Northern Vietnam and Cambodia for Young Families

📍 Noi Bai Airport to your chosen hotel in Hanoi (35km): 50mins

Hanoi, a city of contrasts, defies easy categorization. It's both modern and traditional, chaotic and serene, and always full of surprises. But one thing is for sure: it's a place that’s captivating, to all the senses. 

Be greeted upon arrival then transfer approx. 50-mins (35km) from Noi Bai Airport to central Hanoi in the comfort of a private, air conditioned vehicle with a private driver and a guide.

Notes: 
- If you’re unable to find the guide in the arrivals area, call the 24-hrs customer care number +84 917332246
- The standard check-in time at hotels is 14:00.
- The itinerary can be flexible based on the arrival flight schedule; some sites can be visited today to have more time at sites or adding some other sites in the next day (with small surcharge).                                                

Overnight in Hanoi. 

Inclusions:

This exploration for families ticks all the boxes, from hands-on activities to educational experiences creating pottery to exploring the fascinating history and culture of a pottery village.  
Today’s tour begins at 08:30. After a sumptuous breakfast, drive 30 minutes outside of Hanoi to the historic village of Bat Trang, a traditional porcelain and pottery community. Start exploring the old charms of the village by walking through ancient and narrow alleys.

Step into a local house and learn the intricate steps involved in making ceramic works of art. Next, sleeves will be rolled up and hands sunk into soft clay while creating pottery using the time-tested techniques of the local artisans 

Afterwards, venture deeper into the village to discover a house where locals worship their ancestors. Here, a local elder explains the unique aspects of Vietnamese culture and its spiritual beliefs.

The trip concludes with a tour of the main village market where a huge range of ceramics can be seen. 

Expected return to the hotel around noon. 

In the afternoon, depart at 14:00 for an afternoon tour of Hanoi’s highlights. A city of contrasts, defies easy categorization, it's both modern and traditional, chaotic and serene, and always full of surprises. 

Dive right in with a visit to the Temple of Literature. In 1076 Quoc Tu Giam - Vietnam's first university, also referred to as Van Mieu, was established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite, for an incredible 800-years.

Mid-late afternoon, continue the exploration with a stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. A maze of alleyways and hidden treasures, learn about local life in the ‘36-guilds’ as you weave through the frenetic streets on foot. 

To conclude the day, step back in time to the 11th century and experience the ancient art of water puppetry at the famed Water Puppet Theatre.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Hanoi to Halong Bay (160km): 2 hrs and 30 mins

The perfect way to see the UNESCO World Heritage areas of Halong and Lan Ha Bay is to spend a night aboard a charming boat. The mystical scenery, where thousands of limestone islands jut out of the emerald sea, sculpted into wondrous shapes covered in lush fauna is truly breathtaking.   

Following breakfast leave Hanoi at 09:00 for the 2.5hours drive to Halong City. Arrive at the pier around noon and proceed with check-in formalities. 

After the welcome onboard and checking into the cabin, lunch will be served whilst cruising. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits or activities (depending on the boat’s set itinerary). Towards the end of the afternoon the boat will anchor for the night surrounded by karst formations.

Enjoy sunset on the deck followed by dinner, then retire for the evening. 

Overnight on Halong or Lan Ha Bay. 

Notes: 
- The cruise’s itinerary may be subject to change depending on weather conditions.
- Over the past years Halong Bay has been experiencing increasing environmental problems such as pollution, overfishing and impairment of its natural habitats. We encourage you to enjoy the beauty of Halong Bay, but also to help protect and preserve it so that future generations can experience its beauty with responsible tourism behaviour which is crucial to reducing issues on Halong Bay and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
-  To ensure we can effectively manage guest dietary needs during the cruise, please provide a list of any specific food restrictions or preferences at least 7 days prior to arrival. Please note that accommodating last-minute dietary changes may not be feasible and could incur additional costs  
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Halong City - Hanoi Noi Bai Airport (190km): approx. 3 hrs and 30 mins / Danang Airport - Central Hoi An (30 km): 50 mins

Wake up to the fresh morning amidst the islands of the bay for breakfast (brunch on some boats) while enjoying the serene setting of the spectacular rock formations. 

Mid morning, proceed to checkout as the cruise cruises towards port. Disembark and transfer 3 hours to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport for the 1.5 hour flight south to Danang City. 

On arrival at Danang airport, the gateway to Hoi An, your private guide and driver will assist with a 50-minute transfer (30km) to the hotel for check-in. 

Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most picturesque towns and UNESCO-heritage listed, once a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries now draws international visitors to its streets, for both the history and the surrounding scenes.    
Rest of the day is at leisure

Overnight in Hoi An.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Get out of Central Hoi An town to discover the authentic charm of the surrounding area. Bike through rice paddies and organic farms, waving to friendly farmers and dodging lazy water buffalos on the way. Join fishermen as they cast their nets then relax with a cruise through palm-fringed waterways.

Leave the bustling town centre behind at 08:00 and pedal along quiet laneways and country roads, passing rice paddies and lush vegetable farms. This is Vietnam at its best; vibrant and charming. In the event that the children aren’t comfortable cycling, there is the option to upgrade to an electric buggy. 

Greet friendly locals with warm smiles and waves, observe water buffalo lazing through the fields, and capture the breathtaking scenery in your lens.

Arrive at the pier and get on a motorised boat for the next part of your journey: fishing. The boat will take you to a village where you can immerse yourself in the local life of Hoi An's fishermen. Climb into a small, round bamboo basket and drift onto the tranquil waters. These quirky boats are a great opportunity to see the remarkable innovation and skills of the Vietnamese people. Cast a fishing net in the traditional way - a challenging task that the locals will be happy to assist with. 

Continue to a region teeming with water palms and coconut trees, learning about the rich history of this part of Hoi An.

Back to the main boat and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on board before returning to the hotel at 15:00 via the nearest pier. 

Rest at the hotel before taking a vespa experience at 17:30. Get acquainted with the driver and the motorbike before making the first stop of the evening, at a rooftop bar with views over the Thu Bon River for a welcome briefing. 

Then, hop on the back of a Vespa and zip off to the lesser-known part of Hoi An, Cam Nam Island. This charming island is home to a vibrant local community and the perfect place to enjoy a fresh seafood feast at a local riverside restaurant.

After dinner, head back to the centre of Hoi An to learn how to make two of the city's iconic dishes: white rose dumplings and fried wontons. Under the guidance of local experts, you'll master the art of these delicious and delicate dishes.

Once you've finished cooking, enjoy the fruits of your labour! Then, continue your adventure with a short ride to another snack stop: bánh căn, a type of rice cake with quail eggs, served with Vietnamese pork roll, green papaya, vegetables, and fish sauce.

Back on the bikes, it's time to move to the last stop of the evening: a popular, modern-style Vietnamese restaurant nestled amid the rice paddies. This is the perfect way to end your fun and exciting night out.

The Vespa adventure ends at around 21:00, enjoy the final ride back to your hotel.

Note:
- The morning tour is operated on a join in basis. Private option available on request.
- Bikes are suitable for children from 7 years old. Child seats are also available for children under 5 years old.
- Motorbikes in Vietnam ride slowly and safely, plus helmets are always provided. During the tour , the child will sit between one parent and the driver.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Free day at leisure

Overnight in Hoi An.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Central Hoi An - Danang Airport (30km): 50 mins / Siem Reap Angkor International Airport - Siem Reap (52 km): 1 hr

Enjoy this morning at leisure before transferring approx. 50 mins (30km) from hotel to Danang airport in the comfort of a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a private driver and a guide for the next destination.

Welcome to Siem Reap, the charming gateway to the famed temples of Angkor. Be welcome by  your local English speaking guide and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Siem Reap
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Siem Reap - Temple Complex (6 km): 10 mins

This morning, embark on an adventure unlike any other! Starting at 08:00, meet your guide at the hotel lobby and head to the ancient city of Angkor Thom for a photography scavenger hunt. Upon arrival, receive a map and a set of clues. Armed with these items and a camera, set off into the sprawling complex in a quest to capture a dozen unique pictures. 

Start with a visit to the South Gate, where remarkable statues depicting mythological demons and gods line the fifty-metre walkway. Start unlocking the answers to the clues, being led past other smaller monuments and into the heart of Angkor Thom.

During the game, discover interesting facts about sites such as the historic Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. Explore ancient Bayon Temple and admire the enigmatic faces that cover the temple’s 52 towers. Finish with an exploration of the forested temple complex of Preah Pithu in search of hidden statues, carvings, and chambers!

After collecting all the photos, meet up with the guide. Discuss the answers to the quiz and share the picture clues with the group of participants, receiving a magnificent prize for completing the scavenger hunt successfully. 

In the afternoon, visit APOPO Visitor Center. Learn about the critical work of APOPO's "HeroRATs" in clearing landmines from Cambodia's countryside. See a simulated minefield training, meet the hero rats, and participate in a Q&A with a mine action professional

Overnight in Siem Reap

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Siem Reap – Floating village (52 km): 1 hr

Today’s tour starts at 08:00. Meet the guide in the lobby of your hotel and drive to the outskirts of Siem Reap.

Hop on a local wooden boat for a private journey through a canal, all the way to Tonle Sap Lake. See what life is like on Southeast Asia’s largest lake. Take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake, cruising past quiet waterways. This is a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the way of life of the local people living on stilt houses. 

After a tour of Tonle Sap Lake, visit the Angkor Wildlife and Aquarium (AWA) for a closer look at the lake’s marine ecosystems. The AWA, in cooperation with NGOs and the Cambodian government, plays an active role in conservation by providing educational content about different species and operating an important breeding project.

On arrival, enjoy a welcome drink and meet with one of the AWA’s marine biologist for a behind- the-scenes tour of the marine exhibit. During the visit, learn about the environmental threats faced by the Tonle Sap, including habitat destruction, illegal fishing and disrupted migration patterns.

This insightful visit includes a donation that supports vital conservation efforts for endangered species in Tonle Sap lake.

Afternoon time at leisure

In the evening, enjoy the circus-like show combining modern and traditional Khmer theatre at ‘Phare, the Cambodian Circus’. 

Note:
- Due to fluctuating water levels on the lake and canals, the village visited will depend on the date and water levels at that time. As it’s a local community experience, the boats are older wooden boats

Overnight in Siem Reap
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Siem Reap – Ta Brak Village (20 km): 30 min / Siem Reap - Temple Complex (6 km): 10 mins

Starting a bit earlier today at 07:30, embark on an authentic rural Cambodia tour to learn about life in a typical village. Meet friendly locals and discover traditional village customs and cultures.

Like most villages in Asia, Ta Brak is busiest in the morning hours. Sit down with a local family and enjoy breakfast (take-away from the hotel) while observing the activities of the village.

By foot, visit the local market. Explore the colourful displays of vegetables, herbs and other locally-grown produce, and mingle with the shoppers who come every morning to buy the fresh ingredients. 
Continue through the village, providing ample opportunities to stop and chat with locals and to observe their activities. Depending on the time of year, they may be planting rice, weaving thatch coverings for their roofs, harvesting vegetables, or other similar tasks.

Before leaving the village, head to the Khmer smokehouse and meet a welcoming family. Learn the process of smoking fish, discover Cambodian rural life through stories shared amidst fragrant smoke. Over a fresh coconut juice, get to know the family, engage in discussions, and gain a better understanding of the countryside lifestyle in Cambodia.

To conclude the morning, partake in a special Buddhist tradition. Local monks will impart wishes of good luck and success in a solemn, age-old ceremony.

In the afternoon around 13:30 discover WAT Chocolate, Cambodia's first bean-to-bar factory. Learn the fascinating journey of cocoa, from bean to bar, and savour delicious chocolate. You'll even leave with a chocolate treat of your choice! This experience is perfect for families and promotes ethically sourced Cambodian cacao from Mondulkiri.

Overnight in Siem Reap
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Siem Reap – Kulen Elephant Forest (40 km): 55 min

Depart from the hotel at 07:00 for a one-hour drive to the plains surrounding Kulen Mountain, the birth-place of the Angkorian civilization. After an introductory briefing, head down to the pond for a meet and greet with the elephants. The program at the Kulen Elephant Forest will join in with other guests (not private).
After feeding the elephants some treats (and posing for selfies with them), follow the elephants as they wander around the area, snacking on leaves from nearby trees. Gradually the elephants will wander down a shady forest path where a guide will explain how indigenous flora is used by the local population as you walk along with the elephants.
After the trek (~2km), prepare some additional snacks in the shade as the elephants splash around in the pond. At noon, retire to base camp and enjoy a traditional Khmer meal, family-style.
In the afternoon, return back to Siem Reap town and free at your leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities.

Overnight in Siem Reap

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Siem Reap Hotel - Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (52 km): 1 hr

Enjoy some time at leisure until the transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

EXTENSION - SIHANOUKVILLE BEACH BREAK 4 Days/3 Nights
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast