Vietnam Family Holiday with Teenagers
Experience Overview
Discover a different side of a much-loved country on this activity-focused trip through the northern half of Vietnam. Encompassing cycling excursions, guided walking tours, kayaking expeditions and two nights of boating on Halong Bay, this trip is bound to get the blood pumping and the family bonding. Starting in Hanoi, uncover Vietnam's landmark attractions on a city cycling tour, and sit down to lunch at an initiative geared towards helping street children. Savour the picturesque countryside of rural Vietnam during a two-day ride from Luong Song to stunning Ninh Binh, cruise the waters of Halong Bay by junk boat and kayak, and explore charming Hoi An and its surrounds by bike and foot. This is an adventure for families who like spending their down time getting up and at it.
Highlights
- Experience the tranquil beauty of rural Vietnam while cycling hrough the lush rice paddies and limestone karsts of Ninh Binh
- Exploring Halong Bay by kayak allows you and your family to access places the junk boats can't. Paddle through grottoes, land on secluded islands and inspect stalactites up close
- Eat for a good cause at Hanoi's KOTO restaurant, an initiative that trains street kids for careers in hospitality
- Be romanced by the well-preserved architecture, welcoming atmosphere and superb eateries of Hoi An
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Save Vietnam's Wildlife. Donations help them provide support for endangered wildlife and protect critical animal habitats in Vietnam. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2831
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Plane,private bus,bike,kayak,overnight train
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: TVFB
Starts: Hanoi, Vietnam
Finishes: Hoi An, Vietnam
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (4), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Homestay (1 night),Hotel (5 nights),Overnight boat (1 night),Overnight train (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,490 ($166 /day)
Itinerary
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins with a Welcome Meeting at 5pm on Day 1.
If you arrive early, why not get your first taste of Vietnam exploring the lovely, laidback capital. You can stroll the tree-lined boulevards to get a sense of the old days, wander the Old Quarter to uncover ancient temples and a rich, religious culture or head to the Temple of Literature, an oasis of calm right at the heart of Hanoi.
Accommodation:
- La Sante Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you’ll get the chance to explore the Vietnamese capital in more depth. Full of parks, lakes and tree-lined boulevards, the city is known for its laidback atmosphere. .
Jump on our bus and visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Stilt House and Museum, the Buddhist temple One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature.
We'll join our friends at KOTO for lunch. KOTO stands for 'Know One, Teach One'. An organisation supported by The Intrepid Foundation, it trains street kids for careers in the hospitality industry. After lunch we swap 4 wheels for 2 and head out on a cycling tour around the West Lake.
Riding distance: Approx 25kms/15miles
Included Activities:
- Hanoi - Temple of Literature
- Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex
- Hanoi - Lunch at KOTO
Accommodation:
- La Sante Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After another hearty breakfast it's on to our private bus for the journey to Luong Son (a drive of approximately 1.5 hours). Luong Son, a region in the country's northwest, is the starting point for our cycling adventure through Vietnam's famously picturesque countryside. Today's ride to Mai Chau is mostly along paved roads. After Hanoi's hustle and bustle, this area's fresh country air and relative lack of traffic are a delight. Mai Chau is home to a variety of minority groups with their own unique culture and languages. While here, visit a social enterprise centred around preserving and celebrating the traditional crafts of the Thai minority groups who settled in northwest Vietnam. Join some local women to learn about their lives and crafts and learn how to make an embroidery pattern or dye cloth.
We have a support bus that travels with the group during the entire cycling route for those who don't wish to ride the entire way. Don't forget to pack plenty of water and snacks for along the way.
Riding distance: Approx 60kms/37miles.
NOTE: At the homestay you and your family will sleep on mattresses in a communal room. Bedding and mosquito nets are provided. Shared toilet and bathroom facilities are basic.
Included Activities:
- Mai Chau - Pom Coong Village visit & traditional lunch
- Mai Chau - Traditional Textile Social Enterprise Experience
Accommodation:
- Mai Chau Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is dedicated to exploring the villages and scenic countryside of provincial Vietnam. The journey from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh is fairly easy and leisurely-paced. You'll have plenty of opportunities to hop off your bike and take some photos of the surrounding valleys, sugarcane farms and rice paddies that compose the landscape.
Final stop for the day is the small town of Ninh Binh. The Ninh Binh province is famed for its spectacular limestone karst scenery, lush rice paddies and gently flowing waterways.
Riding distance: Approx 60kms/37miles
Accommodation:
- Thuy Anh Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Having seen a bit of Northern Vietnam by bike, it's now time to see it by sea. Back on board our private bus, enjoy some easier travel on the drive to Halong Bay. Factoring in some stops along the way, the journey will take approximately 4 hours.
A natural harbour of more than 2,000 limestone islands rising from the emerald waters of Bac Bo Gulf, Halong Bay is one of Vietnam's most scenic regions. Countless beaches, caves and grottoes exist in its area of 1,500 sq km, creating an environment perfectly suited for exploring by kayak.
Today you'll set out on a kayak expedition. Your trip leader will take you through a safety demonstration, then lead you out onto the open waters.
Tonight you'll be dining and sleeping on board a traditional Vietnamese junk boat. Our vessel has twin-share cabins with air-conditioning and private facilities, plus a cosy bar and dining area.
Included Activities:
- Halong Bay - Kayaking
Accommodation:
- Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a moment to soak in the magical landscapes of Halong Bay before disembarking your boat this morning. Make the drive back to Hanoi (approximately 3 hours), where you’ll have use of day rooms to freshen up. You may like to head out and grab some dinner with the group, then it’s time to go to the train station to board an overnight train to Da Nang.
Accommodation:
- Overnight train Hanoi to Danang (Number of Nights: 1)
Arrive to Da Nang early this morning and take a short transfer to to Hoi An, a delightful old city with a great atmosphere. This will be our base for the next two days, from which we explore both the town and its surrounds by foot and bike.
Recently declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An is beautifully preserved. Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it was one of South-East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Today, parts of Hoi An look as they did more than a century ago and it retains the feel of centuries past, making it the sort of place that grows on you the more you explore it.
Accommodation:
- Hoi An Field Boutique Resort & Spa or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Spend a day becoming acquainted with Hoi An, beginning with a guided orientation walk led by your leader. (approximately 2hours) Following lunch, it's back on two wheels for a wider exploration of the town and its surrounds. One of the routes we often take a ride past rice paddies and shrimp ponds to Cua Dai beach. The ride takes 2.5hours including stops.
Hoi An is one of the best places in Vietnam to shop for souvenirs, especially if you’re looking for clothing, paintings or ceramics. For those interested in getting some clothes tailored, this is definitely the place to snare a bargain. Hoi An's streets are lined with small tailor studios and the speed with which they can whip up garments is remarkable.
On the last night of your tour, why not wander down to the riverside and enjoy a final feast with the group?
Riding distance: Approx 20kms/12miles
Included Activities:
- Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
- Hoi An - Bike ride
Accommodation:
- Hoi An Field Boutique Resort & Spa or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Your trip ends today after breakfast. Either take a transfer to Danang airport for your onward flight or stick around a while longer getting to know this charming city.
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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
Louise - Traveled, April 2024
Absolutely incredible trip. Equally physically challenging and relaxing. The 9 nights went really quickly. My teen really enjoyed the company of other kids the same age and I enjoyed the company of the other parents. Highly recommended and we return home with feeling fuller and with a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
Trevor - Traveled, April 2024
Having self-travelled the world extensively over 4 years, with many self-organised trips, I was at first hesitant. However, this was the first organised tour group trip I have been on and it was one of the most enjoyable holidays, well organised, well matched guests, fantastic guide, I couldn’t be happier.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/14/2024
Alix - Traveled, March 2024
Our family had the best time on this trip. The kids were all kept really engaged, and I felt we experienced a breadth of what Vietnam has to offer. Worth being in decent shape!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/07/2024
Leanne - Traveled, March 2024
We would highly recommend this tour for active families who like to do a lot in a short period of time. Drinks by the pool it’s not - authentic travel, lots of kilometres on bike and foot, amazing food and organisation
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2024
Alan - Traveled, January 2024
The Intrepid Vietnam family tour is great fun- variety of regions and experiences. Highlight was several day’s cycle in the rural areas. I’d recommend to active families.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/13/2024
Carolyn - Traveled, December 2024
This as a great trip to do as a family. Challenging, interesting and fun. A fabulous way to see another country and get a taste of a different culture. Highly recommend it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/06/2024
Peter - Traveled, December 2024
A fantastic trip for families with teenagers and tweens. Outstanding activities, well run, and suiting a mix of abilities. Loc and the local team immersed us in the culture and the families had lots of fun.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/11/2024
Paul - Traveled, December 2023
Fantastic trip which gave our family a real taste of the beautiful Vietnam. Cycling trip was excellent and our guide Tri was perfect in every way!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
Tom - Traveled, December 2023
This trip was so much fun for our family. We all loved the cycling and other activities and a great level of inclusions. Our leader Oscar provided sufficient flexibility and structure to accommodate us all which made the trip all the more better.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/13/2024
Just - Traveled, December 2023
Intrepid curates a great balance of family activity, city exploration, Viet food fun with real but neat accommodation. We visited some regions and some cities; ate and made some Vietnamese food and definitely got a taste for more.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/23/2023
Anna - Traveled, December 2023
Excellent and amazing holiday with our three teenagers! Many and varied cultural experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/23/2023
Kirsten - Traveled, December 2023
A very fun trip that gives a well rounded introduction to Vietnam! The bike riding is very rewarding so I would recommend doing some light cycling training before your trip so that you can make the most of it! All in all totally worth it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/23/2023
Nicole - Traveled, December 2023
This trip was perfect for our active family with teenagers. Intrepid provided an itinerary with a good amount of activity and cultural experience to give us a taste of Vietnam. Tien was an excellent tour leader. The food was amazing (even for someone with celiac). Would recommend the optional cooking class. Wonderful group, made some great friends.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/23/2023
Vanessa - Traveled, September 2023
What an amazing trip! So varied with fantastic food inclusions and activities. Loved every minute of it and our tour leader was the absolute best!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2023
Sarah - Traveled, September 2023
We travelled with another family and our tour guide Son made our Vietnam experience one of the best holidays we have been on.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/03/2023
Joanna - Traveled, August 2023
The Vietnam intrepid tour with teenagers was fantastic. Very varied and active - I would advise you have a good level of fitness for the bike riding. In the 9 day tour we saw a lot, ate wonderful food, made good friends and felt we experienced the real Vietnam. Thank you to our amazing tour guide Chieu.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/14/2023
Anthony - Traveled, June 2023
The Intrepid Vietnam Family Holiday with Teenagers is a great experience. Our family loved the the destinations included, all the sights and sounds and the lovely people we met. Cycling was also a great addiction and helped to burn up some energy while taking in the sights. Our guide Loc was so calm which had such a positive impact on our group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2023
Ian - Traveled, June 2023
We had a wonderful trip! Loc was one of the best guides we've ever had on a group tour. The mix of activities for families with teenagers was perfect and we really enjoyed the company of the other family in our group. I highly recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/15/2023
Katie - Traveled, April 2024
As a family we loved this experience so much. It was so many things - active, informative (thanks to Toan our guide!), confronting and sensory. We not only bonded closely as a family but also with the other families in our group. It's a bond for life and we will all be continuing our friendships.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/24/2023
Michael - Traveled, April 2023
Fantastic trip! Great way to spend some one on one time with my 13 year old son!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/01/2023
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