16 day family holiday showcasing Vietnam’s beautiful landscapes and fascinating culture. Cycle around buzzing Hanoi and the timeless stilt villages of Mai Chau. Explore Ha Long’s spectacular rock formations and tiny bays aboard a traditional Vietnamese junk. Visit Hue’s historic Imperial Citadel, and relax on the glorious white sands of Hoi An. Enjoy stays at beachfront resorts, tranquil eco lodges, and sleek city hotels.
Tailor-made Classic 16 days
'From Price' is the average price per person for ground arrangements for a family of four (two adults + two children under 12).
Flights are typically an additional €1,082 per person economy class from London
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DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT HANOI AIRPORT AND TRANSFER TO YOUR HOTEL
On arrival at the airport you will be met by your chauffeur and make the 40 minute transfer to your hotel. Check in for two nights at Hanoi La Siesta, a contemporary hotel located in the heart of the city’s atmospheric Old Quarter, with facilities including a restaurant, gym, cinema, and spa. Spend the remaining day at leisure, relaxing in the hotel or exploring the fascinating Old Quarter.
Accommodation: Hanoi La Siesta Hotel, Hanoi
DAY 2: HANOI AND RURAL VILLAGES BY BIKE
After breakfast, take a short transfer to a traditional village outside the city. Enjoy a guided bicycle excursion around the local markets, cultural buildings, and ancient temples, and learn about Vietnamese rural life and customs. Enjoy a food demonstration before sharing a typical Vietnamese lunch with a village family. After lunch, return to Hanoi for an afternoon of sightseeing and culture. Enjoy a musical performance at the Temple of Literature, followed by a cycle around the vibrant Old Quarter and peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake, finishing with an entertaining water puppet demonstration. Either have dinner back at the hotel or take your pick from Hanoi’s myriad tempting restaurants.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Hanoi La Siesta Hotel, Hanoi
DAY 3: HANOI TO MAI CHAU. VILLAGE BIKE RIDE
This morning, enjoy a picturesque 3 ½ hour road transfer to rural Mai Chau, a tranquil contrast to Hanoi’s bustling streets. Renowned for its traditional stilt houses, emerald paddy fields, and tree-clad mountain peaks, this enchanting landscape is home to many of Vietnam’s indigenous ethnic groups. On arrival at the charming village of Poom Coom, check into the Mai Chau Eco Lodge for a two night stay. Visit a family home and enjoy warm hospitality along with a delicious home cooked lunch. In the afternoon, take a gentle bike ride and absorb the tranquil atmosphere and breath-taking scenery. Spend the evening at leisure back at the Eco Lodge, which boasts a delightful swimming pool and a restaurant with panoramic views.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Mai Chau Eco Lodge, Mai Chau
DAY 4: CYCLING AND WALKING AROUND MAI CHAU
Following breakfast, spend today exploring the charming villages in the area, including a trip to meet children at a local school, before returning to the Eco Lodge for a relaxing evening.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Mai Chau Eco Lodge, Mai Chau
DAY 5: MAI CHAU TO NINH BINH
Breakfast at your Bungalow then check out for our 3 hour drive to Ninh Binh. In Ninh Bin, join a river trip on a local rowing boat meandering through the karst landscape and caves. In the afternoon, a short transfer to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s 9th century ancient capital.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Hanoi La Siesta Hotel, Hanoi
DAY 6: HALONG BAY JUNK CRUISE
Transfer to Ha Long Bay Port. The breathtaking UNESCO world heritage site of Ha Long Bay is northern Vietnam’s prime visitor destination, a glorious stretch of turquoise sea dotted with tiny islands, grottoes, and towering limestone cliffs. On arrival, step aboard the Dragon Pearl Junk, a deluxe traditional Vietnamese sailing vessel, for a two night stay. Enjoy a freshly caught seafood lunch before a tranquil sail to gorgeous Bai Tu Long Bay, renowned for its pristine beaches and distinctive karst (limestone) landscapes. Spend the afternoon swimming and kayaking, followed by a sunset dinner and peaceful night at sea.
Meals included: All meals
Accommodation: Dragon Pearl Junk, Ha Long Bay
DAY 7: HALONG & BAI TU LONG BAY JUNK CRUISE - SWIMMING & KAYAKING
Today, enjoy the beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay. After breakfast, cruise to the historic floating village of Cong Dam through a remarkable natural landscape of unique rock formations emerging from the sea. After lunch on board, sail to Hon Co Island for a leisurely afternoon of swimming, kayaking, and glorious scenery. Dinner is served on board.
Meals included: all meals
Accommodation: Dragon Pearl Junk, Ha Long Bay
DAY 8: HA LONG BAY TO HUE
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning of swimming and cruising. Following lunch on board, return to Ha Long Bay Port and disembark. Relax during a scenic 3½ hour road transfer to Hanoi to catch the evening overnight train to Hue. Accommodation is available in private air conditioned first class cabins. If you prefer, you can instead fly with overnight in hotel in Hue.
Meals included: all meals
Accommodation: Sleeper Train - Private AC Cabin
DAY 9: HUE IMPERIAL CITADEL TOUR AND PERFUME RIVER CRUISE
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic morning cruise along Hue’s Perfume River, and a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda. Travel by rickshaw to the ancient Imperial Citadel and Royal Palace for a guided tour, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon, visit the magnificent Royal Tombs at the Emperor’s Residence. Enjoy dinner at one of the many local restaurants or at the hotel, depending on preference.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Eldora Hotel, Hue
DAY 10: HUE TO HOI AN VIA LANG CO BEACH & THE MARBLE MOUNTAINS
After breakfast, cycle to Hue's bustling Dong Ba Market for some souvenir shopping, before your check out and road transfer to Hoi An. En route, stop off at tranquil Lang Co beach near Danang, a glorious 10km stretch of palm shaded white sand, fringed by the East Sea. Afterwards, visit the impressive Marble Mountains, five distinctive jutting peaks each named after one of the elements (water, wood, fire, metal, earth) and crowned with ornate pagodas. Arrive for a four night stay at the stylish Boutique Hoi An Resort, a chic beachfront property whose inviting pool and tranquil tropical gardens overlook a lovely sandy beach. Dine at the hotel restaurant or take a complimentary shuttle bus into Hoi An's centre, where there are numerous eateries to choose from.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Boutique Hoi An Resort, Hoi An
DAY 11 - 14: HOI AN - BEACH AND ANCIENT TOWN
Enjoy An Bang Beach, which boasts white sand and clear waters plus several attractive restaurants and beach bars. The hotel runs a complimentary shuttle service into central Hoi An, whilst excursions further afield include the stunning historic Hindu temples of My Son, approximately one hour’s drive away.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Boutique Hoi An Resort, Hoi An
DAY 14: FLY TO HO CHI MINH CITY & VISIT CU CHI TUNNELS
(Note: If short of time, you can cut HCM City out of the trip and depart home from Da Nang Airport.)
After breakfast take a 40 minute chauffeured drive to Da Nang airport, for a 1 ½ hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, take a 30 minute chauffeured transfer to Liberty Central Saigon Centre Hotel in Ho Chi Minh, for a two night stay. This afternoon enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the legendary Chi Chi Tunnels, built by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. There is the option to go underground into this vast subterranean maze, which stretched 250 km and included living areas, weapon factories, communication centres, and hospitals. Afterwards, enjoy a picturesque drive back to the hotel, with a visit en route to a rice paper workshop. Spend the evening at leisure, dining at the hotel or at one of Ho Chi Minh’s excellent restaurants.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Liberty Central Saigon Centre, Ho Chi Minh City
DAY 15: HO CHI MINH
Free day to explore Ho Chi Minh. Perhaps visit the bustling Cho Lon market, a hidden Chinese pagoda, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office and City Hall. Or even head out for a crazy day at Ho Chi Minh’s Dam Sen Water Park, which boasts a host of waterslides and rides to tempt visitors of all ages, along with several pools and a zipwire
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Liberty Central Saigon Centre, Ho Chi Minh City
DAY 16: DEPARTURE
Today make the 30 minute chauffeured journey to Tan Son Nhat International Airport, in time for your onward journey.
Meals included: breakfast
Guide price is based on recommended accommodations. Alternative accommodations and upgrades are available. Please get in touch for alternatives and upgrade options.
Flights from the UK
Vietnam Airlines fly direct from the UK to Vietnam, with an 11–13 hour flight time. Indirect flights with one stop and an overall flight time of between 16-24 hours are available with Air China, Turkish Airlines, BA/Cathay Pacific, Qatar, Thai Airways, and Emirates. Return prices start from £400 - £800 per person, subject to seasonality and demand. Please get in touch for a detailed quote including international flights from the UK.
Flights from the US
There are currently no direct flights between the US and Vietnam. The best options involve one stop, usually in China or Taiwan, flying with EVA, China Airlines, China Southern, or Asiana. Flight times are typically 21-24 hours, with return prices starting from $800 to $1,000 per person. From the West Coast, flight times including one stop are available with EVA, Hong Kong Airlines, Air China, and Philippine Airlines, with overall flight times typically 18-24 hours. Return prices start from $540-$700 per person. All prices are subject to seasonality and demand. Please get in touch for a detailed quote including international flights from the US.
Price is sample price based on a family of 4 travelling together. Price includes all accommodation (breakfast only basis with exception of Ha Long Bay Cruise which includes all meals), tours (lunches included with some tours, see itinerary), domestic flight tickets and transfers as mentioned in the itinerary. Price is given as a guide and does not include international flights, actual quote will vary depending on the number and age of your children, your travel dates and accommodation availability. Please call or enquire for a tailor-made quote including international flights.
Vietnam is a year-round destination with three distinct weather systems. November to April is the period of lowest rainfall, and consequently the most popular time to visit. From May to October, when rain comes to the north and south of country, the central regions generally remain hot and dry.
NOVEMBER - FEBRUARY
Start of peak season. Most of the country enjoys hot, dry weather during November and December, excluding central regions, which may experience a few heavy showers. During January and February the majority of the country usually enjoys hot dry weather, with cooler temperatures in Hanoi and the north.
MARCH - MAY
Peak season for visitors. Ha Long usually enjoys blue skies and great visibility, whilst Hoi An becomes a prime beach destination from late March onwards. From April into May, the whole country enjoys hot, sunny weather. Towards the end of May, temperatures start to rise and the rains begin in the north and south.
JUNE - JULY
June is a good time to visit Hanoi, Mai Chau, and Ha Long, where weather is mostly still clear and dry with blue skies. Infrequent showers in the north and south of the country increase during July, whilst central regions including Hue and the beach resorts of Hoi An and Lang Co enjoy long periods of sun and little rain during this period.
AUGUST - OCTOBER
Vietnam’s low season sees increasingly frequent rain showers affecting the country’s northern and southern extremities, including popular visitor destinations such as Hanoi in the north, and Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta in the south. Central Vietnam is drier during August, with wet weather increasing towards the end of September. By October, northern areas are beginning to dry up, and sunny spells are on the increase.
Vietnam is stunning and diverse, both geographically and culturally. This itinerary spans the north and south of the country and would suit an active family interested in cultural and historic highlights, along with easy cycling, relaxing boat cruises, and beach visits. The eclectic, upmarket accommodation offerings include a traditional sailing vessel, a rural eco lodge, urban hotels, and a palm fringed beach resort. Be prepared for a fair bit of travel between destinations, complemented by plenty of relaxation on arrival.
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
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I would like to say a massive thank you for organising our Vietnam trip. The itinerary and execution were superb, as was the attention to detail. I would also like to thank the agent who was on the end of my whats app chat (I have no idea who they were!) – always available, always quick to respond, and kept me updated regarding times etc. Also, the guides Dan (north) and Tien (mid) were just excellent, and we really enjoyed their company. The lady (whose name I have forgotten) who was our additional guide for the DMZ day was exceedingly good and made that day very special.
fiona g reviewing Complete Vietnam For Families on 15 April 2024
Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!
Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.
Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!
All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.
Thanks you once again!
Hardeep S reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 15 April 2024
I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024
Our itineraries are carefully designed by our experienced travel designers based on years of experience and customer feedback. For a custom itinerary tailored to you, please enquire giving as much detail as possible on your brief.