Vietnam Family tour 14 days

Welcome to Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam! Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in and relaxation

Once settled, take advantage of this first evening to unwind after your flight or for a gentle first family exploration. For your first family meal in Vietnam, we highly recommend venturing into the historic Old Quarter to savor an authentic bun cha (grilled pork with noodles) or Vietnam’s most famous dish, pho.

Hanoi Old Quarter.

Night in Hanoi.

After breakfast, your day of exploration begins.

The morning starts with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Presidential Palace grounds and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda. The morning continues with a particularly engaging activity for the whole family: a visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. This is a major highlight for families, as the extensive outdoor exhibition allows you to walk into and climb through various full-scale traditional houses from different ethnic minority groups. You then make a brief stop at the Long Bien Bridge for a stunning view over the Red River.

After a delicious local lunch, you will visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, a beautifully preserved complex dedicated to Confucius and scholarly success. In the late afternoon, enjoy a relaxing stroll around the serene Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple via the iconic red bridge.

To conclude this cultural day, the family will enjoy a unique ride: a cyclo tour through the chaotic yet charming 36 guild streets of the Old Quarter, offering a fantastic view of evening street life and a fun way to navigate the area. The tour concludes with a special local dinner, perhaps sampling Hanoi’s famous cha ca, before returning to your hotel.

Take a cyclo ride to discover the vibrant Hanoi Old Quarter.

Night in Hanoi.

After breakfast, you leave Hanoi to head towards the world-famous Halong Bay (approx. 2.5 hours drive). Upon arrival at the harbor, you will be warmly welcomed aboard your selected luxury junk boat

After settling into your spacious family cabin, a delectable lunch will be served as the ship begins its majestic journey through the thousands of limestone karsts that pierce the emerald waters.

Discover Halong Bay on wooden junk boat.

The afternoon is filled with guided activities suitable for all ages: you will explore one of the most stunning limestone caves, such as the Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), and then participate in water activities like kayaking or swimming at a secluded beach. Return to the cruise to join a fun Vietnamese cooking class demonstration on the sundeck as the sun sets, before enjoying a sumptuous dinner.

Night on the junk boat.

Wake up early to witness a breathtaking Halong sunrise, perhaps participating in an optional Tai Chi session on the deck. After brunch, the ship will sail toward an area famous for a final cave exploration, often involving a light climb suitable for children.

You disembark late morning and are transferred back to Hanoi by private car. After checking back into your hotel, you have some free time before the main evening event. You might want to visit Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton) for a historical perspective or spend time browsing the unique shops in the Old Quarter.

In the evening, a unique cultural experience awaits: you will attend the spectacular water puppet show. This unique Vietnamese art form uses a pool of water as a stage, where puppeteers deftly maneuver the wooden puppets to tell ancient folk tales and portray scenes of rural life, all accompanied by live traditional music.

Watch a Water Puppet show in Hanoi

Night in Hanoi.

Today, you embark on a full-day excursion to Ninh Binh, the stunning region known as the “Terrestrial Halong Bay”.

The morning is spent visiting Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient royal capital. Here, you will explore the beautifully preserved temples dedicated to emperors Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh, learning about Vietnam’s 10th-century feudal history.

After lunch, the most anticipated activity: a tranquil, picturesque rowing boat trip through the breathtaking scenery of Tam Coc and Trang An. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as your local rower navigates you through rice fields and limestone caves, a truly serene and cinematic moment. For those who wish, a leisurely bike ride is suggested to explore the villages and incredible landscapes of the region, and a short climb to the Mua Cave viewpoint offers a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the entire region.

Discover Tam Coc by boat.

Return to Hanoi late in the day. Night in Hanoi.

Enjoy your final breakfast in Hanoi. The morning is at your leisure for any last-minute activities. You might consider visiting a local café for a traditional Vietnamese coffee or hunting for unique souvenirs at Dong Xuan Market. Your driver will then transfer you to the airport for your domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

Upon arrival, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The evening is free. We recommend exploring the modern side of the city by visiting a rooftop bar for a stunning evening view or having dinner at a restaurant in the trendy District 1, sampling flavorful Southern dishes, such as banh xeo (sizzling crispy pancakes).

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City.

Night in Ho Chi Minh City.

Your day begins with a fascinating dive into history at the Cu Chi Tunnels. This vast and intricate underground network built by Vietnamese soldiers offers a unique perspective on life during the Vietnam War. You will watch a documentary, see various booby traps, and, for a deeper understanding, family members can crawl through a short, widened section of the tunnels. There is even a shooting range available for a unique and thrilling experience.

Discover the hidden hideouts in Cu Chi Tunnels.

After lunch, you return to the city center for a tour of colonial landmarks: the Reunification Palace (the site where the Vietnam War officially ended), the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral (a gothic structure built in the 19th century), and the beautiful Central Post Office (designed by Gustave Eiffel). You conclude the day with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, houses artifacts that depict Vietnam’s glorious history.

Night in Ho Chi Minh City

A much-needed free day for the family to customize their adventure! You have countless options in this vibrant city.

For Thrill Seekers, spend the day at Dam Sen Water Park or Suoi Tien Cultural Theme Park for rides, water slides, and fun. Visit the FITO Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine for an aromatic and insightful look at ancient healing, or spend the morning exploring the bustling Ben Thanh Market for unique souvenirs and street snacks.

Suoi Tien Waterpark in Ho Chi Minh City.

Take an evening street food tour for an exciting culinary adventure, sampling local delicacies from hidden alleyways. For deeper relaxation, enjoy the hotel pool or indulge in a relaxing family massage or spa treatment.

Night in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast at your hotel, the guide pick you up and transfer you to Ben Tre (around 1.5 hours drive). Stop halfway in My Tho to visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, a Buddhist architectural work combining of Eastern and Western influences. Then we will take a boat on along one of the tributaries of Mekong River, watching busy traffic and lively activities along river.

Take boat ride through the Mekong Delta’s lush cannals.

In Ben Tre, visit one of the plenty of coconut processing workshops where coconut candies are made and have a chance to learn the coconut candies making process, a hand-on experience and an opportunity to dive in local tradition. Take a walk to family making sleep mats.

After lunch, the true immersion begins. Hop on a cart powered by a motorbike or biking and traveling through some tranquil villages where you will visit some fruit orchards, taste fresh tropical fruits like mango and durian, and get a closer look at the Delta life.

In the late afternoon, you continue by road to Can Tho. Night in Can Tho.

An early start is essential for today’s unforgettable adventure! Before dawn, you board a boat to visit the Cai Rang Floating Market. This is the largest market of its kind in the Delta, where you can witness hundreds of boats exchange goods, mainly fruits and vegetables, advertising their wares by hanging samples from a tall pole.

Unique shopping experience on the water only found in Mekong Delta regions.

You will stop to buy fresh pineapple right from a merchant boat and enjoy hu tieu, a local breakfast noodle soup right on the river, offering a truly sensory experience. After the market, you explore a village to see how rice noodles and rice paper are made.

After lunch, you are transferred to Can Tho airport for a flight to the paradise island of Phu Quoc. Upon arrival, transfer to your seaside resort to begin your well-deserved relaxation segment.

Night in Phu Quoc.

Your first full day on Phu Quoc can be dedicated entirely to coastal relaxation and family bonding.

Start your morning with a leisurely breakfast overlooking the ocean. The primary activity for the day is enjoying the resort’s facilities and the pristine beaches. Head to your resort’s stretch of Long Beach (Bai Dai) or take a short taxi ride to the famous Star Beach (Bai Sao), renowned for its powdery white sand and incredibly calm, turquoise waters. It’s perfect and safe for young children to swim and play. Parents can truly unwind, choosing to settle into a beach chair, rent a seaside cabana, or enjoy a refreshing cocktail at a seaside beach club.

Bai Sao beach in Phu Quoc.

For an afternoon indulgence, treat the whole family to a soothing traditional Vietnamese spa treatment or a relaxing foot massage, recharging fully before the next day’s adventures. Optional Evening Activity: Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at a local restaurant on Long Beach as the sun sets.

Night in Phu Quoc.

Today presents a clear choice between two equally exciting family adventures.

For adventurers and nature lovers, embark on a boat trip to the Southern An Thoi Archipelago. This excursion is ideal for older children and teens, offering opportunities for snorkeling or diving among vibrant coral reefs near islands like Hon Gam Ghi or Hon Mong Tay. Conclude the day with a memorable sunset cruise off the coast, perhaps a fishing trip, enjoying the stunning tropical colors reflecting on the water.

Snorkeling in Phu Quoc.

For truly fun-filled experience, take a full day out on the North Island adventure. Visit VinWonders, one of Southeast Asia’s largest theme parks, featuring thrilling rides, a massive water park, and a grand aquarium. Visit the nearby Vinpearl Safari, Vietnam’s largest open zoo, where the family can enjoy a unique “safari bus” experience, getting up close with animals like giraffes, lions, and elephants in their semi-natural habitats.

Night in Phu Quoc.

Your final full day can be planned to discovering the unique cultural and natural products of Phu Quoc, offering great educational value for the family.

Start with a visit to a local pepper plantation, where you can learn about the harvesting process of the island’s famous black and white pepper, known for its strong aroma. Explore a traditional nuoc mam (fish sauce) factory to understand the long, ancient fermentation process behind this crucial Vietnamese condiment (a highly unique and pungent experience!). You can then explore the serene natural beauty of the Phu Quoc National Park or visit the quaint Hàm Ninh Fishing Village to see the local way of life and perhaps try some fresh sea urchin.

Sunrise over Ham Ninh colors the lives of fishing villages in Vietnam.

In the evening, gather the family for a vibrant culinary experience at the Phu Quoc Night Market in Duong Dong town. Here, you can sample fresh seafood, unique street snacks (like coconut ice cream), and pick up local souvenirs.

Night in Phu Quoc.

Enjoy your final Vietnamese breakfast at the hotel. This morning is free, depending on your flight schedule, allowing you time for some very last-minute coffee, a final walk by the beach, or simply relaxing. Your private driver will then transfer you from your hotel to the airport for your onward flight.

After 14 unforgettable days of this comprehensive Vietnam tour, you have journeyed across the entire country, from the cultural heart of Hanoi to the tropical serenity of Phu Quoc. This trip successfully combined education, adventure, and relaxation, creating a tapestry of varied and precious family memories that will last a lifetime.

We hope that every activity on our family vacations in Vietnam, from the Halong cruise to the bike ride in the Mekong – delighted every member of your family and inspired a continued love for travel and discovery.