Vietnam Family Holiday
Vietnam Family Holiday
Vietnam Family Holiday
13 Days Starting in Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh City
Visiting: Hanoi, Hạ Long Bay, Hue, Hội An, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong River Delta
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TVFA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
With great food, lush scenery and lots of warm, friendly locals, the whole family will fall in love with Vietnam. Sail beautiful Halong Bay. Delight at water puppets in Hanoi. Learn about rich emperors in Hue. Get a new outfit tailor-made in Hoi An. Maybe even take a dip in the Vietnam East Sea. With so much to share and do together, you'll experience the culture, flavours, and highlights of a Vietnamese adventure your family will always remember.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hong Ngoc Cochinchine or similar
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Hanoi is famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, verdant public parks and its thriving Old Quarter. The latter is a veritable architectural museum piece, with blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a 1930s provincial French town. You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel, and your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5pm. Afterwards, perhaps enjoy some dinner with your family and fellow travellers (this is optional).
Included Activities:
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Day 2 : Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hong Ngoc Cochinchine or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Embark on a full-city tour of town. You will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, and the tranquil Temple of Literature – an oasis of calm in the heart of town. Also head to the Museum of Ethnology to learn more about the diverse heritage of Vietnam. Enjoy some lunch at KOTO restaurant, an excellent establishment and longtime friend of Intrepid which lives by the philosophy of 'know one, teach one'. It supports the underprivileged local youth by giving them a chance at making a career in the hospitality industry. In the evening, sit down to a traditional water puppet performance. This northern tradition, dating back nearly a thousand years, is performed alongside traditional Vietnamese music that employs drums, wooden bells, horns and bamboo flutes.
Included Activities:
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Day 3 : Halong Bay
Location: Hạ Long Bay
Accommodation: Halong Bay Junk Overnight Boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel by minibus to the spectacular World Heritage-listed site of Halong Bay (approximately 4 hours). The bay is a breathtaking secluded harbour, with some 2,000 limestone islands jutting out of the waters of the Bac Bo Gulf. Board your private boat and cruise among the dramatic limestone peaks. There's an opportunity to swim in the famous Vietnam East Sea and explore caves filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Spend a peaceful night on board, beneath a sky alive with stars. Your sailing junk has twin-share cabins that have air-conditioning and private facilities. There's also a dining room and bar.
Notes:Â Due to recent, unforeseen changes by local authorities, many boats are no longer permitted to stay overnight on the bay. This has resulted in a boat shortage. To ensure Intrepid travellers are all accommodated, a larger boat, usually with 12 cabins, may be used, and passengers may be split across multiple boats. An Intrepid group leader will be present on each boat, and the route and onboard inclusions will remain the same.
Included Activities:
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Day 4 : Hue
Location: Hue
Accommodation: Overnight Sleeper Train
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast on the boat this morning and perhaps head out for an optional early morning kayak. Return to Hanoi by bus (approximately 3.5 hours). From there you will board an overnight train bound for Hue. As the former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue holds the treasures of Vietnam's royal past. It's a curious mix of bustling streets and tranquil settings. Although conditions are basic on your train journey, overnight trains are a classic South East Asian experience and the best way to travel long distances with the locals. Lie back and enjoy the ride! Most trains have a dining carriage serving simple food, but it's a great idea to stock up on fresh bread, cheese and fruit before you head off.
Notes: Sleeper trains typically have four-berth compartments (occasionally six-berth, depending on seasonal variations) which have bench seats that convert into sleeping bunks. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. On occasion, passengers of different genders will be required to share a compartment and there will be occasions where you'll be sharing with local travellers or travellers who are not part of your group.
Optional Activities:
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Day 5 : Hue
Location: Hue
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Thanh Lich 2 or similar
Welcome to Hue! Your leader will help you chose a local, tasty breakfast option this morning after you disembark the overnight train. Afterwards, you will take a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, which is considered by many to be the unofficial symbol of Hue. It's an active Buddhist monastery originating in 1601. One of the most poignant displays here is a car belonging to a former monk who, in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime.
You will have some free time to explore on your own before an afternoon cyclo tour. Journey through the streets of Hue, travelling around the citadel, passing through the local fruit and vegetable marketing, stopping to climb the ancient Citadel towers for a birds eye view of the town before stopping over at Ho Chi Minh’s house.
Included Activities:
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Day 6 : Hue
Location: Hue
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Thanh Lich 2 or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Delve further into the fascinating former capital today. You will visit the Imperial Citadel, which is the best-preserved remnant of a large citidel and Royal centre that once existed on this fortified site. The unique fortifications are fascinating, even though much of this place has sadly been destroyed by war. The foliage-covered ruins make for an interesting couple of hours of exploring. You will visit the Forbidden Purple City, which was almost totally wiped out during the Tet Offensive in 1968. The gaping holes left by bombs give an idea of the shocking destruction wreaked upon the country during the war. You will visit one of the royal tombs, that of Emperor Tu Duc, and see the central lake set amid a grove of frangipani and pine trees. There is also the chance to visit the tomb of Minh Mang. Its lush forest backdrop and impressive architecture make it perhaps the most majestic of all the royal tombs.
Afterwards stop into a local non-government organisation that supports Hue’s deaf community by providing training, employment, support and a place to connect with others. Here you’ll meet members of the community and join them for a traditional paper flower making class – a fun and interesting way to get to connect with your hosts without exchanging any words.
Included Activities:
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Day 7 : Hoi An
Location: Hội An
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Thuy Duong or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travelling by bus, head south through coastal rice paddies, then traverse the spectacular Hai Van Pass along the mountains en route to Hoi An (approximately 4 hours). Recently declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An is beautifully preserved and exudes a tranquil atmosphere. It's perfect for strolling around at a leisurely pace, with many beautiful Japanese houses and Chinese temples lining the narrow lanes. Parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago. It's also a shopping mecca – browse local markets and shops for original paintings, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery and lanterns. Hoi An has also become famous for its tailoring, with a great variety of fabrics and tailors to choose from.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 8 : Hoi An
Location: Hội An
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Thuy Duong or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, head out to spend the morning at Cua Dai beach. This beach is known for its stunning palm-fringed white sand and views of the Cham islands. Transfer back to town and pop into a local restaurant where you’ll learn how to make ‘white rose cake’, one of Hoi An’s most popular street foods. These tasty savoury dumplings are made with rice paper and minced shrimp and named after their resemblance to a white flower. Once your local instructors have taught you how to make these delicious parcels, sit down together and tuck into your creations for lunch. This hands-on experience is one the whole family will enjoy!
Included Activities:
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Day 9 : Hoi An
Location: Hội An
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Thuy Duong or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy further free time in this beautiful old town. Perhaps take up a cooking class and learn the secrets of preparing local specialties like cao lau – dark pork broth with thick yellow noodles, sliced pork, bean sprouts, green vegetables and croutons. Street food tours can also be arranged. Alternatively, hire some bikes and take the family out on a cycling trip into the gorgeous surrounding countryside. Another great activity which kids will enjoy is a bamboo basket ride down the waterways of the jungle. For more optional day- and half-day trips, chat to your leader.
Day 10 : Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Lavender or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Take a short flight to the economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 1 hour). Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is characterised by a vast array of sights and sounds – a fascinating blend of old and new, East and West. Check out Ben Thanh Market and experience a delicious local lunch of street food, and enjoy an orientation walk. Afterwards, you're free to explore the city on your own. Your leader will have plenty of interesting and fun ideas for you and the kids. Consider scooting off on cyclos to Cholon, the Chinatown area of Ho Chi Minh City, for a bit of temple-hopping. Or visit the Vietnamese version of a department store for some serious shopping.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 11 : Mekong Delta
Location: Mekong River Delta
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head down to the Mekong Delta and visit unexplored Ben Tre where coconut is everything and anything. The fertile delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits and flowers. On arrival, board your private boat and cruise along the maze of waterways to visit some local cottage industries. This is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at a different part of the local economy. Then head to your overnight homestay by the water. Be invited into a family home for a true local experience – a chance to see daily life from the inside. You'll be sleeping on simple camp beds in dorm-style rooms, with all meals included. Bedding and mosquito nets are provided.
Included Activities:
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Day 12 : Ho Chi Minh
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Lavender or similar
Life in the delta starts with the sun, so embrace the day early. You will visit a local market and soya bean workshop before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City for one more night. You should arrive in the afternoon, which will give you time for a final exploration of the city. On Day 13 your trip comes to an end, and you are free to leave at any time. For those who have booked an airport transfer, the leader will confirm your departure time and onward flight details.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 13 : Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals Included: Breakfast
With no activities planned after breakfast, you’re free to leave at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay in Ho Chi Minh City, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
What's Included
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Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
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Accommodation
As detailed in the itinerary
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Transport
Boat, Minibus, Overnight sleeper train, Plane, Private Bus
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Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
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Fully Guided
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Transport
- Boat , Minibus , Overnight sleeper train , Plane , Private Bus
Accommodation
- Hotel (9 nights), Overnight boat (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (1 night), Homestay (1 night)
Check out our Q&As
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes. Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
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What is the maximum group size?
16 people
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Are flights included in this tour?
No
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Dec 30, 2026 - Jan 11, 2027Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions