12-Day Family Trip to Vietnam

Highlights of the Trip

Vietnam is a captivating destination for families looking to explore the bustling cities, natural wonders and unique culture of Southeast Asia. With 12-days to experience the best of the country, there’s plenty of opportunities for a memorable Vietnam family tour.

In Hanoi, you’ll find a vibrant mix of French-colonial architecture, narrow alleyways and bustling markets. Hoi An offers a beautiful and historic centre. Further south, the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh is a must-visit. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the city’s markets, take a unique tour of the Cu Chi tunnels and check out the War Remnants Museum. End your journey with a stop in the nearby Mekong Delta. Here you can explore local markets, visit vibrant floating villages and take scenic boat trips down the meandering Mekong River – making this one of the best trips to Vietnam you could experience!

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit

Ho Chi Minh 

• Cu Chi Tunnels: These played a significant role during the Vietnam War, serving as a base and hiding place for the National Liberation Front (NLF) fighters, also known as the Viet Cong
• Museum of War Remnants: Serves as a powerful and thought-provoking tribute to the impact of the Vietnam War.
• Notre Dame Cathedral: Built between 1863 and 1880, this cathedral has become a symbol of Catholicism in the country.
• Tuong Van Pagoda: A Buddhist temple holding great historical and cultural significance.
• Cao Dai Temple: Established in 1926 when Ngo Van Chieu, a Vietnamese official, claimed that he had a vision from God instructing him to create a new religion that would combine the teachings of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity.

Hoi An

• Here you can explore the many landmarks location in this serene ancient town.

Hue

• Hue’s Ancient Citadel: A spectacular testament to Vietnam’s rich history and cultural heritage.
• Thien Mu Pagoda: This seven-story temple, also known as Linh Mu Pagoda, has a rich history dating back to the 17th century.
• Hon Chen Temple: Dedicated to the worship of Cham deities and is considered one of the most important sites for the Cham people.
• Minh Mang and Gia Long tombs: These majestic mausoleums were built during the Nguyen dynasty, which ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945.

Hanoi

• Temple of Literature: Built in 1070 during the Ly dynasty, it served as the first national university in Vietnam and is dedicated to Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher.
• Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum: A majestic structure that serves as the final resting place of the father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh.
• Tran Quoc Pagoda: Dating back to the 6th century, this pagoda is one of the oldest in the city and holds significant importance in the country’s history.
• Emperor Dinh and Emperor Le Temples: Two of the most important and significant historical sites in the country. Both temples were built in honour of two legendary leaders, Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Emperor Le Dai Hanh.
• Mua Caves: These ancient caves are one of the most picturesque and enchanting spots in the country.
• Ha Long Bay: A breath-taking area filled with thousands of limestone karsts and islands that rise out of the emerald green waters.
• Lan Ha Bay: This bay is less crowded making it the perfect destination for those seeking a more authentic and tranquil experience.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Scooter Ride: During this family trip to Vietnam, hop on the back of a scooter and embrace the local markets and delicious cuisine on offer in Ho Chi Minh. Explore the bustling Chinatown and be invigorated by the serene scents from the Ho Thi Ky wholesale flower market. You will also explore the Nguyen Thien Thuat area which houses some of the most diverse styled cuisine and contagious local culture.

Make Crispy banana cracker: Immerse yourself into the local culture with a lesson on how to create this delicious cuisine. A popular snack in Vietnam, crispy banana crackers have become a staple in local markets and street food stalls. These addictively crunchy treats are made from a dough mixture of flour, sugar, and mashed bananas, which are then deep fried to a golden brown perfection.

Local Markets: Discover markets such as the huge Ben Thanh market, one of the liveliest areas of Ho Chi Minh City, the colourful riverside market along the Mekong.

Ancient Town Hoi An: Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, this area is a maze of narrow streets and traditional houses, many of which have been converted into shops, restaurants, and homestays. The town is known for its colourful lanterns that light up the streets at night, creating a magical atmosphere. Visitors can also explore the markets and sample local street food, giving them a taste of traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Motorbike Ride: Embrace the local street food while cruising around the Old Quarter in Hanoi on a motorbike. As soon as you hop on a motorbike and join the chaotic traffic flow, you become a part of the hustle and bustle of Hanoi’s daily life. The honking of horns, weaving in and out of traffic, and the constant buzz of motorbikes whizzing by creates a sense of excitement and adventure.

Morning Tai Chi Session: Embrace this session surrounded the the beauty of Ha Long Bay. The slow and graceful movements of tai chi are not just for physical exercise, but also for the mind and soul. It is believed that tai chi helps to balance the Qi (energy flow) in the body, promoting overall well-being.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in Vietnam

During this tour, 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 flavourful noodle soup made with a rich broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat (usually beef or chicken). This dish can be found at street food stalls, local restaurants, and even high-end establishments. Another iconic dish is banh mi, a French-inspired sandwich filled with different types of meats, cilantro, pickled carrots, and cucumber. It is a perfect blend of crispy bread and savoury fillings that will leave your taste buds satisfied.

Water-based Activities and Cruises

Mekong Delta Speedboat Trip:  A speedboat trip on the Mekong Delta is not only a thrilling and exhilarating experience, but it also offers a different perspective of the delta compared to traditional forms of transportation such as buses or cars. This is a great addition to a family trip to Vietnam!

Farmer to Fisherman Tour: Embrace the Vietnamese countryside where you will be greeted by endless rice paddies, verdant green fields, and quaint villages where time seems to stand still. The landscape is dominated by lush greenery and tranquil waterways, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. After joining the fishermen to try your hand at catching fish in a traditional ‘Thung Chai’ basket
boat, you will meander through the water palm coconut canal.

Boat trip to visit Royal Tombs in Hue: Cruise down the river and explore Thien Mu Pagoda on a bluff overlooking the Perfume River. From there, you’ll visit Hon Chen Temple, followed by Minh Mang and Gia Long tombs.

Enjoy a row through the caves in Tam Coc.

Orchard Trendy Cruise: Embrace the serenity of Ha Long Bay.

Accommodation of this Tour

Ho Chi Minh City:  Eden Star Saigon hotel (city centre location, nice rooftop swimming pool – Premium Deluxe room).

Hoi An:  La Senta Hoi An (nice boutique hotel, well-appointed in Hoi An town – Deluxe Rice Field view).

Hue: Eldora hotel (Located in the heart of the city within walking distance to many tourist attractions, exquisite style, spacious room – Deluxe Premier View).

Hanoi: MK Premier Boutique Hotel (a Vietnamese style hotel, located in the Hanoi Old quarter – Luxury City View room).

Tam Coc (Ninh Binh): Tam Coc Garden (eco garden lodge hotel in Tam Coc, Deluxe Tonkin Garden Bungalow).

Lan Ha Bay: Orchid Trendy Cruise (Deluxe quality boat with elegant design – Deluxe Balcony cabin).