A Vietnam Family Tour of Adventure, culture & FUN – Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Can Tho, HCM City

Day 1 Arrive Hanoi
Upon arrival in Hanoi, be met and transferred to your hotel for your next 2 nights’ accommodations. 

Day 2 Hanoi
This morning, enjoy a city tour of Hanoi. We’ll start with the Museum of Ethnology, dedicated to preserving the cultural traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Next head to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university built in the 1970s followed by Hoa Lo Prison where the late John McCain was held captive for 5 years. Continue to Train Street and enjoy a bit of interaction with local street vendors before sitting down to enjoy a cold drink. Cap off the morning with a cyclo (rickshaw) ride through the famed Old Quarters, a local market place that dates back to the 13th century that comprises of a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways, each named after the goods that were traditionally sold there, such as silk, silver, or herbs. Today, these streets are still bustling with activity, with vendors selling all kinds of goods, from clothes and souvenirs to food and household items. We’ll Stop at a roadside coffee shop, mingle with the locals and enjoy the daily life passing by. Return to the hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure to freshen up or explore the lively area around your hotel.

This evening, enjoy a night foodies tour for which Hanoi is known. We’ll start with a walk through the maze of bustling streets of the city’s famed Old Quarter. Join the locals and pull up a plastic stool at a pavement stall to try  some Vietnamese snacks starting with the famous Hanoi dish Banh Cuon (Vietnamese rice rolls), followed by two barbeque stalls featuring meat, vegetable, and bread specialties grilled over hot coals. Then, it’s time for dessert. Venture down a small alley and try a cup of fresh fruit smothered with crushed iced and condensed milk. Stop a hidden café with stunning views over the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, for a cup of coffee (or a beer) before ending your foodies adventure of Hanoi. (B,D)

Day 3 Hanoi / Ninh Binh 
This morning, journey south on a scenic adventure to Ninh Binh. Often referred to as “Dry Halong Bay”, this idyllic region features imposing limestone karsts that majestically emerge from lush emerald-green rice fields, evoking scenes from a fairy tale. Start your morning with a leisurely bike ride between 10-15km (can be adjusted based on your preference/energy level) to appreciate the immersed rice fields and agriculture life. Then roll up your sleeves, put in your boots, and take part in the fun daily life activities with local fishermen and farmers. Here, you’ll have a chance to catch crab and mudfish using traditional rattan tools, or try your hand at planting rice in the fields. Engage in a casual talk with the local farmer to get an insight into his family and lifestyle. For lunch, take part in a hands-on cooking demo with the chef before enjoying some Ninh Binh specialties.

Later this afternoon, get on a row boat and glide along the tranquil river to Galaxy Cave. Recently discovered in 2007 due to its small size and hidden location, the cave is beautifully untouched with natural formations of stalagmites & stalactites in shimmering colors. Continue by riverboat along the tranquil river beautifully complemented with stunning views to die for. Overnight in Ninh Binh. (B,L)

**Note: Cycling distance is approximately 13-15km approximately 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 4 Ninh Binh / Halong Bay 
This morning, travel by road (4-hours) for Halong Bay, yet another UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its emerald waters and nearly 2,000 limestone karst islands in mesmerizing seascape. Here, we’ll enjoy a day of bliss aboard a small luxury ship for a tantalizing cruise around Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay (depending on ship). Highlights include shore excursions to several islands, cave exploration, kayaking and swimming. Lunch and dinner are served on board. (B,L,D)

**Note: cruise routing and shore excursions vary slightly by cruise company though experiences will be similar. 

Day 5 Halong Bay / Hoi An
For the early riser, join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck while tea, coffee and assorted pastries are served. Later, enjoy kayaking activities followed by brunch on board before disembarking your cruise. Transfer to Hanoi Airport for your afternoon flight to Danang. Transfer to your resort in Hoi An for your next 3 nights’ accommodations (B)

Day 6 Hoi An
Enjoy a morning tour of Hoi An’s beautiful Old Town. Located 30 km south of Danang, the sublime riverside town of Hoi An is a feast for the eyes. Without most forms of motorized transport, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of this ancient port is perfect for exploring on foot. Explore beautifully preserved old merchant houses, atmospheric temples, and lively markets as you stroll through the back streets of this enchanting destination.

After a stroll around town, it’s time to roll up your sleeves for some fun starting at a mask painting workshop. Here, you’ll be making your own masterpiece under the guidance of an artisan who has dedicated his life to painting masks that characterize Tuong singing (classical Vietnamese opera). Afterwards, we’ll wrap up the morning making traditional White Rose Hoi An Dumplings where you’ll enjoy your very own simple but delicious culinary creation. Return to your hotel and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. (B,L)

Day 7 Hoi An 
Full day free at leisure to enjoy the beach, eat, shop and explore beautiful Hoi An on your own. Optional excursions (My Son Ruins, River Cruise, Round of Golf, Cooking Lesson, etc.) are available upon request. (B)

Day 8 Hoi An / Can Tho
Morning transfer for your flight to Can Tho. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your resort. Enjoy time at leisure before boarding a sampan for a cruises along the Mekong River and through hidden canals little known to the typical tourist. Observe life along the banks of canals before returning to your resort. (B)

Day 9 Can Tho / HCM City
After an early breakfast, get on a local motorized boat for a cruise to Cai Rang floating market. Feel the rustic vibes of a traditional floating market and get a glimpse into the agricultural river life engrained in this region. Continue your local boat cruise along narrow creeks where you will visit an orchard and get an insight into a farmer’s daily life. After sampling seasonal fruits, return to town through the labyrinth of canals. Stroll through Can Tho town with at a local restaurant before continuing to Ho Chi Minh City. Check-in at your hotel for your next 2 nights’ accommodations. (B,L)

Day 10 HCM City
Enjoy a morning tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Affectionately known as Saigon and the “Paris of the East”, this dynamic metropolis has emerged as a thriving hotspot in Asia, boasting Vietnam’s finest cuisine, a bustling nightlife, and top-notch accommodations. We’ll tour the historic former Presidential Palace, walk pass some of the most impressive French-colonial architectures around town including Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office and City Hall (Hotel de Ville). Visit the Fine Arts Museum before heading to Ben Thanh market for some souvenir hunting. Return to your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. 

This evening, enjoy the spectacular A O Show, a 60-minute production that depicts the transformation of modern Vietnamese society, taking the audience from the serenity and peacefulness of rural village life to the mayhem and frenzy of city dwelling through the medium of dance and music.  (B,L)

Day 11  Ho Chi Minh City (Cu Chi Tunnels)
This morning, a short drive outside the city takes you to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This underground network was dug in 1948 for the guerrillas to hide from French air and ground sweeps. It also served as communication routes and food and weapon caches as well as hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters throughout the Vietnam war. The tunnel system was improved and expanded to create an underground city of meeting areas, storerooms, living quarters that extends for more than 200KM in length, stretching from Saigon to the Cambodian border which remained totally undetected until after the war. Here, You’ll have the option to go below the surface and visit sections of the tunnels first hand. The more adventurous may go deeper and your guide will be on hand to give guidance on the degree of expected difficulty.  Afterwards, return to the city and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure to relax and further explore the city on your own. (B)

Day 12 Return Home
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight home. (B) 

****END OF PROGRAM****

• Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, 2 passengers traveling
• For 3 and 4 passengers traveling together, deduct $200 and $350 per person from tour price, respectively. 
• Prices include all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotels taxes & service charges
• Price excludes transpacific air (i.e. flights to/from Vietnam), personal expenses, beverages and gratuities to guides and drivers.
• Holiday surcharges and/or compulsory gala dinners at hotels apply between Dec. 20 – Jan. 05
• A visas is required for Vietnam. Not included in package.
• All flights, hotels and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation