recently declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An is beautifully preserved and exudes a tranquil atmosphere. It's perfect for strolling around at a leisurely pace, with many beautiful Japanese houses and Chinese temples lining the narrow lanes. Parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago. It's also a shopping mecca – browse local markets and shops for original paintings, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery and lanterns. Hoi An has also become famous for its tailoring, with a great variety of fabrics and tailors to choose from.

Accommodation: Hoi An Coco River Resort & Spa or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

• Hoi An - Old Town walking tour

Optional Activities

• Hoi An - Cooking Class, Central Vietnamese - VND420000
• Hoi An - Thu Bon river boat trip - VND100000
• Hoi An - Countryside bicycle hire - VND40000

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8: Hoi An

After breakfast, head out to spend the morning at Cua Dai beach. This beach is known for its stunning palm-fringed white sand and views of the Cham islands. Transfer back to town and pop into a local restaurant where you’ll learn how to make ‘white rose cake’, one of Hoi An’s most popular street foods. These tasty savoury dumplings are made with rice paper and minced shrimp and named after their resemblance to a white flower. Once your local instructors have taught you how to make these delicious parcels, sit down together and tuck into your creations for lunch. This hands-on experience is one the whole family will enjoy!

Accommodation: Hoi An Coco River Resort & Spa or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

• Hoi An - White Rose Cake cooking class

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Hoi An

Enjoy further free time in this beautiful old town. Perhaps take up a cooking class and learn the secrets of preparing local specialties like cao lau – dark pork broth with thick yellow noodles, sliced pork, bean sprouts, green vegetables and croutons. Street food tours can also be arranged. Alternatively, hire some bikes and take the family out on a cycling trip into the gorgeous surrounding countryside. Another great activity which kids will enjoy is a bamboo basket ride down the waterways of the jungle. For more optional day- and half-day trips, chat to your leader.

Accommodation: Hoi An Coco River Resort & Spa or similar (1 night)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City

Take a short flight to the economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 1 hour). Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is characterised by a vast array of sights and sounds – a fascinating blend of old and new, East and West. Check out Ben Thanh Market and experience a delicious local lunch of street food, and enjoy an orientation walk. Afterwards, you're free to explore the city on your own. Your leader will have plenty of interesting and fun ideas for you and the kids. Consider scooting off on cyclos to Cholon, the Chinatown area of Ho Chi Minh City, for a bit of temple-hopping. Or visit the Vietnamese version of a department store for some serious shopping.

Accommodation: Riverside Saigon hotel or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

• Ho Chi Minh City - Orientation Walk

Optional Activities

• Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace - VND40000
• Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum - VND40000

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: Mekong Delta

Head down to the Mekong Delta and visit unexplored Ben Tre where coconut is everything and anything. The fertile delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits and flowers. On arrival, board your private boat and cruise along the maze of waterways to visit some local cottage industries. This is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at a different part of the local economy. Then head to your overnight homestay by the water. Be invited into a family home for a true local experience – a chance to see daily life from the inside. You'll be sleeping on simple camp beds in dorm-style rooms, with all meals included. Bedding and mosquito nets are provided.

Accommodation: Overnight at Homestay Ben Tre (1 night)

Included Activities

• Mekong Delta - Boat Cruise and Homestay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 12-13: Ho Chi Minh

Life in the delta starts with the sun, so embrace the day early. You will visit a local market and soya bean workshop before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City for one more night. You should arrive in the afternoon, which will give you time for a final exploration of the city. On Day 13 your trip comes to an end, and you are free to leave at any time. For those who have booked an airport transfer, the leader will confirm your departure time and onward flight details.

Accommodation: Riverside Hotel or similar (2 nights)

Included Activities

• Mekong Delta - Soya bean workshop
• Mekong Delta - Local market visit

Optional Activities

• Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure - USD39

Meals Included: Breakfast (2)

1. Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.
2. Minimum age: 5 years old. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian.
3. A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 or younger at the time of travel.
4. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport), for internal flights and train tickets. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
5. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement exclude Day 3 (Overnight Boat), Day 4 (Sleeper Train) and Day 11 (Homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
6. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
7. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 5 pm on Day 1 in Hanoi. This trip ends on Day 13 and you are free to leave at any time.
8. Tet is Vietnam's New Year festival, held annually in late January or early February based on the lunar calendar. While this can be a fascinating time to travel and experience this event, expect some shop closures and busier than usual local transport. Opening hours at some tourist sites may also be affected or closed. Although we make all reasonable efforts to avoid disruption, a flexible approach from the traveler is appreciated.
9. During the rainy months (approx. June to October), our mode of transport can be changed at short notice due to weather conditions.

"From the hustle and bustle of the streets of Hanoi, to the unforgettable Ha Long Bay, lantern lit streets of Hoi Ain, to the buzz of Saigon. Our family trip to Vietnam was unforgettable. We made lifelong friends along the way, met amazing people, and had an amazing guide, Thuy." -Jennifer

 

"The tour included plenty of entertaining activities fun for all ages. Halong bay and the Mekong delta homestay were highlights. Our leader Nhung was very knowledgeable and went the extra mile to ensure that everyone was safe and made the most of our holiday. It was great to share our Vietnam experience with other families with young children." -Brett

"...takes care of travelling with a family perfectly. The activities on our family tour of Vietnam were well planned and had something for everyone. There was free time to relax and the tour guide was incredible. Thanks Intrepid for making sure out kids want to go on holiday with us again!" - Sabina

Price is per person, based on sharing a room, and includes:

• 13 day Vietnam Family Holiday tour
• Meals: 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners
• Transport: Boat, Minibus, Overnight sleeper train, Plane, Private Bus
• Accommodation: Hotel (9 nights), Overnight Boat (1 night), Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night), Homestay (1 night)
• Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
• Included activities
  • Hanoi - Temple of Literature
  • Hanoi - Water puppet show
  • Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex
  • Hanoi - Lunch at KOTO
  • Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology
  • Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise
  • Hue - Perfume River cruise
  • Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
  • Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour
  • Hue - Lavin House Craft Experience
  • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
  • Hoi An - White Rose Cake cooking class
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Orientation Walk
  • Mekong Delta - Boat Cruise and Homestay
  • Mekong Delta - Soya bean workshop
  • Mekong Delta - Local market visit