Vietnam Family Vacation from North to South 11 days

On arrival at the airport, you’ll be met by our driver and transferred to your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter.

After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to settle in or head out for a wander through the Old Quarter. Its maze of narrow streets, each once linked to a different trade, offers a great first glimpse of local life, street food, and the city’s character.

If you’d like a guided introduction to Hanoi, you might be keen on one of these optional experiences:

Just let us know if you’d like help booking either option.

Today’s experience is all about food, fun, and learning together.

Your family will be picked up from your accommodation in the Hanoi Old Quarter and taken to a lively local market. Here, your guide will introduce you to the sights, sounds, and flavours of everyday Vietnamese life. Kids can enjoy learning how locals shop, practise a bit of friendly bargaining, and discover the fresh herbs, vegetables, and spices used in Vietnamese cooking.

After the market visit, head to the cooking school where the chef will demonstrate how to prepare a range of traditional dishes.

Then it’s your turn to get involved. With help from the chef, your family will cook your own meals and learn a few handy tips along the way.

Once everything is ready, sit down and enjoy the dishes you’ve made together.

You’ll also receive recipes to take home, along with a certificate as a fun keepsake from the day.

After the class, transfer back to your accommodation.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax or keep exploring Hanoi.

Optional experiences

Just let us know if you’d like to add any of these.

Morning

After breakfast, depart Hanoi around 08:00 – 08:30 and travel to the stunning Halong Bay.

The drive takes roughly 2.5 hours via the expressway, bringing you to one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonders.

On arrival, board your overnight cruise and settle in. You’ll be welcomed by the crew with a refreshing drink before receiving a short introduction to the journey ahead.

As the cruise begins gliding through the bay’s limestone karsts and emerald waters, enjoy lunch on board while taking in the scenery.

Afternoon

This afternoon, join the activities included in your cruise itinerary. Depending on the cruise, you may visit a floating fishing village, explore caves, or head out kayaking through calm waters and hidden lagoons.

It’s a great chance for the family to enjoy the natural beauty of Halong Bay together.

Evening

Return to the main boat and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner on board.

Later, the evening is yours to enjoy. You might like to try squid fishing, play a few games with the family, or simply relax on deck under the stars.

Spending the night surrounded by the peaceful scenery of Halong Bay is a real highlight of the trip.

NOTE: Itineraries may vary based on the specific cruise you choose.

Morning

Start the day with a light breakfast on board as the cruise continues through Halong Bay.

Later, visit one of the bay’s well-known caves, depending on your cruise route. This may include Sung Sot Cave, Trung Trang Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, or another scenic stop. These caves are known for their impressive limestone formations and unique natural beauty.

After the excursion, return to the boat and enjoy your final cruise through the bay.

As the vessel heads back to harbour, complete check-out and enjoy brunch on board while taking in the last views of Halong Bay.

Afternoon 

Around noon, disembark and meet your driver for the journey back to Hanoi.

Once back in the city, you’ll have some free time to relax, freshen up, or head out for a quick wander before your evening departure.

Evening

Tonight, make your way to Hanoi Railway Station and board the overnight sleeper train to Hue.

Travelling by train is a memorable way to see another side of Vietnam and adds a bit of adventure for the family. 

NOTE: Breakfast is not served on the train, so it’s a good idea to pick up a few snacks beforehand. 

Morning

Arrive in Hue and meet your friendly local guide before setting off to explore the city’s rich history.

Your first stop is the former Royal Palace, part of Hue’s grand citadel complex. Wander through the historic grounds and learn about the Nguyen Dynasty, which once ruled Vietnam from this imperial capital.

Next, visit the famous Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s best-known landmarks. Set beside the Perfume River, this peaceful pagoda is home to the city’s oldest monastery and offers a calm, scenic setting for the family to enjoy.

Afternoon 

Continue with a walk through the impressive Imperial City, located within the Citadel.

Surrounded by thick walls and moats, this vast complex was once reserved for emperors and the royal court. You’ll have time to admire the old gates, courtyards, and historic architecture while hearing stories of Hue’s royal past.

After the tour, return to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

Optional Evening Experience

If you’re keen to sample more local flavour, you might like to join the Hue Night Food Tour (from US $48 /pax).

Distance & Est. time: Cycling 6 km

Morning

This morning, set off on a relaxed family cycling trip through the countryside around Hue.

Ride towards the boat station, with your first stop at Sinh Village, where you’ll meet a local family known for traditional wood painting. Learn about this long-standing craft and see how these handmade artworks are created.

Continue cycling through quiet village lanes to Thanh Tien Village, famous for its colourful paper flowers.

From here, pedal through rice paddies and peaceful rural scenery to Tien Non Hamlet, giving the family a chance to enjoy a slower side of Vietnam.

After the ride, board a local boat back towards Hue.

Note: Total cycling distance is around 6 km, suitable for a gentle family ride.

Later, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and take a short break before continuing south.

Afternoon

Travel by private car from Hue to Hoi An, a journey of around 3 hours.

The drive passes scenic central coast landscapes before arriving in the charming UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An.

After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to relax or head out for a wander through the lantern-lit streets. 

Alternatively, indulge in the local culinary delights with a reference or optional tour, such as the Hoi An Motorbike Street Food Tour Half Day. 

Today is a fun hands-on family experience in the Hoi An countryside.

Your guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you to collect bicycles for the day’s ride.

Once ready, cycle along quiet rural lanes towards Tra Que Vegetable Village, a peaceful farming community just outside Hoi An. Along the way, enjoy views of rice paddies, palm trees, and local village life.

On arrival, receive a warm welcome from the local farmers and take time to explore the gardens.

Then it’s time to get involved. The family can join in simple farming activities such as preparing the soil, planting herbs, watering crops, and harvesting fresh produce. It’s an enjoyable and interactive way for kids and adults alike to learn about daily life in rural Vietnam.

After the farming session, sit down for a fresh home-cooked lunch made with ingredients grown in the village. The meal is a lovely chance to sample local flavours straight from the garden.

Throughout the day, you’ll also gain insight into traditional farming methods that have been passed down through generations.

Return to Hoi An later in the day, with the rest of the afternoon free to relax or continue exploring the town.

Morning

This morning, between 07:45 – 08:00, your guide will collect you from the hotel for the drive to Ba Na Hills, a popular mountain resort known for its cooler climate, sweeping views, and family-friendly attractions.

On arrival, board the cable car from Suoi Mo Station and enjoy the scenic ride up through forested hills, waterfalls, and misty mountain landscapes.

Once at the top, visit the famous Golden Bridge, one of Vietnam’s most recognisable landmarks. Suspended above the hills and held by giant stone hands, it’s a great spot for family photos and panoramic views.

Continue to Jardin D’Amour, a beautifully landscaped garden filled with flowers, fountains, and themed sections perfect for a relaxed stroll.

Afterwards, enjoy a buffet lunch featuring a wide range of Vietnamese and international dishes.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon at Fantasy Park, an indoor entertainment complex with games, rides, and attractions suitable for both kids and adults.

Later, continue to King Peak at around 1,487 metres, where you can take in broad mountain views and enjoy the fresh alpine air.

At the end of the visit, return by cable car and transfer back to your hotel.

NOTE: The ticket for this tour includes round-trip cable car rides and access to main attractions such as the Golden Bridge, Fantasy Park, and Moon Castle. It does not cover the Wax Museum, Debay Wine Cellar, or a selection of premium games.

Morning

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

On arrival, meet your local driver and begin discovering Vietnam’s energetic southern hub, still affectionately known by many as Saigon.

Afternoon

Your city tour begins at the Reunification Palace, an important landmark tied to Vietnam’s modern history and the reunification of the country.

Next, visit the War Remnants Museum, which offers a thoughtful and powerful look at the Vietnam War through photographs, artefacts, and historical exhibits.

Continue on to two of the city’s best-known colonial-era buildings — the Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral (Please note that the Notre Dame Cathedral is currently closed indefinitely due to maintenance)

If time allows, stop by a nearby local market where you can soak up the lively atmosphere, browse souvenirs, or try a few local snacks.

After the tour, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Around 07:45, escape the energy of Ho Chi Minh City and set out on a full-day adventure to Can Gio, a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve known for its mangrove forests, wildlife, and riverside landscapes. Meet your guide and travel by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle to this unique coastal region located outside the city.

Your first stop is Monkey United, home to hundreds of playful long-tailed monkeys living freely in the forest. Wander through the reserve and enjoy the chance to observe these curious creatures up close in their natural habitat.

Continue to the Crocodile Farm, where you can learn about these impressive reptiles and witness their remarkable size and strength. Afterwards, board a speedboat for an exciting ride through the winding waterways of the Mangrove Forest. Cruise beneath lush green canopies while admiring the untouched beauty of Can Gio National Park and watching for local wildlife along the riverbanks.

The journey continues to a former wartime base, where your guide will share fascinating stories and historical insights about the area’s role during the Vietnam War.

At midday, enjoy lunch at a well-known local restaurant popular for regional specialties.

Afternoon

After lunch, take some time to relax or enjoy the swimming pool before visiting Can Gio Market. Browse the lively stalls selling fresh produce, seafood, handicrafts, and textiles, with time to practise your bargaining skills.

Before returning to Ho Chi Minh City, receive a special local gift of instant bird’s nest soup tasting. Arrive back at your accommodation in the late afternoon or early evening.

Note: Points of interest may be adjusted without prior notice depending on river tide conditions; however, all scheduled visits will be included.

Enjoy your final morning in Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace before heading to the airport.

You might like to fit in some last-minute shopping, grab a Vietnamese coffee, explore a nearby market, or simply relax at the hotel before your onward journey.

At the arranged time, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Kindly note that hotel check-out is required before 12:00.