11-Day Family Adventure in Vietnam Hotel and Flight Package

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

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

Day 2: Sail Through Ha Long Bay (Optional Tour)

Journey to Ha Long Bay, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, board a tender boat for a transfer to Orchard Cruises. Savour 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, showcases stunning stalactites that ignite the imagination.

Next, enjoy a refreshing swim in the serene waters of Tra Bau, followed by a cooking demonstration and happy hour on board.

In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner crafted with the freshest ingredients, then try your hand at squid fishing.

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Day 3: Explore Lan Ha Bay (Optional Tour)

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.

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Day 4: Enjoy a Rickshaw Tour (Optional Tour)

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

After lunch, take in the serenity of Tran Quoc Pagoda, nestled along the shores of West Lake.

In the afternoon, enjoy a rickshaw ride through Hanoi’s Colonial and Old Quarters, exploring the city’s vibrant heart. Highlights include Hoan Kiem Lake, the historic Ngoc Son Temple, and the bustling streets of the Old Quarter.

As evening falls, board the overnight train to Hue. Known as the Reunification Express, the North–South Railway stretches 1,726 kilometers along Vietnam’s coastline, connecting Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Built over nearly four decades during French colonial rule (1899–1936), the railway offers views of regions renowned for their natural beauty.

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Day 5: Discover Hue’s Royal Tombs (Optional Tour)

Start your morning with a scenic cruise along the Perfume River, arriving at the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda. Then, embark on a road trip to explore the Royal Tombs of Emperor Minh Mang and, later in the afternoon, Emperor Khai Dinh. Showcasing distinct architectural styles from different periods of the Nguyen dynasty, these mausoleums offer a fascinating contrast in design and craftsmanship.

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

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Day 6: Cycle Around Hue (Optional Tour)

Begin your morning with a cycling tour through Hue’s rural villages, making your way to the Thanh Toan Bridge—a charming structure with a Chinese-style roof. Nearby, explore a local market, offering a glimpse into daily life and showcasing a variety of regional products.

Next, return to Hue’s city center and visit Xuan Vien Tieu Cung, one of the city’s most renowned garden houses. Located in the Phu Mong area, this beautifully preserved home was built in 1894 during the reign of King Thanh Thai. Originally the residence of Pham Huu Dien, the Minister of Ceremonies, the house is still lovingly maintained by his sixth-generation descendants.

After lunch, cycle past the Imperial Citadel and visit additional garden houses in Phu Mong Kim Long village. Conclude your journey with a stop at a traditional handicraft village known for making ‘banh it’ and ‘banh phu the’ cakes before returning to your hotel.

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Day 7: From Hue to Charming Hoi An (Optional Tour)

In the morning, you’ll be picked up for a scenic drive to Danang, traveling along the Hai Van Pass, a stunning mountain route with breathtaking views. Upon reaching Danang, pause to admire the impressive collection of Hindu sculptures at the Cham Museum before continuing to Hoi An.

After lunch, explore Hoi An’s Ancient Town on a guided tour, discovering its rich history and charming architecture.

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Day 8: From Farmer to Fisherman Tour (Optional Tour)

Start your day with a bike ride along narrow countryside roads, passing rice paddies, water buffalos, bamboo bridges, and local farmers tending to their fields. Next, board a boat and cruise toward the mouth of the Thu Bon estuary, where the river meets the Cua Dai Sea. As you glide along the coastline, observe the daily routines of local fishermen.

Join the fishermen and try your hand at catching fish using a traditional Thung Chai basket boat, then drift through the water palm coconut canal—an area that once served as a strategic hideout for Viet Cong soldiers during the American War. After an insightful visit to a local fishing village, unwind with a fresh seafood lunch before returning to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

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Day 9: Foodie Tour in Ho Chi Minh City (Optional Tour)

Enjoy some free time before your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, where you can explore at your own pace until evening. As night falls, experience the vibrant energy of Saigon from the back of a scooter while sampling local cuisine. With a local Vietnamese rider as your guide, navigate the city’s narrow streets and hidden alleys, discovering different districts and lesser-known corners.

Cruise through Chinatown and pause at a bustling evening market before visiting the Ho Thi Ky wholesale flower market. Stroll through the colorful displays and try your hand at making crispy banana crackers.

Hop back on the scooter for a scenic 30-minute ride through lively alleyways filled with clothing shops, food vendors, and parks where locals gather to exercise. After soaking in the sights, stop at a local eatery to savour Pho (beef noodle soup) and Banh My (Vietnam’s iconic street food).

Next, visit the Nguyen Thien Thuat area—famous for its rich culinary scene and vibrant culture, shaped by residents from across Vietnam.

Wrap up your evening at a local favourite drinking spot, enjoying a beer or soft drink while chatting with your guide and learning more about Vietnamese cuisine and daily life. Finally, return to your hotel.

Vegetarian options are available upon request.

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Day 10: Explore the Mekong Delta by Speedboat (Optional Tour)

Board a speedboat and leave downtown Saigon behind, cruising through narrow canals to reach the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a light breakfast on board as you take in the scenic surroundings.

Your first stop is Tuong Van Pagoda, where your guide will share insights into the role of Buddhism in the lives of many delta residents. Next, explore a bustling riverside market filled with local curiosities, tropical fruits, and an assortment of fresh fish and shellfish.

Continue your journey to the expansive Delta of Nine Dragons, navigating through its winding canals to the Thu Thua area. Depending on the route, you may visit a riverside home housing large Burmese pythons, explore a village surrounded by rice paddies, or stop at a farmhouse to sample fresh coconuts and Mekong whisky. Alternatively, visit a local merchant to taste regional products, whisky, and wine, then stroll along the riverbank to a traditional home occupied by three generations and enjoy coconuts straight from the tree. This immersive experience offers a fascinating glimpse into daily life on the Mekong Delta (your guide may combine elements from both routes).

After a delicious lunch at a local home, visit an orphanage run by Buddhist monks, followed by a stop at a vibrant Cao Dai Temple. Conclude your day with a scenic cruise back to Ho Chi Minh City, where the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

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Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City Departure

Enjoy free time before your departure.

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