Vietnam for Families with Teenagers

Arrival at Saigon Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Our tour guide will greet you and help you transfer to the hotel

Saigon, officially known as Ho Chi Minh City since 1976, is Vietnam's economic hub, located in the heart of Cochinchina in the Mekong Delta. In its heyday, Saigon was nicknamed "the Paris or the Pearl of the Far East." Since then, the city has lost none of its colonial charm, with its beautiful tree-lined streets, pedicabs, and small street vendors.

Walking tour for the orientation of the historical sites of the city: The former Saigon Post Office with its beautiful iron-framed glass roof, the work of Gustave Eiffel, Notre-Dame Cathedral which is located in the center of a square and therefore well highlighted, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Catinat Street during the time of the French colony of Indochina) with all its luxury boutiques and its liveliness.

Check in at the hotel.

Afternoon, free time to relax or explore the city.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

In the morning, visit the Museum of Traditional Medicine, also known as the FITO Museum. Here, you'll find an incredible collection of instruments and objects related to traditional Vietnamese medicine.

Discover the Reunification Palace, the former Presidential Palace of South Vietnam during the North-South separation of Vietnam before 1975.

In the afternoon, we head to the Cu Chi tunnel, an extraordinary underground network used by Vietnamese soldiers during the war. Stretching over 200 kilometres, this complex system of narrow tunnels once housed living quarters, meeting rooms, kitchens, and medical stations. During your visit, learn about the ingenuity and resilience of the people who lived and fought here. You’ll have the chance to explore sections of the tunnels, see hidden trapdoors and wartime relics, and gain a deeper understanding of this important chapter in Vietnam’s history.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

After breakfast, depart Saigon and travel south to Ben Tre, a peaceful province in the Mekong Delta known for its coconut groves, tropical gardens, and traditional riverside villages.

Upon arrival, board a local boat and cruise along the waterways of the Mekong Delta. Observe daily life along the river as you pass coconut palms, small fishing boats, local houses, and family-run workshops.

Stop at a local workshop to discover how coconut-based products and other traditional specialties are made. Continue deeper into the countryside, where you can take a short walk or bicycle ride along quiet village paths, passing lush orchards and local homes along the way.

Experience the smaller canals aboard a traditional sampan, gently rowing beneath the shade of water coconut palms and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of rural Ben Tre.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or garden house, with a selection of Mekong Delta specialties prepared using fresh regional ingredients.

In the afternoon, continue exploring the countryside and meet local residents to gain an insight into everyday life in the Mekong Delta. Afterwards, return by boat to the pier and meet your driver for the journey back to Saigon.

Arrive in Saigon in the late afternoon or early evening.

Overnight: Saigon

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your short flight to Nha Trang, celebrated as one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

Blessed with a long stretch of golden sand lined with coconut palms, Nha Trang boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters and scenic islands scattered offshore. With so much to offer for a family holiday, you can choose to stay in the lively city centre with its vibrant atmosphere and restaurants, or enjoy a peaceful family retreat at the tranquil Ninh Van Bay.

Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax, perhaps take a stroll along the beach, or enjoy the facilities at your resort. 

Overnight: Nha Trang

Breakfast at the hotel.

At 8:30 AM, transfer to Cau Da Port and board your private boat for a day of exploration among Nha Trang’s 71 coastal islands. Nha Trang stretches for over 7km and is undoubtedly one of Vietnam's most stunning beach destinations. Cruise to Mun Island and Tam Island, where you can swim, snorkel, or dive amid vibrant coral reefs alive with tropical fish.

A seafood lunch will be served on board or at a beachside restaurant, followed by free time for swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing in the shade. On the return voyage, stop at a floating fishing village to meet local families who raise shrimp and crab in netted enclosures on the sea.

Return to the pier between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM and transfer back to your hotel.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Nha Trang

Relax day on the soft white sands, swim in the clear waters. Optional snorkelling and water activities are available upon request.

Breakfast at the hotel, we will then transfer to Cam Ranh International Airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, transfer to your luxury stay in Hoi An (30 minutes). 

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1999, Hoi An — formerly known as Faifo — was once a flourishing international trading port during the 17th and 18th centuries. Chinese and Japanese merchants established their own quarters here, later joined by Portuguese, Dutch, and French traders, creating a town rich in cultural fusion.

Take a guided walking tour through Hoi An’s charming old streets to explore its main highlights:

• Fujian Assembly Hall - dedicated to Thien Hau, the goddess of the sea and protector of sailors and fishermen. The hall features intricate wood carvings and statues of the goddess and her attendants.
• Japanese Covered Bridge – built in 1593 to link two merchant districts, this iconic bridge houses a small pagoda and is adorned with a beautiful roof of yellow and green tiles.
• Ancient House – over 200 years old, this well-preserved residence exemplifies a harmonious blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architecture.
• Hoi An Central Market – a vibrant riverside market where locals trade fresh produce, spices, flowers, meat, and fish. The lively atmosphere offers a genuine glimpse into the daily rhythms of local life.

If time permits, visit the Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum by French photographer Réhahn Croquevielle, an extraordinary collection of portraits, traditional costumes, and cultural stories celebrating the ethnic diversity of Vietnam.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and spend the rest of the afternoon discovering Hoi An’s lantern-lit charm at your own pace.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Hoi An

Breakfast at the hotel.

At 8:00 AM, depart for Cua Dai Port, where you will board a speedboat bound for Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham) — part of the Hoi An World Biosphere Reserve recognized by UNESCO. This pristine archipelago of eight small islands is home to a rich ecosystem of coral reefs, tropical fish, and the rare swiftlet (yen bird), prized for its edible nests.

After a 30-minute cruise across turquoise waters, arrive at Lang Beach, the main settlement of Cham Island. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze, white sand beaches, and the gentle rhythm of island life as you observe local fishermen repairing their nets and traditional wooden boats lining the shore. Once an important Cham trading post centuries ago, the island retains traces of its maritime heritage in both architecture and legend.

Visit Au Thuyen, the natural harbour that shelters boats during storms, and the Hai Tang Pagoda, a 17th-century temple blending Cham and Vietnamese spiritual influences. Then, join a professional guide for an exhilarating snorkelling session to discover the island’s colourful underwater world.

A short transfer by boat takes you to Bai Chong Beach, where a fresh seafood lunch is served under the palms. Enjoy free time for swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing on the sand before returning by boat to the mainland.

Transfer back to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to explore lantern-lit Hoi An.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Hoi An

Early departure for Hue (approx. 170 km – 4 hours) on the Heritage Train from Da Nang to Hue. 

Board the Heritage Train for a scenic journey from Da Nang to Hue, travelling along one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking railway routes. As the train winds its way over the famous Hai Van Pass, you’ll enjoy spectacular views where mountains meet the sea. Along the way, look out for the breathtaking panorama of Lang Co Bay, with its turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and peaceful fishing villages – a truly memorable highlight of the journey.

Arrive in Hue by midday, the former imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. Have lunch at a local restaurant, then check into your hotel and relax after the day’s journey.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Hue

Breakfast at the hotel.

Begin a full-day exploration of Hue, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site for its outstanding historical and architectural value. Once the seat of the Nguyen emperors, Hue is often described as a vast open-air museum filled with ancient palaces, temples, pagodas, and royal tombs.

Your morning starts at the Imperial Citadel, built between 1805 and 1832 by Emperor Gia Long. Enclosed within defensive walls spanning 5.2 km², the complex mirrors traditional Eastern fortress design with subtle French influence. Visit its most significant monuments, including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate (Noon Gate), Palace of Supreme Harmony, Pavilion of Edicts, and the Forbidden Purple City, once reserved for the emperor and his royal family.

Continue to discover the architectural concept of “Nha Vuon” (garden house) — a style unique to Hue where homes are harmoniously integrated with lush gardens, ponds, and tropical trees, reflecting the Confucian ideal of balance between man and nature.

Lunch at a local restaurant featuring Hue’s royal cuisine, renowned for its refined presentation and delicate flavours.

In the afternoon, visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, designed by the emperor himself and surrounded by pine forests, lotus ponds, and tranquil courtyards. It remains one of Hue’s most elegant and poetic royal mausoleums. Nearby stands the Tu Hieu Pagoda, founded in the 19th century and home to a community of monks. The pagoda is also where Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh began his monastic life and spent his final years in peaceful meditation.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Hue

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Phu Bai Airport for a short flight to Hanoi ( 1 hour). Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our professional guide and driver before transferring to your hotel in the city center (approx. 30 km – 45 minutes by car).

Check-in is available from 2:00 PM, allowing time to refresh after your flight.

Begin your first impressions of Hanoi with a panoramic discovery tour of the capital. Start with a pleasant walk and cyclo ride through the French Quarter, passing elegant colonial-era landmarks such as the Hanoi Opera House, the legendary Metropole Hotel, and the former Bank of Indochina.

Next, immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the Old Quarter, known as the “36 Streets.” Each alleyway is named after the trade that once thrived there, from silk and silver to spices and paper. Strolling through this maze of narrow lanes feels like stepping back in time, where traditional shops and street vendors paint a vibrant picture of daily life in Hanoi.

Continue to the serene Hoan Kiem Lake (“Lake of the Returned Sword”), the beating heart of the city, and visit Ngoc Son Temple (“Temple of the Jade Mountain”) located on a small island connected by a red wooden bridge. This sacred site beautifully blends spiritual devotion with artistic heritage.

There's no better way to immerse yourself in the local culture than by experiencing it firsthand. Get an up-close and personal look by visiting a local family, delving into their daily life, and sharing their meals. Today, you have the opportunity to be warmly welcomed by a three-generation Hanoian family residing in the Southwest part of the city. Here, the lifestyle is a blend of tradition and modernity, where bustling streets intersect with narrow lanes.

After a brief introduction to the family, you'll be treated to a special dinner featuring traditional Vietnamese cuisine. As you enjoy the meal, your host will share insights about the local culture, culinary traditions, and their everyday life. Following the meal, you'll be invited to the living room for desserts and tea. The host will continue the conversation, delving into topics about their family and the enduring aspects of traditional culture.

Indulging in a meal with distinct dishes, all within the cozy ambiance of this hospitable, three-generation family, promises an enriching experience. It's a great opportunity for those with a fondness for Vietnam, its vibrant culture, and its delectable cuisine.

Overnight: Hanoi

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, visit Phu Tay Ho Temple, dedicated to Saint Mother Lieu Hanh, one of Vietnam’s Four Immortals. Set beside West Lake, Hanoi’s largest lake, the temple is both a sacred pilgrimage site and a serene escape from the city’s bustle. Continue to Van Nien Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s oldest temples, before exploring the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays). With over 15,000 artifacts and authentic stilt houses, the museum offers a fascinating overview of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups and their diverse traditions.

In the afternoon, explore the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070 as Vietnam’s first university and a symbol of the country’s long-standing reverence for education. Then head to Ngoc Ha Village, a lively residential area where daily life unfolds along narrow alleys and markets. Here, the B-52 Lake still holds the wreckage of a U.S. bomber — a striking reminder of history.

Continue with a walk across Long Bien Bridge (formerly Paul Doumer Bridge), an engineering marvel built by the Eiffel workshops and a lasting emblem of Hanoi’s past.

Optional – Water Puppet Show

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Water Puppet performance, a charming art form accompanied by live folk music. The one-hour show portrays legends and rural life scenes, offering a delightful glimpse into Vietnamese culture.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Hanoi

Breakfast at the hotel.

Depart for Ninh Binh (approx. 110 km – 2 hours), one of Vietnam’s most scenic provinces, often called the “Inland Ha Long Bay” for its dramatic limestone karsts rising amid rivers, plains, and wetlands.

Upon arrival, take a rowboat cruise along the Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc, gliding through a breathtaking landscape of limestone cliffs, rice paddies, and hidden caves — hence the name “Tam Coc,” meaning “Three Caves.”

Continue with a bicycle ride through nearby villages and farmlands to reach the Bich Dong Pagodas, a trio of ancient temples built into Ngu Nhac Mountain. Climb to the upper pagoda for sweeping views of the valley below.

Cycle onward to Thai Vi Temple, dedicated to the first Tran kings. Surrounded by rice fields and karst peaks, this 13th-century stone temple embodies balance and harmony in traditional Vietnamese geomancy.

Late afternoon, depart for Hanoi (2 hours). The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore independently.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Hanoi

Breakfast at the hotel.

Depart by road for Ha Long Bay (approx. 200 km – 4 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone karsts rising dramatically from the sea.

Arrive at Hon Gai Pier around noon and complete boarding formalities. Enjoy a welcome drink as the crew introduces the cruise program before you settle into your cabin.

Lunch featuring freshly caught seafood is served as your boat glides into Bai Tu Long Bay, an untouched part of the greater Ha Long area. Sail past a maze of limestone formations that evoke the beauty of a mythical seascape.

In the afternoon, explore Thien Canh Son Cave, known for its striking stalactites and stalagmites. Afterwards, relax on the white-sand beach of Hon Co Island or enjoy an optional kayaking session through tranquil lagoons.

As evening falls, return to the boat and admire a golden sunset over the bay before dinner is served onboard. Savour regional seafood specialties while anchored amid the peaceful waters.

Overnight on the Ha Long Bay cruise in a private, air-conditioned cabin with an en-suite bathroom

Overnight: Ha Long Bay (Private Cruise)

Wake up early to witness the sunrise over Ha Long Bay, a truly unforgettable sight as the mist lifts from the limestone peaks. Early risers may join an optional Tai Chi session on the sundeck to start the morning in harmony with nature.

Enjoy breakfast on board as the cruise continues its journey through the tranquil seascape.

Stop to visit the Vung Vieng Fishing Village, accessible by traditional rowboat. Here, meet local fishermen, learn about their daily life, and observe the floating fish farms that sustain the community.

As the boat sails back toward the pier, enjoy a buffet brunch on board while passing through the bay’s majestic scenery one last time.

Disembark at Hon Gai Port around 11:30 AM and return by road to Hanoi. Arrive in the late afternoon and transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your onward flight.

Optional: an overnight stay in Hanoi can be arranged for flights departing the next day.