Vietnam Getaway: From Heritage to Beaches 14 days

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, meet your private driver and transfer to your hotel in Hanoi to settle in and relax.

The rest of the day is free to unwind after your journey or take your first glimpse of Hanoi’s vibrant streets, where fragrant food, bustling traffic, and the energy of daily life offer a lively introduction to Vietnam.

Meet your guide and begin your full-day exploration of Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital.

Start at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of Vietnam’s beloved leader, before visiting his house-on-stilts, and the Presidential Palace. Together, these landmarks offer a glimpse into the life and legacy of Vietnam’s beloved leader. 

Note: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is viewed from the outside. It is closed on Mondays, Fridays, and annually from June to August.

Admire the unique architecture of One Pillar Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s most iconic cultural symbols. Built in the shape of a lotus rising from the water, this centuries-old pagoda reflects the country’s deep spiritual traditions and distinctive architectural heritage.

Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university and a timeless symbol of the country’s long-standing respect for learning.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and savor the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

Later, take a leisurely cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where bustling streets, small shops, street vendors, and daily life come together to reveal the authentic rhythm of the capital. 

At the end of the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Begin your culinary journey at a bustling local market, where you will explore colorful stalls in search of fresh ingredients for the day’s cooking class. Along the way, learn how to bargain with local vendors and discover the vibrant flavors and ingredients that form the foundation of Vietnamese cuisine.

Continue to a local cooking class and learn how to prepare a selection of traditional Vietnamese dishes under the guidance of a skilled local chef. From chopping fresh ingredients to mastering traditional cooking techniques, each step offers a fun and hands-on introduction to the flavors of Vietnam.

Once the dishes are ready, gather around the table and enjoy the meal you have prepared together, savoring the authentic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

At the end of the class, receive a cooking certificate to commemorate your hands-on culinary experience. 

Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Leave Hanoi behind this morning and travel to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its emerald waters and towering limestone karsts.

Upon arrival, board your overnight cruise and settle into your cabin as the journey into this breathtaking seascape begins.

Savor lunch on board while cruising through the emerald waters of Halong Bay, surrounded by towering limestone islands and dramatic karst formations. 

In the afternoon, take part in a selection of activities, from kayaking and bamboo boat rides to exploring one of the bay’s fascinating caves, depending on the cruise itinerary.

Back on board, enjoy the peaceful beauty of Halong Bay as the sun begins to set. Take part in a Vietnamese cooking class to learn how to make local spring rolls, or relax on the sundeck with a refreshing drink during Happy Hour. 

After dinner, spend the evening enjoying activities on board, such as squid fishing and board games, or simply relax on the sundeck and admire the peaceful beauty of Halong Bay beneath the stars. 

Note:

• Our guide will not join you on the cruise. The English-speaking cruise crew will assist you during the journey.
• The itinerary may vary depending on the cruise. Please contact our travel consultant for more details.

Wake up to the peaceful scenery of Halong Bay and start the morning with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck or simply enjoy some quiet time on board. 

After breakfast, continue with the cruise’s itinerary to explore more of Halong Bay, with activities such as visiting hidden caves, paddling through tranquil waters, or discovering other scenic spots around the bay.

Return to the cruise to check out, then enjoy a final brunch on board as you sail back to the harbor. 

After disembarking, transfer to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Hoi An.

Check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Begin your morning with a walking tour through the historic heart of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved architecture and rich trading heritage.

Start at Hoi An Market, where local vendors fill the stalls with fresh produce, regional specialties, and everyday goods, offering a glimpse into the lively rhythm of local life.

Continue to the Fujian Assembly Hall, an ornate place of worship built by the Fujian Chinese community and dedicated to the goddess Thien Hau.

Visit Phung Hung Ancient House and Tan Ky Ancient House, two beautifully preserved merchant homes that reflect Hoi An’s multicultural heritage and centuries-old trading history.

Continue to the Museum of Folk Culture, where traditional crafts and everyday objects offer a glimpse into the local way of life. Then, enjoy a traditional performance at the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House before ending the walking tour at the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a 400-year-old landmark shaped by Hoi An’s multicultural heritage. 

Then join a hands-on lantern-making class and learn how these colorful symbols of Hoi An are carefully crafted. With guidance from a local artisan, create your own lantern to take home as a meaningful souvenir of your time in this charming heritage town.

Start the day with a bike ride to a local market, where you can browse the stalls, see how locals shop for fresh produce, and pick up ingredients for the day’s activities. 

Continue cycling through the countryside to Tra Que Vegetable Village, a traditional farming community surrounded by lush vegetable gardens.

Step into the vegetable gardens and work alongside local farmers, learning traditional techniques as you help tend the crops and care for the fields. 

With fresh local ingredients at hand, join a hands-on cooking class and discover the secrets behind traditional dishes. Guided by a local chef, work together to prepare and cook a selection of Vietnamese specialties, from the first preparations to the final flavors.

Sit down to enjoy the flavors of your homemade dishes before returning to your hotel. 

Enjoy two free days in Hoi An at your own pace. Relax at your hotel, explore the charming streets of the Ancient Town, discover local cafés and shops, or simply unwind after your days of cultural experiences. 

If you would like to add more experiences to your journey, take a look at the optional tours below (available at an additional cost), or contact your travel consultant for recommendations.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Hoi An before transferring to Da Nang International Airport for your flight to Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s tropical island paradise. 

Upon arrival, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel, where you can check in and begin your beach escape at your own pace.

Enjoy three days of leisure on Phu Quoc, with plenty of time to relax on the island’s beautiful beaches, swim in the turquoise waters, and enjoy quality family time at your own pace.

For those who would like to discover more of the island, we have included several suggested tours below (with additional cost). You can also contact our travel consultant for personalized recommendations and assistance in choosing the experiences that best suit your family.

Enjoy your final morning in Phu Quoc at leisure before checking out of your hotel. At the appropriate time, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight, bringing your memorable family journey through Vietnam to an end.