A 10-Day Family Activity Adventure in Vietnam

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (GP)

Arrive in Hanoi and be driven to your hotel.

Day 2: Motorbike and Street Food Tour (B, Street Food, G)

Spend the entire day exploring Vietnam’s vibrant capital city from the back of a motorbike. Your guide will first take you to the Women's Museum, a small yet captivating tribute to the role of women in Vietnam, especially during the war. Next, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, established in the 11th century. Afterward, head to Hoa Lo Prison, known to captured US pilots as the "Hanoi Hilton," where Vietnamese, American, and French prisoners were held at different times.

Then, immerse yourself in the ‘Street Life’ experience as you cruise through the backstreets near the Old Quarter. Enjoy a street food brunch with options like Hanoi Pho (beef noodle soup), Nom (green papaya salad with seasoned beef), Banh Goi (pillow-shaped rice pastry with minced pork and mushrooms), Banh Cuon (hot rice paper with pork and fried onion), or Bun Cha (fresh noodles with grilled pork). If you're feeling hungry, try two or three different snacks—they’re perfect for a light bite rather than a full meal.

In the evening, you'll enjoy a traditional water puppet show before spending the night in Hanoi.

Day 3: Ha Long Bay Cruise (B, L, DP, G)

8:30 AM: Your private driver will pick you up and take you to Halong Bay to board the Emeraude Min cruise.

11:30 AM: Arrive at Emeraude Café, where you'll be welcomed aboard by your friendly crew, who will be with you throughout the day.

12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch as you cruise past iconic landmarks of Ha Long Bay, such as Cock Fighting Island, Incense Island (featured on the 200,000 dong note), Ba Hang Floating Village, and Dog Island. Relax and take in the peaceful, tranquil waters.

1:45 PM: Arrive at your first stop, Sung Sot "Surprise Cave." Disembark and take a guided tour through this magnificent and historic cave, a UNESCO Heritage site in Ha Long Bay.

2:45 PM: The boat will head to Hang Luon “Luon Cave” for a water cave experience, where you can enjoy kayaking or take a bamboo boat ride. If you prefer not to join these activities, feel free to relax on the sundeck.

**Note: Kayaking is available upon request for a surcharge of $20 per kayak. A life jacket must be worn while kayaking, and participants should be able to swim for safety.

3:45 PM: Take a break after your activities and relax while enjoying happy hour and a cooking demonstration. This is also a great time to capture the stunning sunset over the bay and admire the scenic surroundings as you cruise back.

5:00 PM: Arrive back at Tuan Chau Marina and disembark for a transfer to Emeraude Café, where your private driver will be waiting to take you back to Hanoi. You’ll reach your hotel around 7:30 PM and have the evening free to relax. You will spend the night in Hanoi.

Note: The itinerary is subject to change in accordance with the weather and other operating conditions.

Day 4: Hanoi to Danang to Hoi An (B, L, DP, GP)

In the morning, your driver will take you to the airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, your guide will greet you and take you on a tour of the city.

You’ll start with a brief visit to the Hindu Cham Museum and then head to Son Tra Peninsula before continuing to Hoi An for a guided tour of the Ancient Town. You’ll spend the night in Hoi An.

Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was once the largest trading port in Indochina. It became a crossroads for various cultures, which are reflected in the town's unique architectural style, particularly its wooden buildings. The original street layout and quay are still intact, serving as a reminder of a time when ships from across East Asia docked here, sometimes for months, awaiting favourable trade winds.

Hoi An offers a wide variety of restaurants catering to different tastes and budgets. It's also an excellent destination for shopping, especially for silk. You can even have clothes tailor-made within a day or two at very reasonable prices.

Day 5: Farmer to Fisherman Tour (B, L, G)

The day begins with a bike ride along narrow roads through the countryside, passing by rice paddies, water buffaloes, bamboo bridges, and local farmers at work. You’ll have the chance to participate in the daily activities of local farmers, such as hoeing the soil, watering vegetables in an organic herb garden, and riding water buffaloes in the field.

Next, you’ll board a boat and cruise to the mouth of the Thu Bon estuary, where the river meets the Cua Dai Sea, to observe the lives of local fishermen along the coastline.

Then, try your hand at fishing in a traditional ‘Thung Chai’ basket boat, a fun and authentic experience. Afterward, meander through the water palm coconut canal, which served as a hiding spot for Viet Cong soldiers during the American War, offering them protection from enemy attacks.

Following a visit to a local fishing village, you’ll have some free time to relax and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch before returning to your hotel around 3:00 PM. You’ll have the rest of the day free and spend the night in Hoi An.

Thung Chai basket boats, similar to ancient coracles, are widely used in Central Vietnam. These lightweight, portable boats are made of bamboo and waterproofed with tar. Typically, they can carry up to five people and are a great way to experience the local culture. For safety, life jackets are provided during this excursion.

Please note that your clothes and footwear may get wet or dirty during the activities, especially on the water or in the mud. It's recommended to bring spare clothes in case of rain or getting wet, and to wear shoes that are comfortable and suitable for mud (or you may need to take them off).

Day 6: Train Journey to Nha Trang (B, DP, GP)

Today, relax as a family on a beautiful coastal train ride from Danang to Nha Trang. On arrival, be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.

Approximate train schedule: 08:51 – 20:05

Day 7: Nha Trang Half Day (B, L, G)

Today, we’ll begin by visiting the Ponaga Temple, built in the 8th century, followed by a stop at the picturesque Xombong Bridge, home to a photogenic fishing fleet. Next, we’ll explore Truong Son Craft Village, where you can observe local artisans creating beautiful handicrafts from Khanh Hoa province, many of which are available for purchase. Our final stop will be Xom Moi Market, where you’ll get a glimpse into the vibrant market culture of the Vietnamese people.

Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to your hotel. The afternoon is free for you to relax by the pool or on the beach at your leisure. You’ll be staying in Nha Trang city for the night.

Nha Trang offers plenty of activities for a short getaway. You can join a boat tour with fellow tourists to visit some of the nearby islands, or relax on the long, bustling beach in front of town, which becomes more peaceful as you move farther away. The area also has excellent diving opportunities, with vibrant coral and marine life, and we often recommend the PADI 5-star Rainbow Diving Centre. Along the beach, there are numerous restaurants serving both local Vietnamese and international dishes. A short, ten-minute taxi ride will take you to the I-resort hot spring spa, where you can indulge in a mud bath, shower in natural spring water, and relax in a large hot mineral swimming pool surrounded by beautiful gardens.

You can also consider the following optional tour for today (not included in the price): Kong Forest – Discover the Lush Jungle (L, G)

Beyond the blue sea, golden sands, and radiant sunshine that Khanh Hoa is famous for, this region also boasts a hidden natural beauty unlike any other. The Kong Forest adventure area, recently emerging as a top destination for those seeking a unique and extraordinary adventure, offers an immersive experience with nature. After exploring the hillsides, jungle canyons, and diverse wildlife, Kong Forest will leave you with unforgettable memories.

8:15 AM: The guide and car will pick up the group from your hotel to depart for the Hon Ba Nature Reserve.

9:45 AM: Check-in at the Kong Forest Adventure Resort.

Here, you can partake in a range of exciting activities, with the highlight being the Zipline journey, where you slide beneath towering trees. If you prefer, you can simply enjoy a party surrounded by the wild beauty of Hon Ba – Khanh Hoa. Every moment spent in Kong Forest is sure to be worthwhile!

After the Zipline adventure, challenge yourself further with an off-road ATV ride through the forest. Your adventure begins at the wooden platform number 13, where you’ll head into the forest along a rugged trail. Stop at the mountaintop viewpoint for stunning views of Nha Trang city, snap photos of the jackfruit garden, and cross the dry stream at Trai Mit—one of the highlights of the journey.

12:30 PM: Take some time to relax, swim in the stream, and capture more photos before checking out.
1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at the lakeside restaurant at the foot of the majestic Hon Ba peak.

2:30 PM: Be driven back to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day in Nha Trang.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City Nightlife on a Scooter (B, D, G)

The morning is free until your driver picks you up for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel in the city centre, where you can check in and relax.

In the evening, at 6:00 PM, you’ll begin an exciting exploration of Saigon on the back of a scooter, tasting the local food and discovering the city’s hidden gems. Accompanied by a local rider, you’ll venture through the narrow streets and alleys in different districts, experiencing Saigon from a unique perspective. Your ride will take you to Chinatown, where you’ll visit a local market, and then on to the Ho Thi Ky wholesale flower market. Here, you’ll take a walk through the vibrant market and learn how to make crispy banana crackers.

Next, hop back on the scooter for a 30-minute ride through alleyways, past fashion shops, food vendors, and local parks where people exercise in the evening. After the scenic ride, you’ll stop at a local eatery to enjoy a bowl of Pho (beef noodle soup) and Banh My (Vietnam’s iconic street food).

Following your meal, you’ll head to the Nguyen Thien Thuat area, a well-known street food hotspot in Saigon, where you’ll find a variety of dishes that reflect the diverse local culture. Many residents from different parts of Vietnam live here, which is why the cuisine is so rich and varied.

To finish off the evening, you’ll visit a popular local hangout spot for some beer or a soft drink, where you can sit at small tables and chat with your guide, gaining insights into Vietnamese cuisine and local life.

You’ll return to your hotel around 10:00 PM to unwind and relax. You’ll spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 9: Can Gio Mangrove Forest Exploration (B, L, G)

Today, discover a unique Eco-Adventure speedboat tour to the Can Gio Mangrove Forest (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve). During this journey through scenic canals, we’ll briefly enter the Mekong Delta and stop at a local riverside market. After leaving the lush palms of the Delta behind, you’ll enter the contrasting environment of the towering mangrove forest. On this adventure, you'll visit a local fishing village, spot monkeys, feed crocodiles at a crocodile reserve, and paddle through the bat lagoon in a small boat. Breakfast and a traditional Vietnamese lunch will be provided throughout the tour.

8:00 AM - Your guide will meet you in your hotel lobby and transfer you by car to our boat at the pier.

8:15 AM - The boat will depart from Saigon, heading towards the lush green tributaries of the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a light breakfast of pastries or sandwiches, tropical fruit, and Vietnamese coffee (white or black).

8:45 AM - Arrive at Can Giuoc Market, a vibrant riverside market at the gateway to the Mekong Delta—perfect for photos!

9:45 AM - The landscape will begin to shift from lush riverside water palms to the darker, quieter mangrove swamps as you move from the Delta towards Can Gio Forest.

10:00 AM - Arrive at the Giant Bat Lagoon, where you’ll explore the area by rowing boat before trekking through the mangrove jungle.

12:00 PM - Enjoy a delicious, traditional Vietnamese lunch.

1:00 PM - Arrive at Vam Sat Eco Park, where you’ll visit a crocodile reserve (and feed them, if you like!) and observe monkeys in their natural habitat. You can also try your hand at crab fishing, bird-watch for both local and migratory species, or take another walk through the mangrove jungle.

3:00 PM - Depart from the Can Gio mangrove jungles and head back to Saigon.

4:15 PM - Arrive at our pier and transfer back to your hotel. You’ll spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)

Enjoy free time as a family, before being driven to the airport for your departure.

Key

B = Breakfast

L = Lunch

D = Dinner

G = Guide

GP = Guide pick-up

DP = Driver pick-up