Joyful Vietnam Family Trip – 22 Days

GENERAL INFORMATION

Tour Route: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Sapa – Lan Ha Bay – Hue – Hoi An – Danang – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta
Duration: 22 Days/ 21 Nights
Date: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish.
Start/ End: Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Accommodation: Listed below or equivalent
Tour category: Vietnam family tours

FULL ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (-)

Welcome up on arrival by local tour guide and driver then we transfer to hotel. Relax for the rest of the day

Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: None

Day 2: Hanoi – Free Time – Cyclo & Water Puppet – Walking Tour with Street Foods (B, D)

This morning, you will be free until around 3 pm have a meet with our tour guide at the hotel’s lobby. We enjoy a 1-hour cyclo tour of the French-inspired “Old Quarter”. We will be free to shopping in the old quarter ranges from markets through to designer boutique stores to amazing contemporary art galleries. We will then sit down to enjoy a performance of the city’s famous Water Puppets. Then, we transfer back to hotel and start a walking tour around the old quarter of Hanoi along different streets, try to taste many kinds of local food such as beef/chicken noodle soup, oil-fried pastry, tofu, rice pancake, pillow cake, sweet soup, stuff pancake with pork, draught beer… and one of our best surprised is a stop at Dong Xuan whole sales market where we know many kinds of ingredients being sold.

Last but not least is our happy ending at a hidden coffee in the Old Quarters enjoy its famous ‘egg coffee’ in a pleasant surrounding overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. Fortunately, as it’s Friday so there’s night market and walking street around Hoan Kiem Lake. It would be a great chance to immerse in the local life of the local at weekend here. After the tour, we return back to hotel in old quarter Hanoi.

These are the famous street foods that you can try in Hanoi:

• Bánh Cuốn – Steamed rice paper rolls
• Bún Ốc – Vietnamese freshwater Snails Noodle
• Bún Riêu Cua – The Hearty Crab Soup Noodle (Not suitable for people allergic to crustacean shells)
• Bún Cá – Noodle soup with fish
• Bánh Xèo & Nem Lụi – Crispy pancakes and lemongrass pork skewers
• Miến Xào Lươn – Glass noodles with eel
• Bánh Đa Trộn – Mixed flat rice noodles
• Bánh Tôm – Hanoi shrimp cakes
• Chả Rươi – Fried Worm (Based on season)
• Bánh Gối – Crispy ’empanadas’
• Mỳ Gà Tần – Chicken noodles in herbal broth
• Chè – Colourful Sweet Dessert Soup
• Lẩu – Vietnamese Hot-pot (Such as Thai Hot Pot, Hearty Crab Hot Pot, Beef Hotpot, Mixed Hot Pot, …)
• Steaky Rices – Corn Sticky Rices, Green Sticky Rice Sticks, sticky rice with caramelized pork and eggs
• Egg Coffee or Green Bean Egg Café

Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Street Foods

Day 3: Hanoi – City Investigating Tour – Ninh Binh (B, L)

Hanoi, located in the Red River Delta, in the center of North Vietnam, and is the capital of the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam, the center of culture, politics, economy, and trade of the whole country. Throughout the thousand years of its eventful history, marked by destruction, wars, and natural calamities, Hà Nội still preserves many ancient architectural works including the Old Quarter and over 600 pagodas and temples. Famous sites include the One Pillar Pagoda (built in 1049), the Confucius Temple (built in 1070), Thang Long Citadel, Hanoi Opera House, President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, and so on…

This morning, we will start the tour from Museum of Ethnology, which is widely acknowledged as the best in the country and has an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 Ethnic minority peoples. Then, we will transfer back to the central and visit Tran Quoc Pagoda – the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, especially locates on West Lake where you can capture nice sightseeing. After that, we move to Hoang Thanh Thang Long to learn about the history of Ly Dynasty and the existance of Thang Long Imperial Citadel in the biggest war in Vietnam’s History before moving to the Ho Chi Minh Complex. With a fixed route, you will see Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (visit outside) which houses his corpse everlasting so that Vietnamese people and friend countries can come to pay expectation to him as the greatest president ever in Vietnam; his stilt-house described as Ho Chi Minh’s final resting accommodation since his death in 1969, and One Pillar pagoda with a long history back to 1049 during Ly dynasty in Vietnam- the period that Buddhist was most

magnifically prosperous. The architecture followed special meanings as well. You absolutely find out howspecial this city means to Vietnamese  people. The tour then continue with Temple of Literature, which originally built as a temple to Confucius. The tour will be finished in Ngoc Son Temple, known as Jade Temple in Hanoi with the myth of Sword Lake. After the tour, we transfer to Ninh Binh in the next 2.5 hours.

Remarks:

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is not opened on every Monday & Friday.
• Museum of Ethnology is closed on every Monday.
• The Museum can be moved to your favourite museum in Hanoi.

Overnight in Ninh Binh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Ninh Binh – Trang An – Hoa Lu – Hang Mua (B, L)

After breakfast at the hotel, we start the tour at 9:30 am before taking a pleasant boat rowing in Hoang Long River to visit Trang An Eco-Tourism complex. The complex is surrounded by picturesque landscape with thousands of hectares with more than 100 caves which can be explored by boat. It is also a home of 600 kinds of flora and over 200 kinds of fauna that many of them in the Red book of Vietnam. It is also a gathering of 31 valleys, 48 cross-water caves and we will visit 3 to 6 of them. On the rowing boat, we can enjoy the fresh air, clean and clear water with under water grass. Experience ourselves the feeling and emotion when we are on the water caves… After the tour, we will eat lunch in the local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital dated back from 10th and 11th centuries. The area is one of rice fields broken by picturesque limestone mountains. It features se Departuveral dozen monuments, including King Dinh and King Le Temple & Tombs… Then, we will spend time to visit Hang Mua – Dancing Cave is where you can get the impressive panoramic view of Tam Coc and NinhBinh city when you reach the top point of Ngoa Long mountain (about 500 stone steps). After the tour, we transfer to hotel in Ninh Binh for accommodation.

Overnight in Ninh Binh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Ninh Binh – Bai Dinh – Overnight Train to Lao Cai, Sapa (B, L)

The morning will be free until 11:30 am, we check-out hotel before starting to visit Bai Dinh Spiritual and Culture Complex, the largest Buddhist pagoda complex in the North of Vietnam with 500 La Han statues, biggest bronze Buddha statue in Vietnam with 10 meters in height, 100 tons in weight. The compound consists of the original old pagoda and a newly created larger pagoda, which is considered the biggest pagoda in Vietnam at this stage. After the tour, we transfer back to Hanoi for the night train to Lao Cai, Sapa.

*The tour will be not included the hotel accommodation after transferring from Ninh Binh to Hanoi Station. If you need an hour hotels, please inform and note that the surcharge is $40/rooms

Overnight on train
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Lao Cai – Sapa – Cat Cat – Y Linh Ho – Tavan (B, L, D)

After the train arrives at 6 am, our guide will pick you up at Lao Cai Station and we will transfer to Sapa in around 1 hour. When you arrive in Sapa, we will eat breakfast here before starting our trip.

Met up at your hotel in Sapa by local guide and driver for a short road transfer heading to Cat Cat village. After a couple of minutes, you will follow a road going downhill to Cat Cat village. You will stop by a waterfall and a hydroelectric station for a while before you trek on a dirt trail through rice paddy terraces. You will also enjoy spectacular scenery while walking along a narrow river. You eventually arrive in Y Linh Ho village of Black Hmong minority, where you can take a rest while you are served lunch nearby the river.

After lunch, you head Muong Hoa valley. You will pass through Lao Chai village of Black Hmong minority and then Tavan village of Giay minority by following a very popular trekking route. You will spend the night in local house of Giay minority. You will be able to take a walk to enjoy the valley view as well as swim in the river nearby.

Approx: 5 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch.

Overnight in homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Tavan – Giang Ta Chai – Su Pan – Sapa (B, L)

Once you get energy for your last day trek by having a delicious breakfast, you leave for Giang Ta Chai village of Red Dao minority. You will trek through bamboo forest, which belongs to Hoang Lien National Park. On the way you will pass by a waterfall where you will have time to take a rest and enjoy the surroundings. You will find a nice place to enjoy lunch. After lunch, you continue toward Su Pan, a small village located by the road. Here you start your journey back to Sapa by car.

Approx: 1-hour driving/ 3 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch.

Overnight in Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Sapa – Free Time – Shared Limousine to Hanoi (B)

The morning will be free until we take a shared limousine back to Hanoi in 6 hours.

Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay – Overnight on Cruise (B, L, D)

At around 7:45 am, we pick you up at the hotel in Hanoi to start our journey. When we arrive at Tuan Chau Marina – Ha Long, we enjoy a welcome drink and express check-in before boarding. After transferring by speed-boat to La Regina Legend/ Grand Cruises. You will be welcomed aboard the cruise, and refreshed with our welcome drink while the Cruise Manager briefing cruise orientation, activities & onboard safety. The cruise explore Chan Voi (Elephant Feet) and Tra Bau Area, while we are enjoying a meal that features the distinctive Vietnamese cuisine taste.

In the afternoon, we visit Viet Hai fishing village, where we’ll take an opportunity to explore the local life of an ancient village on Cat Ba Island. It is just like Sleeping Beauty, Viet Hai village is surrounded by high mountains, thick jungles, and a vast ocean. Here, we have 3 options:

• Option 1: Enjoy kayaking, and swimming (Recommended for guests who do a 3-day 2-night itinerary).
• Option 2: Biking to Viet Hai village (Recommended for guests who do a 2-day 1-night itinerary).
• Option 3: Boarding tender for a ride around Viet Hai fishing village that can combine with swimming at a beach nearby.

After that, we return to the cruise and enjoy the Bay sunset while enjoying the “Happy Hour” special. You may also join our chef in the kitchen to learn how to make traditional spring rolls. After a traditional Vietnamese cuisine, we will spend time to enjoy some night activities on boat like: squid fishing, spa, karaoke, or relaxing.

Overnight on board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Lan Ha Bay – Overnight on Cruise (B, L, D)

After having breakfast, we start our day by boat and cruising toward Viet Hai Fishing Village. It takes you 30-minute biking on a paved road along a nice lagoon then head up to a small slope before descending through a tunnel cave to arrive at Viet Hai local pier. 

First, we visit Viet Hai Cultural Farming Conservation Houses. This morning, let’s join hands with our host to do farming works: hoeing the soil, planting and watering vegetables, water scooping, fishing…then preparing fresh-cut vegetables from the garden and fish that you just catch for cooking class between the garden. After an active morning, you can relax and try fun walking over the bamboo bridge and crossing over the fish pond. Then we participate in a cooking class and you can enjoy your own-cooked lunch.

In the afternoon, we ride bikes around the village and back to Viet Hai pier. When you get on board, we will transfer to the nearby hidden lagoon for joining local fishermen on their traditional fishing boat. Here, you can take part in the mystic praying ceremony and then start your fishing experience. Back to Viet Hai fishing village, you can get back on board to relax or continue kayaking, and swimming. Dinner will be served on board before we spend the rest of night relaxing on our own.

Overnight on board
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Hue (B, Br)

Wake up to the fresh breeze of the bay as you participate in a Tai Chi session on the cruise sundeck. Then we have a light breakfast in Ha Long Restaurant.

This morning, we pass the Cua Van area then start your bamboo boat row to discover the Bright and Dark Cave – one of the best attractions on Lan Ha Bay which is best known for its pristine and tranquil beauty. You can explore the area by local boat or kayaking. After that, we return to the bus ride to Gia Luan Port to board La Regina Legend Cruise for a quick shower and rest followed by a buffet brunch at the Ha Long Restaurant.

Disembarkation of the cruise and transfer back to Tuan Chau Marina via speedboat. At around 12.30 pm, we arrive at Tuan Chau Marina and transfer back to Hanoi for the flight to Hue. On your arrival, our car will pick you up at the ariport and transfer to hotel in Hue for accommodation.

Overnight in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

Day 12: Hue – Heritage Tour (B, L)

Pick up at hotel at 8:30 AM, we will board the Dragon Boat on the romantic Perfume River heading out for the countryside. Being the ancient capital, Hue is surrounded with ancient tombs of emperors past, and a visit to the most beautiful tombs will be on the itinerary for today. The charming Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda) will be the first stop of the day. We will enjoy a great view on the Perfume River and surrounding area. Thien Mu Pagoda is considered the symbol of Hue, and of Buddhism in Vietnam. From here, we rejoin our van and go visit King Khai Dinh’s Tomb or King Tu Duc’s Tomb.

In the afternoon, we visit the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945, after exploring the ruins of this wonderful monument. We will then depart to the Hue Royal Fine Art Museum, which is housed within the former Dien Long An Royal Palace. We will finish our day with the local Dong Ba Market to see the daily life of local people. Overnight in Hue.

These are the famous Hue Street Food that you should know and try in Hue city

• Banh Uot – Grilled Pork Wrapped with Hue Wet Rice Paper
• Coffee Viet – black or with condensed milk
• Che – Sweet Soup
• Bun Bo Hue – Hue Beef Vermicelli Soup
• Banh Khoai – Hue Fried Pancake
• Cha Hue – Hue Sausage
• Banh Loc – Filtered Tapioca Dumplings
• Banh Ram It – Fried dumpling topped with Sticky Rice Dumpling
• Nem Lui – Grilled Ground Pork on Stick.
• Me Xung – Sesame candy
• Bun Thit Nuong – Grilled Pork Vermicelli
• Banh Beo – Steamed Rice Discs Topped with Shrimp

Overnight in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13: Hue – Hoi An – 1⁄2 Day Walking Tour (B, L)

After breakfast at the hotel, we travel by vehicle to Hoi An along scenic highway 1A. Along the way, we will stop to contemplate the stunning views North of Lang Co Beach, and South of Danang city.

On arrival in Danang, we will have a brief visit to Marble Mountain – the five elements of the Universe (water, wood, air, fire, and earth). We will arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon. Then, we will start our walking tour around the ancient town to visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky’s old house, the Cantonese congregation, the silk street of Hoi An, the temples, and pagodas of Chinese appearance. Then we are back to our hotel for relaxing.

Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 14: Hoi An – Free Time (B)

The day will be free for shopping, strolling in the town, lazing on the beach, or whatever takes your fancy. We’ll spend the night in Hoi An.

OPTION 01: 1⁄2 Day Cooking Class with Lunch

OPTION 02: Farming & Fishing Eco Group Tour (L)

This morning, we start the cooking class tour by a welcome drink at Hai Café. Then, we visit Hoi An’s colourful main market, and experience its amazing sights, sounds and aromas. We will have an opportunity to interact with the local sellers, to see and taste the wonderful variety of foods on display. After that, we arrive at Cooking School and have a chance to freshen up before beginning our class. Working together with our Chef we learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food from scratch. On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s best-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is first demonstrated by our chef, before we prepare the same dish ourselves. The class will include a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson, we sit down and eat exactly what we have cooked. We will finish at approximately 12.30pm – transfer back to central Hoi An arriving approximately 1.00pm Recipes (our food contains no MSG): *Vegetarians are provided with replacement ingredients. 1. Making fresh Rice paper 2. Fresh Rice Paper Rolls of Shrimp 3. Crispy Hoi An Pancakes with Shrimp, Herbs & a Peanut Sauce 4. Seafood Salad with Tra Que Herbs 5. Mi Quang Chicken Noodles 6. Food Decoration – Tomato Rose & Vietnamese Cucumber Hand Fan * Lunch includes the above meals as well as: 1. BBQ Lemongrass Beef (not included in the demonstration) CHILD PRICE POLICY 6 years and younger can join (with guardian) the class-tour for free – however for safety reasons they cannot be involved in any actual cooking.

We have an early start this morning as we head off to our Farming & Fishing Life Eco Tour. Starting at Tra Que Village, we will get a personal insight into the local farming communities. We set about joining the farmers in preparing their land for sowing, helping to fertilize the garden using seaweed from the local river and watering it in using huge tin cans strapped to our backs. Following this, we will begin our leisurely cycling tour through the countryside witnessing local Vietnamese rural life first hand. Late morning we will board our Hoi An Eco-tour boat for a river cruise. Here we will meet and witness local fishermen working their craft, before enjoying a hands-on experience of traditional net fishing. We then transfer to a Vietnamese bamboo basket boat for a quick race and ride down a coconut palm lined waterway. Lunch today, is on board our boat, which is prepared using vegetables picked earlier at Tra Que Village.  After lunch, we have some free time to wander around Hoi An town centre before heading back to the hotel. CHILD PRICE POLICY – From 1 to 3 years old, it is FOC – From 4 to 11 years old , it is 50% charge compared to adult’s rate – From 12 and over will be fully charged as adult’s rate

Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Hoi An – Danang (B)

Today, we check-out hotel in Hoi An at noon then transfer to Danang for a time at beach.

Overnight in Danang
Meals: Breakfast

Day 16: Danang – Free Time – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Today, we will spend the morning enjoying one of the most livable cities in Vietnam. You can spend time lying on the beach and enjoy some delicious seafood in some local restaurants here. We take the afternoon flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

On arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City, welcome upon arrival by a local tour guide and driver then we transfer to the hotel for check-in. After check-in, we will be free to wander around the hustle and bustle city on your own.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast

Day 17: Ho Chi Minh Tour & Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L)

Ho Chi Minh city, formerly named Ho Chi Minh City is a largest city of Vietnam. One day tour around today covers almost the major attractions. Understanding more about history in the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace, admire French-colonial architecture at the General Post Office, Opera House and Notre Dame Cathedral, and explore the longest tunnels made of Vietnamese people during the war…. Depends the weather and season, we can visit Cu Chi tunnel in the morning or afternoon.

Morning, we head to the Cu Chi tunnels, otherwise known as the “Iron Triangle” or “Iron Land”. Before entering the tunnels, we will see a short introductory video showing how they were constructed, followed by an exploration of the maze of tunnels, some of which have been widened to allow tourist access. Also on display are various mantraps and the remains of an American tank as well as numerous bomb craters made by 500lb bombs dropped by B52 bombers. After that we transfer back to Ho Chi Minh city for lunch.

After lunch, we visit the Reunification Palace, the former Presidential Palace for the president of the South of Vietnam. After that, we will visit War Remnant Museum, where we can see countless artifacts, photographs and pictures documenting about the second Indochina war. We also stop at Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post office to get good shots for our memory of the big, modern city of Vietnam. In the rest of the day, we will visit: Ben Thanh market, and then we will be back to hotel

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 18: Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Thia – An Binh Island – Homestay (B, L, D)

The program will start at Cai Thia pier, pass by Cai Thia church. Boat to Mrs Năm to see how this old lady makes rice paper in the local house. We have one more option to see more about Mekong Delta if we have a biking trip in an hour to explore the famous village of Hoa Loc mango on the small beautiful roads. It is so interesting to see orchards, traditional houses, school in Mekong Delta. Come to a local and peaceful home, we can create some cakes (local donuts) and taste it with hot tea. After biking, we’ll come back Cai Thia village. Be on our boat and enjoy the best optional lunch on boat when the boat is towards to An Binh Island.

Check in Ut Trinh/Ut Binh/Ut Quynh homestay, make friend with members of the family. Have a fresh shower before cooking pancakes with the family. We’ll enjoy dinner & overnight at homestay.

Overnight in homestay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19: Vinh Long – Can Tho (B, L)

Have a breakfast and check-out for a walk along the village to enjoy the fresh air in the morning. Check out and say goodbye to Ut Trinh family. Boat trip to visit the brick kilns where you can see how the local people create beautiful potteries from clay. Our boat will go along the floating village. We will see how to farm catfish on Mekong River. Then the boat travel on Cái Cá canal through Vinh Long city. Make a stop at Duong Chua bridge on the way to Can Tho. From here, we will have an hour for biking and visit Phuoc Hau village.

This village is famous for vegetable plantations. We can see the process of planting, watering, harvesting… Come back the boat to continue our wonderful boat trip. Coming to Cau Doi – Long Ho, have an optional lunch on our boat when crossing Ba Cang – Tam Binh. Arrive in Binh Minh when we finish our delicious meal, we can stop for a walk to visit of My Hoa village where people are making many products from soya beans & tofu. Cross Lower River to come to Ninh Kieu Quay of Can Tho city

Overnight in Can Tho.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 20: Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)

Early morning today, we will take the boat trip to visit the famous Cai Rang Floating Market with the busy sense right at the time. This is a biggest floating market in Mekong Delta where we can see the daily life and local people selling their products on boats. If time permits, we can visit Binh Thuy Ancient House here.

After that, you will be back to the hotel and have free time until check out. At noon, we will head back to Ho Chi Minh City and have lunch en-route. Arrive at our hotel in the afternoon and have free time at leisure. We will spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 21: Ho Chi Minh City – Free Time (B)

Today is a free day.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 22: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)

Time will be free until our car arrives at the hotel to take us to the airport in good time to board our departure flight. Trip ends. See you on the next Vietnam vacation packages!

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Inclusions

• 21-night accommodation with daily breakfast as per detailed itinerary
• Transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver
• Meals as specified in the itinerary with authentic local food.(B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
• Local-stationed English-speaking tour guide
• Entrance fees & permits
• 3 Days 2 Nights in Halong Bay Cruise or Lan Ha Bay Cruise
• 1-way Deluxe Cabin Chapa Train
• 1-way D-car Limousine from Sapa to Hanoi
• Bicycle in An Binh Island
• Boat in Cai Rang Floating Market
• Bottle of drinking water

Exclusions

• Other meals which are not indicated above
• Surcharge and Compulsory dinners (if any)
• Beverages in the restaurants where meals are included
• Gratuities to guides and drivers
• Personal and other expenses