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Best of Vietnam - Premium Family Adventure

Activity

Family

Overview

Journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City to discover the natural and cultural treasures of Vietnam as a family

Explore Vietnam together on a family journey that balances discovery, nature and comfort. From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, we cruise the limestone islands of Lan Ha Bay, wander lantern-lit Hoi An, travel by boat through the Mekong Delta and visit wildlife conservation projects. Days are varied but unhurried, with private transport and internal flights keeping travel smooth. An expert local tour leader brings each place to life, while mostly Premium accommodation provides space to relax after full days. It’s a rewarding introduction to Vietnam, designed for families who want to learn, experience and enjoy time together.

Key Information

Trip Code: FOW
Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Premium Adventures
Countries: Vietnam
Carbon Footprint: 49.7kg CO2e per person per day

What's Included

All accommodation: 10 Premium nights (7 resort, 2 hotel, 1 cruise), 3 Superior nights (2 hotel, 1 lodge)
All breakfasts, nine lunches and six dinners
Immersive itinerary with all transport (private air-conditioned minibus, two flights and a boat) and listed activities
Expert tour leader, chosen for their experience and great customer feedback
Arrival and departure transfers
Tips for local staff

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations. A tip for the tour leader is not included. You can request early check in on arrival and late check out on departure, for an additional cost.

Highlights

Uncover the best of Vietnam: ancient cultures, revered cuisine and natural wonders
Enjoy Michelin-starred Vietnamese food with a welcome dinner at Tam Vi in Hanoi
Cruise among the limestone peaks of Lan Ha Bay with sunset drinks and morning tai chi
Traverse the Mekong Delta by boat, meeting the local people and learning about their lives
Experience Ninh Binh's highlights: the historic Dinh Le King temples and a scenic journey down the Ngo Dong River
Stay at several Premium properties, including a luxury silk village in Hoi An and a Lan Ha Bay boat

Itinerary

First Destination: Hanoi
Next Destination: Ho Chi Minh City

Accommodation:The Ann Hanoi Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

Accommodation:The Ann Hanoi Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:Emeralda Resort Tam Coc (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Accommodation:Emeralda Resort Tam Coc (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:La Regina Legend Cruise
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Accommodation:Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:Sen Village Hoi An (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:Sen Village Hoi An (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:Sen Village Hoi An (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Rex Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:Mekong Lodge (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Accommodation:Rex Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Hanoi
Next Destination: Ho Chi Minh City

Begin your adventure in Hanoi, the culture-rich capital of Vietnam. Stroll the broad tree-lined avenues, perhaps in search of great coffee being sold from the doorways of grand buildings.

Around 6pm, say xin chào to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big Vietnamese welcome by arranging dinner at Com Viet Heritage, a high-end restaurant specialising in Vietnamese cuisine, particularly from the north.

Want to explore Hanoi further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Upgrade to a lounge premium room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:The Ann Hanoi Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

Embark on a sightseeing tour of Hanoi this morning, visiting the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, and the One Pillar Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple built to resemble a lotus blossom.

For lunch, we head to a local eatery that serves excellent bun cha, a Hanoian classic of noodles, broth and meat served with greens. Then explore Dong Xuan Market, the largest in Hanoi, where you can shop for souvenirs and sample street food. There may also be time to wander around Hoan Kiem Lake and perhaps enjoy the view from a lakeside cafe.

Accommodation:The Ann Hanoi Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Best of Vietnam – Premium Family Adventure

Our first destination today (after a two-hour transfer) is Hoa Lu in the Ninh Binh province, capital of Vietnam during the Dinh Dynasty (968-980) and early Le Dynasty (980-1009). Here we visit the Dinh Le King temples, among the most sacred structures in the district and dedicated to the founders of these important dynasties.

We then head to the town of Tam Coc, which sits within the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. Here we board row boats, embarking on a one hour to 1hr 30min journey down the Ngo Dong River. Our adventure takes us through caves and past local villages – the surrounding limestone mountains make for a stunning backdrop.

Accommodation:Emeralda Resort Tam Coc (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we take a one-hour transfer to Save Vietnam’s Wildlife, a non-profit dedicated to wildlife and ecosystem conservation. At the centre, we meet a SVW co-ordinator who takes us on a tour to learn more about their preservation efforts and the endangered animals. We also meet some of the rescued animals and visit a half-wilderness area to see how they adapt before release.

Then we visit Cuc Phuong National Park, where you can choose your own adventure. Options include: exploring the Cave of Prehistoric Man, where 7,500-year-old human relics were discover in the 1960s; visiting the Endangered Primate Rescue Center; or taking a leisurely walk in the jungle.

Accommodation:Emeralda Resort Tam Coc (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

We make an early start for the approximate 81mi (130km) journey to Lan Ha Bay, where incredible karst islands and limestone outcrops mirror those at the better-known (and busier) Ha Long Bay.

After arrival, we board our Premium boat and spend the afternoon cruising the waters. Hopping into a tender, we also visit the Dark and Bright caves, either by kayak or in a bamboo boat. The day ends with sunset drinks back on our Premium boat – a chance to relax and soak in the extraordinary views together.

Accommodation:La Regina Legend Cruise
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise early for tai chi on deck, followed by our final chance to relax and take in the beauty of the bay. As the boat heads back to the harbour, we enjoy lunch.

Afterwards, we transfer to Cat Ba Island to join a tour of Trung Trang Cave. Here we see impressive limestone formations and learn about the wartime history of the cave, when it served as a military base and command post.

This afternoon, we transfer (approximately 2hr 30min) to Hanoi Airport to take a flight (approximately 1hr 15min) to Hue. Upon arrival, we transfer to the Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa, where we spend the next two nights.

Accommodation:Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we visit Thanh Tien village, which has been making paper flowers for more than 300 years. We also experience a Hue-style tea tasting at Tra Dinh Vu Di teahouse, learning from our host about the benefits of drinking royal tea and how to make a cup.

This afternoon, we visit the royal tomb of Emperor Minh Mang – a World Heritage site, offering a peak into Vietnam’s imperial past and the Nguyen Dynasty’s rule.

Accommodation:Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Visit the Imperial Citadel this morning, the standout attraction in Hue. Inside 6mi (10km) long walls are the palaces and halls of the Mandarins, and the remains of the Forbidden Purple City, where only the emperor, his eunuchs and concubines were allowed. The Forbidden Purple City was almost destroyed during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War, but the foliage-covered ruins are still atmospheric, and the bomb holes a testament to the destruction wreaked upon the country.

We then drive 81mi (130km) to Hoi An, the original European trading port in Vietnam. Our journey passes through the beautiful peninsula of Lang Co, between a crystalline lagoon and the Eastern Sea, and then passes over the Hai Van pass (Pass of the Ocean Clouds) where the views are stunning.

This afternoon, we have a walking tour of Hoi An and visit the Hoi An temple. The town is a living museum, with attractive wooden merchant houses and pagoda-style temples. It is also a marvellous place to wander, dipping into the thriving riverside market and shopping for silk clothing.

For those who wish, there is the option to make Vietnamese paper masks (additional cost, payable locally), a craft deeply rooted in local folklore and artistic traditions.

Upgrade to a flow suite today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:Sen Village Hoi An (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Take a 20-minute transfer this morning to the tranquil village of Duy Xuyen (also known as Duy Vinh), which is renowned for its traditional handicrafts, particularly weaving.

First, we hop into basket boats for a 30-minute ride past coconut wetlands. We also visit a family of mat weavers, who have been practising the craft for generations. That’s followed by a visit to a local house to see how Vietnam’s rice wine is distilled with a chance to try it for yourself and enjoy a set menu in their green garden. We return to the hotel in the early afternoon.

Upgrade to a flow suite today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:Sen Village Hoi An (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Today is free to enjoy Hoi An – a hot spot for culturally curious adventurers. Options include visiting My Son, the spiritual home of the Cham civilisation, where Cham kings were buried as long ago as the fourth century. Although bombing has destroyed much of the site, there are several interesting stone towers and sanctuaries.

Alternatively, you may wish to participate in a cooking class to learn the intricacies of Vietnamese cooking. This activity also includes a visit to the local market to shop for ingredients before you create your own dishes.

For those wishing to venture outside of town, a popular option is to jump on a bike for a ride through the countryside, passing local markets, schools and villages before continuing to Cua Dai beach (3mi/5km).

Upgrade to a flow suite today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:Sen Village Hoi An (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

We drive to Da Nang (approximately 45 minutes) and then fly (approximately 1hr 30min) to Ho Chi Minh City, an exciting metropolis where scooters pack the streets and temples stand alongside modern developments.

After arrival, we take a short bus trip to the Reunification Palace, which served as the presidential residence and workplace during the Vietnam War, witnessing key events such as the fall of Saigon in 1975.

Upgrade to an executive governor suite today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:Rex Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, we transfer (approximately two hours) to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta. Often referred to as the rice bowl of Vietnam, this region is known for its lush coconut groves, beautiful scenery, and rich cultural heritage. Take a boat trip and explore the intricate waterways on the mighty Mekong River, passing orchards and friendly locals also travelling by boat.

You’ll get a chance to get off the boat, visiting an orchard and sampling tropical fruit. You’ll then continue the cruise and visit a selection of cottage industries to experience local life and the local businesses surrounding the river up close.

Tonight we stay at the Mekong Lodge, a tranquil property amid the river greenery. It’s an excellent chance for us to enjoy Delta hospitality, interact with the people who live there, and sample Mekong cuisine.

Accommodation:Mekong Lodge (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we drive back to Ho Chi Minh City (approximately two hours) where the afternoon is free. You may wish to visit the Ben Thanh Market or the War Remnants Museum. The museum has an interesting photographic record of the Vietnam War but please note that some images are very graphic.

This evening, we meet our tour leader and group for a final special meal at HUM Garden and Restaurant, one the top vegetarian restaurants in the world. Housed in an elegant villa, it serves Vietnamese-inspired cuisine and showcases fresh ingredients sourced directly from local farmers.

Upgrade to an executive governor suite today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:Rex Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

This cultural adventure ends after breakfast. There are free transfers to Ho Chi Minh City Airport from the end hotel.

Alternatively, if you’d like more time to explore this fascinating destination, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, deposit-only payments, and full ATOL protection available.

Call us: 020 3733 5948

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Accommodation

Hotels, cultural villages, and Lan Ha Bay cruise

For this Premium adventure through Vietnam, we curated accommodation for their location, comfort, style and unique characteristics. The hotels typically used are on the daily itinerary. However, below are some of the standout places we stay.

Upgrades are available on this itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details.

Lan Ha Bay: La Regina Legend Cruise (night 5)

Best of Vietnam – Premium Family Adventure

Experience captivating Lan Ha Bay from the comfort of La Regina Legend, an enchanting Vietnamese cruise that combines modern comfort and luxury, as we sail through emerald waters, surrounded by majestic cliffs and lush islands. Enjoy views over the striking scenery from your deluxe/executive cabin or head to the sundeck. The latter is a prime spot for sunset, which you can experience with a drink in your hand.

Hue: Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa (nights 6-7)

Best of Vietnam – Premium Family Adventure

Enjoy this traditional Vietnamese resort in the quiet countryside, which is set amid lush gardens and lily ponds. You can also try a myriad of experiences, from the naturally inspired spa treatments to tai chi, yoga and even some chakra cleansing. It’s also near historic landmarks and the city of Hue.

Hoi An: Sen Village Hoi An (nights 8-10)

Best of Vietnam – Premium Family Adventure

Secluded from Hoi An’s bustling centre nearby, this tranquil resort blends traditional local design with modern amenities. When you’re not relaxing in your room, take a dip in the palm-tree lined pool, sip drinks in the lounge bar, or treat yourself to a re-energizing herbal massage in the spa.

Worth knowing

The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance, which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.
The Lan Ha Bay cruise ship may have other guests on board at the same time.

Essential Information

This Premium Adventure is rated Activity Level 1 (Leisurely). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

This is not a rushed trip and, although there are early starts, the focus is on spending time in each area in comfort, with few long road journeys. Vietnam can be humid, which can be tiring as we explore some areas on foot. We have included two flights to keep travelling time to a minimum but delays can occur.

E-cigarettes and vapes: These are banned in Vietnam with strict penalties, including large fines and imprisonment – we strongly recommend you do not bring these with you.

Key information

Start hotel: The Ann Hanoi Hotel, 38A P. Hàng Chuối, Phạm Đình Hổ, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội 100000
Phone: +84 24 3871 3838
Recommended arrival time: It is recommended to arrive by the early afternoon. There will be a welcome briefing at the start hotel around 6pm followed by an included welcome dinner
Airport: Hanoi Airport (HAN)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 30-45 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for everyone. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

We provide free departure transfers for everyone to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) from the end hotel.

Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.

Vietnam

UK passport holders normally do not need a visa to enter Vietnam for visits up to 45 days, while those with a US or Irish passport normally do need a visa to enter. Visa requirements for EU citizens vary by country.

Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/vietnam
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/vietnam
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/vietnam
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Vietnam.html

All breakfasts, nine lunches and six dinners are included.

Thanks to the tropical climate, long coast and gigantic range of mountains, Vietnam is blessed with a variety of culinary offerings, and maintains a reputation as one of the healthiest, most delicious cuisines in the world. Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a myriad of verdant herbs and spices. The Chinese and French influence is felt throughout the country where you are just as likely to be offered a banh mi (stuffed baguette) as you are a steaming bowl of pho (noodle soup).

Be sure to seek out the national beverages: Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, a real sugar and caffeine hit, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is served on most street corners in the north out of large plastic jugs that are perfect for sharing. Western food is also available in most places visited.

Food is cheap in Vietnam and you can generally avoid the spicier dishes if you wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere, except for the Mekong Delta area. Vegetarian food is widely available; however, the offering will be fairly similar in most places. Please advise at time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.

The weather will be hot and humid throughout with daytime temperatures usually between 28C and 34C (82F and 93F). It is only a little cooler at night.

There is quite a range of seasons between the north and the south: the south up to Hue has a distinct dry season between December to April and then a rainy season from May to November when it tends to come in short heavy bursts with bright sunshine in between. Hanoi is cool in autumn, and even gets chilly between November and February (with drizzly rain).

There is no ideal time to visit Vietnam; it is quite pleasant at any time of year, though due to the shape of the country it is unlikely the weather will ever be perfect for the entire duration of any trip.

Please be aware, the Lan Ha Bay boat trip can be subject to change at short notice if certain adverse weather conditions develop. These could occur year-round, but especially in monsoon season (October to April). Lan Ha Bay boat trips are governed by local authorities, who are authorised to make such appropriate safety decisions. If your Lan Ha Bay trip is affected by adverse weather, this could either result in a reduced excursion on Lan Ha Bay for your group or, less likely, the need to re-arrange the itinerary if it is not possible at all to go out on Lan Ha Bay. While this is not a frequent occurrence, our local team and leaders are well equipped to handle such situations and have long offered appropriate options to groups in the instances where this may occur.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.