North and Central Vietnam: A 10-Day Family Tour from Hanoi

Vietnam truly deserves its place as a must-visit destination in your lifetime. From peaceful countryside landscapes and emerald rice paddies to dramatic mountain ranges, vibrant ethnic cultures, pristine white-sand beaches, stunning bays, ancient pagodas, and significant historical sites — the country offers endless wonders to explore. Traveling to Vietnam with VietNam Indochina travel is the perfect way to experience it all and create unforgettable memories.

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, you’ll be warmly greeted by our friendly English-speaking tour guide and driver, who will transfer you to your hotel for check-in. (Please note that standard check-in time is 14:00.)

Overnight in Hanoi.

This morning, after breakfast, embark on an exciting journey through Hanoi on a vintage Vespa, giving you an unforgettable glimpse into local life and history.

1. Meet and Begin – We pick you up and navigate Hanoi’s narrow streets to the meeting point in the historic Old Quarter. Our first stop is the French Quarter, where you’ll visit the elegant Hanoi Opera House and learn about the French colonial architecture and history that shaped the city.

2. Train Street – Hop back on the Vespa and ride to the famous railway tracks, where trains pass just centimeters away from homes and shops. Witness how locals live and work right next to this unique urban spectacle.

3. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Area – Continue riding toward the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Your guide will stop at a spot with panoramic views of the Presidential Palace, the Parliament House, and government buildings, sharing stories and history about Hanoi and Vietnam’s revered leader.

4. B-52 Lake (Huu Tiep Lake) – Ride through the Botanical Gardens and narrow alleys to Huu Tiep Lake to see the remains of a B-52 bomber shot down during the 1972 bombing raids—a poignant reminder of Vietnam’s recent history.

5. West Lake – Next, ride to West Lake, Hanoi’s largest lake, offering picturesque views and glimpses of luxurious homes. Learn about the upscale neighborhoods surrounding this scenic spot.

6. John McCain Monument – Along Thanh Nien Street, visit Truc Bach Lake and the monument commemorating U.S. Senator John McCain, who was shot down and captured here during the Vietnam War. Hear the story of his capture and the lake’s significance.

7. An Duong Market – Back on the Vespa, head to An Duong Market. Wander through this lively local market where residents shop daily for fresh produce, meats, and household goods. Soak up the vibrant sights, sounds, and aromas.

8. Red River Island – Ride along the riverside and cross onto Red River Island, a hidden gem showcasing rural life in the heart of the city. Explore this tranquil village, see local farming activities, and meet a local family to learn about their daily lives.

9. Banana and Kumquat Farms – Travel through lush banana plantations and visit a kumquat farm. These small fruit trees are traditional gifts during Tet, Vietnam’s Lunar New Year, symbolizing luck, health, wealth, fertility, and peace.

10. Coffee Break – After exploring, relax with a cup of Vietnamese coffee. Don’t miss the chance to try Hanoi’s famous egg coffee—a unique and delicious local specialty.

11. Long Bien Bridge – Your journey continues to Long Bien Bridge, a magnificent structure built over a century ago. Spanning the Red River, it connects Hoan Kiem and Long Bien districts and shelters communities living on boats below. Only motorbikes and bicycles can cross—so off we go on our Vespa!

12. Vietnamese Lunch – Finally, ride to a local restaurant and enjoy a delicious Vietnamese meal. After lunch, your Vespa team will escort you back to your hotel or drop you off anywhere you wish in Hanoi.

Return to your hotel to relax. Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, meet your guide and driver for a journey to Ken Village in Bac Giang Province, around 60 km from Hanoi. En route, stop to discover how locals make Bánh Đa, a traditional rice cracker specialty of the region.

Continue to Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, built during the Ly Dynasty (1010–1028). This beautiful pagoda was once a major center of Vietnamese Buddhism and culture. It holds significant historical value as the place where King Trần Nhân Tông (1258–1308), after defeating the Mongol invasions, became a monk and founded the Vietnamese Trúc Lâm Zen sect.

Arrive in Ken Village—a typical rural Vietnamese village untouched by tourism and renowned for its warm, welcoming locals. Check into your homestay and relax with a cup of coffee while getting to know your host family. After a delicious lunch of local specialties, take a short rest to recharge for the afternoon’s activities.

In the afternoon, hop on a bicycle and explore the village lanes and surrounding rice fields. Observe daily life, chat with friendly villagers, and see traditional farming practices firsthand. It’s an authentic glimpse into rural Vietnam, perfect for photos and unforgettable memories.

Cycle back to your homestay, where you’ll have the chance to learn how to make Vietnamese spring rolls, try fishing, or take a peaceful walk through the rice paddies to experience more farming activities.

Note: Farming activities vary by season and weather and may include plowing with oxen, planting or harvesting rice, growing vegetables, catching snails, or watering crops using traditional tools like the Gầu Sòng.

In the evening, enjoy a delicious home-cooked dinner paired with local beer or rice wine. After dinner, villagers may visit to greet you and share traditional music and dance. Join in the fun—it’s a joyful experience filled with laughter and lasting memories.

Overnight at the homestay.

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your hosts. Although it’s sad to leave, an exciting day lies ahead.

At 07:45, arrive at Lan Mau train station for a short train journey to Cam Ly station, about 30 minutes away. This local “market train” carries agricultural goods—and sometimes chickens or ducks—on their way to Ha Long. Though the seats are simple, the experience offers a fascinating glimpse into local life and scenic countryside views along the route.

Disembark at Cam Ly station and continue your drive toward Ha Long Bay.

12:30 – Upon arrival at our office at Hon Gai Pier, enjoy some time to relax over a cup of tea or coffee while waiting for boarding procedures.

12:45 – Board the tender to transfer to your cruise. Enjoy a welcome drink as the crew provides a safety briefing and an overview of the planned activities. Check into your cabin and settle in.

13:30 – Savor a delicious Vietnamese set menu lunch while the cruise glides deeper into the stunning scenery of Bai Tu Long Bay.

15:00 – Arrive at Cap La Island, where you’ll enjoy kayaking amid limestone karsts and breathtaking landscapes. Swim or simply relax and soak up the beauty of this magical place.

17:30 – Return to the boat in time for a Sunset Party on the deck as the cruise sails toward its overnight anchorage.

19:00 – A sumptuous set dinner awaits you on board.

20:30 – The evening is free for you to enjoy as you wish. Challenge yourself with Vietnamese puzzle games, gather with your group for board games, try your hand at squid fishing, or simply sip a cocktail while soaking in the serene atmosphere of the bay at night.

06:00 – Begin your day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, or simply enjoy the serene morning views of the stunning bay landscape with a cup of tea or coffee.

07:00 – A Western-style breakfast will be served on board to energize you for the day’s activities.

08:00 – Explore the beautiful and hidden Thien Canh Son Cave, renowned for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

09:00 – Return to the boat, with about 30 minutes to freshen up and complete your packing.

10:00 – Take part in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration where you’ll learn how to make Nem Cuon (fresh spring rolls), a simple yet delicious dish famously guided by Gordon Ramsay (2-Michelin-star chef), or try your hand at fruit and vegetable carving.

11:00 – Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch on board.

12:00 – Disembark at Hon Gai Pier, where your tour guide and driver will be waiting to transfer you to Hanoi Airport for your late afternoon flight to Danang.

Upon arrival in Danang, you’ll be greeted by your local tour guide and driver who will transfer you to your hotel in Hoi An.

Check in and overnight in Hoi An.

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Hoi An at your own pace.

In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Cua Dai Pier to board a speedboat departing at 15:00 for Cham Island. After a scenic 20-minute ride, you’ll arrive on the island and set foot on its pristine white sandy beaches. Your homestay host will greet you upon arrival and escort you to your accommodation.

Check in and enjoy free time to relax and soak in the beauty of the island surroundings.

In the evening, savor a delicious dinner prepared by your host and spend the night on Cham Island.

Enjoy breakfast with your host before setting out for a morning of swimming and snorkeling, exploring vibrant coral reefs and marine life. If you prefer to stay dry, you can admire the underwater world from a glass-bottom boat.

Return to the homestay for a delicious lunch.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to wander around the island, taking in its natural beauty and local life. Alternatively, you can arrange a fishing tour with your host for an added adventure.

In the evening, savor another home-cooked dinner with your host and spend the night on Cham Island.

Enjoy a leisurely morning relaxing on Cham Island. After checking out of your homestay, take the speed boat back to Hoi An in the early afternoon.

Upon arrival at Cua Dai dock, you’ll take a taxi to Palm Garden Resort (please note the taxi fare is at your own expense).

Overnight in Hoi An.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax or explore the charming streets of Hoi An Ancient Town at your own pace. Stroll through lantern-lit alleys, shop for unique souvenirs, or simply unwind by the riverside cafés.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Enjoy some free time to relax until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.

Thank you for traveling with us — we wish you a safe journey and hope to welcome you again on your next Vietnam adventure!