A Vietnam Family Tour ofAdventure, culture & FUN – Hanoi, Tam Coc, Halong Bay, Phong Nha, HUE, Hoi An & HCM City

Day 1 Depart USA
Depart USA for Hanoi via Cathay Pacific Airways, connecting in Hong Kong.

Day 2 Arrive Hanoi
Upon arrival in Hanoi, be met and transferred to your hotel for your next 3 nights’ accommodations. 

Day 3 Hanoi
This morning, enjoy a tour of Hanoi. Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains the mystique and charm of past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shophouses invite an exciting exploration by walking. We set out to Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a fascinating maze of narrow streets that date back to the 13th century. Each street was named after the items sold there, so we’ll come across streets selling clothes, silver goods, religious items, silk, china bowls – even coffins! Amongst these crowded, twisty streets we’ll stumble upon art galleries, streetside cafes, steaming food stalls and incense-filled temples. Continue to a local wet market followed by “Train Street” where you’ll walk along the very narrow streets of rail tracks in the middle of the city’s residential area. Next, visit Temple of Literature, one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam’s first university. End the morning with Hoa Lo Prison (a.k.a. Hanoi Hilton), a prison used by the French colonists in French Indochina for political prisoners and where the late John McCain was held captive for 5+ years. Your tour this morning includes a yummy bowl of Pho` (Vietnamese Noodle Soup) at a local joint. Return to your hotel to relax and freshen up. 

Later, enjoy a “Night Foodies Tour” to observe and sample the city’s culinary delights. Walk around the narrow streets and then pull up a plastic stool at some of the outdoor street cafes and try Vietnamese favorites such as grilled skewers, several kinds of Pho, or hot pot during the cooler winter months. Finish off with a cup of Vietnamese coffee or a glass of sweet sugar cane juice. Overnight in Hanoi. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Hanoi (Ninh Binh) 
This morning, journey south on a scenic adventure to Ninh Binh, dubbed the “Dry Halong Bay” where the breathtaking scenery and rural Vietnamese culture abound. Today’s adventure commences with a visit to Hoa Lu Citadel, home to Vietnam’s first capital dating back to the 10th century. From there, we hop on our bikes riding through local villages, rice fields and karst mountains toward Tam Coc. Here, glide along green waterways on a hand-rowed sampan passing under three caves. All around us, dramatic limestone formations rise sharply out of green rice paddies and wetlands. The boat ride lasts approximately 2 hours. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Return to Hanoi in the afternoon. (B,L)

**Note: Cycling distance is approximately 13-15km approx on flat terrain and does not require technical abilities. This portion of the trip is optional for those who prefer to tour by foot/car or if conditions do not permit. 

Day 5 Hanoi / Halong Bay Cruise 
Morning drive to Halong Bay passing through small towns, fish farms and rice paddies. Upon arrival, board a traditional “junk” for a fantastic 6-hour cruise through Ha Long Bay (approx. 4 hrs.) with fresh seafood lunch on board. Visit several islands with opportunities to take a dip and sea kayak in the bay’s emerald waters dotted with spectacular karst towers. After the cruise, transfer to your hotel and spend the night in Halong. (B,L) 

Day 6 Halong Bay / Hanoi / Phong Nha
Early morning drive to Hanoi airport for your flight to Dong Hai. Continue by road to Phong Nha. After settling in at your lodge, visit Dark Cave a 6km cave with no artificial lights in near complete darkness. To approach the cave, you’ll swing over the longest zip-line in Vietnam over Chay River followed by crossing a wooden bridge to the cave entrance. Moving deeply into the cave, you will find many ancient fossils that are over a million years old. Time permitting, enjoy swimming or kayaking on the river before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight.(B,L,D)

Day 7 Phong Nha Ke-Bang National Park (Oxalis Wild Tu Lan Cave Tour) Morning pick up for a 1.5 hour drive to the Oxalis Adventure office for a safety briefing and equipment collection.  Today’s program begins with a trek on a flat path past a peanut field and grazing buffalo. A river crossing leads to the Rat cave. You will enjoy the picnic lunch at the entrance before visiting the cave, a small but beautiful cave. Drop downhill into the next valley. Cross the valley on a flat path to reach to Lom Com hill with the 150m climbing and descending. More hills and jungle trekking before you drop down to Tu Lan Valley and your camp for the night. Finish off the day with a swim into the beautiful lake near by the Camp. Dinner is prepared and served by the porter team. (B,L,D) 

***Note: activities in Phong Nha Ke-Bang National Park on join basis with other participants (max 10 passengers). You will be camping tonight where amenities will be very basic. For additional details about this portion of the program, please refer to the Oxalis Adventure website. 

Day 8 Phong Nha Ke-Bang National Park (Oxalis Wild Tu Lan Cave Tour) After breakfast, explore and swim Ken Cave. After lunch at the camp, swim into the wet entrance of Tu Lan Cave followed by a short climb that leads you into the dry passage. Trek around the valley to Kim Cave. Enter the small entrance via a short climb and follow the dry passage to meet the underground river. A series of short swims and waterfalls brings you to the beautiful To Mo Valley and your camp for the second night. (B,L,D) 

***Note: activities on join basis with other participants (max 10 passengers). You will be camping tonight where amenities will be very basic. 

Day 9 Phong Nha Ke-Bang National Park (Oxalis Wild Tu Lan Cave) / Phong Nha / Hue
After breakfast, a challenging steep hill will lead you to Hang Song Oxalis. This cave has an amazing display of cave coral. Take your time and appreciate this cave. Descend the steep hill for snacks and tea or coffee. Cross To Mo Valley to enter Hung Ton Cave next to the small waterfall. Swim along to the dry passage, where you will climb a metal ladder with the extra protection of a safety line. Follow the dry passage to the exit.

From here the route follows the same way as the first morning: cross the flat valley, climb a short hill, cross the river and buffalo fields to the office. Back at the office enjoy a shower and a tasty lunch at a local restaurant before departing for Hue by private car. Check-in at your hotel in Hue upon arrival. 

***Note: activities on join basis with other participants (max 10 passengers). 

Day 10 Hue / Hoi An
This morning, enjoy a cyclo ride over the historical Trang Tien Bridge to visit the colorful Dong Ba market. We’ll enjoy a foodie experience with a chance to sample some of the city’s delicious local fares for which Hue is so famous amongst the local Vietnamese folk. Visit the Imperial Citadel where Vietnam’s royal family once resides before continuing on a scenic drive to Hoi An. Check-in your beachfront resort and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. (B) 

**Note: local snacks on passengers’ own expense 

Day 11 Hoi An 
Enjoy today to rejuvenate, relax and explore beautiful Hoi An on your own. (B) 

Day 12 Hoi An 
This morning’s action-packed tour begins with a smoothie and muffin at Fusion Cafe in Hoi An. Afterward, hop on your electric scooter for Cam Nam Island to visit a local ship repair yard. Continue riding through the beautiful countryside stopping at a local family to get a unique behind-the-scenes look at where Hoi An’s colourful lanterns come from, and learn how the delicious Hoi An rice crackers are produced. At the local shoemaker, learn about the ancient tradition of tailoring and shoemaking. Visit a rice cracker maker to observe the traditional cracker making process before moving on. During a riverside break, meet one of the trainee chefs from our NGO partner, Streets International, who will bring along some delicious bread for you to sample while having an opportunity to chat with him about the project. Continue into the countryside and experience first-hand the beauty of the rice paddies, monkey bridges and grazing buffalos, plus a brief visit at Tra Que Village, Hoi An’s vegetable and herb garden. Unwind at An Bang Beach before returning to Hoi An Town. Balance of the afternoon at leisure to eat, shop and explore charming Hoi An on your own. (B)

Day 13 Hoi An / Ho Chi Minh City 
Transfer for your short one-hour flight to HCM City. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure to relax, eat, and explore Saigon on your own. In the early evening, head to the Ben Thanh market and get ready to be fully immersed in the bustling streets of Saigon, and its world-famous street food culture. Hit the streets with your guide and head to the sidewalk stalls most popular with locals. Enjoy this lively and informal atmosphere alongside locals, sampling special dishes and popular local favorites. Try the Vietnamese version of pizza, banh trang nuong, with tasty toppings on grilled rice paper, and the famous banh mi, an airy baguette loaded with a medley of meats, vegetables and spices. Visit Saigon’s walking street, a popular meeting point for Saigon’s youth, then cap off the evening with a cocktail at one of the city’s lively bars while enjoying panoramic night views of the city. (B,D)

Day 14  Ho Chi Minh City
This morning, enjoy an off-the-tourist path tour of Old Saigon. Visit a thriving local market to see how these bustling and vibrant markets play a major role in the daily lives of Vietnamese people. From here stroll through the colourful back alleyways lined with flower shops and breathe in the aromas of the freshly cut blooms. Pass through another street where mechanics specialise in restoring vintage Vespa scooters. Take in the scenes of local life as you wander these narrow lanes. Stop for a refreshing traditional iced at the oldest coffee shop in Saigon, this old fashioned establishment has a colourful history stretching back over seven decades. Continue the walk through some other back lanes the go along to another famous street filled with shops selling locally-made guitars. Return to your hotel and enjoy the balance of the afternoon to eat, shop and explore Saigon on your own. (B)

Day 15 Return Home
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight home, connecting in Hong Kong. Arrive the same day. (B)

****END OF PROGRAM****

• Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
• Prices includes all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotels taxes & service charges
• Price excludes personal expenses, beverages and gratuities to guides and drivers.
• Phong Nha portion of Tour does NOT operate in October due to weather patterns (heavy rains & flooding)
• Holiday surcharges and/or compulsory gala dinners at hotels apply between Dec. 20 – Jan. 05
• For Air & Land Option:
  • When Trans-Pacific travel takes place on a weekend (Friday-Sunday), add $50 per person each direction.
  • *Jun-Aug rates apply for departures between May 24-31 due to peak season airfares
  • **Airfare supplement of $500 (West Coast) | $600 (East Coast) applies for departures between December 10 – 31
  • U.S. & Foreign departure taxes, fees and fuel surcharges are not included (Approx. $300 – subject to change).
• Land only cost includes intra-Asia flights per itinerary
• A visa is required for Vietnam. Not included in package.
• All flights, hotels and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation