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. Sail through the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay, watch a water puppet show after exploring the Old Quarter of Hanoi and learn about rich emperors in Hue on a cyclo tour. Wander the colourful heritage buildings of Hoi An, then hit the beach to chill under palm trees (maybe even take a dip in the Vietnam East Sea!). Make paper flowers with an organisation that supports the local deaf community and enjoy a special dining experience at KOTO restaurant, an organisation that supports disadvantaged youth. This is Vietnam!
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
Product Code: 2829
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Boat,Minibus,Cyclo,Tuk Tuk,Overnight sleeper train,Plane
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: TVFA
Starts: Hanoi, Vietnam
Finishes: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Duration: 13 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (11), Lunch (5), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (9 nights),Overnight boat (1 night),Overnight sleeper train (1 night),Homestay (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) $2,261 ($174 /day)
Itinerary
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)
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)
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)
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)
Arrive in Hue early this morning. Your leader will help you chose a local, tasty breakfast after you disembark, then you’ll visit the Thien Mu Pagoda – considered by many to be the unofficial symbol of Hue, this active Buddhist monastery originated in 1601. 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, 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)
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. 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
Accommodation:
- Thanh Lich Hue hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
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)
After breakfast, spend the morning at Cua Dai beach. This beach is known for its palm-fringed white sands and 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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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 (45 USD)
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
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
Reviews
Michelle - Traveled, April 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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2024
Amanda - Traveled, March 2024
Our tour of Vietnam was better then I ever hoped for - our guide really made the trip Manh was incredible
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/16/2024
Tim - Traveled, March 2024
Our family trip to Vietnam was an excellent introduction to this country. The packed itinerary and the knowledgeable guide helped us all have a holiday we will never forget.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/09/2024
Jacqui - Traveled, March 2024
We have had the best time in Vietnam. We did the 2 week family tour which was perfect for us. We did lots of activities and also had good down time. Our daughter is 11 years old and absolutely loved it too. Having Tu as our guide was the beat way to see all of Vietnam. More comfortable than I was expecting. Even the overnight sleeper train had aircon. Highly recommend this trip ??. Thanks Intrepid ?? ??
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/05/2024
Natalie - Traveled, January 2024
We just completed the Family Trip in Vietnam and it was a great experience. The included and optional activities were excellent and great care was taken to give us a healthy and sustainable trip. Our guide Thao was exceptional. If you want to introduce your kids to overseas travel this is the perfect way to do it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/23/2024
Jeremy - Traveled, January 2024
The trip was organised by my wife and initially planned for April 2020. I was unsure what to expect but was truly impressed and delighted with how much I and my family enjoyed our trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/10/2024
Charles - Traveled, December 2023
We had a wonderful time as a family and the tour exceeded our expectations - so much to see, experience and learn about with other families. We started as strangers and finish as good friends, with many happy memories and we couldn’t have hoped for a better tour leader than Tri Nguyen who was exceptional!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/11/2024
Pui-Ling - Traveled, December 2023
The Vietnam Family Tour was perfect for us. We learnt so much about the history, culture, people and cuisines of the different regions. And our kids loved it! 10/10.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/21/2024
Michelle - Traveled, December 2023
Traveling Vietnam on an Intrepid Family tour was a great way to experience the country with our kids. Our tour guide was friendly, knowledgeable and organized. The trip was enjoyable, stress-free and so much fun! Loved the people, food and the experiences!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/26/2024
Lisa - Traveled, December 2023
The trip was perfect for our family of four. No stress for mum and dad with everything taken care of, kids loved having other kids to play with and we really felt we experienced so many facets of Vietnam. Trip of a lifetime for us.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/14/2024
Amanda - Traveled, December 2023
I highly recommend the Vietnam Family trip. Our tour guide, Thanh, ?a incredible!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/08/2024
Linda - Traveled, December 2023
Highly recommended family trip. This tour had a great mix of historical monuments and local sights and enjoyable family activities.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/08/2024
Craig - Traveled, December 2023
Amazing experience for the whole family, learning more about the history, culture people and food (!) of Vietnam with an incredible Tour Leader. Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/07/2024
Gabriela - Traveled, December 2023
Amazing trip which had so much to offer for parents and kids. Our best family holidays in many years. The kids loved it and took so many good experiences home.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/07/2024
Jonathan - Traveled, December 2023
Our family had a fantastic time with Intrepid in Vietnam. Our guide was outstanding and we will book with Intrepid in the future.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/05/2024
Faye Anne - Traveled, December 2023
This was our first tour ever, my family were blown away by the care and knowledge our tour guide TV shared on this trip, it was a pity it was so short!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/03/2024
Tanya - Traveled, December 2023
Well organized, lots of amazing stuff to do and see and our leader (T.V.) was phenomenal. Would definitely recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/04/2024
Jonathan - Traveled, December 2023
Our family had a fantastic time with Intrepid in Vietnam. Our guide was outstanding and we will book with Intrepid in the future.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/05/2024
Kirsten - Traveled, December 2024
We had an incredible time on this tour, the night on the train, boat and at the homestay were all really fun and unique. Hanoi was hectic, Halong Bay was peaceful, Hue was wet, Hoi An was quaint and Ho Chi Minh was hot, and we loved it all!! Our leader was knowledgeable and fun, we met a great family and ate delicious food, I'd recommend this tour to everyone!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/10/2024
Megan - Traveled, December 2023
I’ll send an email later
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
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