Vietnam Family Adventure
Experience Overview
From the spectacular limestone seascape of Ha Long Bay to the frenetic streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is a country of contrasts and surprises. The cities are an assault on the senses: noisy, colourful, aromatic and totally absorbing. We tour Hanoi by cyclo and have the option to see a traditional water puppet show. We have quieter time too, snorkelling at Whale Island, exploring the fascinating Mekong Delta by boat and cycling past green paddy fields near Hoi An. We also have the chance to enjoy the superb Vietnamese cuisine and master our chopstick skills.
Profile
— Accommodation: 2 Superior nights (hotel), 9 Classic nights (8 hotel/resort, 1 Ha Long Bay boat), 2 Simple nights (sleeper train and homestay) — 13 days of sightseeing, boat trips, kayaking and exploration — Travel by private minibus, boat, bike, train and two internal flights
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 2 Superior nights (hotel), 9 Classic nights (8 hotel/resort, 1 Ha Long Bay boat), 2 Simple nights (sleeper train and homestay) — 13 days of sightseeing, boat trips, kayaking and exploration — Travel by private minibus, boat, bike, train and two internal flights
Trip For You
This trip has been rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page.
Though this trip has been designed for 13 to 16-year-olds, it’s also suitable for nine to 12-year-olds. Our Family trips are aimed at children in the primary age group, so if your child is in the secondary age group, they may find it a little harder. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Trip pace
This trip is designed so you can see the best of Vietnam using a mixture of private buses, boats and flights. There is a lot to see in the time you are here, but the itinerary is paced to feel relatively unrushed. Travel is kept to a minimum, but there are a few longer drives. There is plenty of time for sightseeing and the trip has numerous stops where we spend two or more nights.
Hotels and facilities
Some of the accommodation is modest but clean and tidy. The swimming pools may not be up to Western standards.
Photos
Local people and other Asian tourists may want to take photos of themselves with your children, particularly if they are young, blonde and have blue eyes. You should be prepared for them to do this without asking permission first. You should also be prepared for lots of traffic in the bigger cities, such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where you will have to relearn crossing the street.
Group Description
Qualified Vietnamese leaders who speak English will lead all groups. Local guides may be used at various sites.
Eating Drinking
This trip includes 12 breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners.
Thanks to the tropical climate, the long coast and gigantic range of mountains, Vietnam is blessed with numerous varieties of culinary offerings and maintains a reputation as one of the healthiest, tastiest cuisines in the world.
Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a myriad of verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an important role in the cuisine. The Chinese and French influence is felt throughout the country, where you are just as likely to be offered a banh mi (stuffed baguette) as you are a hot bowl of pho (noodle soup).
Be sure to seek out the national beverages: Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk (a real sugar and caffeine hit) and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is served on most street corners in the north out of large plastic jugs that are perfect for sharing.
Food is cheap in Vietnam, and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere, with the exception of the night in the Mekong Delta.
Vegetarian food is widely available; however, the offering will be fairly similar in most places. Please advise at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.
Transportation
We use a private minibus or coach, which will be comfortable, usually with air conditioning. Most of the driving days are not long, usually no more than three to four hours. Road conditions are generally good and improving all the time in Vietnam. However, progress can be slow in the main cities due to traffic. There are two domestic flights, all bookings on flights are made in economy class.
Tet Holiday Period (Vietnamese New Year)
During the Tet holiday period, 28 January to 3 February 2025 and 16-21 February 2026, and two weeks either side of Tet, our itinerary is subject to minor change as despite booking hotels and trains in advance, rooms and seats are difficult to obtain during this busy festive period when people are travelling home to celebrate with their families. It is unlikely that changes will occur and if they do it is likely we will just need to use alternative accommodation.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Hanoi Airport (HAN)
Getting to the start hotel
Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Weather Information
The weather will be hot and humid throughout with daytime temperatures usually 28C-34C (82F-93F). It is only a little cooler at night.
There is quite a range of seasons between the north and south: the south up to Hue has a distinct dry season between December and April and then a rainy season from May to November when it tends to come in short heavy bursts with bright sunshine in between. Hanoi is cool in autumn, and even gets chilly between November and February (with a drizzly rain).
There is no ideal time to visit Vietnam; it is quite pleasant at any time of year, though it is unlikely the weather will be perfect for the entire trip.
Please be aware, the Ha Long Bay boat trip is subject to short notice change if adverse weather conditions develop during your trip. These could occur year-round, but especially in monsoon season (from October to April). Ha Long Bay boat trips are governed by the local authorities, who are authorised to make appropriate safety decisions. If your Ha Long Bay trip is affected by adverse weather, this could either result in a reduced excursion or, less likely, the need to re-arrange the itinerary if it is not possible at all to go out on Ha Long Bay. While this is not a frequent occurrence, our local team and leaders are well equipped to handle such situations and have long offered appropriate options to groups in the instances where this may occur.
Spending Money
You will need about 7.15m-8.6m dong (US$300-US$360) for all other meals, which will allow you to eat well. Apart from the food, you should allow money to cover soft drinks (more for the adults who like a beer/alcohol) and souvenirs.
Optional Excursions
There are several optional activities, which your leader can help arrange for you during the trip. Prices below are approximate:
Hoi An
— Tu Bon River boat trip: 190,500 dong (US$8)
Ho Chi Minh City
— Dam Sen Water Park:
— Adult 262,000 dong (US$11) — Child 166,750 dong (US$7) — Round-trip cab: 476,400-1.07m dong (US$20-US$45)
Tipping
This is entirely at your own discretion, but we suggest you allocate some funds to tip local guides and staff. The leader will suggest to the group that they donate a sum of US$43 per person towards a kitty on arrival. This money is then used to tip local guides, hotel porters, drivers etc. If you do not wish to contribute to a central pool, you are, of course, free to do so.
If you feel your leader has performed well over the course of your trip, you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal, but as a guide, US$3-US$6 per person per day would be a reasonable starting point. The tipping kitty is separate from any contribution to the tour leader. Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus.
Highlights
— Experience the best of Vietnam on an adventure designed specifically for families — Hop on a cyclo (bicycle taxi) to explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi — Cruise among the otherworldly limestone peaks of Ha Long Bay on a traditional junk boat — Spend two nights on the tropical Whale Island, snorkelling in turquoise seas — Navigate the Mekong Delta on a traditional wooden boat and stay in a welcoming guesthouse — Enjoy downtime at beautiful beaches and hotel pools – the kids can all play together!
Trip Details
Product Code: 4347
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: modation.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: FIV
Starts: Hanoi, Cu Chi Tunnels
Finishes: Hanoi, Cu Chi Tunnels
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— 12 breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners — All accommodation (see accommodation section) — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout — Free arrival and departure transfers for everyoneAccommodation
Hotels, boat, Mekong Delta homestay and sleeper trainFor this family trip in Vietnam, we have selected hotels for their location and character, and aim to use the best-available accommodation in each area visited. Most have swimming pools and there are opportunities to swim at beaches in Hoi An and on Whale Island. Accommodation on this trip includes: 10 nights in centrally located hotelsOne night on a boat in twin-share cabinsOne night in a Mekong Delta guesthouse, sleeping one to three per room (depending on group size)One night on a sleeper train in soft-bed berths Below are a few of the notable stays on this trip. Mekong Delta homestay Our time in a guesthouse allows us to experience true Delta hospitality, as we are looked after by local people and stay by the Mekong River. The rooms are relatively basic; bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided, while there are shared bathroom facilities with a shower. The real highlight though is the hospitality of our hosts, the lush garden, and the food (homemade southern Vietnamese cuisine). Whale Island Our two-night stay on Whale Island is regarded as a highlight for many; however, the accommodation is basic. You stay in thatched bungalows, each with mosquito nets, fans and private bathrooms. The simplicity of island life makes it idyllic. Sleeper train We spend one night on the sleeper train, the best way to travel long distances with the local people. The journey between Da Nang and Nha Trang is quite comfortable; however, it is rated Simple, despite being first-class. You will be in a four-berth cabin (occasionally six depending on the season) and bedding is provided, although some prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. On occasions, passengers of different sexes will be required to share a compartment and there will be occasions where you’ll be sharing with local travellers or travellers who are not part of your group. Most trains have a dining carriage, but people generally stock up on snacks before the journey. Worth knowing There may be instances when you want a single room. Perhaps a grandparent needs one, or parents of a family of three or five want to ensure they get a bit of space! Single supplements are available upon request (see price below). Please advise at the time of booking. A single room is available on hotel nights only.Additional accommodation is available in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City before and after your trip. Please ask for prices. Due to high demand for rooms, there is a chance it may be in a different hotel to the start/end hotel of your trip. Please ask your sales representative if you wish to book extra nights.While we do our best to ensure families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family trips occur during peak season and we sometimes have little control over where you are put.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,610 ($258 /day)
Itinerary
The day is free to recover from the flight or stroll among broad tree-lined avenues dating from the French period. There is a faded colonial charm to Hanoi, where baguettes and good coffee are sold from doorways of grand buildings from a past era. There will be a welcome briefing with your leader this evening, followed by an optional dinner at a local restaurant, where your children will have their first opportunity to master their chopstick skills. Accommodation: Babylon Grand Hotel & Spa (or similar)
We take a city tour this morning, which will include a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum area to see his stilt house and visit the One Pillar Pagoda. We'll also visit the Temple of Literature and the Hoa Lo Prison (also known as the Hanoi Hilton). After, we take a cyclo (bicycle taxi) through the Old Quarter, which is home to the 36 Streets, each named for the products sold on it, such as Silk Street, Gold Street and Paper Street. The remainder of the day is at leisure. We recommend strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake, stopping for a coffee or ice cream at one of the many waterside cafes. In the evening, there is the option to enjoy a water puppet performance, a classic Hanoi experience. Accommodation: Babylon Grand Hotel & Spa (or similar)
We start early for the approximate four-hour journey to Ha Long Bay, where 3,000 limestone peaks rise from the emerald waters. We cruise among this amazing karst scenery, stopping to kayak (weather permitting) in places inaccessible by the larger boat, before a seafood lunch. In the late afternoon, we watch the sunset and enjoy another lovely meal before a night on the boat in twin-share cabins. Accommodation: Overnight boat
We continue to cruise around Ha Long Bay this morning before returning to port. We then drive back to Hanoi, and transfer to the airport for a flight to Da Nang (approximately 1hr 30min). Upon arrival, we take a transfer (approximately 45 minutes) and check into our hotel in Hoi An and relax. Accommodation: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar)
After breakfast, we enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An old town; a World Heritage site and the original European trading port in Vietnam. It is now a living museum, with attractive wooden merchant houses and pagoda-style temples with Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European architectural influences. The afternoon is free for you to discover this marvellous place and enjoy the thriving riverside market. In the evening, we join an informal cooking class where adults and children will learn how to make some Hoi An speciality dishes and even create spring rolls. Accommodation: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar)
This morning, we jump on bikes for a ride on quiet roads through the countryside past markets, schools and villages before continuing to Cua Dai beach (3mi/5km). Please note, we can provide bikes for children who are 3ft 9.5in (1.2m) and taller. The afternoon is dedicated to free time at the beach for swimming, or you can take an optional boat trip on the river or relax back in town. Later this evening, we transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to Da Nang train station, where we board an overnight train to Nha Trang. The group will have use of day rooms at our Hoi An hotel until 6pm, which can be used to freshen up before the overnight train. Accommodation: Overnight train
This morning, upon arrival in Nha Trang, we have breakfast and then transfer (approximately three hours) to the tropical retreat of Whale Island. With just one guesthouse on the island and beach bungalow accommodation, this really is a chance to unwind in paradise. Accommodation: Whale Island Resort (or similar)
We join a morning boat trip to snorkel and swim before a seafood lunch. In the afternoon, there is the option to visit a local fishing village, see the whale temple, or walk around the island to a viewpoint for a 360-degree panorama of the mountainous coastline, surrounding coves and white-sand beaches. Accommodation: Whale Island Resort (or similar)
We may have time for one last sea swim (depending on flight schedules) before transferring to the airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City, previously known as Saigon. This is an exciting and absorbing metropolis, where scooters rule the streets and old temples stand alongside modern developments. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar)
We visit the Cu Chi tunnels in the morning, which were used by the Viet Cong as living quarters and escape routes during the Vietnam War. Originally very narrow, some parts have been widened for tourists, allowing us to explore some of the extensive system. People with claustrophobia may prefer to stay outside in the sunshine before we return to Ho Chi Minh City. In the afternoon, we wander around the city visiting the Saigon River, Ben Thanh market, Reunification Hall and Notre Dame Cathedral. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar)
This morning, we drive to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta (approximately 2hr 30min). The Mekong, known as the Rice Bowl of Vietnam, produces much of the fruit, sugarcane and coconuts in Vietnam. We spend time at Cai Be, where we begin a Mekong River boat trip, visiting typical riverside villages, where we learn about some of the local products, including popped rice, rice paper and coconut candy. We continue our journey after lunch, passing magnificent countryside and stopping at cottage industries. The evening is tranquil as we have dinner on an island and enjoy Delta hospitality. We spend the night sleeping at a modest guesthouse built in the style of a local house. Bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided. Accommodation: Homestay
This morning, we walk through orchards and navigate small canals in a traditional wooden sampan. Later, we rejoin our boat to rendezvous with our vehicle for the journey back to Ho Chi Minh City via a little-visited Cao Dai temple used by devotees of this indigenous religion, which fuses all the great religions of east and west. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar)
Today is a free day to explore Ho Chi Minh City at leisure or do some souvenir shopping. Alternatively, there is the option (additional cost, payable locally) to visit the excellent Dam Sen Water Park, which has slides and rides. Your leader will advise further during the trip for those who wish to do this optional activity. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar)
This family adventure draws to a close after breakfast. However, if you’d like a little more time to explore this buzzing city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Gareth Jones - Traveled, March 2024
Amazing Vietnam We had not done an adventure family holiday before and were unsure as to what to expect. Any anxieties were very quickly dispelled and we had a memorable 14 days discovering Vietnam from north to south. The schedule was paced so that we had time to recover from flights and travelling. The heat took some getting used to. Our tour guide said that Vietnam has two types of weather, hot and hotter, so don’t pack a jumper! There were five other families on the tour and we all got along really well. Our tour guide Huyen Nguyen made sure everything went smoothly and imparted her in depth knowledge of Vietnam giving us context and descriptions of her beautiful country. The tour was a mix of activities from rickshaws in Hanoi, Cooking classes in Hoi An and relaxing at Whale island. We didn’t really get into the history of the “American War” until late into the tour which was good, because Vietnam is so much more than its history! The Vietnamese people were warm, welcoming and generous. It is also helpful that English is spoken widely and quite well, which is useful as the Vietnamese language is very difficult to understand. The food was really tasty and we enjoyed the Ban-mi in particular. One final note, the Hotels were really good, particularly the Sincerity Hotel in Hoi An which has a very good swimming pool. Most Inspirational Moment So many to choose from! Hanoi and Hoi were beautiful cities which retain their exotic charm and heritage, with Saigon being a bit more metropolitan. Standing in front of the Presidential Palace felt like a moment in history, however snorkelling amongst the Coral on Whale Island has to be the best memory. Thoughts on Group Leader Huyen was an amazing group leader who ensured we were well briefed on what was coming and gave really Advice for Potential Travellers Don't pack clothes for cold weather - you won't need them. Laundry service was available at Hanoi, Saigon and Hoi An at cheap prices. There were cashpoints around but Vietnam seemed quite safe and we carried cash around without any issues. VISA payments were available in most places.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
IAN BUCKLEY - Traveled, March 2024
Fabulous Holiday! This was such a brilliant holiday – amazing scenery, fabulous food, fun activities, culture and history. We shared it with 5 other families, who all got on fabulously (adults and children) – there was always someone to chat to and share the experiences with. Having a tour guide really helps you get the most from the holiday – especially reserving tables for us all at some of the best eateries – and also takes the stress out of any aspect of the holiday. We saw so much of this beautiful country in such a short space of time, but still had time to relax and chill out! Most Inspirational Moment What an amazing country - we loved all the places we visited and really enjoyed all the activities! Hoi An was probably our favourite - cycling past rice fields with a water buffalo lazing about is an iconic image of Vietnam (and the town is spectacular at night). Thoughts on Group Leader Huyen is a wonderful ambassador for Vietnam - her knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for her country were infectious. We learnt so much about her country and culture, and would never have known a quarter this if we had attempted this trip independently. She was incredible with the children and her organisational skills were faultless. She is also not bad at karaoke! Advice for Potential Travellers If you are worried about the 'homestay' don't - it is relatively basic, but the rooms are individual (per family) and even had en-suite bathrooms (albeit Mekong-style). The food is also amazing! Although no air-con, many of the families wish they could have stayed longer (though we thought that about all the places we visited). Most people had a sleeping bag liner for the overnight train - and probably worth taking some toilet roll (just in case). Suggestions It is a fast-paced trip designed for 13-16 year olds; however, we had some younger children in our group (9 and 11) and they coped extremely well.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/21/2024
Rowan Smith - Traveled, July 2023
The best adventure ever! A fantastic trip start to finish immersing us in the culture, cuisine, history and natural environment of Vietnam. This trip has a great pace and fits so much into two weeks but with sufficient relaxation time too. Our highlights were Hoi An, Halong Bay and Whale Island. Most Inspirational Moment Sharing this two week adventure with my 16 year old daughter! The views from Whale Island beach were breath-taking and we loved swimming until dusk. Thoughts on Group Leader Duc was an exceptional group leader who looked out for everyone and made sure our every needs were accommodated for. Duc was passionate about sharing the history of his country and made everything go so smoothly. The best tour leader! Advice for Potential Travellers This tour is aimed at 13-16 year old and think this is the right age for the amount of travelling and variety of activities. Suggestions Book it - you won’t be disappointed!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/25/2023
Jennifer Wright - Traveled, September 2019
Absolutely fabulous The trip exceeded all expectations. It was full of fun, colour and culture. We saw so much of the country in two weeks. We had amazing experiences- cycling through pretty villages, snorkelling in turquoise sea, kayaking through spectacular scenery, cooking and eating delicious food and relaxing on a tropical island. My son had the holiday of a lifetime and had great adventures with new friends. Also we had the most wonderful tour guide who was sweet, sensitive, capable, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about her country. I can not recommend this trip highly enough. Oh and amazing value for money too. Most Inspirational Moment Kayaking in Ha Long bay, then being taken to a secret beautiful beach to swim. We were all so delighted, and stayed for ages in the beautiful water chatting and getting to know one another. Thoughts on Group Leader Absolutely excellent. As I said above - Ashley was sweet, caring, capable, funny, knowledgeable helpful and enthusiastic. We all loved her. I particularly appreciated the fact that I could eat a whole variety of delicious food despite my severe nut allergy. Ashley explained it to chefs everywhere we went. In other countries I have accepted that I need to just eat plain, boring food. But everywhere we went, the cooks made special nut-free delicious food after Ashley had explained. Advice for Potential Travellers You have to go - it’s a beautiful country and an extremely well organised trip. Also, I worried about mosquitoes, but we hardly saw any. Suggestions I will definitely choose another Exodus trip. I would like to thank the company - what a fantastic holiday we will never forget. Thank you
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2019
Gilliie Williams - Traveled, August 2019
Excellent Holidays Travelled with my 16 and 18 year old for last holiday before University- had a wonderful 2 weeks and made new friends. Everyone was friendly, relaxed ,happy and pleased to socialise. Kids ranged from 11 to 18years but gelled well together. Always some one to talk to. Full on trip but variable in activities. But opportunities to be alone if all too much. Loved it! Most Inspirational Moment The Meekong Valley was beautiful , a chance to unwind, relax with the group. Very peaceful, great food, staff were friendly. Would have liked a couple of nights there. Vegetarian restaurant in Hoi Chin Ming City- fantastic Thoughts on Group Leader Doan made our holiday very special. Looked after all of our group, a joy with the kids, very knowledgeable about the places. Pre-empted our requests and coped with our demands. Took us to wonderful places to eat. We wanted to take her home with us. Advice for Potential Travellers Arrive a day earlier to get over the jet lag and do some of your own exploring of Hanoi. Take tea bags and cups on the train overnight and sheet sleeping bags. Take lots of sun cream as easy to get burnt when snorkelling or swimming in Whale Island. If you get burnt use aftersun NOT oil or cream. Watch out for the Urchins. Take rain macs as when it rains it pours. Suggestions Just go!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2019
David Dunlop - Traveled, July 2019
Holiday to remember Lots of activities and visits throughout. Vietnam worth visiting and the trip enabled us to see the real Vietnam as well as the tourist Vietnam. Most of the children fully engaged with the spirit of the holiday. Most Inspirational Moment One of the children singing ‘all star’ on the bus. It livened up one of the lengthy bus trips. Halong Bay was picturesque. The weather was excellent which resulted in good swimming and kayaking not to mention the photographs from the glorious sunset. Whale Island was beautiful though the weather was windy owing to a nearby typhoon which brought in a lots of debris to the island. Walks around the island are well signed and worth exploring. Thoughts on Group Leader Ngoc personality and sense of humour drove the trip. He was flexible and understanding and handled all group members diplomatically. He also explained clearly Vietnam’s geopolitical and environmental challenges, the religious and cultural diversity, and the population pressures particularly on housing and incomes. He got the balance right and occasionally fooled parents / children on elements of the trip - in particular the homestay!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2019
Patrick Finn - Traveled, July 2018
Forget "coconuts". This one's much more about "chopsticks"! Two week family trip going north to south through Vietnam. It’s graded 1 for effort, but it moves at a brisk pace and manages to cram in a whole lot of places and activities. There is some ‘free time’ but this tour gets you up early and gets you out and about. Combining this with the humid and hot weather it can be surprisingly tiring. It is a family trip so we had beach days, canoe-ing, cycling, snorkelling and a trip to a water-park, which were really good fun for everyone. FOOD!!!!. Vietnam is a country with a cuisine (excellent) and food figured prominently in the tour. We ate and drank well and are now very proficient with the aforementioned chopsticks! It is also a country with a complex and troubled history and this was not glossed over. We left with a real feel for the place and its people. It is an amazing place full of very warm and friendly people. Most Inspirational Moment A trip to the War Remnants Museum in HCMC. This provided a graphic account of events during the Vietnam war. The viewpoint given is not particularly balanced as atrocious acts were known to have been carried out by both sides in this conflict. That being said, the factual information provided and the photographic records displayed give a sobering account of a very dark moment in time. Some of the material exhibited is quite upsetting and this museum is not really a good one for young children. What is particularly inspirational is the contrast between the events of the war and moving forward 40 years to the Vietnam of today. Modern Vietnam seems to have come through it all and is in a pretty good place. Thoughts on Group Leader Duy Nguyen was an excellent group leader and the tour was a great success. He clearly knows his job well and gets things organised. He has a degree in history and tourism and is a font of information about his country. No question is ignored and he has considerable patience answering the same series of enquiries from different families! We learned a lot about modern Communist Vietnam as well as its ancient history, colonial conflicts and all things in between. Best of all, he is very good with children. All of the kids on our tour really liked Duy, and he clearly very much enjoyed their company which made the holiday even better than anticipated. Advice for Potential Travellers We were advised to consider an extra day at the beginning of the trip to help get over jet lag. We followed the advice - the extra time was nice to get in a bit of extra sight seeing, but we feel that it is really not that necessary. Just turn up Day 1 and get into it! Suggestions Vietnam is a long and narrow country and its road infrastructure isn't always brilliant. In order to get the tour moving from place to place there are quite a lot of bus journeys which are often pretty slow. There is an overnight train journey and two flights involved. Consequently and of necessity, there is a fair bit of down time with travelling.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/10/2018
Helen Belcher - Traveled, July 2017
Fantastic family trip to Vietnam I have just returned from the family ‘chopsticks and coconuts ‘ trip to Vietnam .The trip was excellent in every way ..The itinerary was well thought out .We started the trip in Hanoi and ended it in Ho Chi Min city using a variety of transport including an overnight train journey and 2 internal flights Most Inspirational Moment Halong bay by boat was stunning .We all loved the old town of Hoi An and enjoyed our Vietnamese cookery lesson there .The Cu Chi tunnels were fascinating . Thoughts on Group Leader Our leader Tam was truly outstanding .He worked tirelessly to ensure that we all had a fabulous time .He helped the group to bond and took us to fantastic restaurants to eat .He showed great humour and patience and his local knowledge and English were superb . Advice for Potential Travellers This is a busy and varied itinerary with not much free time to laze by the pool but we all loved it . Suggestions Bring a sheet sleeping bag for the overnight train and sea sickness pills for the snorkelling .You can get clothes laundered cheaply so you don't need to bring too many Book this trip...you won't regret it !
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/25/2017
Sara Asquith - Traveled, July 2017
Great Full On Tour of Vietnam Just returned from Chopsticks and Coconuts. It’s a great, full on tour of Vietnam from North to South. We would never have fitted in so much if we had organised it ourselves. Our guide Tring was excellent at all times. Highlights: For me, yoga by the lake in Hanoi at 5am with hundreds of locals doing T’ai Chi. The Mekong delta’s big skies and homestay. For my son (14), the Dam Sen Waterpark in HCMC and Hoi An time. Areas that we wouldn’t have missed were Nha Trang as it is mass market tourism there. I’d recommend this trip wholeheartedly. Take lots of bug spray and a whole lot of energy, every day is full on, there’s very very little time for rest at all – and when it comes it is really appreciated. Most Inspirational Moment Mekong delta's big skies and slow pace of life. You can only go at the speed of the river! Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent, excellent, excellent with both adults and children alike. Advice for Potential Travellers Take lots of bug spray Vietnamese Dong, not dollars are more widely used
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/18/2017
Matthew Pearce - Traveled, March 2016
Trip of a lifetime A fantastically varied trip that highlights the best that Vietnam has to offer. The hotels are great on the whole (special mention to Silk Village in Hoi An), the food is delicious and the people incredibly welcoming. If you have small children, be prepared for them to be patted, kissed, lifted up and posed for hundreds of photos! The pace is quite hectic at times with a few early starts and some long road trips, but the activities more than compensate for this. I would do it again tomorrow! Most Inspirational Moment Snorkelling with my 6-year old twins for the first time in open water in Nha Trang. An amazing homestay in the Mekong, where we were the only guests. Our kids helped to cook the evening meal and the wonderful guide Chinh entertained our kids all evening. Thoughts on Group Leader He organised everything, picked some great restaurants that we would not have found ourselves and went out of his way to find some Tiger balm for us in Saigon. We even met his family. Occasionally maybe did not make enough allowances for the extra time required for organising travelling with small children. Advice for Potential Travellers If your kids are not great at getting up early without complaint, travelling long distances and moving on frequently, this is probably not the trip for you. The War Remnants Museum in Saigon, although a highlight of the trip and a must-see exhibition, shows graphic pictures of death, mutilation and deformity and in our opinion was definitely not suitable for young children. Other than that, just book it! Suggestions Saigon is hot, busy, noisy and not great for small children, and dependent on your Mekong/Cu Chi itinerary is maybe a day too long. Exodus should also consider ditching the Victory hotel in Saigon, which although in a prime location, falls well short of the standard of all the other hotels on the trip (not being able to swim in the pool due to the permanent presence of 25 armbanded adults learning to swim for example).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2016
Elizabeth Knight - Traveled, March 2016
Chopsticks & coconuts An excellent family holiday, the best thing about it was our fellow holiday makers, lots of children who my son made friends plus a brilliant guide. Ps Vietnams not bad either! Most Inspirational Moment Staying at the home stay in the Mekong delta Thoughts on Group Leader Amazing. Nothing was too much trouble for him, fun, informative professional and what he didn't know about Vietnam wasn't worth knowing! Advice for Potential Travellers Yes, take 3/4 days to get accustomed to the jet lag before you start your exodus tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2016
Melanie Appleton - Traveled, July 2015
Chopsticks and Coconuts A great introduction to Vietnam with my teenage daughter. I want to return now to go the the highlands Most Inspirational Moment The Mekong Delta was amazing The food was exceptional! Thoughts on Group Leader Courteous, calm and knowledgeable Advice for Potential Travellers Definitely bring a sheet sleeping bag for the 'first class' train trip. It is just as you would expect in S.E.Asia. Be prepared for the traffic which is constant and watch carefully how the locals cross the road, zebra crossings are not zebra crossing here. I would recommend this holiday for 8 plus, there is a lot of long journeys with this trip and I would think carefully before bringing a five year old.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/11/2015
Marianne McWilliams - Traveled, July 2015
Vietnam Chopsticks and Coconuts Fantastic family holiday with a mix of cultural experiences and activities for children of all ages, including teenagers. It is a busy holiday with quite a lot travel involved, but this is an experience in itself. Travelling with other families worked well and contributed to the enjoyment of the holiday. Most Inspirational Moment The Cu Chi tunnels and War Remnants Museum. Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader was Bao Tran who made our holiday an unforgettable experience. He was always enthusiastic, knowledgeable and patient with us. He went beyond the call of duty even when we/he had "free time" and had valuable suggestions as to what would be best to do. Advice for Potential Travellers Don't worry about your children not having a selection of different types of food to eat - lots of choice and vietnamese food in general was very good. Go to the AO show in the Saigon Opera House and take the Cyclo tour in Ho Chi Minh City. Suggestions I would recommend this holiday to all families who have a sense of adventure and want their children to see a different way of living. Vietnam is a varied county with lots to see and do and travelling with other families on an organised tour worked well for us - parents & children.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/23/2015
Richard Kelly - Traveled, March 2015
chopsticks and coconuts FIV150405 This was an amazing trip for us, our 12 year old son had a great time and I am sure there is no way we could have possibly covered the variety of sights and activities independently in 2 weeks. The schedule was busy and we really enjoyed the pace and variety. There was a good balance between group activity and excursions and time on our own. Having pools at every hotel was a real bonus as the kids loved having free time to play. Most Inspirational Moment Cruising and kayaking and the caves on Halong bay. The boat was spotless and luxurious, the food was amazing and the setting breathtaking. Thoughts on Group Leader Thao was extremely professional and very knowledgeable, he really looked after us and went beyond the call of duty on several occasions. He was extremely conscientious and ensured we all had a great time and learned so much about this beautiful country. He managed all the logistics perfectly and we were able to sit back and relax as everything was fully taken care of, from transport to eating out and all the excursions. Anything else we needed Thao arranged and nothing was too much trouble. He was fantastic. Advice for Potential Travellers Take a camera - there is so much to see. Mains adaptors - they use round 2 prong plugs as the type used in europe - we didn't see any of the flat type that guide books mention. I think for under 10's this is maybe a heavy schedule as there is a lot of sightseeing and travelling. Suggestions Vietnam is a great place to travel with children, its clean and the food was lovely as were the people. The hotels were very nice and the nearest we came to roughing it was on the overnight train but that was really fun anyway. The trip has given us so many great memories. It would have been nicer to spend one more day in Hanoi or Hoi an rather than Saigon. We found Saigon was a bit too hot and busy for kids with not much for them except the excellent waterpark.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/22/2015
Fiona Hughes - Traveled, March 2015
Vietnam 2015: chopsticks & coconuts Loved vietnam from top to bottom. The trip was well paced and included so many activities, sightseeing, bicycle rides, boat trips, Cookery class, shows to name a few in a space of 2 weeks. Quan our guide was very friendly, helpful, informative and was well organised in all aspects of the trip. It was a country that provide a multi sensory experience. Our girls made friends for life and loved the trip as much as we did. Most Inspirational Moment We loved the hustle and bustle of the city of Hanoi. We could sit by a bar and be fascinated watching the hundreds of motorbikes and cyclists rushing by loaded with families, crates of animals, mattresses, furniture and all sorts! Thoughts on Group Leader Really friendly, informative, well organised and great with children. Advice for Potential Travellers Definately book to see the A O Show in Saigon, it's awesome!! Suggestions Would definitely love to go back to Vietnam in the future, there's so much more to see, places we didn't get to visit on this trip like Sapa. Thank you exodus for a fabulous holiday!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2015
Sophie Lindsay - Traveled, February 2015
Highly Reccomend The perfect Vietnamese adventure. Cong was an amazing guide! Most Inspirational Moment I shed lots of tears at the History museum, it really was heartbreaking. All of the places we visited were just breathtakingly beautiful. Our holiday picture are other-worldly! I think the most inspirational part was seeing how these people live and realising what our contributions can do. We took colouring books and pencils for the children and the gratitude of the people whenever we did anything for them was so rewarding. Thoughts on Group Leader Cong was brilliant. He was very knowledgeable and very attentive. I spent a lot of time speaking to him on a personal level and he wasn't only a great guide but he was a really nice bloke. We had no waiting in queues and he only took us to the best authentic restaurants. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared to be sweaty 24/7. The humidity is crazy and it is impossible to stay clean. Don't pack excessively because believe me you WILL wear the same couple outfits repeatedly because staying cool is the main objective. Plait long hair! I had my hair in tight French braids for the entire fortnight because otherwise it be sweaty, greasy and knotty. It seriously is the best option. Remember to tip kindly, these people rely on this income and it isn't anything to us. Pennies can make such a difference out there.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/19/2015
Anonymous - Traveled, August 2013
CHOPSTICKS & COCONUTS - FAMILY HOLIDAY In my daughter’s words ‘exodus understand kids’ brilliant mix of things geared towards adults, as well as things for children Most Inspirational Moment Realising we were kayaking in Halong Bay, and following waterways on sampans. Managing to climb over a monkey bridge ( slowly!) being watched by a 5 year old Vietnamese girl who was wondering what we were fussing over! Standing in a bus stop sheltering from the rain in Ho Chi Minh City- 10 minute rain shower, avoiding motorbikes on the pavement - unique ! Thoughts on Group Leader Bao was excellent he did everything he could for the group nothing was too much trouble. Advice for Potential Travellers Book now! Seriously though it was well worth it. I would go back again tomorrow ( and my daughter wants to live there now...) and recommend it to anybody. The journey can be tiring at times, but you get to see all of Vietnam pretty much. Take a day pack that is big enough for overnight stays ( halong bay and mekong delta) and a waterproof camera of some sort. Western food is available practically everywhere ( bar the mekong delta) if you have fussy eater, but even some Vietnamese options on the menus suit most fussy Western palates ( pork chop with rice for example) Fixed price stalls in the tourist market in Ho Chi Minh city are not fixed price! Delve deep in and bargain for all your worth. Be cheeky! You may get a proper bargain! Suggestions It is worth every penny. Vietnam must be seen to be believed. There are cultural differences obviously, but itbwas amazing. The trip offered the best, and was well organised. Go and eat pho!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2013
Anonymous - Traveled, July 2013
CHOPSTICKS & COCONUTS - FAMILY HOLIDAY The holiday of a lifetime, absolutely superb in every way. Most Inspirational Moment Every single day had an inspirational moment, its impossible to single one out. The range of transport was amazing - from cyclo rickshaw to overnight train, to luxury cruiseship in HaLong bay with cycling and boats in between. Thoughts on Group Leader Tom/Tho should be given an Exodus award for being the most enthusiastic, knowledgeable and endlessly patient group leader. He really went the extra mile to make sure that everything ran smoothly and that we had a great time. He was particularly good with the children Advice for Potential Travellers make sure you get some clothes made in Hoi An - I came back wishing Id bought more. Suggestions An amazing holiday for the whole family. We were lucky with the weather: summertime is rainy season in the North of Vietnam and a typhoon arrived just after we had left which closed Ha Long bay.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/12/2013
Anonymous - Traveled, December 2012
CHOPSTICKS & COCONUTS - FAMILY HOLIDAY A great introduction to a wonderful country, the Vietnamese people are a delight, the food is great and the scenery varied and beautiful from the full-on buzz of Hanoi and Saigon to the peace and tranquility of Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta Most Inspirational Moment Cruising amongst the Karst peaks in Halong Bay was amazing but the revelation for me was the Vietnamese people, so friendly and with an extrordinary capacity for forgiveness towards their former enemies. Thoughts on Group Leader Zung was great, so enthusiastic, always smiling with a great sense of humour and particularly good with the teenagers. Advice for Potential Travellers The food is great so don't worry about taking fussy children, you are bound to find something they will like. The War museum in Ho Chi Minh city contains some deeply shocking photos and accounts of atrocities - I would say it is essential that adults visit but it is tough and not suitable for younger children Suggestions The holiday catered so well for the whole family with enough activities to keep the teenagers happy, kayaking, swimming, mud baths, snorkelling etc but also managed to fit in a few cultural and historical trips and as I've mentioned, the food is just fantastic, can't remember a meal that wasn't delicious!My only crticism was that the cooking class was very poor, we have attended cooking classes in China and Morocco and they were both great but the one in Hoi An was more of a cooking demo than a class, hardly involving the group, going so fast that you couldn't take it in and then there was such a long time between the demo and the food being served that we got the distinct impression that they were just interested in selling as many drinks to the tourists as possible! All the kids were bored stiff. I'm sure this could be easily remedied by Exodus choosing a different class as there seemed to be lots available.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/16/2013
Anonymous - Traveled, July 2012
CHOPSTICKS & COCONUTS - FAMILY HOLIDAY Had a wonderful 2 weeks in Vietnam this summer on this trip. Our guide Zung was really excellent and the organisation was brilliant. Vietnam is beautiful, fascinating and inspirational. Truly recommend this trip, if you’re considering it, just book it now. Thoughts on Group Leader Zung honestly couldn't have been better. Gracious, calm, fun, informed, intelligent, organised, great company. Advice for Potential Travellers Book now!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2012
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