Vietnam Family Holiday

Intrepid Travel · 13 days
Vietnam Family Holiday
Vietnam Family Holiday
Vietnam Family Holiday
Vietnam Family Holiday
Vietnam Family Holiday
Vietnam Family Holiday
Vietnam Family Holiday
Vietnam Family Holiday
Vietnam Family Holiday
Vietnam Family Holiday
Vietnam Family Holiday
Vietnam Family Holiday
Vietnam Family Holiday
Vietnam Family Holiday
13 Days
From AUD $2675
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


 (20 reviews)

Vietnam Family Holiday

Vietnam Family Holiday

Intrepid Travel · 13 days
4.7
20 Reviews
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Duration

13 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

With delicious food, scenic natural sites and lots of friendly locals to teach you about the diverse culture, the whole family will fall in love with Vietnam on this 13-day trip.

Highlights

  • Stay in a local’s home in the Mekong Delta – the ‘rice bowl of Vietnam’ – and visit local villages, learning about the way of life here.
  • Wander the coloured buildings, heritage-listed streets and bustling markets of Hoi An, then spend a day chilling out at the local palm-fringed beach.
  • Spend a night aboard a traditional junk boat on the waters of UNESCO World Heritage sits Ha Long Bay. Sleep under the stars after a delicious dinner, then in the morning, maybe opt to go kayaking for a different perspective of the limestone peaks.
  • Take a cyclo tour of Hue for the best introduction to this central Vietnam city and explore the ancient temples dotted around with a knowledgeable local leader by your side.
  • Dine at KOTO in Hanoi, where you and your family will not only feast on delicious northern specialties but also support an excellent cause that helps connect street kids with careers in hospitality.

Trip Details

Duration

13 days

Transportation

Boat,Minibus,Cyclo,Tuk Tuk,Overnight sleeper train,Plane

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Hanoi, Vietnam

Finishes

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Family

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Hanoi
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins in Hanoi – famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, public parks and thriving Old Quarter – with a welcome meeting at 5 pm. If you arrive early, why not head out and explore the Old Quarter at your own pace, maybe searching for a deliciously fresh bahn mi or some Vietnamese iced coffee (for the adults in the group). After the meeting, maybe head out to dinner with your family and fellow travellers – your local leader will always have some great recommendations handy.

Included Activities:

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

Accommodation:

  • Hoa Binh Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Hanoi
Embark on a full day of exploration today. Visit the Museum of Ethnology to learn more about the diverse heritage of Vietnam, then head to the Temple of Literature – an oasis of calm in the heart of town. Enjoy some lunch at KOTO restaurant – a longtime friend of Intrepid that lives by the philosophy of 'know one, teach one'. It supports the underprivileged local youth by giving them a chance at making a career in the hospitality industry. In the evening, sit down to a traditional water puppet performance. This northern tradition, dating back nearly a thousand years, is performed alongside traditional Vietnamese music that employs drums, wooden bells, horns and bamboo flutes.

Included Activities:

  • Hanoi - Temple of Literature
  • Hanoi - Water puppet show
  • Hanoi - Lunch at KOTO
  • Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology

Accommodation:

  • Hoa Binh Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Halong Bay
Travel by minibus to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Ha Long Bay. The bay is a breathtaking and secluded harbour with about 2000 limestone islands jutting out of the waters of the Bac Bo Gulf. When you arrive, hop aboard your private boat and cruise among the dramatic limestone peaks. There's an opportunity to swim in the famous Vietnam East Sea and explore caves filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites today, too. You'll spend a peaceful night on board, beneath a sky alive with stars. Your sailing junk has twin-share cabins that have air-conditioning and private facilities and there's a dining room and bar.

Accommodation:

  • Halong Bay Junk (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Hanoi - Overnight train
If you’re keen, get up for sunrise this morning and watch the bay come alive with light from the deck. Have breakfast on the boat, then maybe head out for an optional early morning kayak. Return to Hanoi by bus, then board an overnight train bound for Hue. As the former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue holds the treasures of Vietnam's royal past. It's a curious mix of bustling streets and tranquil settings. Although conditions are basic on your train journey, overnight trains are a classic South East Asian experience and the best way to travel long distances with the locals. Lie back and enjoy the ride! Most trains have a dining carriage serving simple food, but it's a good idea to stock up on fresh bread, cheese and fruit before you head off.

Optional Activities:

  • Halong Bay - Kayaking Tour (250000 VND)

Accommodation:

  • Overnight Sleeper Train (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Hue
Arrive in Hue early this morning. Your leader will help you chose a local, tasty breakfast after you disembark, then you’ll you’ll have some free time to freshen up before an afternoon cyclo tour. Journey through the streets of Hue, travelling around the citadel, passing through the local fruit and vegetable markets before stopping over at Ho Chi Minh’s house.

Included Activities:

  • Hue - Cyclo Tour

Accommodation:

  • Thanh Lich Hue hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Hue
This morning, visit the Imperial Citadel – the best-preserved remnant of a royal centre that once existed on this fortified site. The unique fortifications are fascinating to see, even though much of this place has sadly been destroyed by war. You’ll then visit the Forbidden Purple City, which was almost totally wiped out during the Tet Offensive of 1968. The gaping holes left by bombs give an idea of the shocking destruction that wreaked upon the country during the war. See the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and the central lake set amid a grove of frangipani and pine trees. Then visit the Thien Mu Pagoda – considered by many to be the unofficial symbol of Hue, this active Buddhist monastery originated in 1601 and one of the most poignant displays here is a car belonging to a former monk who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime. After, stop into a local non-government organisation that supports Hue’s deaf community by providing training, employment, support and a place to connect with others. Here, you’ll meet the hosts and be welcomed with a cup of tea. You’ll be taught a few words in sign language so you can communicate (something priceless to take home with you!), then you’ll take part in a paper flower-making workshop. Your hosts will help you and the kids to make paper flowers that you can then take home as souvenirs.

Included Activities:

  • Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
  • Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour
  • Hue - Lavin Home paper flower making
  • Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda

Accommodation:

  • Thanh Lich Hue hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Hoi An
Travelling by bus this morning, heading south through coastal rice paddies, then through the Hai Van Pass in the mountains to Hoi An. Recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An is beautifully preserved and is perfect for strolling, with many beautiful Japanese houses and Chinese temples lining the narrow lanes. Parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago! It's also a shopping haven and the even the kids are sure to love the many shops and markets selling original paintings, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery and lanterns. Hoi An has also become famous for its tailoring, with a great variety of fabrics and tailors to choose from!

Included Activities:

  • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour

Optional Activities:

  • Hoi An - Cooking Class. (33 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hoi An Coco River Resort & Spa or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Hoi An
After breakfast, spend the morning at a local beach relaxing on the palm-fringed white sands and taking in the views of the Cham islands. Transfer back to town and pop into a local restaurant where you’ll learn how to make ‘white rose cake’ – one of Hoi An’s most popular street foods. These tasty savoury dumplings are made with rice paper and minced shrimp and named after their resemblance to a white flower. Once your local instructors have taught you how to make these delicious parcels, sit down together and tuck into your creations for lunch. This hands-on experience is one the whole family will enjoy!

Included Activities:

  • Hoi An - White Rose Cake cooking class

Accommodation:

  • Hoi An Coco River Resort & Spa or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Hoi An
Today is a free day to explore Hoi An’s Old Town at your own pace. Maybe take a cooking class and learn the secrets of preparing local specialties like cao lau (dark pork broth with thick yellow noodles, sliced pork, bean sprouts, green vegetables and croutons). Alternatively, hire some bikes and take the family out on a cycling trip into the gorgeous surrounding countryside. Another great activity for the kids is a bamboo basket ride down the waterways of the jungle – to organise any optional day trips and activities, just chat to your leader.

Optional Activities:

  • Hoi An - Thu Bon river boat trip (100000 VND)
  • Hoi An - Countryside bicycle hire (60000 VND)

Accommodation:

  • Hoi An Coco River Resort & Spa or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City
Take a short flight to the economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is characterised by a vast array of sights and sounds – a fascinating blend of old and new, East and West. Check out Ben Thanh Market and tuck into a local lunch of street food during an orientation walk with your leader. After, you're free to explore the city on your own. Your leader will have plenty of interesting and fun ideas for you and the kids. Consider scooting off on cyclos to Cholon – the Chinatown area of Ho Chi Minh City – for a bit of temple-hopping. Or visit the Vietnamese version of a department store for some shopping.

Included Activities:

  • Ho Chi Minh City - Orientation Walk

Optional Activities:

  • Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace (40000 VND)
  • Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum (40000 VND)

Accommodation:

  • Riverside Saigon hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: Mekong Delta
Head down to the Mekong Delta and visit unexplored Ben Tre, where coconut is everything! The fertile delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits and flowers. When you arrive into ‘the rice bowl of Vietnam’, board your private boat and cruise along the maze of waterways to visit some local cottage industries. This is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at a different part of the local economy. Then, head to your overnight homestay by the water where you’ll be invited into a family home for a true local experience and a chance to see daily life from the inside.

Included Activities:

  • Mekong Delta - Homestay and Boat Cruise

Accommodation:

  • Overnight at Homestay Ben Tre (Number of Nights: 1)
12
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City
Life in the delta starts with the sun, so embrace the day early. You’ll visit a local market before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City for one last night. You should arrive in the afternoon, which will give you time to explore at your own pace and take on anything you didn’t have a chance to do the first time. Tonight, why not head out with your fellow families for an optional farewell dinner, where you can celebrate a trip well travelled!

Included Activities:

  • Mekong Delta - Local market visit

Accommodation:

  • Riverside Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
13
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City
With no activities planned after breakfast, you’re free to leave at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay in Ho Chi Minh City, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Optional Activities:

  • Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure (39 USD)
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $2,675
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 13 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

With delicious food, scenic natural sites and lots of friendly locals to teach you about the diverse culture, the whole family will fall in love with Vietnam on this 13-day trip.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 01 Jan 2027

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Michelle
Traveled, April 2024

04/15/2024

Travelling with Intrepid gave us a great insight into the different areas of Vietnam whilst travelling with a guide and other families made the whole experience better. We felt safe and stress free.

5.0
Amanda
Traveled, March 2024

04/16/2024

Our tour of Vietnam was better then I ever hoped for - our guide really made the trip Manh was incredible

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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