Vietnam Family Trip: Joyful Journey From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s captivating capital, where the charm of its French colonial history mingles seamlessly with the energetic buzz of modern Asia. In this city, you’ll discover a blend of traditional architecture, serene lakes, and the constant movement of countless motorbikes, alongside a thriving cosmopolitan scene with trendy restaurants and boutiques.

You will be met on arrival at Hanoi International Airport with a welcome signboard with your names on it and a private transfer to your selected hotel, allowing you to settle in and start exploring the city at your own pace, either by enjoying the hotel amenities or venturing out for your initial taste of Hanoi’s unique atmosphere.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast at hotel, dive into the sights sounds and aromas of Hanoi. Start with Ho Chi Minh Complex including his Mausoleum (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed all afternoon, every Monday & Friday, and from late September until December), the Presidential Palace, the historic Stilt house, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Lunch at local restaurant.

After lunch, continue to visit the millennia-old Temple of Literature and explore its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a Confucius temple.

For a distinctive experience, find a café nestled right by the side of the railway tracks. Sip on Vietnamese coffee while witnessing the daily life unfold along the tracks (train street).

Next, Enjoy Water Puppet show –  a traditional performance that dates back as far as the 11th century in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast at your hotel, you leave Hanoi for Halong Bay. The journey is through the rich farmlands where you can observe everyday life of Vietnamese villagers. Arriving in Halong Bay in the late morning and you will board a traditional “junk” boat. You will begin a relaxing and unforgettable cruise around the breathtaking and unique limestone karsts and islets. A delicious fresh seafood lunch will be served as you cruise this spectacular bay, a UNESCO listed site.

Notes: The program may differ slightly based on the junk cruise’s itinerary.

Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night. As the sun sets over the bay, dinner is served with fresh seafood, salad, and fruit. You will spend the night in your private cabin aboard the Junk in Halong Bay.

Overnight on cruise.

Begin your day with the serene practice of Tai Chi, a local custom that eases you into the morning. Join a ‘Local Specialist’ on the deck of the Junk boat amidst the exquisite natural surroundings. There’s time for an early morning swim at one of Halong Bay’s peaceful beaches, and for the more adventurous, take a kayak and paddle through the Dark and Bright Caves, admiring the glistening stone walls.

Return to the junk boat, check out of your cabin, and savor a sumptuous brunch buffet as you cruise back to port. Disembark around midday for your return journey to Hanoi. Then our driver will  pick up and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed and then transferred to Hoi An. Hoi An, a charming town on Vietnam’s central coast, is a living testament to its rich history and cultural heritage. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An seamlessly blends the influences of various cultures that have left their mark on this trading port over the centuries.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Have breakfast at hotel and enjoy free time for relaxing in the morning.

In the afternoon, our tour guide  lead you through the Ancient Quarter of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore notable attractions like Chua Ong Pagoda, Tan Ky Ancient House, Fujian Assembly Hall, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Next, visit the Precious Heritage Museum, housing Rehahn’s Precious Heritage Collection, which offers a captivating glimpse into Vietnam’s diverse ethnic tribes.

Discover the art of lantern-making at a craftsman’s house where you’ll create your lantern with expert guidance

Additionally, visit some of Hoi An’s well-known handicraft shops and artwork galleries. Discover smaller laneways and local neighborhoods gaining a better appreciation of Hoi An’s endless charm. Enjoy your time with the boat ride and release the flower lantern to pray for the lucks to you and your family. You will immerse yourself in the fanciful space of the lantern street.

Afterward, immerse yourself in a delectable street food tour to savor the authentic flavors of Vietnamese local cuisine. Indulge in a variety of dishes that will tantalize your taste buds, including Banh Mi (Vietnamese bread), Banh Beo, Banana Fried Pancake, Cao Lau/ Quang Noodle, and refreshing options like Herbal Tea or Sweet Bean Soups. Get ready for a culinary journey through the vibrant and diverse tastes of Vietnamese street food.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, you will take electric car to the meeting point of cooking class.

We start the day with a welcome drink then visit Hoi An’s colorful main market, and experience its amazing sights, sounds and aromas. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers, to see and taste the wonderful variety of foods on display.

We board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. This is a chance to view local river life, so make sure your camera is handy.

On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s best-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is first demonstrated by the Red Bridge chef’s, before we prepare the same dish ourselves.

Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration).

After the lesson, we sit down and eat exactly what we have cooked.

Finish at approximately 12.30 pm – transfer back to central Hoi An arriving approximately 1.00 pm.  Then, our tour guide will pick you up and transfer Cam Thanh Village where you will enjoy a fun ride on the traditional Basket Boat (round boat) in the Water Coconut Palm Forest. Learning and sharing fishing experience with local fishermen by catching fish and purple crabs with unique fishing nets.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Breakfast at hotel.

Our car and a tour guide pick you up at your hotel lobby, enjoy a ride to Ba Na Hills via Cable Car.

Spend your time in the most modern Cable Car in Southeast Asia, visit Dream Stream Cable car Station and admire the breath-taking view of Da Nang coastal city.

Upon arrival, marvel at the Golden Bridge – which has the most exotic structure and also the world’s most prominent pedestrian bridges highlighted by the British Guard newspaper, Le Jardin D’amourn (consists of 9 gardens), a striking architectural feat supported by colossal stone hands, ideal for capturing breathtaking photos against the backdrop of majestic mountains. Continue your exploration with a visit to the serene Linh Ung Pagoda complex, home to the towering Lady Buddha statue amidst intricate Buddhist architecture.

Have lunch at a restaurant.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the charm of the French Village, a picturesque replica of a medieval French town with its cobblestone streets, vibrant buildings, quaint shops, and inviting cafes. Then, venture into Fantasy Park, an amusement hub filled with thrilling rides and entertainment for all ages.

As the day winds down, descend via cable car and depart Ba Na Hills, returning to your hotel in  Hoi An. Reflect on the day’s adventures, filled with cultural discoveries, scenic wonders, and unforgettable moments at Ba Na Hills.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Breakfast at hotel.

Today is a leisure day, providing you with the perfect opportunity to explore the charming town of Hoi An at your own pace. Wander through its ancient streets, soak in the unique atmosphere, and discover the hidden gems that make this UNESCO World Heritage site so enchanting.

Whether you choose to visit local markets, relax by the riverside, or explore the vibrant street food scene, this day is yours to tailor to your preferences. Enjoy the freedom of independent exploration in this historic town.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Breakfast at hotel. After a delightful stay in Hoi An, you’ll catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant and bustling metropolis of Vietnam. Upon arrival, you’ll be transported to your hotel, where you can unwind and recharge after your journey. Free time for relaxing.

In the evening, discover the art of Vietnamese cuisine and the real Saigon way of life! Experience Saigon nightlife just like if you were to live here. We would like to give you the opportunity to experience nightlife exactly as the inhabitants of Saigon. Throughout the night, try a variety of food and drinks at 2 local restaurants and samplings of Saigon’s best authentic local food. Zoom past the famous must-see sights of Ho Chi Minh City while in bustling traffic. We’ll also go to best Rooftop Bar of Saigon and enjoy a Drink with panorama view.

Our Jeep and tour guide will pick you up at your hotel, taking you first to the historic Reunification Palace, followed by the French-designed Central Post Office and the iconic twin-towered Notre Dame Cathedral. Next is a stop at the elegant Saigon Opera House before passing through Dong Khoi and Nguyen Hue Streets, known for their vibrancy and charm. Enjoy Banh Xeo, a crispy Vietnamese pancake, at a local restaurant, then explore the lively Ben Thanh Night Market. Head to a rooftop bar to enjoy panorama view of Saigon for open air drinking, followed by dinner at a second local restaurant to experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine. End the evening with a peaceful riverside photo stop and a final drink before returning to your hotel.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast at hotel. Our tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to Trung Nghia – Vung Liem within 3 3-hour drive.

Upon arrival, meet a representative who will guide you to the lodge located by the river, where you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink.

Check in and enjoy lunch at the lodge, then take some time to relax before choosing bicycles for a village tour. Visit Mr. Cong’s home to observe the traditional process of pop rice production and gain insights into this age-old technique. Experience his daily life firsthand and learn about his craft.

Next, stop by another local home to harvest and weave water coconut leaves, used in Mekong Delta construction. Mrs. Chien will also demonstrate making ‘poon’ sticks. Further, your guide will explain animal raising and biogas collection.

Cycle along serene village paths, explore rice paddies, and visit a dragon fruit plantation (you can discuss with your guide if you’d like to extend the ride). Enjoy the sunset before returning to the lodge to freshen up. Later, visit home of Mr. Hai Luong, a war veteran, who will share his memories of the Vietnam War in this village. Enjoy traditional military music, illuminated by the soft glow of poon candles. At the end of the show, walk back holding torches made from dried coconut leaves, a traditional local custom for nighttime.

Conclude the evening with a cooking class where you’ll learn to make Vietnamese pancakes, followed by dinner at the lodge’s restaurant.

Overnight in Vinh Long.

After breakfast, board a motorboat and head to the local floating market to immerse yourself in the region’s vibrant culture and daily life.

Next, visit a Cao Dai temple and a nearby coconut factory along the river, where you’ll observe the handcrafting of coconuts into ropes and rugs. This artisanal process caters primarily to international buyers, particularly from Korea.

Afterward, return to the lodge to unwind or take a swim before checking out. Lunch at the lodge. Transfer back to the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Your final morning is designed for relaxation or more exploration. Depending on the departure time of your flight, our private driver will be ready to pick you up from your hotel and transport you to the airport for your outbound journey.

As we bid you farewell, we extend our best wishes for a safe and pleasant flight departure. This marks the end of your tour, and we hope you carry the memories of your journey with you for years to come.