15-Day Family Cultural Tour across Vietnam

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (GP)

Arrive in Hanoi and be driven to your hotel. Relax for the rest of the day.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour (B, Street Good, G)

After a relaxed breakfast, your day begins with a visit to the Fine Art Museum, home to one of the most fascinating art collections in Vietnam. Next, you’ll explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, dating back to the 11th century, followed by Hoa Lo Prison—famously known to captured U.S. pilots as the "Hanoi Hilton."

In the afternoon, you’ll wander through the vibrant streets of the Old Quarter, indulging in some of Hanoi’s best street food. Choose from a variety of local favourites, such as pho (Hanoi’s iconic beef noodle soup), nom (green papaya salad with seasoned beef), banh goi (crispy, deep-fried pastries filled with minced pork and mushrooms), banh cuon (delicate steamed rice rolls with pork and fried onion), or bun cha (grilled pork served with fresh noodles and a tangy dipping sauce). Feel free to sample three or four different dishes to fully experience Hanoi’s diverse flavours.

Your final sightseeing stop will take you to the famous railway tracks that run through the heart of urban Hanoi, sometimes just meters away from people’s homes. Walking along this stretch with your guide offers unique photo opportunities and a glimpse into daily life in the city.

To end the day like a true local, you’ll unwind at a Bia Hoi, where you can enjoy freshly brewed Vietnamese draft beer. The evening will be yours to explore at leisure, and your accommodation will be in Hanoi.

Note: Countless street food specialties will be available throughout the day—while we’ve highlighted some of the most famous dishes, you may discover other hidden gems along your journey.

Day 3: Hanoi to Mai Chau (B, L, D, G)

After breakfast, you’ll set off on a scenic drive to Mai Chau, passing through magnificent mountainous landscapes before arriving and checking in at Mai Chau Lodge.

Following lunch, you’ll explore Mo Luong (Soldier) Cave, a site steeped in legend. Your guide will share the fascinating stories and historical significance of the cave. The latter part of the visit involves navigating a tunnel, requiring some agility and fitness, but your guide will be there to assist—think of it as a soft adventure experience.

Next, you’ll take a leisurely walk to the Thai villages of Pom Coong and Lac, where you’ll get a glimpse into the daily lives of the local people. The villagers specialise in weaving beautiful brocade textiles and are always happy to showcase their craftsmanship. The village operates as a community cooperative, established by the residents themselves.

You’ll spend the night at Mai Chau Lodge, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the valley.

Day 4: Leisurely Hiking in Mai Chau (B, L, G)

Take a short 20-minute drive to Nà Cụt village before setting off on a scenic hike through small Thai villages hidden within a lush bamboo forest. These intimate villages are remote and less visited by tourists. Along the way, you'll be immersed in pristine landscapes—ancient tropical forests on Pù Pộc Mountain, towering limestone peaks with unique formations, and stunning terraced fields surrounding traditional stilt houses.

During the walk, we'll pause for short breaks to capture photos and chat with the friendly locals. The journey continues along a shaded trail leading to Cha Long Village, a charming, authentic settlement surrounded by cassava and corn fields. You will take the trail inside protective forest covered with shade.

After, be taken back to your lodge, check out and return to Hanoi for the night.

Day 5: Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay Cruise (B, L, D, DP, G)

09:00 AM – Your private driver will pick you up for a scenic drive to Halong.

11:00 – 11:30 AM – Arrive at Lot 32, Tuan Chau Marina. Complete the check-in procedures at the waiting lounge, where you'll be warmly welcomed with a special tea.

11:45 – 12:00 PM – Board a tender boat for a short transfer to the Peony Cruise. Upon arrival, enjoy a refreshing welcome drink as you gather in the restaurant for a cruise briefing and safety instructions.

12:45 – 1:00 PM – Delight in a delicious lunch while cruising through the breath-taking landscapes of Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, recognised as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

3:00 – 3:30 PM – Explore the magnificent Dark and Bright Caves, an unmissable highlight of the bay. Paddle through the caves by kayak for an up-close experience of their natural beauty.
Alternative Option: Visit Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches Islets)—a serene paradise with crystal-clear waters and picturesque beaches, perfect for kayaking or relaxing on the sandy shore. If weather permits, take a refreshing swim in the emerald-green waters.

5:00 – 5:30 PM – The cruise anchors at Tra Bau, Lan Ha Bay for an overnight stay, offering a peaceful setting to soak in the bay’s beautiful scenery.

6:00 – 6:15 PM – Join an onboard cooking demonstration, where you’ll learn to prepare a traditional dish. Meanwhile, enjoy Happy Hour (buy 1, get 1 free) at the bar as you watch the sunset over the bay.
Optional: Relax with a massage—book directly with the Cruise Manager.

7:15 – 7:30 PM – Indulge in a fusion-style dinner, crafted from the freshest ingredients, in an elegant setting that blends French neoclassical charm with traditional Oriental accents.

9:00 – 9:30 PM – Unwind under the starry sky on the sundeck bar, or enjoy a cosy evening in the restaurant. Try your luck with squid fishing, watch a movie, or play chess and cards.

11:00 PM – Retreat to your cabin for a restful overnight stay aboard the cruise.

Please note, this itinerary may change due to weather or operational plans.

Day 6: Family Exploration of the Bays (Brunch, G, DP)

6:00 – 06:30 AM – Start your day with a refreshing Tai Chi session on the sundeck, surrounded by the serene beauty of the bay. For those eager to catch the sunrise, wake up between 5:30 – 6:00 AM (timing varies by season) and consult our sailors for the best viewing spot.

06:45 – 07:00 AM – Enjoy a delightful breakfast in the restaurant as the cruise continues its journey through the bay.

08:30 – 08:45 AM – Visit the mesmerising Hoa Cuong Cave, also known as Diamond Cave. Untouched by human influence, this hidden gem, nestled deep within a forested mountain, retains its pristine beauty. Its mysterious, otherworldly atmosphere is sure to leave you in awe.

09:45 – 10:00 AM – Return to the cruise for check-out as we make our way back to the marina.

10:00 – 11:00 AM – Savour a delightful brunch at the restaurant while enjoying the final scenic moments of the bay.

11:00 – 11:45 AM – Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina, bid farewell to the crew, and conclude your cruise experience.

After disembarking, you’ll be transferred back to Hanoi, where you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening in the city.

Day 7: Phu Quoc Island (B, DP)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Phu Quoc.

Days 8 – 11: Free Family time on Phu Quoc Island (B)

Enjoy free time with your family to explore this beautiful island.

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City (B, DP, GP)

Enjoy free time before your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, be driven to your accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 13: Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L, G)

After breakfast, your guide will take you to explore the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels—a vast, intricate network of underground passages, chambers, and hidden traps. Used by both the Viet Minh and Viet Cong, these tunnels allowed fighters to appear suddenly, launch surprise attacks, and disappear just as quickly.

Following lunch, you’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City for an insightful city tour. Your first stop is the Reunification Hall, a stunning colonial-era building originally built as the residence of the Governor-General of Indochina.

Next, take a stroll through Binh Tay Market and Chinatown, where you’ll experience the vibrant blend of cultures and observe daily life in one of the city's most bustling districts.

You’ll also visit the iconic Ben Thanh Market, one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most energetic hubs, filled with stalls selling everything from fresh produce to souvenirs.

Enjoy a relaxing evening, as you’ll spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 14: Mekong Delta Speedboat Ride (B, L, G)

At 08:00 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the pier for an exciting full-day Mekong Delta adventure by speedboat. As the boat departs, you’ll glide away from downtown Saigon through narrow canals, entering the lush waterways of the vibrant Mekong Delta. A light breakfast will be served on board.

Your first stop is Tuong Van Pagoda, where your guide will share insights into the significance of Buddhism for many people in the delta. Next, you’ll explore a lively riverside market bursting with tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and local curiosities—perfect for capturing magnificent photos.

By 10:30 AM, you’ll reach the vast expanse of the Mekong Delta, often called the Delta of Nine Dragons due to its nine distributaries branching from the main river. Navigating through the delta, you’ll arrive at the Thu Thua area, where small, winding canals are shaded by a lush canopy.

Here, you may visit a riverside home housing Burmese python, explore a village surrounded by rice paddies, and stop at a farmhouse to sample fresh coconuts. Alternatively, you might visit a local merchant to taste regional whisky and wine, stroll along the river to a traditional home where three generations reside, and experience a village where you can enjoy coconuts straight from the tree. Your guide may blend elements from both routes to provide a deeper glimpse into life in the Mekong Delta.

After a delicious lunch at a local pagoda, you will visit an orphanage run by Buddhist monks, followed by a stop at a vibrant Cao Dai Temple. In the afternoon, you’ll cruise back to Ho Chi Minh City, where you will spend the night.

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B, DP)

Enjoy a free day until your flight home.

Key

B = Breakfast

L = Lunch

D = Dinner

G = Guide

GP = Guide pick-up

DP = Driver pick-up