Vietnam Family Holiday with Teenagers 9 Days

This morning offers an opportunity to delve deeper into the Vietnamese capital. Brimming with parks, lakes, and tree-lined avenues, the city is renowned for its relaxed ambiance. Hop on our bus as we embark on a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, encompassing Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Stilt House and Museum, the Buddhist temple One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. For lunch, we will be dining with our friends at KOTO, an organization that stands for 'Know One, Teach One.' Supported by The Intrepid Foundation, KOTO provides training for street kids aspiring to build careers in the hospitality industry. Following lunch, we'll trade four wheels for two and embark on a cycling tour around the West Lake.

We embark on our private bus for a journey to Luong Son, a region nestled in the northwest of the country, approximately 1.5 hours away. Luong Son serves as the starting point for our cycling escapade through Vietnam's renowned and picturesque countryside. Today's cycling route to Mai Chau primarily traverses paved roads. After the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, the refreshing country air and the relative scarcity of traffic in this area provide a delightful contrast. Mai Chau is a cultural melting pot, home to various minority groups with their distinct languages and traditions. For those who prefer not to complete the entire cycling route, a support bus accompanies the group throughout the journey. Remember to pack an ample supply of water and snacks for the ride.

Cycling distance: Approx 60kms/37miles

NOTE: During the homestay, you and your family will sleep on mattresses in a communal room. Bedding and mosquito nets are provided. Shared toilet and bathroom facilities are basic.

Today is dedicated to the exploration of the villages and scenic countryside of provincial Vietnam. The journey from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh unfolds at a leisurely and relaxed pace. Along the way, ample opportunities arise to dismount your bike and capture the beauty of the surrounding valleys, sugarcane farms, and rice paddies that form the captivating landscape. The final destination for the day is the quaint town of Ninh Binh. Renowned for its breathtaking limestone karst scenery, verdant rice paddies, and gently flowing waterways, the Ninh Binh province promises a picturesque experience.

Cycling distance: Approx 60kms/37miles

After experiencing a glimpse of Northern Vietnam on two wheels, it's time to discover the region by sea. Once again aboard our private bus, relish a more relaxed journey as we head to Halong Bay, our home for the next two nights. Including some scenic stops along the way, the approximately 4-hour drive unveils the natural beauty of Halong Bay—a haven of over 2,000 limestone islands emerging from the emerald waters of Bac Bo Gulf. This region, covering 1,500 sq km, boasts countless beaches, caves, and grottoes, offering an ideal setting for exploration by kayak. Over the next couple of days, you'll have opportunities to swim in the South China Sea and explore caves adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. Today, embark on a kayak expedition guided by your trip leader, who will conduct a safety demonstration before guiding you onto the open waters. Tonight's accommodation and dining take place on board a traditional Vietnamese junk boat, equipped with twin-share cabins featuring air-conditioning and private facilities. The boat also boasts a welcoming bar and dining area.

Embark on a full-day expedition to explore the wonders of Halong Bay by kayak. The day's itinerary includes all meals, and the pace is tailored to the group's abilities. Building upon yesterday's warm-up session, today's exploration promises to be incredibly enjoyable in this stunning and exquisite setting.

Upon returning to the mainland, we make our way directly to Hanoi Airport for a flight to Hoi An (flight duration: 1.5 hours). Hoi An, a charming ancient city exuding a delightful atmosphere, will serve as our base for the next two days. From here, we'll embark on explorations of both the town and its surroundings, utilizing both foot and bike. Recently recognized as a World Heritage site, Hoi An is impeccably preserved. Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it stood as one of Southeast Asia's principal international ports during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Presently, certain areas of Hoi An maintain the appearance of more than a century ago, encapsulating the ambiance of bygone eras. As we arrive in Hoi An during the early evening, the stage is set for an enchanting experience.

Immerse yourself in a day of exploration in Hoi An, commencing with a guided orientation walk guided by your leader (approximately 2 hours). After a satisfying lunch, hop back onto two wheels for a more extensive exploration of the town and its environs. One of the routes often taken leads us past rice paddies and shrimp ponds, culminating at the picturesque Cua Dai beach. The cycling journey spans 2.5 hours, with designated stops along the way.

Hoi An stands out as one of the premier destinations in Vietnam for souvenir shopping, particularly for those seeking clothing, paintings, or ceramics. For those inclined to have tailored garments, this location presents an ideal opportunity to secure a fantastic deal. Hoi An's streets are adorned with small tailor studios, showcasing their remarkable speed in crafting garments. On the last night of your tour, consider strolling down to the riverside and savoring a final feast with the group.

Cycling distance: Approx 20kms/12miles

You may choose to arrange a transfer to Danang airport for your next flight or extend your stay to further acquaint yourself with this captivating city.