This family holiday to Vietnam will see you learning about Vietnam’s fascinating history, admiring the spectacular landscapes of Halong Bay and the Karst Mountains, cycling through villages, farms and countryside and sailing along the Mekong Delta.
- Cruise spectacular Halong Bay
- Cycle through the Mai Chau countryside
- Go shopping in Hoi An
- Cook a delicious Vietnamese meal
Your trip starts in Hanoi with the chance to enjoy a cyclo ride and try some local specialities in the city’s Old Quarter. Next on the itinerary is a stay in an eco lodge where you can spend time exploring the countryside by bicycle, with a visit to a spectacular cave.
Then look for wildlife in Cuc Phuong National Park and sail a rowing boat against the backdrop of the Karst Mountains, before cruising the spectacular Halong Bay and then taking a trail south to explore Hue and Hoi An. Finally, you fly to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and continue to the floating markets of the Mekong Delta.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Depart the UK
Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Hanoi.
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Day 2: Arrive Hanoi
Arrive Hanoi and enjoy an orientation tour in the city's Old Quarter.
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Day 3: Hanoi city tour, cyclo ride & puppet show
Visit some of Hanoi’s fascinating sites, including the Temple of Literature, Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the One Pillar Pagoda and the B52 monument. Then enjoy a cycle rickshaw tour through the Old Quarter and witness the hustle and bustle of this charming town and its maze of streets. Visit the Hoan Kiem district of Hanoi and enjoy a drink in one of the famous train track cafés and then see beautiful Ngoc Son Temple, set on a tiny island on Hoan Kiem Lake. Finally, this evening you can watch a water puppet show, a delightful performance of music, puppets and songs, before transferring back to your hotel.
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Day 4: Mai Chau
Today you travel north by road to Mai Chau and explore the nearby village and surrounding countryside by bicycle.
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Day 5: Cuc Phuong
Visit Cuc Phuong National Park, where families can enjoy a short walk in the area to look for wildlife, see the cave of a prehistoric man and visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre.
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Day 6: Ninh Binh
Visit Trang An Grottoes and take a rowing boat along the Karst river, where the scenery is absolutely stunning. Visit the largest pagoda and bronze Buddha statue in Vietnam.
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Day 7: Halong Bay
Cruise the spectacular Halong Bay, where the sight of over 3,000 limestone karsts in the bay is impressive. On your cruise you will vist the beach of Ba Trai Dao, before returning to your boat to watch the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin.
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Day 8: Halong Bay; return to Hanoi; overnight train to Hue
Head out in canoes to explore the bay surrounding San Toi Cave. After brunch, disembark and return to Hanoi, where the rest of the day is at leisure before boarding an overnight train to Hue.
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Day 9: Hue Countryside Tour
After arriving in Hue, probably the most beautiful city in Vietnam, and transferring to your hotel, visit a pagoda to join in the chanting with Buddhist nuns, followed by lunch at the pagoda. After lunch tour the Hue countryside seeing old tombs, ornate bridges and make your own conical hat.
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Day 10: Scenic drive to Hoi An
Journey along the coast, past the beautiful beach of Lang Co and over the Hai Van Pass, to arrive at the charming river port of Hoi An. Recently declared a World Heritage Site, Hoi An is being beautifully restored and preserved. Enjoy an afternoon learning the significance of the traditional Hoi An lanterns, and make your own for a wonderful souvenir of your time in Vietnam.
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Day 11: Explore local villages
Travel by bicycle to the Cam Thanh eco village, where families can meet with farmers and learn about growing vegetables. Visit the Bay Mau nipa palm forest and learn how to row the coracles on the river. After enjoying lunch and some games at the eco village, cycle back to Hoi An.
In the afternoon, you can choose to have a walking tour of Hoi An or to visit the My Son Temple Sanctuary.
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Day 12: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and, in the afternoon, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Post Office and the Reunification Palace on a tour of the city.
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Day 13: Mekong Delta; return to Ho Chi Minh City
After a scenic drive to Vinh Long, you’ll take a boat through the floating market and canals to visit an ancient house. Continue by boat as you slowly float by typical Delta life.
Return to Saigon for your final night in the city.
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Day 14: Cu Chi Tunnels & fly back to the UK
Visit the immense network of underground connecting tunnels that were used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam war. The afternoon is at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for your return overnight flight back to the UK.
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Day 15: Arrive UK
Please note: A moderate level of fitness is required for cycling, walking, wildlife watching and snorkelling.
Duration and Guide Prices
- Age Guide: 8+
- Itinerary Type: Tailor-made Holiday
When To Go
View dates and prices-
Easter
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Summer
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Oct
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Xmas
Our Tailor-made Holidays
Our tailor-made trip ideas can be adapted to suit your requirements. Contact our experts for a personalised itinerary.
Next Steps
Dates & Prices
Our trip ideas are flexible and can be offered during the school holidays highlighted below or on a date of your choice. To book, make a no obligation booking request with your preferred departure date or enquire to find out more.
