Vietnam for Families - Explore and Learn

📍 Distances and journey time: Noi Bai Airport to your chosen hotel in Hanoi (35km): 60mins

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 and a place loved by families to visit. 

Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, your private guide and driver will assist on arrival for the transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Rest of the day at leisure. 

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.  

This morning'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 for some rest and relaxation. 

In the afternoon, depart at 1400 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 Theater. 

Overnight in Hanoi.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Distances and journey time: From central Hanoi to Cuc Phuong (130km): approx. 3hrs From Cuc Phuong to hotel in Tam Coc Town (57km): approx. 1h45’

Depart the hotel this morning at 08:00 for the 3 hours drive through urban northern Vietnam to Ninh Binh Province . Upon arrival, visit a Bear Sanctuary established by Four Paws, the global animal welfare organisation for animals. 

The sanctuary is not only a new home to bears rescued from bile farming and the illegal wildlife trade in Vietnam, but an unforgettable experience for learning and exploring in a natural setting.

Follow the representative of the centre to explore the bear kitchen, vet clinic and bear houses where rehabilitation processes and bear healthcare happen. The tour guide will share bear stories and give insightful information about the bears.

After the visit, enjoy a fresh vegetarian lunch at the center. 

Continue to Cuc Phuong National Park to visit a second conservation center, the Endangered Primate Rescue Center where some of the rarest primate species in Asia including langurs and gibbons can be seen (not primates are not always active during the hotter parts of the day).  

More wildlife discovery at the Carnivore and Pangolin Education Centre. The current permanent resident animals include Pangolin, Binturong, Mask Palm Civet, Leopard Cat, Owston’s Civet, and Common Palm Civet. Listen to their rescue stories and find out why they sadly cannot return to the wild.

Continue further into Cuc Phuong National and visit the ‘Cave of Prehistoric Man’, where human skeletons and stone tools dated to some 7.500 years old have been found.

Conclude the day with a drive to Tam Coc Town (Ninh Binh Province). 

Overnight in Tam Coc Town (Ninh Binh Province).

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

After breakfast, transfer to the boat pier to board a sampan for a 1.5 hour boat trip cruising on a small canal among the paddy fields for 1km, then stroll along the winding rocky paths to reach the Galaxy Cave gate. Once inside the cave, admire the spectacular stalactites hanging from the cave ceiling. 

Rowing onward to explore the fascinating But Cave, spanning nearly 500 metres with its peculiar-shaped stalactites. Conclude the cave exploration by rowing back to the village.

In the later morning, take a scenic bike ride around the village, local market, alongside rice fields nestled amidst limestone mountains. A visit to Bich Dong Pagoda awaits, where an ascent of 200 steps leads to Ngu Nhac Mountain. This path unveils three cave pagodas dating back to 1428, revealing captivating views over the countryside.

Relax over lunch then rest of the afternoon at leisure. 

Overnight in Tam Coc Town (Ninh Binh Province).

Note: Bikes are suitable for children from 7 years old. Child seats are also available for children under 5 years old.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Distances and journey time Ninh Binh to Halong (180 km): 4hrs

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 wonderous shapes covered in lush flora is truly breathtaking.   

Following breakfast leave Ninh Binh early at 07:30 for the 4-hour 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/Lan Ha Bay

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

For early risers, wake early to enjoy sunrise over the islets of the Bay. 

After breakfast, the boat (or smaller day boat) will continue to cruise quietly through the spectacular limestone formations of Lan Ha Bay. Enjoy this more isolated part of the bay’s spectacular and unique islands. 

Lunch and dinner served on board.

Overnight on Halong/Lan Ha Bay.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Distances and journey time: Halong City - Hanoi Noi Bai Airport (190km): approx. 3,5hrs 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 the transfer 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 at the hotel, before taking a vespa experience at 17:30 from the hotel. 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.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

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 center 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.

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 motorized 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. (L)

Notes: This tour is operated on a join in basis. Private option available on request.

Note: Bikes are suitable for children from 7 years old. Child seats are also available for children under 5 years old.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Free day at leisure

Overnight in Hoi An.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Distances and journey time: Central Hoi An - Danang Airport (30km): 50mins Central HCMC hotel to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (8km): 30mins

Transfer to Da Nang airport for the short 1-hour flight to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still referred to as Saigon by the locals. 

Once known as the ‘Pearl of Indochina’, Saigon boasts an enormous architectural wealth, mirroring its colourful history. From the pagodas, museums and European architecture of the city’s recent past to the growing number of skyscrapers, Saigon is like a trip through time. 

The rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Ready, set, go! Join a treasure hunt through Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh Market, a fun and educational challenge. Try and use the Vietnamese language (a guide will be given) to navigate through the market, collecting clues, and purchasing items.  This fun experience is suitable for all ages, although particularly loved by families. 

Begin at 0900. Transfer from the hotel, upon reaching the entrance of this sprawling market, divide into small teams and receive the challenge ‘itinerary’ packet and a basic phrase book. 

Spend the next hour completing the various challenges found in the book. Communicate with locals to answer riddles and purchase various items on the checklist. Share a laugh with local vendors while trying (with a smile) to bargain for items in Vietnamese. Learn about exotic fruits and other unusual items while trying to translate the shopping list. Snap photos of typical market scenes and solve puzzles about Vietnamese culture.

After the time limit has expired, regroup at the market entrance and go to a coffee shop to sit down for a drink to swap stories of the treasure hunt, share new knowledge then tally up the results to determine the winner, bringing this unique Vietnam adventure to an end. 

Following a rest over lunchtime, explore Saigon’s monuments. Start with a visit to the iconic Saigon Central Post Office built between 1886 and 1891. Based on the design of French architect Villedieu, it is the creation of a unique vaulted ceiling with wrought iron beams and columns reminiscent of industrial architecture, which is now considered a symbol of Saigon and one of its most famous landmarks.

Walk along Dong Khoi street, formerly la rue Catinat and pay a visit to Gia Long Palace – Ho Chi Minh City Museum for its beautiful architecture and listen to its history through time. Continue to ‘Le Loi Street’ to meet a local artisan who specializes in traditional engravings. 

Next, stroll through the old central market (your vehicle will be available)  before arriving at the city’s oldest pre war-era apartment, built in 1886, and see what the young creative Vietnamese are up to from their funky boutiques and coffee shops. Sit down at one of the stylish coffee shops and interact with a local resident who moved here in 1975.

Leave the compound and have a look at the building on the other side, which used to be ‘Banque de l’Indochine’ (Indochina Bank) during the 1920s. It’s a stunning example of the ‘Indochinois’ east/ west fusion style of architecture that this area is known for. After this last stop, head back to the hotel.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Distances and journey time: HCMC to Ben Tre (95 km): 2.5 hours Ben Tre to Thoi Son Island (20 km): 30 mins

Departure today at 08:30. Leave the buzz of Ho Chi Minh City behind and drive for 2.5 hours to Ben Tre, the island of coconuts’ in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Visit authentic cottage industries, meet friendly locals and taste traditional cuisine for a better insight into the beauty and culture of the Mekong Delta.

The discovery begins with a leisurely stroll through a local village, taking in the sights of charming houses and their well-manicured gardens. Board the boat, cruise through the smaller tributaries of Ben Tre province. Upon arriving at a coconut garden, take a chance to gather the fruit from the trees and drink their refreshing juice amidst the lush green surroundings. 

Return to the boat and continue cruising to a coconut workshop to see the processing and learn how every part of the nut is used. From there, hop onto a bicycle and ride around the village roads. Take a moment to appreciate the bucolic scenery when passing by the lush rice fields and bountiful vegetable gardens before getting back for the cruise to the other side of the river.

From there, board a sampan and paddle through the narrow canals around the island, appreciating the tranquility and lush landscapes of this part of the Delta. Afterwards, enjoy lush tropical fruits and honey tea in a garden and start a ride on the back of a xe loi, a local motorized cart, bouncing along back paths. 

Having worked up an appetite during the morning’s touring, take a break at a restaurant and enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch. 

Following the meal, take a leisurely walk past green gardens to the homes of locals to chat with family members. See them making either crispy rice paper, the most famous specialty of this village or the age-old process of rice wine making. 

Mid-afternoon, depart Ben Tre and transfer by road a short distance further to tranquil Thoi Son Island, otherwise known as Unicorn Island. The Island is located on the river in between My Tho and Ben Tre with modest homes nestled amongst the multitude of coconut palms, and locals who still predominantly grow tropical fruits such as longan, mango, pomelo, and banana. 

On arrival, transfer to an island lodge, a boutique property tucked away in between the fruit and palm trees on the banks of the river. 

Overnight on Thoi Son Island.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Distances and journey time: Thoi Son Island – Ho Chi Minh City (80 km): 110 minutes

After an early breakfast at the lodge, enjoy an active cycling experience. 

Start with a short relaxing boat ride on the vast Tien River, passing by some local fish farms on the water and observe this important waterway - the life-blood of the Mekong Delta. Arrive at a small disembarkation point and hop on a mountain bike to explore the area. 

Cycle through the lush coconut and cacao plantations on narrow roads and quiet un-sealed countryside pathways. Stop by a local cacao farmer’s house to see planting, harvesting, fermenting and drying processes before the cacao beans are sold.  

Continue a bike ride through lush coconut plantations and fruit orchards on the small shady tracks, stopping by a local pagoda for a short break to enjoy some refreshments. Cycle back to the starting point and transfer back by boat back to The Island Lodge.  

Late morning return to the Lodge to freshen up and check out before departing back to Ho Chi Minh City. 

Note: Bikes are suitable for children from 7 years old. Child seats are also available for children under 5 years old.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Distances and journey time: Central HCMC - Tan Son Nhat Airport (8km):30 mins

Spend the day at leisure until the time for transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for the onward flight.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast