14 Days - Joyfull Vietnam Family Holiday (Sample Itinerary)

Meet on arrival at Ho Chi Minh City / Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day at leisure or join our interesting daily excursions in and around Ho Chi Minh City. 

Accommodation at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Distance Ho Chi Minh City airport – city hotel: 8 km   Driving time: 45 min – 1 hr

Dinner at restaurant . 
 

Today you will visit Can Gio UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (07:20 hrs – 17:00 hrs). Tour activities include a visit to the Can Gio Museum, wild life spotting (monkeys, birds, crocodiles ...) in the mangrove forest and a ride by canoe to visit the former Viet Cong guerrilla base in Rung Sac.

Return to the hotel by late afternoon. After some rest, experience the city life after sundown with a food tour adventure by former army jeep (18:00 hrs – 21:00 hrs). Experience Saigon nightlife just like local do. You will see unusual faces of the city and discover the favourite places where the locals, Saigon inhabitants like to go at night for a dinner with friends or relatives. In this place, you will be able to taste the real cuisine of the South. After dinner, you will be invited for a night city tour to admire the most magnificent French colonial monuments of the city.

Accommodation at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Note: Distance Ho Chi Minh City – Can Gio: 58 km

 Breakfast
 Lunch 
 Dinner 
 

This morning you will take a short flight to Nha Trang, a famous seaside resort city in the south central region of Vietnam. 
Nha Trang is the capital city of Khanh Hoa Province lying by Nha Trang Bay which has been voted as a member of the world club of beautiful bays. Nha Trang has been one of the most important tourist hubs of Vietnam with beautiful beaches, fine and clean sand, clear ocean water and mild weather all year round. 
The 7km-long white sand beach of Nha Trang is known as Vietnam’s Mediterranean coast. The magnificent coral seabed in Nha Trang makes it ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling.

Upon arrival at Cam Ranh airport, pick up and transfer to Nha Trang City. Have lunch at restaurant before hotel check-in.

In the afternoon, take a city tour with visit to Po Nagar Temples - the outstanding examples of Cham architecture situated on Mount Cu Lao. Savour the panoramic views of the surrounding bay and countryside from the hilltop. The Po Nagar Cham Towers are sacred Hindu site dating back to the 2nd century AD. The town was built between the 7th and 12th centuries and is still used as a place of pilgrimage for Cham and Vietnamese Buddhists.  

Enjoy the Nha Trang’s popular mud bath and then return to the hotel. The evening is at leisure. You may want to take a cable car over the bay to Vinpearl Amusement Park on Tre Island.

Accommodation at hotel in Nha Trang

Note: Distance Cam Ranh airport – Nha Trang city hotel: 37 km
Driving time approx. 50 min.

 Breakfast
 Lunch
 

Take a memorable boat tour in Nha Trang bay and admire the Hon Mun marvels (09:00 hrs – 15:30 hrs) 
Pick up at hotel lobby and drive to the harbour for embarkation. You will first visit the Tri Nguyen Aquarium and then continue the cruise to Mun Island – Vietnam’s only marine park. Snorkel at the island to discover Nha Trang’s stunning underwater world, sunbath and swim at Tam Island. Hop on a local basket boat and enjoy a seafood lunch at Mieu Island or at Con Se Tre Resort (Bamboo Resort). Explore the life of fishermen at Mieu fishing village before we return to the hotel.

Accommodation at hotel in Nha Trang

 Breakfast
 Lunch
 

Have some more time at leisure before checking out and transfer to Cam Ranh airport for the flight to Danang (flight VN 8026 11:10-12:30)
Upon arrival, pick up and transfer to Hoi An. Have lunch at Hoi An Silk Village and then check in the hotel.

In the afternoon, explore the Ancient Town of Hoi An. Known to early Western merchants, Hoi An was one of the major trading centres of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Hoi An has a mixed Chinese-Vietnamese atmosphere with low, tiled-roof houses and narrow streets; the original structure of some of these streets is still virtually intact. Many of the houses are constructed of rare timbers and decorated with lacquer panels engraved with Chinese characters and pillars carved with ornamental designs.
During a discovery tour on foot through Hoi An Ancient Town which has been enlisted as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage since 1999, you will visit some of the historic merchant and community houses, places of worship and the famous Japanese covered bridge.

Sample Hoi An cuisine during dinner at a selected restaurant and then explore the charming Hoi An on your own. If you happen to visit the ancient town on the full moon night (15th day Lunar calendar), streets in the ancient town turn into romantic pedestrian lanes. Electric lights give place to the colourful lanterns – symbols of Hoi An. Poem reading and reciting, Bai Choi traditional opera and other cultural activities take place at public spaces in the ancient town. The Hoai River is studded with myriads of flower lanterns set afloat by pilgrims who come to make a wish.

Accommodation at hotel in Hoi An

Note: 
Distance Cam Ranh airport – Nha Trang city hotel: 37 km   Driving time approx. 50 min
Distance Danang airport – Hoi An: 30 km   Driving time approx. 45 min

 Breakfast 
 Lunch
 Dinner
 

In the morning, explore the back-roads of Hoi An and its surroundings by bicycle (08:00 hrs – 12:00 hrs). Ride along rice paddies and picturesque landscape to arrive at a famous lantern-making village. Visit a local family and try your hand at the handicraft. Hoi An lanterns are unique in design and durability. There are many shapes such as circle, garlic, diamond… and variety of colours. Hoi An artisans use brocade or silk to make lantern because it’s more beautiful and impervious to water and easy to clean. After the workshop, you can take home your own lantern.

In the afternoon, transfer to visit Ba Na Hill resort built on the site of the former French hill station. It has refreshingly cool weather all year round and gorgeous panoramic views. Visitors can enjoy all four seasons of the year in one day here.  Each of the four seasons appears in succession: spring in the morning, summer at noon, autumn in the afternoon and winter in the evening. 

The cable car system holds several world records will take you to, perhaps the highest amusement complex in Vietnam which includes a fantasy park, Alpine coaster, wax statue museum, a French village, several shrines and temples 

Accommodation at hotel in Hoi An

Note: Distance Hoi An – Ba Na Hill: 48 km    Driving time approx. 1 hr

 Breakfast 
 Lunch
 Dinner
 

This morning, you will explore the coconut palm paradise on the outskirt of Hoi An that sheltered the guerrillas during the past war and get to know the life of local fishermen (08:00 hrs – 13:00 hrs)

You will first visit a local fishing village and learn about the daily lives of local Vietnamese fishermen, their families and communities. Then board the boat for a river cruise down to Cua Dai. Meet and engage with local fishermen and get hands-on experience of traditional round net and cast net fishing. You will also have the chance to manoeuvre the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boats, joining in a basket boat race.
Explore the coconut-palm flanked waterways of the past war and hear recounts of the extreme conditions endured by the servicemen during the past war.

Accommodation at hotel in Hoi An

 Breakfast 
 Lunch
 

Check out of the hotel after breakfast and start your journey towards Hue with en-route visit to the Cham Museum in Danang which houses the finest collection of Champa sculptures; some may date back to as early as 7th century. Afterwards continue with a very scenic drive via the Hai Van Pass to the former Imperial capital of Hue. This town is known for its magnificent citadel, royal tombs and temples built on the banks of the Perfume River. 
Lunch will be served at restaurant in Lang Co

Arrive in Hue, visit the Imperial Citadel. 

Located in Central Vietnam, Hue was the former capital of the last Dynasty of Vietnam and has an elegant setting on the banks of the Huong Giang or Perfume River surrounded by lush green hills. Founded as a Royal city in 1687, this small and quiet city is known for the magnificent architecture of its citadels, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and temples built under the Nguyen dynasty. The city has preserved its cultural heritage including music, the arts and many other traditions and is probably the best place in Vietnam to get a sense of the past and imperial court life. 

The Hue Citadel is situated on the Northern bank of the Perfume River and built by Emperor Gia Long it was designed for the exclusive use of the Emperor and his household. The Citadel is a square 2 km wall encompassing 3 walled enclosures; the Citadel, Kinh Thanh Hue, the Yellow Imperial city, Hoang Thanh and in the centre the Forbidden Purple city Tu Cam Thanh where the Emperor lived. The Hue royal complex has been officially recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Accommodation at hotel in Hue

Distance Hoi An – Hue: 122 km    Driving time approx. 3 hrs

 Breakfast 
 Lunch
 Dinner
 

Beside Imperial Citadel and historical sites, visiting eco-villages nearby city offers a feeling about Hue’ soul. You will be introduced to the peaceful beauty of Hue such as Hien island, Bai Dau wholesale market, Bao Vinh ancient town, Thanh Tien paper flower village and Sinh village (08:00 hrs – 16:30 hrs) 

Your tour begins with a soft trip by boat along Perfume River to Lai An Wharf, where you walk to visit the house of folk painting artisan. Then getting bicycle and having an easy ride through green rice fields to visit Sinh village, Thanh Tien village, where you could meet local people in daily life.

Take a rest on boat with lunch, then you will continue to visit Tien Non village, the flower and vegetable growing area. Prepare to be dirty, as you have chance to take part in activities of farmer.

Accommodation at hotel in Hue

 Breakfast 
 Lunch
 Dinner
 

Today you will journey further north with a domestic flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, pick up and transfer to the city centre for hotel check-in.

Lunch will be served at KOTO (Know-One-Teach-One) restaurant which is a training facility in support of underprivileged and street children.

In the afternoon, take a one-hour cyclo tour in the old quarter. You will visit the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Hoan Kiem Lake was already considered the most beautiful lake in Hanoi when Ngoc Son Temple was built on an island in the 19th century. Initially, the temple was called Ngoc Son Pagoda and was later renamed Ngoc Son Temple, since temples are dedicated to saints. Saint Van Xuong, considered to be one of the brightest stars in Vietnam's literary and intellectual circles, was worshipped there along with other National heroes.

Accommodation at hotel in Hanoi

Note: Distance Hue hotel – Hue airport: 15 km   Driving time approx. 30 min
Distance Hanoi airport – city hotel: 30 km          Driving time approx. 45 min

 Breakfast 
 Lunch
 Dinner
 

Today you will visit some traditional handicraft villages around Hanoi (08:00 hrs – 12:00 hrs)

Drive to visit Dong Ho traditional block painting village, located on the banks of the Duong River in Bac Ninh province. Using the traditional Diep paper (this kind of paper is handmade by pounding the peel of Do trees with seashell – hence the name of the paper) and colours derived from nature, craftsmen print Dong Ho pictures of different themes from good luck wishes, historical figures to everyday activities and folk allegories.

On the way back to Hanoi, visit Bat Trang pottery village, situated approximately 15 km outside of Hanoi, surrounded by fertile farmland. Watch the artisans forming, painting and glazing their products, which are then baked for several days in huge kilns. Kids can test their skill and get their hands dirty with some clay works.

Accommodation at hotel in Hanoi

 Breakfast 
 Lunch
 

09:30 hrs. Pick-up at your hotel and transfer to Halong City. Upon arrival, embark on a memorable cruise with an overnight in Halong Bay. Enjoy the breath-taking scenery of this UNESCO listed World Natural Heritage with wonderful caves, tiny islets and beaches as well as floating villages scattering around. You may opt for activities, like kayaking (at surcharge) and swimming (if the weather permits). 

Note: Your private guide can accompany you on board at surcharge. Excursions in Halong Bay will be conducted by an on-board English-speaking resident guide.

Accommodation on board in Halong Bay

Note:
Distance Hanoi – Halong City: 130 km   Driving time approx. 2.5 hrs
Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, tide levels and operating conditions without prior notice. 

 Breakfast
 Lunch on-board
 Dinner on-board
 

Greet the day with a morning Tai Chi exercise (at request and not available on all boats). View the sunrise over the bay. Have breakfast while cruising through the bay. Upon disembarkation, transfer back to Hanoi with a stop at a beautiful village for a water puppet show performed by the local farmers/artists. Local snacks will be served for your delight.

Arrive in Hanoi, check in your hotel and have time at leisure.

Accommodation at hotel in Hanoi

Distance Halong City – Hanoi: 160 km   Driving time approx. 4 hrs

 Breakfast
 Lunch
 

 At leisure until transfer to Hanoi airport for your flight to the next destination (hotel check-out time is 12:00 hrs. Late check-out is subject to room availability and a surcharge will apply.

Distance Hanoi airport – city hotel: 30 km  Driving time approx. 45 min

Meals included: Breakfast

“WE WISH YOU A WONDERFUL JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME”