Vietnam Family Adventure of a Lifetime – 19-Day Journey from Hanoi

Vietnam is one of the world’s most captivating destinations, offering a diverse array of tours and experiences. Traveling through Vietnam with VietNam Indochina travel promises an unforgettable holiday.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, your private Vietnam tour guide and driver will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Hanoi is a city where the exotic charm of old Asia seamlessly blends with the vibrant energy of the new. It’s a place where medieval streets and modern developments coexist, and where Parisian elegance meets Asian dynamism. This architectural gem continues to evolve gracefully, preserving its heritage rather than sweeping it away as many other capitals have done. In Hanoi, imagination truly becomes reality.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.

Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam, is steeped in history and rich cultural heritage. Beyond its historical landmarks, the city enchants visitors with serene lakes, early-morning Tai Chi by the water, tree-lined boulevards, colorful street vendors, and an incredible street food scene.

05:30 – Rise early for an unforgettable morning exploration around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter—iconic symbols of Hanoi and its people. Be captivated as locals gather for morning exercises around the lake, practicing unique styles of Tai Chi and other routines with natural ease. Feel free to join in and experience this lively tradition! From there, stroll through the Old Quarter, enjoying its rare quietude before the city fully awakens.

07:00 – Savor a classic Hanoi breakfast with Pho, Vietnam’s most famous and beloved dish.

08:00 – Set out to explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex, beginning with a visit to the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the revered leader who guided Vietnam to independence lies in state. Located at Ba Dinh Square—the historic site where President Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence on 2nd September 1945—the complex also includes the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s simple House on Stilts. Nearby, admire the unique architecture of the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Vietnam designed to resemble a blossoming lotus.

Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070. Originally dedicated to Confucius, it now honors Vietnam’s scholars and their contributions to the country’s intellectual heritage.

After lunch, your tour continues at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, offering fascinating insights into the country’s 54 ethnic groups. The museum’s exhibits highlight traditional lifestyles, rituals, and customs, and feature impressive full-scale replicas of various traditional houses in the outdoor area.

Conclude your day with a short cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, observing local life up close and capturing vivid photographs of Hanoi’s unique traffic and vibrant streets. Finally, enjoy a delightful water puppet show, a traditional art form that brings Vietnamese folklore and village life to the stage in a charming performance.

08:30 – After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel for a scenic journey to Sapa via the modern highway. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of Vietnam’s countryside—lush rice paddies, peaceful villages, and majestic mountains.

14:30 – Upon arrival in Sapa, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax after the drive.

16:00 – In the late afternoon, enjoy a brief walking tour to get acquainted with Sapa town. Visit the charming Sapa Stone Church and stroll along its quaint old streets, soaking in the fresh mountain air and local atmosphere.

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (at your own expense) and spend the night in Sapa.

Today, your wonderful trekking adventure begins at 08:30, with a short drive from your hotel in Sapa town to Hang Da Church. Along the way, enjoy stops at scenic viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the spectacular Muong Hoa Valley.

At 09:00, arrive at Hang Da Church, which serves nearly 1,000 local ethnic residents. Take time to explore the church and the nearby small ethnic village, which remains largely untouched by modern life.

At 09:30, continue trekking toward Hau Thao village, where you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views over Muong Hoa Valley. Here, discover the daily life, traditions, and colorful costumes of the Black Hmong ethnic minority.

Your trek proceeds through Pho village and descends the hillside to reach Giang Ta Chai, home to the Giay people.

Enjoy lunch in Giang Ta Chai village before continuing your journey. After lunch, trek uphill along a narrow trail near a picturesque waterfall, pausing to capture photos from the top. Your route then takes you through a serene bamboo forest on the way to Ta Van village, renowned as one of the most beautiful and rewarding trekking routes in Sapa.

Upon arrival in Ta Van village, check in at your homestay and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay, experiencing authentic local hospitality.

Start your day with a traditional breakfast lovingly prepared by your local host. Afterward, take a short walk around Ta Van village, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery.

Continue your trek to Lao Chai village, home of the Black Hmong people, where you’ll witness some of the most stunning rice terraces in Sapa. The sweeping views of these iconic fields in Ta Van and Lao Chai make this area one of the best spots in Vietnam to experience terraced landscapes.

From Lao Chai, proceed on foot to Y Linh Ho village, nestled deep in the valley and surrounded by dramatic mountain views. After your visit, walk up to the main road where a vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Sapa town.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Sapa.

The vibrant ethnic markets of Northern Vietnam are among the most colorful and fascinating highlights of any Sapa tour—and an unforgettable part of your unique Vietnam travel experience. These markets are lively gathering places where local hill-tribe people descend from the mountains to sell their products, catch up on news and gossip, enjoy food and drinks, or even seek potential partners.

This morning, you’ll drive to visit one of the region’s weekly markets:

• Can Cau Market – Saturdays

• Bac Ha Market, Muong Hum Market, or Muong Khuong Market – Sundays

• Cao Son Market – Wednesdays

• Lung Khau Nhin Market – Thursdays

• Coc Ly Market – Tuesdays

Explore the bustling stalls, admire traditional costumes, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

In the afternoon, depart Sapa and drive back to Hanoi. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.

This morning, upon arrival at the train station, you’ll be transferred to a mini hotel where a room has been arranged for you to freshen up and enjoy breakfast.

At 08:00 AM, depart Hanoi for a scenic 3-hour drive (approx. 165 km) through the picturesque Red River Delta. Along the way, you’ll have ample opportunities to photograph the vast green rice paddies and Vietnamese farmers at work in the fields. Midway through the journey, visit a local handicraft workshop showcasing beautiful textiles, embroidered artworks, stone carvings, and a variety of gems mined in Vietnam, including star rubies and sapphires.

Your destination is the spectacular Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking landscape of around 3,000 limestone islands and islets rising dramatically from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.

Upon arrival at the harbor, you’ll be welcomed aboard a luxury cruise junk and treated to a welcome drink of wine and a delicious seafood lunch featuring fresh local specialties. As your cruise glides deeper into the tranquil beauty of Halong Bay, take in stunning views of towering cliffs, hidden coves, and sparkling waters.

During the afternoon, your cruise will include visits to the remarkable Sung Sot Cave, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites, and the lovely Ti Top Island, where you can relax on the white sandy beach or hike up for panoramic views of the bay.

In the evening, enjoy dinner on board and soak in the serenity of Halong Bay under the stars. Overnight on the junk amidst the bay’s magical seascape.

No journey to Vietnam is truly complete without exploring the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay, spending a night on its romantic waters. Often described as majestic, mysterious, and awe-inspiring, Halong Bay is a natural wonder—a priceless collection of limestone sculptures carved by nature itself.

After breakfast on board, embark on a small sampan to explore a hidden lagoon nestled among Halong Bay’s towering cliffs, where the mountains seem to awaken with the dawn light.

Later, your cruise continues deeper into Bai Tu Long Bay, passing fascinating rock formations such as Human Head Island, Turtle Island, and Duck Islet. You’ll also glide by the scenic spot where the famous film Indochine was filmed.

Around midday, the cruise returns to the harbor, where you’ll disembark and begin the drive back to Hanoi. En route, stop in Hai Duong province to visit the historic Con Son Pagoda, known for its tranquil atmosphere and cultural significance.

Continue to Hanoi Airport for your afternoon flight to Hue with Vietnam Airlines. Upon arrival in Hue, your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure in this historic imperial city.

Overnight in Hue.

Today, enjoy a full-day exploration of Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled from 1802 to 1945.

Begin your journey at the magnificent Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll gain fascinating insights into the grandeur of Vietnamese royal architecture and the country’s imperial history.

Next, embark on a scenic dragon boat cruise along the picturesque Perfume River, leading you to one of Hue’s most iconic landmarks, Thien Mu Pagoda. Perched gracefully on the riverbank, this pagoda is a symbol of the city and is renowned for its elegant traditional architecture. It’s also historically significant as the home of Thich Quang Duc, the Buddhist monk who self-immolated in 1963 in protest against government policies—a poignant moment in Vietnam’s history.

Your tour continues with visits to the majestic royal tombs of King Minh Mang and King Khai Dinh, celebrated as some of the most exquisite examples of Nguyen dynasty architecture. Each tomb showcases unique artistic styles and intricate designs reflecting the emperors’ personalities and visions.

Return to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, depart Hue for a scenic drive to Hoi An, once a thriving Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, Hoi An retains its historic architecture and charming atmosphere, making it a highlight of any Vietnam tour.

Your journey takes you along a picturesque route, passing through the tranquil fishing village of Lang Co Beach before ascending the dramatic Hai Van Pass (Pass of Ocean Clouds), renowned for its stunning coastal views.

Along the way, stop in Danang to visit the fascinating Cham Museum, home to the world’s finest collection of Cham sculpture and art, offering insights into the region’s ancient culture.

Upon arrival in Hoi An, enjoy free time to explore the enchanting Ancient Town, where narrow streets, historic buildings, and vibrant lanterns create an unforgettable setting.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Hoi An Ancient Town, the highlight of any Vietnam tour, is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port dating from the 15th to 19th centuries. Its architecture and street layout reflect a fascinating blend of indigenous and foreign influences that have shaped this unique UNESCO World Heritage site.

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may choose to:

• Cycle through scenic rice paddies in the peaceful countryside surrounding Hoi An.

• Wander the charming streets, browsing antique shops, art galleries, and vibrant markets for unique souvenirs.

• Relax in a sidewalk café and soak up the quaint atmosphere of the ancient town.

• Or unwind on the beautiful white sands of nearby Danang Beach.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Hoi An at your own pace. Stroll through the ancient streets, relax at a café, shop for unique souvenirs, or unwind on the nearby beach.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, your Vietnam tour guide and driver will transfer you from Hoi An to Danang Airport for your flight with Vietnam Airlines to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your private guide and driver, who will transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s most dynamic metropolis, is a vibrant hub of commerce and culture. It’s a city where historic pagodas, fascinating museums, elegant public buildings, green parks, and broad boulevards blend into a unique urban tapestry, making it one of the most captivating destinations in Vietnam.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax or begin exploring the city at your own pace.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

07:30 AM: Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to begin your journey to Can Gio, crossing the Nha Be River via the Binh Khanh Ferry. Located about 50 km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, Can Gio Mangrove Forest was recognized as Vietnam’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2000. Spanning over 75,740 hectares, this unique ecosystem is a vibrant world of diverse flora and fauna, attracting biologists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Your adventure begins with a visit to the Mangrove Forest Park Fauna Conservation Area, home to more than 1,000 wild monkeys who love to interact with visitors. On weekends, you may even catch an entertaining monkey performance.

Next, embark on a boat or canoe ride to explore the Vam Sat Salt-Marsh Forest Ecological Tourist Zone, featuring some of Can Gio’s most beautiful and pristine mangrove forests—a vital part of one of the world’s key salt-marsh biosphere reserves.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your exploration. You’ll encounter various wildlife species, including saltwater crocodiles, wild cats, otters, pythons, and deer. Historically, this region suffered severe damage from toxic chemicals during wartime, leaving it barren and lifeless. Thanks to dedicated restoration efforts, the forest has been revitalized and regained its natural beauty and ecological richness.

Climb the Tang Bong Tower, standing 25 meters tall, for panoramic views over the lush landscape of Can Gio’s mangrove forest.

A thrilling highlight of your tour is the crocodile fishing cruise, offering an up-close, adrenaline-pumping encounter with these fascinating reptiles.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon, arriving around 17:30 – 18:00.

Around 08:00 AM, your tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby for a scenic drive of approximately 90 km (about 2 hours) to Ben Tre, located in the lush Mekong Delta region.

Upon arrival, embark on a boat cruise along the tranquil Ham Luong River, a branch of the Mekong. Along the way, you’ll stop at several local workshops, including a brick kiln, a coconut processing workshop, and a mat weaving house, where you can observe traditional crafts and daily life in the Delta.

Your boat journey continues to a quiet village, where you’ll take a leisurely walk to immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of Delta life. Then, climb aboard a Xe Lôi (a type of motorized rickshaw) for a ride through the village scenery, ending at a charming riverside restaurant. Here, enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local specialties such as elephant-ear fish and fresh river shrimp.

After lunch, relax on a sampan ride through narrow canals, drifting peacefully beneath coconut palms and discovering the region’s serene waterways. Return to your main boat and continue your journey.

Later in the afternoon, depart for Can Tho City, known as the vibrant heart of the Mekong Delta.

Overnight in Can Tho.

This morning, embark on a boat cruise to explore the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market, renowned as the most impressive floating market in the Mekong Delta. Witness a lively scene of countless boats bustling with fresh produce and goods, offering a fascinating glimpse into the daily life and commerce of the river communities.

Afterward, continue your journey through the canals to visit a local rice husking mill and a rice noodle workshop, where you’ll have the opportunity to see traditional methods of production and gain insight into the daily lives of people in the Mekong Delta.

Around noon, transfer to Can Tho Airport for your short flight with Vietnam Airlines to Phu Quoc Island.

Upon arrival in Phu Quoc, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your resort. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and begin enjoying the tropical beauty of the island.

Overnight in Phu Quoc.

One of Vietnam’s premier destinations, Phu Quoc Island is a tropical paradise characterized by lush mountains, dense forests, and pristine, secluded beaches. The waters here shimmer in countless shades of turquoise, while stunning sunsets and dramatic skies create a mesmerizing backdrop. Picture palm trees arching gracefully over gentle waves—a perfect setting for beach lovers and an idyllic place to conclude your incredible Vietnam holiday.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax on the soft sands, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or explore the island at your own pace.

Overnight in Phu Quoc.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax on the beach, explore the island’s hidden gems, or simply unwind and soak up the tropical atmosphere.

Overnight in Phu Quoc.

Enjoy some free time at leisure in Phu Quoc until your transfer to the airport for your flight back to Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll connect to your international departure flight.

We hope you’ve had a truly memorable Vietnam family holiday with us and look forward to welcoming you again on your next journey.

Goodbye and see you again!