Vietnam Family Holiday
Vietnam Family Holiday
With delicious food, scenic natural sites and lots of friendly locals to teach you about the diverse culture, the whole family will fall in love with Vietnam on this 13-day trip. Sail through the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay, watch a water puppet show after exploring the Old Quarter of Hanoi and learn about rich emperors in Hue on a cyclo tour. Wander the colourful heritage buildings of Hoi An, then hit the beach to chill under palm trees (maybe even take a dip in the Vietnam East Sea!). Make paper flowers with an organisation that supports the local deaf community and enjoy a special dining experience at KOTO restaurant, an organisation that supports disadvantaged youth. This is Vietnam!
Tour At a Glance
- Stay in a local’s home in the Mekong Delta – the ‘rice bowl of Vietnam’ – and visit local villages, learning about the way of life here.
- Wander the coloured buildings, heritage-listed streets and bustling markets of Hoi An, then spend a day chilling out at the local palm-fringed beach.
- Spend a night aboard a traditional junk boat on the waters of UNESCO World Heritage sits Ha Long Bay. Sleep under the stars after a delicious dinner, then in the morning, maybe opt to go kayaking for a different perspective of the limestone peaks.
- Take a cyclo tour of Hue for the best introduction to this central Vietnam city and explore the ancient temples dotted around with a knowledgeable local leader by your side.
- Dine at KOTO in Hanoi, where you and your family will not only feast on delicious northern specialties but also support an excellent cause that helps connect street kids with careers in hospitality.
- Tour code: TVFA
- Group Adventure
Itinerary details
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7 Hoi An
Travelling by bus this morning, hea Travelling by bus this morning, heading south through coastal rice paddies, then through the Hai Van Pass in the mountains to Hoi An. Recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An is beautifully preserved and is perfect for strolling, 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 haven and the even the kids are sure to love the many shops and markets selling 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!
Accommodation :
Hoi An Coco River Resort & Spa or similar ( Night)
Included Activities
Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
Optional Activities
Hoi An - Cooking Class. - USD33
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8 Hoi An
After breakfast, spend the morning After breakfast, spend the morning at Cua Dai beach. This beach is known for its palm-fringed white sands 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!
Accommodation :
Hoi An Coco River Resort & Spa or similar ( Night)
Included Activities
Hoi An - White Rose Cake cooking class
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9 Hoi An
Today is a free day to explore Hoi Today is a free day to explore Hoi An’s Old Town at your own pace. Maybe take 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). Alternatively, hire some bikes and take the family out on a cycling trip into the gorgeous surrounding countryside. Another great activity for the kids is a bamboo basket ride down the waterways of the jungle – to organise any optional day trips and activities, just chat to your leader.
Accommodation :
Hoi An Coco River Resort & Spa or similar ( Night)
Optional Activities
Hoi An - Thu Bon river boat trip - VND100000Hoi An - Countryside bicycle hire - VND60000
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10 Ho Chi Minh City
Take a short flight to the economic Take a short flight to the economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City. 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 tuck into a local lunch of street food during an orientation walk with your leader. After, 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 shopping.
Accommodation :
Riverside Saigon hotel or similar ( Night)
Included Activities
Ho Chi Minh City - Orientation Walk
Optional Activities
Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace - VND40000Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum - VND40000
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11 Mekong Delta
Head down to the Mekong Delta and v Head down to the Mekong Delta and visit unexplored Ben Tre, where coconut is everything! The fertile delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits and flowers. When you arrive into ‘the rice bowl of Vietnam’, 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 where you’ll be invited into a family home for a true local experience and a chance to see daily life from the inside.
Accommodation :
Overnight at Homestay Ben Tre ( Night)
Included Activities
Mekong Delta - Homestay and Boat Cruise
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12 Ho Chi Minh City
Life in the delta starts with the s Life in the delta starts with the sun, so embrace the day early. You’ll visit a local market before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City for one last night. You should arrive in the afternoon, which will give you time to explore at your own pace and take on anything you didn’t have a chance to do the first time. Tonight, why not head out with your fellow families for an optional farewell dinner, where you can celebrate a trip well travelled!
Accommodation :
Riverside Hotel or similar ( Night)
Included Activities
Mekong Delta - Local market visit
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13 Ho Chi Minh City
With no activities planned after br 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.
Optional Activities
Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure - USD45
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1 Hanoi
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. When Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins in Hanoi – famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, public parks and thriving Old Quarter – with a welcome meeting at 5 pm. If you arrive early, why not head out and explore the Old Quarter at your own pace, maybe searching for a deliciously fresh bahn mi or some Vietnamese iced coffee (for the adults in the group). After the meeting, maybe head out to dinner with your family and fellow travellers – your local leader will always have some great recommendations handy.
Accommodation :
Hoa Binh Hotel or similar ( Night)
Included Activities
Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
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2 Hanoi
Embark on a full day of exploration Embark on a full day of exploration today. Visit the Museum of Ethnology to learn more about the diverse heritage of Vietnam, then head to the Temple of Literature – an oasis of calm in the heart of town. Enjoy some lunch at KOTO restaurant – a longtime friend of Intrepid that 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.
Accommodation :
Hoa Binh Hotel or similar ( Night)
Included Activities
Hanoi - Temple of LiteratureHanoi - Water puppet showHanoi - Lunch at KOTOHanoi - Museum of Ethnology
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3 Halong Bay
Travel by minibus to the spectacula Travel by minibus to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Ha Long Bay. The bay is a breathtaking and secluded harbour with about 2000 limestone islands jutting out of the waters of the Bac Bo Gulf. When you arrive, hop aboard 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 today, too. You'll 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 and there's a dining room and bar.
Accommodation :
Halong Bay Junk ( Night)
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4 Hanoi - Overnight train
If you’re keen, get up for sunrise If you’re keen, get up for sunrise this morning and watch the bay come alive with light from the deck. Have breakfast on the boat, then maybe head out for an optional early morning kayak. Return to Hanoi by bus, then 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 good idea to stock up on fresh bread, cheese and fruit before you head off.
Accommodation :
Overnight Sleeper Train ( Night)
Optional Activities
Halong Bay - Kayaking Tour - VND250000
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5 Hue
Arrive in Hue early this morning. Y Arrive in Hue early this morning. Your leader will help you chose a local, tasty breakfast after you disembark, then you’ll visit the Thien Mu Pagoda – considered by many to be the unofficial symbol of Hue, this active Buddhist monastery originated 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 the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime. After, you’ll have some free time to freshen up before an afternoon cyclo tour. Journey through the streets of Hue, travelling around the citadel, passing through the local fruit and vegetable markets before stopping over at Ho Chi Minh’s house.
Accommodation :
Thanh Lich Hue hotel or similar ( Night)
Included Activities
Hue - Cyclo Tour
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6 Hue
This morning, visit the Imperial Ci This morning, visit the Imperial Citadel – the best-preserved remnant of a royal centre that once existed on this fortified site. The unique fortifications are fascinating to see, even though much of this place has sadly been destroyed by war. You’ll then visit the Forbidden Purple City, which was almost totally wiped out during the Tet Offensive of 1968. The gaping holes left by bombs give an idea of the shocking destruction that wreaked upon the country during the war. See the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and the central lake set amid a grove of frangipani and pine trees. After, 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 the hosts and be welcomed with a cup of tea. You’ll be taught a few words in sign language so you can communicate (something priceless to take home with you!), then you’ll take part in a paper flower-making workshop. Your hosts will help you and the kids to make paper flowers that you can then take home as souvenirs.
Accommodation :
Thanh Lich Hue hotel or similar ( Night)
Included Activities
Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu DucHue - Imperial City Full Day TourHue - Lavin Home paper flower making
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Dates & Prices
Is this trip right for you.
- You and your family will visit a number of temples on this trip, and it's important to respect the local custom. Arms and knees should be covered. A light scarf is a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.
- There will be shared facilities at your Mekong Delta homestay (Day 11), however, the lack of creature comforts will be a small price to pay for such an authentic local experience.
- Your overnight train journey from Hanoi to Hue (Day 4) is quite long. The upside is you'll wake up in a thrilling new destination and experience travelling like a local. While bedding is supplied some families opt to bring their own sleep sheets. For more about what to expect, see our blog post here: .
Accommodation
- Hotel (9 nights)
- Overnight boat (1 night)
- Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
- Homestay (1 night)
Joining point instructions
Please make sure that you provide your flight details no later than 14 days before departure to book your arrival transfer with us.
For your confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met outside Hanoi Airport by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact our local office on the number in the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section.
Add any further instructions on how to reach the Joining Point eg taxi, public transport.
Finish point description
Riverside Hotel Saigon is an excellent choice for travelers visiting Ho Chi Minh City, offering a friendly environment alongside many helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay. Rooms offer a flat screen TV, air conditioning, and a refrigerator, and you can stay connected during your stay as Riverside Hotel Saigon offers guests free wifi. The hotel features 24 hour front desk, a concierge, and room service. Plus, Riverside Hotel Saigon offers a hot tub and free breakfast. Close to some of Ho Chi Minh City's most popular landmarks, such as Nguyen Hue Street (0.3 km) and The World of Heineken (0.4 km), Riverside Hotel Saigon is a great destination for tourists.
Finish point instructions
- Intrepid can assist with pre-booking a departure transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to the start of your trip.
- If you have pre-booked a departure transfer your leader will advise your pick up time the day before your trip ends.
- Taxi fare from your hotel to the airport will cost approx. VND120,000.00. Please ask your leader or hotel staff for assistance in arranging a taxi.
Safety
- Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.
- THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.
- TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD: Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware!
- WATER SAFETY: Take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It is expected that anyone taking part in water activities are able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water.
Medical and health information
- All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.
- When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.
- You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements.
GENERAL HEALTH
Food and dietary requirements
- While travelling with us you and your family will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you and your family more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though. If you or a member of your family have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.
Important Notes
- What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg.
- Many travellers carry their luggage in a compact smaller suitcase or backpack with wheels. We recommend your bag has carry straps or handles so it is easy to lift and carry for the times you are unable to wheel it (ie. on rough surfaces or up steps).
- If you are taking overnight trains, or primarily using public transport then the smaller your luggage the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful especially when travelling on public transportation as well.
- You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, swimming suit, waterproof pouch/bag for phone, hiking shoes and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day.
- Below we have listed the essentials for this trip
- Consider bringing your own water bottle to refill along the way. We recommend at least a 1.5litre capacity. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.
BOTTLE
Passport and visas
PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.
We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.
VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here: www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements
ADDRESS FOR VIETNAM VISA APPLICATIONS
If you require an address for your visa application, please use:
Intrepid Vietnam
Ground Floor, Ladeco Building
266 Doi Can St
Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Vietnam
Ph +84 4 3715 0996
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.
If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.
For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:
Responsible travel
Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel.
Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting:
When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative and you should dress accordingly. To respect the local culture and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. As a guideline, shoulders and knees at the minimum (and everything in between including midriff and cleavage) should be covered at all times. Wearing shorts and singlet tops is not appropriate and may well restrict your entry into sites of a religious nature, family homes, and will limit your local interaction opportunities in general. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly warm climate.
Climate and seasonal
TET
8 - 14 February 2024, 28 January - 3 February 2025
Tet is Vietnam’s New Year festival which takes place in late January/early February based on the lunar calendar and is the most important celebration of the year. While this can be a fascinating time to be in Vietnam, you do need to be prepared for some businesses to be closed, tourist sites to be very busy and for transport to be packed as many Vietnamese are travelling around the country. Although we do our best to run trips during Tet as per the scheduled itinerary, it is likely that there will be some changes to transport, accommodation or order of destinations visited. Due to the high demand on tickets at this time, flights and overnight trains may on occasion need to be replaced with day buses. We will aim to communicate any known changes prior to your departure.
WEATHER IN VIETNAM
The most popular times to visit Vietnam are spring (February-April) and autumn (September-December) but because of the huge variations in latitude and altitude, there is no one best time to go to Vietnam. Temperatures vary from 4°C (39°F) in Sapa in winter to humid 36°C (97°F) days in Saigon in the middle of the dry season. The monsoons bring heavy rain to the south, and a cooler winter to the north. It’s a good destination all year.
WET SEASON
Flooding is common across Vietnam during rainy season (June-December) and could also lead to landslides. Typhoons are also common during this period. During these months there may be disruptions to transport and some activities or destinations may need to be changed as a result at short notice.
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