Vietnam Family Explorer

Begin in whirlwind Hanoi with a couple of experiences that work especially well for families: street art wanders and a water puppet show, then head to rural Ninh Binh to explore the karst-formation-filled countryside. Make your way south to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park for intrepid underground investigations of the vast cave network, then travel by train to chilled-out Hue for immersive historic highlights. Finish up in Hoi An to relax on the beaches, explore the old town’s winding streets and, of course, eat - a few days in Hoi An will turn the whole family into foodies!

Stories & Street Art

Hanoi’s reputation as a lively, vibrant hub is well deserved, and as soon as you’ve got used to the rules of the roads, the city is your family’s oyster. The Old Quarter is relatively compact with a clear centre around Hoan Keim Lake which makes for surprisingly manageable walks; perfect for family-centred exploration.

For history buffs, the classic sites of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature should definitely make it onto your must-see list. To capture the imaginations of the youngest (and young-at-heart!), wander between the striking murals and vibrant frescos of the city’s exciting modern street art scene, watch the elegant beauty of a traditional water puppet show, or take a look at the flower-festooned trackside cafes and buildings of the city’s famed Train Street (though not when any trains are nearby!)

There’s no need to race between monuments in Hanoi; just take things at your own pace through the maze of streets and markets, pausing for delicious ca phe (or sugar can juice!) in cosy coffee shops when the mood takes you.

Rural Connections

Balance the big city buzz as you make your way north to the beautiful rural region of Ninh Binh - often known as ‘Halong on land’ due to the magnificent karst rock formations that rise from the landscape, mirroring the famed bay. It’s our favourite hack for getting the Halong scenery experience without the bay’s ever-growing crowds.

Relax and experience a different pace of life, with plenty of opportunities to get active and run off steam in the fresh air, meet local people, and get a different glimpse of Vietnam’s everyday rhythms. Admire the landscape on a gentle cycle through the countryside, or from a small sampan boat as you float through wetland reserves and cave tunnels. Visit a local family home and get involved with activities such as helping in the garden, planting rice, fishing or preparing a simple home-cooked meal. Your guide will always be on hand to facilitate communication with your hosts, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for the whole family to experience day-to-day modern life in Vietnam.

Adventures Outdoors & Underground

Take the train south to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park for the next leg of your adventure, exploring one of Vietnam’s most spectacular underground landscapes. The UNESCO-listed subterranean passages are home to one of the largest known caves in the world. Meander through the ‘Wet’, ‘Dry’, ‘Paradise’ and ‘Dark’ caves by boat and on foot, admiring the stunning stalactites and stalagmites, before venturing above ground again for ziplining and kayaking.

Really intrepid families can head out on longer treks, camping overnight in a cave! But even without going totally off-grid, Phong Nha offers a level of adventure to inspire budding explorers, especially older children and teens, and is a treasure-trove for all kids who are interested in the natural world.

Vietnam’s Garden City

Quietly beautiful Hue is bursting with stories and reminders of its history as an Imperial capital, an aspect of Vietnam’s history that’s a little less well-known, including the elaborately gated citadel and the tombs of the emperors. Exploring the lanes and corridors of these older parts of the city is a lot of fun, whatever your age, with courtyards, gates, statues and carvings appearing around every corner. It’s all very atmospheric…

This town is also a great place to take an extra night to rest and to discover how its history links up with its modern rhythms. Hue’s Garden Houses are unique to the city, reflecting a long-held belief in blending architecture and nature, and were once the homes of the city’s aristocracy. They’re now wonderful places to get hands on with the area’s living history. Take time out to cycle through Hue’s surrounding countryside and villages, and visit a local family in their traditional garden house to chat (with the help of your guide) and compare cultures at a gentle pace. Finish with a visit to the Hope Centre - an NGO led community project offering training and support for disabled and disadvantaged local people - for a pottery throwing session or workshop making handicrafts from recycled materials, and a real dose of local connection.

Bánh Mì & Beaches

Hoi An is a bit of a jewel on Vietnam’s central coast, and a particularly great place to end a family trip, as everyone can easily be as active or relaxed as they like! This is all about taking things at your own pace and really savouring everything you’ve experienced on your journey through Vietnam. Hoi An’s Old Quarter is a colourful network of narrow streets lined with historic shop houses and sheltered temples that stretch away from the bustle into tranquil inner spaces full of fascinating details. Wander between these historic buildings, the town’s famous bespoke tailor shops, pausing at cosy cafes along the way. Hoi An’s streets can get busy, but if you time and route your wanderings carefully, you can avoid the heaviest crowds.

Hoi An is another of Vietnam’s foodie’s paradises, so there are always plenty of snacks to fuel your explorations, from fresh seafood to the town’s signature soft White Rose dumplings, and you can even zip between them on a vintage Jeep food tour if you wish! And when you crave some proper, dedicated R&R, with plenty to keep everyone happy? Head for a luxury boutique on a private stretch of sand, or a family-friendly retreat deep within the rice fields. Cycle along agricultural trackways, take craft classes to make lanterns and traditional masks, or venture further afield to the temples of My Son.