Treasures of Vietnam with the Family — 15 Days

Dedicate this morning to exploring the capital's historic landmarks. Visit the serene Temple of Literature (Van Mieu), Vietnam's first university founded in the 11th century, where children discover the stone doctor steles carried on giant tortoise carapaces.

In the afternoon, head to the wonderful Museum of Ethnology, featuring full-scale traditional stilt houses, communal Rong halls, and outdoor gardens that fascinate young travelers. Late in the afternoon, delight in an enchanting water puppet show, accompanied by live traditional folk music. After dinner, transfer to Hanoi station and board the comfortable overnight sleeper train toward Lao Cai.

Guided visits in private vehicle. Overnight on sleeper train in privatized 4-berth air-conditioned cabin.

The train pulls into Lao Cai station in the fresh early morning air. After a hearty breakfast, take a scenic mountain road ascending toward the peaceful mountain town of Bac Ha, nestled in an amphitheater of verdant hills.

Set off on an easy, refreshing hike through plum orchards, tea plantations, and scenic cornfields to reach the Flower Hmong and Tay hamlets of Ban Pho and Na Rang. Meet local craftspeople weaving vibrant hemp fabrics and visit the eccentric historical palace of the local Hmong King Hoang A Tuong. In the evening, share a home-cooked dinner and a warm night with a welcoming Tay family in their traditional wooden stilt house.

Trek: approx. 2h30 to 3h00 on gentle paths. Convivial dinner and homestay in Bac Ha.

Begin your morning with an exhilarating immersion into a weekly highland ethnic market (Bac Ha, Can Cau, or Sin Cheng, depending on the day). It is an astonishing kaleidoscope of colors where ethnic minority women wear elaborate embroidered tunics and trade handicrafts, horses, and spices.

After lunch, drive toward the renowned mountain resort of Sapa, passing through valleys dominated by Indochina's highest peak, Mount Fansipan (3,143 m). Later in the afternoon, embark on a scenic hike through the rocky limestone formations and terraced fields of Sa Seng, meeting Black Hmong villagers in their daily rhythm.

Driving time: approx. 2h30 (100 km). Hike: approx. 2h00. Overnight at hotel with pool in Sapa.

This morning, follow panoramic hillside trails along the breathtaking Muong Hoa Valley, surrounded by the high ridges of Mount Fansipan. Walk through cascading emerald rice terraces and cross the picturesque hamlets of Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai, home to the Black Hmong, before continuing to Ta Van, inhabited by the Dzay people.

Children can try their hand at traditional indigo batik printing alongside local craftswomen. After lunch facing the valley, step into your private limousine vehicle for a smooth, scenic return drive along the modern expressway back to Hanoi.

Trek: approx. 3 hours. Driving time: approx. 5 hours (320 km). Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Leave the capital by private vehicle toward spectacular Ninh Binh province, known worldwide as terrestrial Halong Bay. Your first stop brings you to the foot of Mua Mountain: ascend the 486 stone steps lined with a carved dragon balustrade to reach an awe-inspiring 360-degree viewpoint overlooking the Ngo Dong River winding between limestone peaks.

After a flavorful lunch, embark on an easy family bicycle ride along peaceful country paths bordered by lotus ponds and rocky monoliths. Next, board a traditional sampan rowboat at Tam Coc to glide silently beneath three natural water caves sculpted into sheer limestone bluffs.

Driving time: approx. 2 hours (100 km). Overnight at boutique hotel with pool in Ninh Binh.

Drive across the fertile coastal plains toward the Gulf of Tonkin. At the pier, step aboard an elegant traditional wooden junk to embark on an unforgettable cruise into the tranquil, pristine waters of Bai Tu Long Bay.

Sail amidst thousands of towering karst islands rising majestically from turquoise waters. Explore the marvelous Thien Canh Son Cave, marveling at its ancient stalactites, then kayak or swim in secluded sandy coves around Cap La. At sunset, enjoy a hands-on cooking demonstration on the upper deck before a delectable multi-course seafood dinner served under starry skies.

Driving time: approx. 3h30 (180 km). Full board and overnight aboard the junk in a private cabin.

Wake at dawn to golden morning mists across the bay and join a soothing Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over limestone monoliths. Continue cruising toward Vung Vieng, an authentic floating fishing village explored by local rowboat.

Return to the junk for a generous brunch as the boat glides back to port. Transfer directly to Hanoi Airport for a short domestic flight to Hue, Vietnam's imperial capital. Check in to your hotel and enjoy your first evening soaking in the royal, poetic atmosphere of the Perfume River.

Domestic flight: 1h15. Overnight at hotel in Hue.

Spend the day uncovering the splendor of the Nguyen Dynasty. Pass through the grand Meridian Gate into the majestic Imperial City and Purple Forbidden City, exploring the Palace of Supreme Harmony and restored royal courtyards.

In the afternoon, visit the poetic Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, set within magnificent landscaped gardens, lotus ponds, and pine hills. Conclude the day with a stop at iconic Thien Mu Pagoda on the riverbank, followed by a lively sensory stroll through the colorful aisles of Dong Ba Market.

Guided visits in private vehicle. Overnight at hotel in Hue.

Drive south toward the enchanting ancient port town of Hoi An. Your scenic route skirts the serene waters of Lang Co Lagoon before winding up the breathtaking Hai Van Pass (Ocean Cloud Pass), offering dramatic panoramas over Da Nang Bay and the East Sea.

Descend into Da Nang, visiting the Marble Mountains or the Cham Sculpture Museum, before reaching Hoi An early in the afternoon. Check in to your resort, then venture into the UNESCO-listed ancient quarter as night falls, marveling at thousands of colorful silk lanterns reflecting upon the Thu Bon River.

Driving time: approx. 3h30 (140 km). Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.

Enjoy a full day at your own leisure to experience Hoi An's captivating charm. Wander on foot through pedestrian lanes to admire the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, historic merchant houses, and Chinese assembly halls.

In the afternoon, take a short bicycle ride or taxi to An Bang Beach for family sandcastles, swimming in warm waters, and seafood dining by the waves. In the evening, enjoy a lantern boat ride or a romantic dinner along the bustling riverfront.

Day at leisure without guide. Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.

Morning transfer to Da Nang Airport for your short flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Upon arrival in the bustling southern metropolis, plunge into the vibrant energy of its wide, tree-shaded boulevards and modern skyline.

Take a guided walking tour of French colonial gems: the grand Central Post Office designed by Gustave Eiffel's engineering studio, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Saigon Opera House. Later, explore Chinatown in Cho Lon and visit the atmospheric Taoist temple of Thien Hau, enveloped in huge coils of fragrant incense.

Domestic flight: 1h20. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Leave the city behind and venture into the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta. In Ben Tre, board a traditional boat to cruise along river arms shaded by expansive coconut palms. Stop at a local family workshop to taste warm coconut candies and watch hand-woven mat making.

Cycle along peaceful village tracks under coconut canopies, then board a small wooden rowboat for a tranquil glide through secluded jungle arroyos. In the afternoon, continue to Vinh Long and cross over to An Binh Island to settle into a welcoming riverside homestay ecolodge. Cook with your hosts and share a delightful family dinner.

Driving time: approx. 3 hours. Home-cooked dinner and homestay overnight in Vinh Long.

Wake at dawn to birdsong and travel by boat to Can Tho, the capital of the delta. Board a motorized boat to explore bustling Cai Rang Floating Market, the most spectacular wholesale water market in the delta.

Watch merchant boats displaying their produce from tall bamboo poles (Cay Beo) and sample fresh sweet pineapple cut on board. Visit a local rice noodle workshop before driving back smoothly to Ho Chi Minh City for a final celebratory evening.

Driving time: approx. 3h30 (170 km). Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Enjoy your final day at leisure depending on your international flight departure. Stroll along pedestrian Nguyen Hue Boulevard, sip a rich Vietnamese iced milk coffee (Ca phe sua da) in a vintage cafe, or pick up handcrafted souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market.

At the designated time, your private driver transfers your family comfortably to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight home.

Private transfer to the airport. End of our family services.