Vietnam Family Tour
A specially designed, 2-week, fully accompanied, private family tour taking you, by way of no less than 6 World Heritage sites, from the capital Hanoi to Saigon and the Mekong Delta in the far south
From Halong Bay all the way to the Mekong Delta
This 2-week, specially designed, Vietnam family tour, provides a comprehensive introduction to the fascinating country taking you from the spectacular landscapes of Halong and Bai Tu Long Bays, via no less than 6 UNESCO World Heritage sites, to the picturesque waterways of the Mekong Delta in the far south.
Beginning in the historic and elegant capital Hanoi we’ll take an overnight cruise through the awe-inspiring scenery of Halong Bay before travelling south to explore the celebrated karst landscapes of Ninh Binh Province – ‘Halong in the paddy-fields’ – and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park plus the historic old port of Hoi An and the former imperial capital Hue.
A flight from Danang Airport takes us to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) to discover some of the commercial capital’s markets, pagodas and historic architecture before completing our tour with a boat trip through the lush maze of waterways of the Mekong Delta.
Just a few of the highlights include cruising Halong Bay with a night onboard a traditional junk; an exploration by boat and bicycle of UNESCO-listed Trang An, kayaking through the caves at Phong Nha, a visit to Danang’s famous Golden Bridge, and a Vietnamese cookery lesson in Hoi An.
A wide range of activities, the sumptuous local cuisine, friendly people and comfortable hotels combine to provide a fascinating and rewarding tour of this beautiful region.
This is a private Vietnam family tour and therefore can be organised on dates to suit your family while any activities included can be tailored to suit any age group. The price is based on a family of 4 sharing two twin/double rooms. Flights are extra and vary according to the season. Please ask for our most competitive quote.
Note also, for those with a few more days to spare, beach and island extensions are also offered to either Mui Ne or Phu Quoc.
Includes: Flight: Danang-Saigon. Meals: B x 12, L x 3, D x 2
Itinerary
Here's an idea of what you can expect to do and see day-to-day.
Day 2 - Hanoi - city tour
A day tour of some of the varied sites of Vietnam’s capital by bicycle and bus includes the famous Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the celebrated Temple of Literature and fascinating Ethnology Museum plus a fun ‘cyclo’ tour of the narrow lanes of the bustling Old Quarter.
Overnight: Hanoi Transport: Minibus, Bike, Meals: B,
Day 3 - Halong Bay - transfer and afternoon cruise
Morning transfer to Halong to board your boat for a cruise through both UNESCO World Heritage Halong Bay and, equally scenic but much lesser-known, Bai Tu Long Bay, with an overnight stay in comfortable onboard cabins.
Overnight: Onboard Transport: Minibus, Boat, Meals: B, L, D,
Day 4 - Halong - morning cruise and return to Hanoi
Morning cruise through the bay and return to port for a transfer to Hanoi. In the afternoon we’ll have a private ‘miniature’ showing of the famous Hanoi water puppets including learning how the puppets are made plus an actual opportunity to operate them yourselves.
Overnight: Hanoi Transport: Minibus, Boat, Meals: B, L,
Day 5 - Trang Anh - explore the World Heritage landscape
Head south for a day tour of the celebrated limestone landscapes and caves of Trang An district in Ninh Binh Province – another UNESCO site – which we’ll explore by boat and bicycle. Evening transfer to Ninh Binh Town to catch the night sleeper train to Dong Hoi.
Overnight: Night sleeper train Transport: Minibus, Train, Boat, Bike, Meals: B,
Day 6 - Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Early arrival in Dong Hoi and a short drive into the hills to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Another World Heritage Site and area of outstanding natural beauty, where we’ll explore the fantastic karst scenery and cave systems on foot, bicycle and by kayak.
Overnight: Phong Na Transport: Boat, Bike, Walk, Meals: B,
Day 7 - Phong Nha - kayak through the karst formations
In the morning we’ll head to Paradise Cave for a 1-kilometre underground hike amid the stalactites and stalagmites. The afternoon’s programme includes an optional zip line, kayaking in nearby Dark Cave and a bicycle ride through the paddy-fields before returning to Dong Hoi for a 3-hour train ride to Hue.
Overnight: Hue Transport: Train, Boat, Bike, Meals: B,
Day 8 - Hue - Imperial tombs and local markets
Visit the famous citadel of another UNESCO site, Hue, as well as a guided tour of the large Dong Ba Market. In the afternoon we’ll travel up the Perfume River to explore some of the spectacular ancient tombs of the former Nguyen dynasty emperors, with a return to Hue by boat.
Overnight: Hue Transport: Boat, Walk, Meals: B,
Day 9 - Danang - the Golden Bridge and on to Hoi An
After a spectacular drive down the coast and over the Hai Van Pass, our first stop will be Danang’s celebrated Golden Bridge. From here we continue to nearby Hoi An with time at leisure to wander the streets and waterfront of this quaint and historic town.
Overnight: Hoi An Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B,
Day 10 - Hoi An - cookery lesson and at leisure to explore
Learn to prepare a selection of classic Vietnamese dishes with a morning, hands-on cookery class, including a guided tour of the weird and wonderful array of herbs and vegetables in the local market. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the lanes of Hoi An Town or perhaps take a bicycle ride through the surrounding villages and paddy-fields.
Overnight: Hoi An Transport: Bike, Meals: B, L,
Day 11 - Saigon - flight and city tour
Morning flight from Danang to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) with an afternoon tour of some of the City’s sites including the sobering but fascinating War Remnants Museum, Saigon’s very own Notre Dame Cathedral and the bustling Ben Thanh Market.
Overnight: Saigon Transport: Minibus, Plane, Meals: B,
Day 12 - Mekong Delta - day tour
Fascinating day trip into the Mekong Delta where we’ll explore the maze of waterways by boat, and discover the region’s traditional cottage industries and handicrafts, as well as some of the local farming techniques and products. Late afternoon return to Saigon for our farewell dinner.
Overnight: Saigon Transport: Minibus, Boat, Meals: B, D,
Day 13 - Saigon - departure
Morning at leisure, end of tour and either departure at your convenience or, time permitting, why not add on a few days’ quality R and R at the beach?
Extra accommodation prior to your tour is available in Hanoi while beach extensions to nearby Mui Ne or a flight to Phu Quoc Island are just 2 of the options available if you have a few more days to spare after your tour.
Note that airport transfers are included for those booking the flights option but can also be arranged if required for the land only version,
Overnight: Departure Transport: Minibus, Meals: B,
Details
The nitty-gritty, the things you need to know, the answers to your burning questions.
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Highlights
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Map
Departures
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Hotels
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Visa Info & Notes
Just a few of the many highlights
A wide range of sites - including no less than 6 UNESCO listed locations - plus varied and flexible activities, make this fully-escorted, specially designed, 2-week Vietnam tour a great option for families of any age.
- Overnight boat cruise on World Heritage Halong and Bai Tu Long Bays
- Kayak through the amazing karst landscapes of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
- Day tour by boat through the picturesque waterways of the Mekong Delta
- Discover the caves and waterways of stunning Trang An by bicycle, boat and on foot
- Visit the imperial tombs of Hue and quaint Hoi An - 2 more UNESCO-listed sites
- Contrast the French architecture of elegant Hanoi and the brash, modern bustle of Saigon
Air Departures (UK) *From
Land Departures
Guaranteed Places Left Special Price Solo Traveller Closed
*Air departures are from the UK. Land departures start from Hanoi
*Land departure dates correspond to the FIRST day of the itinerary.
We choose our hotels based on a combination of location, comfort and convenience. Here is a *selection of the types of hotel/rooms you can expect to stay at on this tour...
MK Premier Boutique Hotel Hanoi view
- Located right in the heart of Hanoi's picturesque old town
- Great staff, coffee shop, rooftop bar and cracking breakfast
- Handy for exploring or just relax in their street-side cafe
Victory Star Halong Bay view
- Overnight on a boat in UNESCO Halong Bay
- Excellently appointed and comfortable private cabins
- 1 day, 1 night cruise of this fabulous World Heritage Site
Vietnamese sleeper train
- We use 4-person, air-con sleeping berths
- Berths equipped with reading lights & elecric sockets
- Upgardes to private cabins available if desired
Greenfield Eco-stay view
- Friendly, low-key, family-run eco resort
- Garden setting with goods-ized pool and great views
- Comfortable rooms with a/c, balconies and en-suite bathrooms
Rosaleen Hotel Hue view
- In the heart of Hue, a short walk from the waterfront
- Friendly staff, pool and great rooftop
- Excellent in-house bar and restaurant
Gem Riverside Hoi An view
- Well-appointed rooms with pool, restaurant, bar and gym
- Excellent location; quiet yet a short walk from the Old Town
- Free bicycles available to explore the area
*This list should be considered a guide only, hotels/rooms may change (without notice) depending on availability.
Visa Info & Notes
Visas: Visas are no longer required for citizens of certain, (mainly Western European), countries including France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Scandinavian nations and the UK for single-entry visits of up to 45 days. (As of 15th August 2023.)
Note that there are some notable omissions from the list – Belgium and the Netherlands for example – as well as Canada, Australia, NZ and the US. For passport holders of countries not covered under the waiver scheme, a visa, or visa on arrival certificate, must be obtained before arrival in Vietnam and we strongly advise checking the latest requirements at your nearest Vietnamese consulate.
Visas are available from your nearest Vietnamese consulate or embassy at a cost of about £40 (c. $60). (Costs do vary from country to country.) Further information, as well as e-visas on arrival, are also available online at the following link; Vietnam e-visa. (You may find numerous, additional agents’ sites advertising Vietnam e-visas although bear in mind a commission will be charged.)
Standard entry point for this tour is Noi Bai Int Airport (Hanoi) and exit point is Tan Son Nhat Int Airport (Ho Chi Minh City).
Passport: Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Vietnam. You may be refused entry if your passport is damaged, in poor condition or does not have at least 2 blank pages remaining.
Tipping: we recommend a kitty system for smaller, daily tips such as hotel/restaurant staff and local drivers but which could also include minor expenses such as group tea/coffee breaks etc. Amounts inevitably vary with group size but would generally be in the region of $2 per day or $30 total per person for the 2-week tour. For your guide/tour-leader tip, who will accompany you for the duration of your tour, we’d recommend approximately $20-$25 per person total though of course, this is always discretionary and performance-related.
Meals: Vietnamese food obviously is based around rice and noodles, is generally mild and both vegetarians and vegans are very easily catered for. For any other likes and dislikes please remind your tour-leader at the start of the tour.
Accommodation: all choices fall into the comfortable 3-4* range and are en-suite and air-conditioned. We have posted a selection of sample accommodation on the left-hand hotel tab but please note that as we try and avoid the larger hotels, availability, in high season particularly, means we use several options in each destination.
Activities: note that no activities are compulsory and that any offered can be tailored for various fitness levels or alternatives suggested.
Further info: more details and photos check our ‘
Hanoi to Saigon‘ category on our All Points East travel blog.
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