Vietnam Family Adventure – 14 Days Starting from Hanoi

Upon arrival in Hanoi, you’ll be met by your private tour guide and driver and transferred to your hotel for check-in (standard check-in time is 14:00). Enjoy some free time to relax and recover from your journey.

Note: Hotel rooms are typically available from early afternoon. If you arrive in Vietnam in the early morning and would like immediate access to your room, we can arrange early check-in for an additional surcharge. Please let us know your preference in advance.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast at your hotel, begin your Hanoi city tour with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed on Mondays and Fridays), his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum.

Next, explore the Temple of Literature, built in 1070 to honor Confucius and known as Vietnam’s first university. This serene site pays tribute to the country’s scholars, with 82 stone steles bearing the names, birthdates, and birthplaces of distinguished doctorates. Touching the heads of the stone tortoises beneath these steles is believed to bring good luck. The temple grounds, with manicured gardens and lotus ponds, offer a tranquil escape from the city’s bustle.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays; alternative is the History Museum), which offers fascinating insights into Vietnam’s 54 officially recognized ethnic groups. Inside, you’ll find extensive exhibits, while the museum’s garden features impressive replicas of traditional houses from various minority communities.

Continue with a one-hour cyclo tour through Hanoi’s atmospheric Old Quarter, where tree-lined streets and French colonial architecture blend with vibrant local life. Then visit Ngoc Son Temple, set on a small island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake, the scenic heart of Hanoi and a beloved spot for both locals and visitors.

In the evening, enjoy a performance of the traditional water puppet show, a uniquely Vietnamese art form originating from rural festivals. Watch skilled puppeteers standing waist-deep in water bring wooden puppets to life, making them dance, talk, and even laugh on the shimmering surface.

After breakfast, your tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and depart for Ken Village in Bac Giang province, about 60 km from Hanoi. On the way, stop to learn how to make Bánh Đa, a traditional rice cake that’s a specialty of the region.

Continue your journey with a visit to Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, built during the Ly dynasty (1010–1028). This historic pagoda was once a major center of Vietnamese culture and Buddhism. It’s notable not only for its beautiful architecture but also its historical significance, as King Trần Nhân Tông (1258–1308) became a monk here after defeating the Mongolian army and went on to establish Vietnam’s Trúc Lâm Zen Buddhism.

Arrive in Ken Village, a charming and authentic Vietnamese rural community rarely visited by tourists. The villagers are exceptionally friendly, offering a unique chance to experience the real Vietnam. Upon arrival, check in at your homestay and enjoy some time relaxing over a cup of coffee while getting to know your host family.

After a delicious lunch featuring local dishes, take a short rest before heading out for the afternoon activities.

In the afternoon, cycle around the village to observe daily life and visit the surrounding rice fields to witness local farming activities. The villagers are always happy to interact, making this a fantastic opportunity for photos and genuine cultural exchange.

Return to your homestay, where you’ll have the chance to learn how to make Vietnamese spring rolls, try your hand at fishing, or simply take a peaceful walk through the rice fields to join in seasonal farming activities.

Note: Farming experiences vary depending on the season and weather. Activities may include ploughing with a cow, planting or harvesting rice, growing vegetables, catching snails, or watering crops using a traditional “Gầu Sòng” bucket.

Dinner will be a feast of incredible local food, served with local beer or rice wine. Afterward, villagers often come by to say hello and welcome you with traditional dances. You’re invited to join in, ensuring a night full of fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Overnight at the homestay.

After enjoying breakfast with local dishes and a cup of coffee, say goodbye to your host family and prepare for another memorable day.

At 07:00, depart Ken Village and visit the largest local market in the region at San Village. This vibrant market offers a unique and authentic experience, giving you a glimpse into daily local life that few tourists ever see.

At around 07:45, head to Lan Mau Train Station to board a short train ride to Cam Ly Station (approximately 30 minutes). This is a local market train, typically used for transporting regional agricultural products, livestock, and goods toward Ha Long. While the train has simple, hard seats and few passengers, it promises an unforgettable adventure through the countryside, allowing you to witness real local life and beautiful rural landscapes along the way.

From Cam Ly, continue the drive to Halong Bay, arriving at the pier around midday.

Between 11:30 and 12:00, board your elegant wooden luxury junk for a scenic cruise among the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Halong Bay. You’ll be welcomed on board with a glass of wine and a delicious seafood lunch.

As the junk sails deeper into the bay’s tranquil beauty, enjoy the stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere. During the cruise, you’ll visit the incredible Sung Sot Cave and the pristine Ti Top Beach, before anchoring in a quiet spot for the night.

Overnight on board the junk in Halong Bay.

No trip to Vietnam is complete without experiencing the majestic beauty of Halong Bay. Often described as both mysterious and awe-inspiring, Halong Bay is a natural wonder—a spectacular collection of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters, like nature’s unfinished sculptures.

After breakfast on board, enjoy a peaceful sampan ride to explore a hidden lagoon while the surrounding mountains awaken in the soft morning light. Your cruise then continues deeper into the serene Bai Tu Long Bay, passing unique rock formations such as Human Head Island, Turtle Island, and Duck Islet, and sailing near the filming site of the famous movie Indochine.

Around midday, the junk returns to the harbor. Disembark and begin your drive back to Hanoi, with a brief stop in Hai Duong to visit the historic Con Son Pagoda.

Later, transfer to Hanoi Airport for your afternoon flight to Danang with Vietnam Airlines.

Upon arrival in Danang, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide and driver will pick you up for an adventure to Bach Ma National Park.

Begin your morning enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the forest, then set out on a 30-minute uphill walk to reach the Bach Ma summit, where a breathtaking panoramic view awaits. From here, you can admire the park’s lush landscapes, home to abundant wildlife, colorful birds, and fluttering butterflies.

Continue hiking through the verdant trails, stopping to cool off in a small, romantic natural pool along the way. The trek takes you to the impressive Do Quyen Waterfall, cascading dramatically over 300 meters in height and stretching 20–30 meters across—a truly spectacular sight amidst the dense jungle.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Vong Hai Dai, an observation post offering sweeping views of the sea and surrounding landscapes. Take a leisurely stroll to soak in the park’s natural beauty and serene atmosphere.

In the afternoon, return to Hoi An, where the rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Today is yours to spend as you wish—perfect for personal exploration or relaxation.

We highly recommend visiting one of Hoi An’s famous tailor shops, where you can have custom clothing made to fit your style and measurements—a unique souvenir and experience to remember!

Overnight in Hoi An.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace—whether you choose to explore more of charming Hoi An, indulge in shopping and local cuisine, or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast at your hotel, your driver will transfer you to Danang Airport for your flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, you’ll be greeted by your local guide and driver and escorted to your hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Saigon.

07:30 – After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up for a full-day adventure to Can Gio, located about 50 km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City. Recognized by UNESCO in 2000 as Vietnam’s first mangrove biosphere reserve, Can Gio Forest spans over 75,000 hectares and is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna—making it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Highlights of the Day:

• Explore the Mangrove Forest Park Fauna Conservation Area, where you can spot saltwater crocodiles, wild cats, otters, deer, pythons, and over 1,000 playful wild monkeys. On weekends, enjoy a lively monkey performance.

• Enjoy a local lunch at a nearby restaurant.

• Take a boat or canoe ride through the lush canals to the Vam Sat Ecological Tourist Zone, home to some of the most pristine sections of Can Gio’s salt-marsh forest.

• Climb the 25-meter-high Tang Bong Tower for a stunning panoramic view of the vast green expanse of the mangroves.

After a day immersed in nature, return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon (around 17:30–18:00).

Overnight in Saigon.

After breakfast at your hotel, set off for the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground network built by Vietnamese fighters during the long years of war for independence. The tunnels housed hospitals, living quarters, schools, and served as strategic military bases for the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

On arrival, you’ll watch a short introductory video about the tunnels, then venture underground for a real-life glimpse into what it was like to live and fight in these cramped conditions. For history enthusiasts, this is an eye-opening experience offering a unique perspective on the war.

Return to Saigon for lunch at a popular local restaurant.

In the afternoon, explore some of the city’s iconic sights:

• Drive past the site of the former wartime American Embassy.

• Visit the Reunification Palace, once the residence of the President of South Vietnam until the events of April 1975.

• Stop by the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Saigon Central Post Office.

• Discover the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the city’s most atmospheric temples.

• Learn about Vietnam’s modern history at the poignant War Remnants Museum.

End your day at the bustling Ben Thanh Market, a perfect spot to hunt for bargains, try delicious street food, and shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Overnight in Saigon.

After breakfast at your hotel, leave behind the bustling streets of Saigon and head south into the fertile landscapes of the Mekong Delta, famously known as Vietnam’s “rice bowl.”

Upon arrival at Hung Vuong Pier in Ben Tre, board a boat to cruise along the Ben Tre River, a tributary of the mighty Mekong. Along the way, stop to visit a traditional brick kiln to see how bricks are still handmade, and a coconut candy workshop to witness the fascinating process of crafting this local sweet treat.

Next, visit a honey farm where you’ll taste fresh honey tea, followed by sampling a delicious variety of tropical fruits grown in the lush orchards of the Delta.

Continue your adventure with a leisurely walk or bicycle ride through coconut groves and emerald rice paddies, soaking up the peaceful countryside atmosphere.

Enjoy a tasty lunch at a local restaurant before embarking on a memorable trip aboard small rowing boats, gliding through narrow canals flanked by swaying palm trees.

After the boat ride, return to the pier and transfer by road to Can Tho, the heart of the Mekong Delta, where you’ll check in and spend the night.

Overnight in Can Tho.

Wake up early to the gentle sounds of the Mekong Delta coming alive for a new day. After breakfast, set out on a scenic boat cruise along the vast waterways of the Mighty Mekong River.

Arrive at Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest and most vibrant floating market in the Mekong Delta. Marvel at hundreds of boats overflowing with fresh produce like mangoes, bananas, papayas, pineapples, and more, as locals trade and bargain right on the water.

Visit nearby lush orchards where you’ll have the chance to sample delicious tropical fruits fresh from the trees.

After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, begin the drive back to Saigon.

Overnight in Saigon.

Enjoy some free time this morning to relax or squeeze in a bit of last-minute shopping. Later, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight to your next destination or journey home.