From CAD $2,030 Was CAD $2,255
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Watch the whole family fall in love with Vietnam on this 13-day trip filled with delicious food, train and boat rides, cooking experiences and plenty of time to explore at your own pace. Sail through the limestone karsts of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay, watch a water-puppet show after exploring the Old Quarter of Hanoi, and see Hue on a cyclo tour with a local. 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 young people.
Highlights
- Take a boat ride through the Mekong Delta – the ‘rice bowl of Vietnam’ – tasting fresh tropical fruit, then learn about the local way of life during your homestay here.
- Spend a night aboard a traditional junk boat on the waters of UNESCO World Heritage site Halong Bay – a hit with the adults and the kids! After a delicious dinner, sleep soundly under the stars, rocking gently with the water.
- Take a cyclo tour of Hue for the best introduction to this central Vietnam city – explore the ancient temples with a knowledgeable local leader by your side.
- Wander the brightly coloured buildings, heritage-listed streets and bustling markets of Hoi An, then spend a day chilling out at the local palm-fringed beach on the Vietnam East Sea.
- Contribute to The Intrepid Effect when you tuck into classic Vietnamese dishes at KOTO – a restaurant and social enterprise equipping disadvantaged young people with skills to build sustainable careers in hospitality.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2829
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Boat, Minibus, Cyclo, Tuk Tuk, Overnight sleeper train, Plane
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, Budget
Supplier Code: TVFA
Starts: Hanoi, Vietnam
Finishes: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Duration: 13 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (12), Lunch (5), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (9 nights), Overnight boat (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (1 night), Homestay (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2030 (CAD $156 /day)
Itinerary
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. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 5 pm tonight to meet your trip leader and the other families you’ll be travelling with. If you arrive early, why not head out and explore the Old Quarter at your own pace, maybe searching for a fresh banh mi or a cup of refreshing nuoc mia (sugarcane juice). After the meeting, you might like to head out to dinner with your family and fellow travellers – your local leader will be ready with some great recommendations.
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Accommodation:
- Hanoi Larosa Hotel (or similar) (Number of Nights: 1)
Get off to a great start with 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 Hanoi. Enjoy some lunch at KOTO restaurant, where you’ll contribute to The Intrepid Effect as you savour plates of traditional Vietnamese fare like fresh rice paper rolls. This social enterprise equips disadvantaged young people with skills to build sustainable careers in hospitality. In the evening, sit down to a traditional water-puppet performance the kids are sure to love. This northern tradition, dating back nearly a thousand years, is performed alongside traditional Vietnamese music that features drums, wooden bells, horns and bamboo flutes.
Included Activities:
- Hanoi - Temple of Literature
- Hanoi - Water puppet show
- Hanoi - Lunch at KOTO
- Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology
Accommodation:
- Hanoi Larosa Hotel (or similar) (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel by minibus today to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Halong Bay. This breathtaking and secluded harbour is home to about 2000 limestone islands that jut out of the waters of the Bac Bo Gulf. When you arrive, hop aboard your private boat and cruise among the dramatic limestone peaks. Today, you’ll also have an opportunity to explore caves filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Spend a peaceful night on board, beneath a sky alive with stars.
Accommodation:
- Halong Bay Junk (Number of Nights: 1)
If you’re keen, wake up for sunrise this morning and head to the deck where you can watch the bay come alive with light. 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. Although conditions are basic on your train journey, overnight trains are a classic South East Asian experience you’ll all enjoy the chance to travel like a local. 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 supplies like fresh bread, cheese and fruit before you head off.
Optional Activities:
- Halong Bay - Kayaking Tour (250000 VND)
Accommodation:
- Overnight Sleeper Train (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up in Hue early this morning and transfer to your hotel for breakfast and some free time to freshen up. Hue is the former imperial capital of Vietnam and holds the treasures of the country’s royal past. This afternoon, you’ll experience it on a cyclo tour, spinning through the streets, travelling around the citadel and passing through the local fruit and vegetable markets. Then, stop at Ho Chi Minh’s house – this traditional stilt house, with a fishpond and garden, was preserved following the late president’s death in 1969. Your evening is free – maybe ask your leader for their recommendations on the best local restaurants for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Hue - Cyclo Tour
Accommodation:
- Thanh Lich Hue hotel (or similar) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you and the kids will step into Hue’s regal heritage. Start the morning at the Imperial Citadel – the best-preserved remnant of the royal centre that once existed on this fortified site. You’ll also visit the Forbidden Purple City, which was almost completely destroyed during the Tet Offensive of 1968. See Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb and the central lake, then visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery and one of Hue’s best-known landmarks. Later, stop by a local organisation that supports Hue’s deaf community. Meet the hosts and learn a few words in sign language so you can communicate. You’ll also take part in a paper flower-making workshop. Your hosts will help you and the kids make a few that you can keep as a reminder of your time here.
Included Activities:
- Hue - Royal Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
- Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour
- Hue - Lavin Home paper flower making
- Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda
Accommodation:
- Thanh Lich Hue hotel (or similar) (Number of Nights: 1)
Hop aboard the 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 – even the kids are sure to love the many shops and markets selling original paintings, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery and lanterns. Later, maybe grab an ice cream and take a stroll to enjoy Hoi An in the evening, all lit up with lanterns.
Included Activities:
- Hoi An - Old Town Walking Tour
Optional Activities:
- Hoi An - Cooking Class. (33 USD)
Accommodation:
- Riverside Impression Hoi An (or similar) (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, spend the morning at a local beach lying back on the palm-fringed white sands and taking in the views of the Cham Islands. Transfer back to town and pop into a local restaurant where you’ll learn how to make banh bao banh vac (AKA ‘white rose cakes’) – a Hoi An specialty. These tasty savoury dumplings are made with rice paper filled with minced shrimp or pork and are 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 gets the whole family involved!
Included Activities:
- Hoi An - White Rose Cake cooking class
Accommodation:
- Riverside Impression Hoi An (or similar) (Number of Nights: 1)
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). For something more active, hire some bikes and take the family out on a cycling trip into the gorgeous surrounding countryside. Or, take the kids out on a bamboo basket boat ride down the waterways of the jungle. To organise any optional day trips and activities, just chat to your leader.
Optional Activities:
- Hoi An - Thu Bon river boat trip (100000 VND)
- Hoi An - Countryside bicycle hire (60000 VND)
Accommodation:
- Riverside Impression Hoi An (or similar) (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a short flight today to the economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City – the city is characterised by its beautiful parks, French architecture and ancient pagodas. Check out Ben Thanh Market and fill up on 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.
Included Activities:
- Ho Chi Minh City - Orientation Walk
Optional Activities:
- Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace (40000 VND)
- Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum (40000 VND)
Accommodation:
- Avanti Hotel (or similar) (Number of Nights: 1)
Head down to the Mekong Delta and visit Ben Tre, where coconut is everything! The fertile delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits and flowers. When you arrive at 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 the local economy. Then, head to your homestay for the night, 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.
Included Activities:
- Mekong Delta - Homestay and Boat Cruise
Accommodation:
- Ba Danh Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
Life in the delta wakes with the sun, so embrace an early start today. Head to a local market before making your way 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 check out 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!
Included Activities:
- Mekong Delta - Local market visit
Accommodation:
- Avanti Hotel (or similar) (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned after breakfast, your adventure comes to an end this morning. 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 (39 USD)
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Michelle - Traveled, April 2024
Travelling with Intrepid gave us a great insight into the different areas of Vietnam whilst travelling with a guide and other families made the whole experience better. We felt safe and stress free.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2024
Amanda - Traveled, March 2024
Our tour of Vietnam was better then I ever hoped for - our guide really made the trip Manh was incredible
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/16/2024
Tim - Traveled, March 2024
Our family trip to Vietnam was an excellent introduction to this country. The packed itinerary and the knowledgeable guide helped us all have a holiday we will never forget.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/09/2024
Jacqui - Traveled, March 2024
We have had the best time in Vietnam. We did the 2 week family tour which was perfect for us. We did lots of activities and also had good down time. Our daughter is 11 years old and absolutely loved it too. Having Tu as our guide was the beat way to see all of Vietnam. More comfortable than I was expecting. Even the overnight sleeper train had aircon. Highly recommend this trip ??. Thanks Intrepid ?? ??
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/05/2024
Natalie - Traveled, January 2024
We just completed the Family Trip in Vietnam and it was a great experience. The included and optional activities were excellent and great care was taken to give us a healthy and sustainable trip. Our guide Thao was exceptional. If you want to introduce your kids to overseas travel this is the perfect way to do it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/23/2024
Jeremy - Traveled, January 2024
The trip was organised by my wife and initially planned for April 2020. I was unsure what to expect but was truly impressed and delighted with how much I and my family enjoyed our trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/10/2024
Charles - Traveled, December 2023
We had a wonderful time as a family and the tour exceeded our expectations - so much to see, experience and learn about with other families. We started as strangers and finish as good friends, with many happy memories and we couldn’t have hoped for a better tour leader than Tri Nguyen who was exceptional!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/11/2024
Pui-Ling - Traveled, December 2023
The Vietnam Family Tour was perfect for us. We learnt so much about the history, culture, people and cuisines of the different regions. And our kids loved it! 10/10.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/21/2024
Michelle - Traveled, December 2023
Traveling Vietnam on an Intrepid Family tour was a great way to experience the country with our kids. Our tour guide was friendly, knowledgeable and organized. The trip was enjoyable, stress-free and so much fun! Loved the people, food and the experiences!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/26/2024
Lisa - Traveled, December 2023
The trip was perfect for our family of four. No stress for mum and dad with everything taken care of, kids loved having other kids to play with and we really felt we experienced so many facets of Vietnam. Trip of a lifetime for us.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/14/2024
Amanda - Traveled, December 2023
I highly recommend the Vietnam Family trip. Our tour guide, Thanh, ?a incredible!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/08/2024
Linda - Traveled, December 2023
Highly recommended family trip. This tour had a great mix of historical monuments and local sights and enjoyable family activities.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/08/2024
Craig - Traveled, December 2023
Amazing experience for the whole family, learning more about the history, culture people and food (!) of Vietnam with an incredible Tour Leader. Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/07/2024
Gabriela - Traveled, December 2023
Amazing trip which had so much to offer for parents and kids. Our best family holidays in many years. The kids loved it and took so many good experiences home.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/07/2024
Jonathan - Traveled, December 2023
Our family had a fantastic time with Intrepid in Vietnam. Our guide was outstanding and we will book with Intrepid in the future.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/05/2024
Faye Anne - Traveled, December 2023
This was our first tour ever, my family were blown away by the care and knowledge our tour guide TV shared on this trip, it was a pity it was so short!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/03/2024
Tanya - Traveled, December 2023
Well organized, lots of amazing stuff to do and see and our leader (T.V.) was phenomenal. Would definitely recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/04/2024
Jonathan - Traveled, December 2023
Our family had a fantastic time with Intrepid in Vietnam. Our guide was outstanding and we will book with Intrepid in the future.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/05/2024
Kirsten - Traveled, December 2024
We had an incredible time on this tour, the night on the train, boat and at the homestay were all really fun and unique. Hanoi was hectic, Halong Bay was peaceful, Hue was wet, Hoi An was quaint and Ho Chi Minh was hot, and we loved it all!! Our leader was knowledgeable and fun, we met a great family and ate delicious food, I'd recommend this tour to everyone!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/10/2024
Megan - Traveled, December 2023
I’ll send an email later
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
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