- 24/7 service and full local backup throughout Vietnam
- Treasure hunt in the Old Quarter of Hanoi
- Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university
- Explore the fascinating Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
- Vietnamese cacao workshop
- Cruise among the dramatic limestone karsts of Lan Ha Bay
- Village cycling
- Lantern making workshop
- Take a basket boat through the waterways and coconut forests around Hoi An
- Cooking experience
- Vintage jeep experience in Ho Chi Minh City, sampling local street food
- Explore the colourful Mekong Delta, including local workshops, crafts & sampan journey
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
Day 1: Hanoi
Welcome to Vietnam. On arrival in Hanoi, you will be met at the airport and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in central Hanoi. The remainder of the day is at leisure to settle into your surroundings and begin discovering Vietnam’s vibrant capital., markets, workshops and local vendors creating a fascinating tapestry of daily life.
Day 2: Hanoi (B)
Today brings a playful introduction to Hanoi with a treasure hunt through the atmospheric Old Quarter. Explore the narrow lanes and traditional guild streets while searching for hidden treasures linked to the history, trades, recipes and legends of the neighbourhood.
Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070. Its peaceful courtyards, ancient altars and traditional architecture provide a fascinating insight into the country's scholarly heritage. Later, experience Hanoi from a traditional cyclo as you travel through the Old Quarter.
Day 3: Hanoi (B)
Discover the diverse cultures of Vietnam at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which showcases the traditions of the country's 54 ethnic groups through an impressive collection of costumes, musical instruments, jewellery and everyday objects.
Later, take part in an interactive Vietnamese cacao workshop. Learn how cacao beans are transformed into chocolate, from cracking and grinding the beans through to creating your own chocolate bars. Sample locally produced cacao treats while your creations set.
Day 4: Hanoi - Lan Ha Bay (BLD)
Travel towards the coast and board your cruise into magnificent Lan Ha Bay, where towering limestone islands and emerald waters create one of Vietnam's most spectacular landscapes.
Settle aboard your traditional-style junk and cruise amongst the dramatic karst formations, with lunch and dinner served on board.
Day 5: Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi – Hue (B)
Rise early, depending on the season, to watch the sunrise over the tranquil waters of Lan Ha Bay before continuing your cruise. After disembarkation, travel back towards Hanoi Airport. If time permits, stop at the historic But Thap Pagoda, dating back approximately 300 years. Continue to Hanoi Airport for your late afternoon flight to Hue, where you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.
Day 6: Hue (BL)
Cycle through the peaceful countryside surrounding Hue, travelling through Phu Mong Village and its traditional garden houses. Visit a family temple and historic tomb, where a local host will share stories of his family's connection with the Nguyen Dynasty.
Continue by bicycle to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, overlooking the Perfume River.
This afternoon, explore Hue's magnificent Imperial Citadel, once the political and cultural heart of the Nguyen Dynasty. Continue to the Tomb of Tu Duc, one of the city's most beautiful royal mausoleums.
Day 7: Hue – Danang – Hoi An (B)
Take a boat trip to the beautiful Tomb of Minh Mang, set amongst hills, lakes and fragrant pine trees. Continue south via the spectacular Hai Van Pass, stopping to admire the coastal scenery and the beautiful beaches of Lang Co and My Khe. Arrive in Hoi An during the afternoon and settle into this enchanting riverside town.
Day 8: Hoi An (B)
Explore the UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town, where Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese and French influences come together in its historic streets and architecture. Visit the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese temple and the historic Tan Ky trading house. Later, join a traditional lantern-making workshop. Local craftsmen will introduce you to the techniques behind Hoi An's famous silk lanterns before you create your own to take home.
Day 9: Hoi An (BL)
Day 10: Hoi An - Danang - Ho Chi Minh City (BD)
Transfer by private vehicle to Danang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Later, discover some of the city's historic landmarks, including the Old Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Dong Khoi Street and the exterior of the Reunification Palace.
This evening, experience Ho Chi Minh City from a vintage Jeep, beginning with a rooftop drink and city views before heading into the lively streets of Districts 1, 2 and 4. Along the way, sample Vietnamese favourites including banh xeo, spring rolls and fresh seafood, experiencing the vibrant street-food culture of the city.
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh & Mekong Delta (BL)
Begin in Cho Lon, Ho Chi Minh City's historic Chinese district, visiting bustling Binh Tay Market and the atmospheric Thien Hau Pagoda. Continue to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta, where traditional industries and waterways provide an insight into everyday life in southern Vietnam.
Visit a traditional brick factory before cruising along the Chet Say River. Stop at local workshops, including a carpet-weaving workshop where you can try your hand at the craft.
Continue through the countryside by bicycle or xe loi, passing farms and vegetable gardens before a regional lunch. Later, travel by sampan through the narrow canals before returning by road to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh (B)
After breakfast, check out and transfer by private vehicle to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your onward flight, bringing your Vietnam family adventure to an end.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 24/7 local operator support in Vietnam
- 11 nights' accommodation in carefully selected hotels
- Daily breakfasts
- 4 lunches
- 2 dinners
- Domestic flights: Hanoi-Hue & Danang-Ho Chi Minh City
- Private air-conditioned transfers and transportation throughout
- English-speaking local guides and entrance fees for all included sightseeing
- Overnight Lan Ha Bay cruise with meals and activities
- Local boat transportation and cycling experiences as specified
- Vietnamese chocolate-making experience
- Hoi An lantern-making workshop
- Vietnamese cooking experience at Tra Que
- Jeep and street-food experience in Ho Chi Minh City
- All sightseeing, excursions and cultural experiences as outlined in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to included sites
- Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International airfares
- Optional tours and excursions
- Porterage
- Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
- Personal Expenses
- Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
- Visas (unless specified)
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Any other services Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
Accommodation based on the below or similar
Hanoi
First Class: La Sinfonia Citadel Hotel and Spa – Junior Suite
Deluxe Class: Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi - MGallery Hotel Collection – Deluxe Room
Lan Ha Bay
First Class: Indochine Cruise Lan Ha Bay – Night Cabin; Junior Suite
Deluxe Class: Stella of the Sea – Night Cabin; Junior Suite
Hue
First Class: Eldora – Deluxe City View Room
Deluxe Class: Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel and Spa – Deluxe Room
Hoi An
First Class: Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel and Spa – Grand Deluxe Room
Deluxe Class: Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa – Superior Garden View
Ho Chi Minh
First Class: Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint – Deluxe Room
Deluxe Class: Majestic Saigon – Century City Deluxe Room
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.