Vietnam Family Holiday with Teenagers
Experience Overview
Get active with your teens through beautiful Northern Vietnam. With long, gorgeous bike rides, guided walking tours, kayaking expeditions and two nights on a traditional boat in Ha Long Bay, this trip is bound to get the blood pumping (and the family bonding). Starting in Hanoi, you’ll cycle through the city, sit down to lunch at a social enterprise focusing on disadvantaged youth and explore the delicious local cuisine. Savour the fresh air in the countryside on a two-day ride from Luong Song to stunning Ninh Binh, cruise the waters of Vietnam’s favourite UNESCO-listed bay by kayak and explore Hoi An’s Old Town and its surroundings by bike and foot.
Highlights
- Experience the tranquil beauty of rural Vietnam while cycling through the lush rice paddies and limestone karsts of Ninh Binh.
- Kayak through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay with your family, accessing places the junk boats can't and seeing the limestone karsts up close. Paddle through grottoes, land on secluded islands and inspect stalactites in Surprise Cave.
- Eat for a good cause at Hanoi's KOTO restaurant – an initiative that trains disadvantaged young people for careers in hospitality.
- Wander the well-preserved architecture, riverside restaurants and shopping districts of Hoi An’s Old Town – you'll explore this UNESCO-listed city by foot and by bike!
- Get active with your teens – there's nothing like a bit of family bonding while you walk, cycle and kayak through Vietnam’s beautifully scenic northern half.
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 (7), 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 $1,655 ($184 /day)
Itinerary
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins in Hanoi – the capital city, famous for its Old Quarter and 36 shopping streets – with a welcome meeting at 5 pm tonight at your hotel. If you arrive early, maybe stroll the tree-lined boulevards, hang out by Hoan Kiem Lake, see the ancient temples grab a Bahn mi with the family. This city is full of rich culture, fun shopping opportunities and delicious local cafes, so there’s plenty to keep you occupied.
Accommodation:
- La Sante Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you and the family will head out to explore Hanoi. Jump on the bus and visit the Museum of Ethnology and the Temple of Literature. Soak up some of the local history, then head to KOTO for lunch – KOTO stands for 'Know One, Teach One' and the restaurant is an organisation supported by The Intrepid Foundation, training disadvantaged young people in the hospitality industry. After lunch, swap the four wheels for two and head out on a cycling tour around the West Lake. Tonight, you’re free to grab the kids and head out for a chilled dinner – maybe grab a bowl of pho from one of the streetside cafes?
Included Activities:
- Hanoi - Temple of Literature
- Hanoi - Lunch at KOTO
- Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology
Accommodation:
- La Sante Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After a hearty breakfast, jump on your private bus for the journey to Luong Son – a region in the country's northwest, this city is the starting point for your cycling adventure through Vietnam's picturesque countryside. After Hanoi's hustle and bustle, this area's fresh country air and relative lack of traffic will be a treat for the senses. You’ll ride to Mai Chau – home to a variety of minority groups with their own unique cultures and languages and your homestay accommodation for the night. Visit a social enterprise that’s centred around preserving and celebrating the traditional crafts of the Thai minority groups who settled in northwest Vietnam. Then, join some local women to learn about their crafts and how to make an embroidery pattern or dye cloth.
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 easy and leisurely paced. You'll have plenty of opportunities to hop off your bike and take photos of the surrounding valleys, sugarcane farms and rice paddies that compose the landscape. The final stop is the town of Ninh Binh – this scenic province is famous for its limestone karst landscapes, lush rice paddies and gently flowing waterways.
Accommodation:
- Thuy Anh Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Now your family has seen some of the beautiful Northern Vietnam by bike, it's now time to see it by sea! You’ll drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay – natural harbour of more than 2000 limestone islands rising from the emerald waters of Bac Bo Gulf. Home to countless beaches, caves and grottoes within its 1500 sq km, this spot is perfect for nature lovers. When you arrive, you'll set out on a kayak expedition. Your 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. Watch the sunset on deck and get to know your fellow travellers as the moon comes out.
Included Activities:
- Halong Bay - Kayaking
Accommodation:
- Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a moment to soak in the scenery of Ha Long Bay (sunrise, anyone?) before disembarking the boat this morning. Make the drive back to Hanoi, 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. A fun, local experience in Vietnam, the train is the perfect spot to get to know your fellow travellers a little better over a game of cards.
Accommodation:
- Overnight train Hanoi to Danang (Number of Nights: 1)
Arrive in Danang early this morning and take a short transfer to Hoi An – a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An is known as Faifo to early Western traders and 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. This will be your base for the next two days and you’ll explore both the town and its surroundings by foot and by bike.
Accommodation:
- Sunshine Hotel Hoi An or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Spend the day exploring Hoi An, beginning with a guided orientation walk led by your leader. Have some lunch together, then it's back on two wheels for a wider exploration of the town and its surroundings. Maybe ride past rice paddies and shrimp ponds to Cua Dai beach. Hoi An is also 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. Tonight, why not wander down to the riverside and enjoy a final feast with the group.
Included Activities:
- Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
- Hoi An - Bike ride
Accommodation:
- Sunshine Hotel Hoi An 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 better. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore the riverside restaurants and Old Town, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
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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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