Family Fun in Viet Nam

Welcome to Hanoi! Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our guide and driver will greet your family and transfer you to your hotel for check-in and a chance to rest after the long journey.

Depending on your flight schedule, the afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your own pace. Suggested activities include a stroll through the 36 bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where families can experience the lively atmosphere and daily rhythm of local life.

You will also visit Hoan Kiem Lake, the symbolic heart of Hanoi, along with Ngoc Son Temple and Pen Tower. This cultural complex reflects Vietnam’s rich folk traditions and worship practices in a setting that is both educational and enjoyable for children.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show, which is one of Hanoi’s most unique cultural performances. This ancient art form uses colourful wooden puppets to act out legends and rural stories on water, offering fun and fascination for both kids and adults.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Hanoi.

Overnight: Hanoi

Leisure activities for children: Seeing the colourful water puppets dance on stage and exploring the lively Old Quarter streets.

After breakfast at the hotel, your family will begin a guided exploration of Vietnam’s capital. The first stop is Phu Tay Ho Temple, dedicated to the Holy Mother Lieu Hanh, one of Hanoi’s most revered pilgrimage sites. From here, enjoy sweeping views of West Lake, the city’s largest lake, covering nearly 500 hectares.

Next, continue to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays), where over 1,500 artifacts vividly showcase the daily life, customs, and traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The museum’s outdoor exhibition area includes life-size models of traditional houses, making it especially engaging for children and adults alike.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant featuring bún chả, Hanoi’s world-famous dish of grilled pork with rice noodles and herbs.

In the afternoon, enjoy a hands-on Tò He workshop near Hoan Kiem Lake’s walking street. Tò He are colourful figurines made from glutinous rice powder, traditionally crafted into animals and playful characters. Guided by local artisans, your family will have the chance to create your own fun souvenirs — an activity particularly enjoyable for kids.

The evening is free for you to explore Hanoi at your own pace before returning to your hotel.

Overnight: Hanoi

Leisure activities for children: Making their own colourful Tò He toys and learning about Vietnam’s diverse cultures through interactive museum displays.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a leisurely morning stroll through central Hanoi before setting off for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay (approx. 2.5 hours by road).

Arrive at the pier by midday and board your cruise ship. The crew will welcome your family with a refreshing drink and a short briefing on the itinerary ahead. Settle into your private cabin and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch as the boat begins its journey through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay.

In the afternoon, admire the spectacular seascape of nearly 2,000 limestone islands and islets, many topped with lush vegetation and dotted with mysterious caves. Families can choose to paddle a kayak around hidden lagoons or simply relax on deck and watch the scenery drift by. Children especially enjoy spotting rock formations shaped like animals and mythical creatures.

As the sun sets, return to the ship for free time to relax. A freshly prepared seafood dinner will be served onboard, followed by optional evening activities such as squid fishing or stargazing on the sundeck.

Overnight: Onboard cruise in Ha Long Bay (private en-suite cabin)

Leisure activities for children: Kayaking through caves, spotting rock-shaped islands, and trying squid fishing at night.

Wake up early to admire the magnificent sunrise over Ha Long Bay, followed by breakfast onboard. The cruise then continues towards Vung Vieng fishing village, where you’ll take a sampan (traditional wooden rowboat) to discover the unique floating community.

Sailing further through Bai Tu Long Bay, enjoy the striking limestone karst scenery shaped by centuries of wind and water erosion. A freshly prepared lunch will be served as the cruise makes its way back to port.

In the afternoon, drive from Ha Long to Thai Binh (approx. 2 hours). Upon arrival, settle into a local homestay, offering your family an authentic glimpse into rural Vietnamese life. After some rest, enjoy a warm home-cooked dinner and join your host family in traditional village activities.

Overnight: Thai Binh (homestay)

Leisure activities for children: Interacting with local kids, trying simple village games, and joining the host family in light evening activities.

After breakfast, the family will explore the surrounding village either by bicycle or on foot, joining local farmers in seasonal activities such as planting or harvesting rice. Historically known as the rice bowl of Northern Vietnam, Thai Binh remains a largely agricultural province, offering visitors sweeping views of rice paddies and authentic rural landscapes.

Later in the day, visit a nearby traditional conical hat village, where local artisans will demonstrate their craft. Families can try their hand at making and decorating their very own nón lá (Vietnamese conical hat) — a meaningful keepsake to bring home. Don’t worry if it seems tricky; the artisans are always ready to guide you step by step.

Return to your homestay in the evening for dinner and cultural exchange with the host family.

Overnight: Thai Binh (homestay)

Leisure activities for children: Cycling through quiet village lanes, trying rice-farming activities, and painting their own conical hat to take home.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your host family in Thai Binh and set off for Ninh Binh (approx. 2 hours by road), often described as the “Ha Long Bay on land.” Blessed with dramatic limestone karsts rising from lush rice paddies and winding rivers, Ninh Binh is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular landscapes.

Begin with a visit to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, where you will explore temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties. Dating back to the 10th century, these temples showcase the refined wood and stone craftsmanship of early Vietnamese artisans.

Check into your hotel and enjoy lunch before continuing your adventure. In the afternoon, embark on a traditional rowboat trip along the Ngo Dong River, drifting through the three caves of Tam Coc and surrounded by rice fields and towering limestone peaks.

Later, enjoy a cycling excursion through local villages and rice fields, ending with a visit to Bich Dong Pagoda, a cluster of three pagodas built into the cliffs of Ngu Nhac Mountain, offering stunning views over the countryside.

Return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight: Ninh Binh

Leisure activities for children: Riding a sampan through caves, spotting water buffalo in the rice fields, and cycling through peaceful village paths.

After breakfast, transfer back to Hanoi for your domestic flight to Da Nang (approx. 2 hours). Upon arrival, your driver will meet you at the airport for a short transfer (about 30 minutes) to Hoi An, where you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, set out to explore the enchanting ancient town of Hoi An, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Formerly known as Faifo, Hoi An was once a bustling trading port where Chinese and Japanese merchants settled and where Portuguese, Dutch, and French traders came to exchange goods during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Your guided walking tour will reveal its timeless charm, with highlights including the Japanese Covered Bridge (built in 1593), the Museum of Folk Culture, the historic Tan Ky House, the Tran Family Chapel, and traditional Chinese merchant homes dating back two centuries. You will also visit the ornate Fujian Assembly Hall, established in 1690, dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau, protector of sailors and merchants.

The evening is free for you to wander through lantern-lit streets, enjoy dinner at your leisure, and soak in the unique atmosphere of this riverside town.

Overnight: Hoi An

Leisure activities for children: Spotting colourful lanterns, exploring ancient houses like time-travel, and crossing the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.

After breakfast at the hotel, set out for a visit to Kim Bong Carpentry Village, which can be reached by boat or bicycle (approx. 30 minutes). This traditional craft village dates back to the 16th century, when Hoi An was a thriving international trading port. Influences from Chinese, Japanese, and European merchants helped shape the village’s distinctive woodworking style, still visible in its elegant carvings and furniture today.

During the visit, your family will take a guided tour of the village and then enjoy a hands-on cooking class. Together with your chef, shop for fresh ingredients at the local market and prepare a delicious Vietnamese lunch.

In the afternoon, return to Hoi An to join a lantern-making workshop, where you’ll create one of the colourful silk lanterns that have become an iconic symbol of the town.

The evening is free for your family to stroll through lantern-lit streets, browse the night market, and experience Hoi An’s magical riverside charm.

Overnight: Hoi An

Leisure activities for children: Making their own lantern to bring home, helping at the cooking class, and riding a boat or bicycle to the craft village.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Da Nang International Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to your hotel in the city center for check-in. The afternoon is left free for rest, leisure, or light exploration at your own pace — a perfect chance to recharge after the first part of your journey.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

Leisure activities for children: Relaxing at the hotel pool, strolling around the central district, or enjoying simple street snacks with parents.

Note: rest day to allow families to unwind before resuming sightseeing.

After breakfast at the hotel, begin a full day exploring the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City with family-friendly activities.

Start with a visit to the Reunification Palace, once the residence of the South Vietnamese president prior to 1975. Continue to Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office, two of the city’s most iconic French colonial landmarks, located right in the heart of the central square. Take a short walk along Dong Khoi Street, formerly known as Rue Catinat, where elegant shops and historic buildings still evoke the city’s days as the “Pearl of the Orient.”

In the afternoon, discover Giac Lam Pagoda, one of the oldest temples in the city, before heading to Cho Lon (Chinatown). Here, families can explore Binh Tay Market and the lively Chinese quarter, home to more than 500,000 descendants of Chinese immigrants who still preserve their Cantonese language and culture. The bustling streets, colourful signs, and traditional herbal medicine shops make for a fascinating visit.

On the way back, stop at the Jade Emperor Pagoda, a richly decorated Taoist temple filled with carvings, statues, and incense — one of Saigon’s most atmospheric spiritual sites.

Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

Leisure activities for children: Spotting dragons and mythical creatures at the Jade Emperor Pagoda, exploring colourful markets in Chinatown, and enjoying ice cream or street snacks along the way.

After breakfast in Saigon, begin your journey to Vietnam’s fertile Mekong River Delta, known as the country’s “rice bowl.” Travel south toward Cai Be, located approximately 110 km (2.5 hours by road) away.

Upon arrival, board a private Mekong cruise and begin your journey through the maze of canals. Stop at local workshops on one of the river islands to see how rice paper, popped rice, and the famous coconut candy are made. You may also visit a small fruit-drying factory and sample fresh tropical fruits.

Enjoy lunch at a local home or riverside restaurant, where you’ll experience the authentic Mekong cuisine.

In the afternoon, take a short walk through a riverside village before continuing your cruise (about 45 minutes) toward An Binh Island, passing through a maze of lush islands between Vinh Long and Cai Be.

Upon reaching An Binh Island, disembark to explore by bicycle, riding along quiet paths shaded by coconut palms and fruit trees.

Cross the Co Chien River and end your cruise at Vinh Long Pier, then continue by road to Can Tho, the capital of the Mekong Delta (60 km – approx. 1 hour 15 minutes).

Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Can Tho.

Overnight: Can Tho

Leisure activities for children: Riding a boat through the coconut-lined canals, tasting tropical fruits, and cycling through peaceful island villages.

Begin early with a visit to the Cai Rang Floating Market, the most vibrant in the Mekong Delta. Cruise among hundreds of boats piled high with fruit, vegetables, and flowers — a colourful trading scene best seen in the morning light. Continue to Le Binh Market, a lively fish market that captures the authentic rhythm of local life.

Afterward, take a bicycle ride through peaceful villages and fruit orchards, stopping to sample exotic tropical fruits fresh from the garden. Along the way, you’ll meet friendly locals and see the Mekong’s fertile landscape up close.

In the afternoon, travel back to Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 180 km, 4 hours). En route, visit a fascinating Cao Dai Temple, an ornate fusion of Buddhism, Taoism, and Christianity unique to southern Vietnam. Arrive in Saigon by evening for dinner and rest.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

Leisure activities for children: Exploring floating markets by boat, cycling through countryside lanes, and tasting tropical fruits straight from the trees.

Note: Not recommended for families with very young children.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or a short stroll through central Saigon.

Your driver will then transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your memorable Family Fun in Vietnam journey with us.

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