Vietnam Family Adventure

Upon arrival in Hanoi you'll be met by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, ranks amongst the world's most attractive and interesting cities. It was first the capital of Vietnam in A.D. 1010, and though the nation's capital moved to Hue under the Nguyen dynasty in 1802, the city continued to flourish after the French took control in 1888. In 1954, after the French departed, Hanoi was declared Vietnam's capital once again. The remnants of over 1,000 years of history are still visible here, with that of the past few hundred years wonderfully preserved.

For early risers an early morning visit to Hoan Kiem Lake is recommended. The lake is a hive of activity from 5am as the locals take exercise around the lake, playing badminton, jogging, or practicing Tai Chi.

After breakfast, meet your guide and drive to the Museum of Ethnology, one of Hanoi’s leading attractions, with interactive displays and a wide collection of well-preserved objects and documents. It is also a great place to learn about Vietnam’s 52 ethnic-minority peoples.

From the Museum of Ethnology, you’ll head back to the centre of town via Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum. Enjoy lunch at Khai's Brothers Café, which offers a wonderful fusion of Vietnamese and European dishes. If you've got room left, you should also sample some of Hanoi’s famous 'street food', made and served by Vietnamese women in traditional dress.

Your afternoon is at leisure.

Throughout your stay in Vietnam you are likely to see many weird and wonderful modes of transport, none more so than the cyclo taxi. The cyclo is the ideal way to get around any Vietnamese city cheaply and responsibly (no exhaust fumes and you'll be helping to support a local trade). Enjoy a morning exploring Hanoi's Old Quarter whilst participating in our child friendly cyclo treasure hunt - great fun for all the family!

Your afternoon is at leisure.

After an early breakfast it’s a three hour drive from the city to Halong Bay, passing through a number of typical North Vietnamese towns and villages. Upon arrival you will be welcomed aboard your traditional junk; the same style that have sailed the bay for 100’s of years.

A natural wonder of the world and one of Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the creation of Halong Bay is shrouded in myth. Local legend tells us how the gods sent a family of dragons to defend the country from the invading Chinese. The dragons spat out gemstones that turned into islands, linking together to create a wall against the enemy. The truth is almost as evocative as the legend and upon setting out into the bay you are met by one of the most beguiling natural scenes you will ever witness.

Lunch is served as you depart port. You will soon leave the mainland far behind, navigating amongst the jagged limestone islands and karsts emerging from the emerald waters. Whilst some islands are no more than large rocks others are far more substantial in size.

During your cruise there will be opportunities to disembark, often using smaller boats, or possibly kayaks, to venture into hidden grottos and caves. You will also make stops to explore points of interest such as floating fishing villages and picturesque lookout points.

The cuisine throughout your cruise is both plentiful and of a very high standard. Lovers of fresh seafood will be particularly happy. The dining cabin and bar create a very social atmosphere for those that wish to mix with other guests; whilst cabins, many with a private balcony, are all ensuite and spacious.

Each junk operates a different itinerary and on board facilities vary. Your consultant will be very happy to discuss each option with you.

In the early morning many of the islands are alive with the sound of various sea birds nesting in the thick green vegetation that engulf the limestone karsts. Early risers may wish to start the day with a Tai Chi class, or a cooking class (only available on selected junks), on the top deck as the sunrises over the bay.

Enjoy brunch onboard whilst your junk slowly turns back in the direction of the mainland, stopping at points of interest en route.

Arrive back at port in the late morning. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi in time for your flight to Hue.

En route to Hanoi Airport make a stop at a village famous for making some of the incredible water puppets you may have seen in Hanoi. Meet with some of the locals and take a tour of the the village and their puppet ancestor "stalea". The highlight of the visit is the puppet performance in the local theatre.

Hue remained Vietnam’s capital until 1945, when Bao Dai, the last of the Nguyen emperors, abdicated. Many of Hue’s attractions are found along the banks of the Perfume River that flows through the centre of town. After your evening arrival at your hotel, you’ll probably be ready for a new style of Vietnamese cuisine. Food in Hue is spicy hot, with lots of chilli. Reflecting its Imperial roots, it is often served in beautifully presented, taster portions, a kind of Oriental nouvelle cuisine!

Take a morning boat trip on the romantically named Perfume River, passing the 10-metre thick protective walls of the Citadel on board a Vietnamese ‘dragon boat’. A short distance up river is perhaps Hue’s best-known religious site, the Thien Mu Pagoda with its distinctive seven-storey octagonal tower. Having explored the pagoda and its beautiful grounds, return to Hue via Dong Ba market.

The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Morning departure for Hoi An, driving the stunning route via Hai Van Pass (Ocean Cloud Pass)and the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co before reaching Danang. Visit the beautiful Non Nuoc Beach and the Cham Museum containing the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world. You will also stop at the sacred hills known as the Marble Mountains, which contain dozens of Buddhist shrines.
After checking in to your hotel, the remainder of your day is at leisure.

Once known as Faifo, Hoi An was one of the Orient’s major trading ports in the 16th and 17th centuries. Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the centre of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday. It is also one of the best places in Vietnam to shop for souvenirs at bargain prices including silk, handicrafts, antiques and paintings.

About 5km from the centre of town is Cua Dai beach, popular with both locals and visitors alike for its sandy beach, warm sea and seafood stalls.

Hoi An boasts a huge range of restaurants and cafés to choose from and is famed throughout Vietnam for such wonderful dishes as Cao Lau, Hoang Thanh and White Rose. Cao Lau, a delicious soup made with noodles, pork and greens, is only found in Hoi An, and must be made with water from the town’s ancient well.

Your morning is at leisure.

Hoi An is often a highlight of a family's visit to Vietnam thanks to the charming Old Town, comfortably small enough to cover on foot, and the quiet backroads that run down to the delightful Cua Dai beach.

In the afternoon visit a local workshop to learn how they make the colourful lanterns you will have seen on display throughout Hoi An. To complete the day take a boat ride at sunset on the idyllic Thu Bon River.

Your day is at leisure.

Morning transfer to Danang for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam and is located near the Mekong delta. It was originally the main Cambodian port before being conquered by the Vietnamese in the 16th century and named Saigon. The city was then renamed once again, after the North Vietnamese invasion of South Vietnam in 1975, becoming Ho Chi Minh City (named after the North Vietnamese leader).

Today, the city centre is still adorned with wide elegant boulevards and historic French buildings. However, it is undoubtedly the economic powerhouse of Vietnam and high rise office towers are starting to take their place amongst the wonderful colonial architecture.

In the afternoon enjoy a fascinating tour of the city’s historical sites. Your guide will be happy to personalise your programme, however not to be missed is the War Remnants Museum, a startling reminder of the effects of the war with America. There are old helicopters, aircraft and replica French gaols to look around, as well as a photographic display of the environmental and human consequences of Agent Orange (not suitable for young children). You can also visit the Presidential Palace, a fascinating building trapped in time - the architecture and décor is pure 60’s kitsch - and the spot where the last Americans departed Vietnam. Alternatively, take a trip to China Town, with its bustling markets and outdoor cafes.

Make a morning visit to the famous Cu Chi tunnels - an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels, over 250km in length and up to three levels deep in places, played a huge part in the Viet Cong’s victory over the Americans, allowing them to control a large rural area surrounding Ho Chi Minh City.

Today, some of the remaining tunnels have been opened to tourists, offering a unique insight into what underground life must have been like during the ‘American’ war.
En route back to the city you can either stop at the Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station or make the short journey to Suoi Tien Theme Park, complete with a huge salt water pool, water slides and rides.

The evening is at leisure. Ho Chi Minh City is a great city to explore in the evening with a large variety of excellent restaurants.