Vietnam for Families

(10 days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Saigon & Mekong Delta

Vietnam is a great family destination. This tour features the best of Vietnam, tailored to satisfy everyone from children to grandparents.

Begin in Hanoi, Vietnam's fascinating capital and intellectual center. During private touring with your expert local guide and private driver, visit the city's most important historical attractions, such as the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, House on Stilts and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Explore the narrow streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, where each street was historically dedicated to a specific trade or material, such as bamboo, silk and lacquer. Also take a cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake and tour leafy backstreets lined with beautiful French colonial-era buildings, many of which are now upscale restaurants. Also visit Hanoi's excellent Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. One night, see Hanoi's renowned water puppet show. Additional special interest touring can be arranged upon request, such as biking through the nearby countryside, philanthropic activities, a family-friendly cooking class, and more.

Continue to scenic Halong Bay for an overnight cruise on a luxurious, traditional junk-style boat. Sail among beautiful limestone islands, dine on fresh seafood, enjoy on-board activities such as tai chi at sunrise, and perhaps explore local caves, hike to a scenic overlook, go sea kayaking or visit a floating village. Also enjoy a scenic seaplane flight over Halong Bay.

Next, visit Hoi An, an atmospheric port town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay at a luxury beachfront resort, and experience the best of this centuries-old town during private touring. Visit the vibrant morning market, where stalls are piled high with fresh fish and produce. Explore the colorful backstreets, and tour well-preserved historic homes, temples, the Japanese Covered Bridge and other interesting attractions. Perhaps visit a local tailor for custom-made silk clothing, a Hoi An specialty, and enjoy a boat ride on the river. Also visit the nearby Museum of Cham Sculpture, as well as the Marble Mountains, which contain Buddhist cave temples. One day visit a local lantern-making village and learn how to make your own lantern, or visit a farming community famous for vegetables and learn how locals prepare them in a private home. Upon request, we can arrange additional activities in and near Hoi An, such as an excursion to the Cham ruins in My Son, biking through the countryside or a calligraphy lesson. There will also be time to relax and enjoy your resort's beautiful architecture, spa and beach.

Finally, travel to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam's most dynamic city. With an expert private guide and driver, learn about the city's history while touring French colonial-era landmarks, as well as the mid-century Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. Visit interesting neighborhoods like Cholon (Saigon's Chinatown) and explore busy markets and temples. One day, enjoy a private market tour and cooking lesson and learn to prepare southern Vietnamese culinary specialties.

One day, visit the Mekong Delta, a vast network of islands and waterways where the Mekong River flows into the South China Sea. Cruise by private sampan (traditional boat) through the canals, visiting floating markets, fruit orchards and rural villages. While there, enjoy riding bikes and meeting local farmers and producers of local items such as sweets, tea, honey and dried fruit. Upon request, we can also arrange additional activities such as river boat rides, visits to private homes, philanthropic activities, an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, and more.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Hanoi VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 2 Hanoi Full-day private tour. Evening water puppet performance Day 3 Hanoi – Halong Bay Transfer by private scenic seaplane to Halong Bay for overnight luxury cruise. Afternoon cruising and touring in the bay, including optional kayaking Day 4 Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hoi An Optional morning activities. Transfer by private seaplane or vehicle to Hanoi for flight to Da Nang. Private arrival transfer to resort for 3 nights Day 5 Hoi An & environs Morning private tour of local villages, including hands-on crafts lesson. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy resort Day 6 Hoi An Morning private tour, including basket boat ride. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy resort Day 7 Hoi An – Saigon Private transfer to Da Nang airport for flight to Saigon. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights. Afternoon private city tour Day 8 Saigon Morning private market tour and cooking lesson. Afternoon private city tour Day 9 Saigon & Mekong Delta Full day private excursion Day 10 Depart Saigon Private airport transfer. VIP departure assistance

Hotels

Hanoi: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel or Capella Hanoi Halong Bay: Halong Violet or Ginger Hoi An: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai Saigon: Park Hyatt Saigon or The Reverie Saigon

Cost

$14,145 Per person (based on four travelers/two rooms) $15,155 Per person (based on two travelers/double occupancy)