11-Day Family Adventure in Vietnam

Highlights of the Trip

During this 11-day family adventure in Vietnam, you can drift through Hanoi’s streets on a relaxing rickshaw ride, race down the Mekong on a speedboat, explore striking scenery on a kayak, and test your skills on a traditional bamboo basket boat. This tour also includes a cruise through the wonders of Ha Long Bay, watching the endless rice fields roll by on the Reunification Express train, a chance to cycle through the tranquil countryside of Hue, a stroll along the ancient riverside lanes of Hoi An, and a thrilling vespa ride through Ho Chi Minh City’s lively streets. What’s more, this tour also visits major landmarks, such as the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, and the Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi, as well as the Thien Mu Pagoda and the Royal Tombs of Emperor Minh Mang and Emperor Khai Din in Hue.

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit

Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay 

• Trung Trang Cave: The cave’s ecosystem is home to some unique species, including bats and other small animals.

Hanoi

• Temple of Literature: The Temple of Literature is a symbol of the country’s strong reverence for education and scholars.
• Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum: The final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of modern Vietnam.
• Tran Quoc Pagoda: With its history dating back more than 1,500 years, the pagoda is an important spiritual and cultural site.
• Hoan Kiem Lake: The name “Hoan Kiem” translates to “Lake of the Returned Sword.”
• Ngoc Son Temple: This temple is renowned for its spiritual importance, its scenic beauty, and its association with Vietnamese history and legends.

Hue

• Thien Mu Pagoda: One of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam and a significant symbol of the city of Hue.
• Royal Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang: Emperor Minh Mang, the second emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, ruled Vietnam from 1820 to 1841.
• Royal Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh: Khai Dinh, the twelfth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, ruled from 1916 to 1925.
• Hue’s Garden Houses: A distinctive and culturally significant type of traditional residence found in Hue.
• Thanh Toan Bridge: Often referred to as the “Japanese Bridge“ due to its distinctive style and design.
• Xuan Vien Tieu Cung: One of the most famous Garden Houses in Hue.

Danang

• Hai Van Pass: Enjoy the beautiful views from this location.
• Cham Museum: Dedicated to the art and culture of the Cham civilisation.

Hoi An

• Guided visit of the Ancient Town.

Ho Chi Minh City

• Tuong Van Pagoda: The pagoda is a peaceful retreat that attracts both pilgrims and tourists .
• Cao Dai Temple: The temple features a unique architectural style that combines elements from various cultures and religions.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Cooking Demonstration: Enjoy a traditional cooking demonstration while on board your Ha Long Bay cruise.

Morning Tai Chi Session: Embrace the tranquillity of Lan Ha Bay with morning Tai Chi.

Rickshaw Ride around Hanoi: Enjoy a cultural experience onboard a traditional rickshaw, stopping at several significant sites, including Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ngoc Son Temple and the bustling Old Quarter.

Cycle around Hue: Experience the local culture and tradition. Visit local markets, garden houses, traditional villages (Phu Mong Kim Long village), and  a local handicraft village.

Cycle around Hoi An: Experience the countryside, local wildlife, and the locals carrying out their daily work.

Fishing Village: During your time in Hoi An, visit a traditional fishing village.

Foodie Tour: Enjoy exploring Ho Chi Minh City on the back of a motorcycle. Here you will visit a local flower market, learn how to make a crispy banana cracker, and explore Chinatown.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in Vietnam

During your holiday to Vietnam, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Indulge in traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavours of the region, including Pho – a famous Vietnamese noodle soup made with beef (phở bò) or chicken (phở gà), rice noodles, and a flavourful broth. Dishes can also include Cao Lau (Cao Lầu. This is a regional dish from Hoi An, featuring thick rice noodles topped with pork, fresh herbs, and crispy croutons.

Water-based Activities and Cruises

Relax on a Ha Long Bay – Lan Ha Bay overnight cruise. Here you can swim in the emerald waters of the quieter Tra Bau – Lan Ha Bay, enjoy a cooking demonstration, and beautiful sunsets.

Cruise along the serene Perfume River in Hue.

Experience a traditional ‘Thung Chai’ Basket Boat in Hoi An.

Explore the Mekong Delta by speedboat. Highlights include a bustling and colourful riverside market, the Delta of 9 Dragons, and a riverside house with Burmese Pythons.

Accommodation of this Tour

• Hanoi: MK Premier Boutique Hotel (a Vietnamese style hotel, located in the Hanoi Old quarter – Luxury City View room).
• Lan Ha Bay: Orchid Trendy Cruise (deluxe quality boat with elegant design – Deluxe Balcony cabin).
• Hue: Eldora hotel (located in the heart of the city within walking distance to many tourist attractions, exquisite style, spacious room – Deluxe Premier).
• Hoi An: La Senta Hoi An (a nice boutique hotel, well-appointed in Hoi An town – Deluxe Rice Field view).
• Ho Chi Minh City: Eden Star Saigon hotel (city centre location, nice rooftop swimming pool – Premium Deluxe room).

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Arrive at Noi Bai airport and be driven to your hotel.

Day 2: Sail Through Ha Long Bay 

Be driven to Ha Long Bay – a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will then board a tender boat to transfer to Orchard Cruises. Enjoy welcome drinks and lunch, before taking a bus to Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island. This 300-meter-long cave, naturally formed over 2,000 years, features stunning stalactites that spark the imagination. Then, take a refreshing swim in the tranquil Tra Bau area, before enjoying a cooking demonstration and happy hour on board.

Later, enjoy an evening dinner made with the freshest ingredients, before trying squid fishing.

For your Ha Long excursion, you’ll embark on the Orchid Trendy cruise. This vessel features 20 elegantly designed cabins, crafted with a contemporary aesthetic. Most cabins include private balconies, offering you your own secluded outdoor space to enjoy the stunning views of Ha Long Bay. Each air-conditioned cabin is equipped with large windows overlooking the bay and furnished with either two twin beds or a double queen/king-size bed. All meals will be served on board, with a focus on fresh seafood dishes.

✓ Lunch and Dinner.

Day 3: Explore Lan Ha Bay

Start the day with a refreshing Tai Chi session, embracing the tranquillity of the bay. Enjoy breakfast, before kayaking in Ao Ech. Check out and enjoy brunch, before travelling back to Hanoi.

✓ Brunch

Day 4: Enjoy a Rickshaw Tour

This morning, your guide will take you to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, established in the 11th century. You’ll also visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, along with his simple stilt house where he lived and worked, and the museum dedicated to his memory.

After lunch, you’ll visit the tranquil Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on the shores of West Lake.

In the afternoon, enjoy a rickshaw ride through Hanoi’s Colonial and Old Quarters, where you’ll explore the heart of the city, including Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and the vibrant Old Quarter—a lively and bustling area.

In the evening, you will board the overnight train to Hue. The North–South Railway, also known as the Reunification Express, runs along Vietnam’s coastline. This line spans 1,726 kilometers, connecting the capital, Hanoi, in the north with Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Constructed over nearly 40 years during French colonial rule (from 1899 to 1936), the railway passes through several regions celebrated for their natural beauty.

✓ Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 5: Discover Hue’s Royal Tombs

Your morning will begin with a cruise along the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda, followed by a road trip to the Royal Tombs of Emperor Minh Mang and, later in the afternoon, Emperor Khai Dinh. These two mausoleums, representing different eras of the Nguyen dynasty, offer a striking contrast in style and design.

Afterward, you’ll return to Hue to visit one of the city’s traditional ‘garden houses’ before heading back to your hotel.

 The garden houses are a distinctive feature of Hue. These traditional, privately owned homes are nestled within beautifully landscaped gardens, with some even having historical ties to the old Royal Imperial Court.

✓ Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 6: Cycle Around Hue

In the morning, you’ll cycle through Hue’s rural villages, heading toward the Thanh Toan Bridge, a charming structure roofed in Chinese style. Nearby, you can explore a local market, offering a glimpse into daily life and showcasing a variety of local products.

You’ll then return to Hue’s city centre, with a stop at Xuan Vien Tieu Cung, one of the most renowned garden houses in Hue. This garden house, located in the Phu Mong area, is considered the most beautiful and well-preserved. Originally built in 1894 during the reign of King Thanh Thai, it was the residence of the Minister of Ceremonies, Pham Huu Dien. Today, the house is still cared for by his sixth-generation descendants.

After lunch, you’ll pass by the Imperial Citadel and visit other garden houses in Phu Mong Kim Long village. Your journey will also include a stop at a traditional handicraft village known for making ‘banh it’ and ‘banh phu the’ cakes before returning to your hotel.

✓ Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 7: From Hue to Charming Hoi An

In the morning, your car will pick you up for the drive to Danang. Along the way, you’ll cross the Hai Van Pass, a high mountain pass offering excellent views. Upon arrival in Danang, you’ll make a brief stop to admire the remarkable Hindu sculptures at the Cham Museum before continuing to Hoi An. After lunch, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Hoi An’s Ancient Town.

✓ Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 8: From Farmer to Fisherman Tour

Your day begins with a bike ride along narrow countryside roads, passing by rice paddies, water buffalos, bamboo bridges, and local farmers going about their daily tasks. Next, you’ll board a boat and head to the mouth of the Thu Bon estuary, where the river meets the Cua Dai Sea. As you cruise along the coastline, you’ll observe the daily lives of local fishermen.

You’ll have the chance to join the fishermen and try catching fish using a traditional ‘Thung Chai’ basket boat before drifting through the water palm coconut canal. This area served as a strategic hiding place for Viet Cong soldiers during the American War. After an enlightening visit to a local fishing village, you’ll relax and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch before returning to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to spend at your leisure.

✓ Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9: Foodie Tour in Ho Chi Minh City

Relax with free time before your flight to Ho Chi Minh City where you can explore until the evening. In the evening, explore Saigon from the back of a scooter while sampling local cuisine. Accompanied by a local Vietnamese rider, you’ll navigate the narrow streets and alleys of Saigon, visiting various districts and hidden corners. Your journey will take you through Chinatown, where you’ll stop at a local evening market before heading to the Ho Thi Ky wholesale flower market. At the market, you can take a stroll and learn how to make crispy banana crackers.

Then, hop back on the scooter for a scenic 30-minute ride through alleyways filled with clothing shops, food vendors, and parks, where locals exercise at night. After enjoying the sights from your scooter, you’ll stop at a local eatery to savour Pho (beef noodle soup) and Banh My (Vietnam’s most famous street food). Following your meal, you’ll visit the Nguyen Thien Thuat area, one of the most popular street food neighbourhoods in Saigon, known for its rich culinary diversity and vibrant local culture, influenced by residents from various parts of Vietnam.

Finally, you’ll be taken to a local favourite drinking spot for some beer or soft drinks. Enjoy a chat with your tour guide while seated at a small table, learning more about Vietnamese cuisine and local life. You will then return to your hotel.

Vegetarian food can be arranged.

✓ Breakfast

Day 10: Explore the Mekong Delta by Speedboat

The speedboat will take you away from downtown Saigon through narrow canals to enter the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta. A light breakfast will be served on board.

Your first stop will be at Tuong Van Pagoda, where your guide will share insights about the significance of Buddhism in the lives of many delta residents. Next, you’ll visit a vibrant riverside market brimming with local curiosities, tropical fruits, and an array of fish and shellfish.

You will then arrive at the expansive Delta of Nine Dragons. You’ll navigate through the delta to the small, winding canals of the Thu Thua area. Here, you may visit a riverside house that keeps large Burmese pythons, explore a village surrounded by rice paddies, or stop at a farmhouse to sample coconuts and Mekong whisky. Alternatively, you could visit a local merchant to try various local products, whisky, and wine, then stroll along the river to a traditional home housing three generations and explore a village where you can enjoy coconuts fresh from the tree. This will provide you with a fascinating glimpse into life on the Mekong Delta (your guide may blend elements from both routes).

After enjoying lunch at a local house, you will visit an orphanage run by Buddhist monks, followed by a stop at a colourful Cao Dai Temple. You’ll then cruise back to Ho Chi Minh City, where the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy.

✓ Breakfast and Lunch.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City Departure

Enjoy free time before your departure.

✓ Breakfast.

Price

£6748

• This is the total price for family of 4.
• The price is for families with 2 adults and 2 children of 13 years of age or older.
• For children of 12 years of age or younger, the price will be reduced – please contact us for a customised quote.
• Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays.

  Please note, this tour is an example of our many exciting offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect holiday or to tailor or upgrade elements of any holiday. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Map

Tour Summary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Arrive at Noi Bai Airport and relax at your hotel.

Overnight at MK Premier Boutique Hotel.

Day 2: Discover Ha Long Bay

Explore Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Island, and Trau Bau. While on Cat Ba, visit Trung Trang cave and valley. Today, you will also enjoy an on-board cooking demonstration.

Overnight on Orchid Trendy Cruise.

Day 3: Tai Chi and Kayaking

Wake up to a serene Tai Chi session and enjoy kayaking as a family around the Ao Ech area. Transfer to Hanoi.

Overnight at MK Premier Boutique Hotel.

Day 4: Rickshaw Tour

Explore the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, and the Tran Quoc Pagoda. In the afternoon, ride a rickshaw around Hanoi, exploring Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ngoc Son Temple and the bustling Old Quarter. Later, board an overnight train to Hue.

Overnight on The North–South Railway (or the Reunification Express).

 Day 5: Hue Royal Tombs

Cruise along the perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, before visiting the Royal Tombs of Emperor Minh Mang and Emperor Khai Dinh. Later, visit a Hue Garden House.

Overnight at Eldora Hotel.

Day 6: Cycle around Hue

Cycle through rural villages to the Thanh Toan Bridge and discover a local market. Then, visit Xuan Vien Tieu Cung, before passing the Imperial Citadel to visit garden houses in Phu Mong Kim Long village. Finally, visit a handicraft village famous for traditional cakes.

Overnight at Eldora Hotel.

Day 7: Hue to Hoi An

Drive to Danang, passing the Hai Van Pass. Visit the Cham Museum before reaching Hoi An and embarking on a guided tour.

Overnight at La Senta Hoi An.

Day 8: Farmer to Fisherman Tour

Bike through the countryside before boarding a boat to observe the local fishermen and fish in a traditional basket boat. Next, explore the canal used by Vietcong soldiers. Finally, visit a fishing village before free time in Hoi An.

Overnight at La Senta Hoi An.

Day 9: Evening Foodie Experience

Enjoy a free morning before a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. In the evening, explore the city on the back of a motorbike, visiting Chinatown, local markets, the Ho Thi Ky wholesale flower market, and having a go at making a crispy banana cracker.

Overnight at Eden Star Saigon Hotel.

Day 10: Mekong Delta by Speedboat

On a speedboat visit Tuong Van Pagoda, a riverside market, the Delta of Nine Dragons, Thu Thua area, a Burmese python riverside house, and a farmhouse to sample coconuts and Mekong Whiskey. Or you could visit a local merchant, visit a local house, and try coconuts fresh from the tree. In the afternoon, visit an orphanage, and the colourful Cao Dai Temple.

Overnight at Eden Star Saigon Hotel.

Day 11: Departure

Enjoy free time before your departure flight.