Best of Vietnam for Teenagers – 9 days

Hanoi – Halong Bay. Begin your day with a picturesque drive to the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay, where captivating karst islands adorned with lush greenery emerge from the pristine emerald waters. Board a deluxe junk boat for an enchanting overnight cruise, featuring a blend of traditional design and modern luxury. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views from the sundeck as the boat gracefully navigates the waters. In the afternoon, explore Trinh Nu Cave, a magnificent cave in Halong Bay spanning an area of 2,000m², adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Enjoy the option of kayaking and swimming in the bay. Later in the evening, back on board, witness a Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the sundeck before indulging in a delectable seafood dinner.

Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue. Early risers can kickstart their day with a serene Tai Chi class on the sundeck or indulge in a traditional massage – an ideal way to commence the day. Before returning to port this morning, we venture into the enchanting Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Grotto), an expansive 10,000m² cave featuring two grand chambers spacious enough to accommodate a multitude of visitors. Upon our mid-afternoon return to Hanoi, we navigate the labyrinthine streets known as the ‘36 Streets of the Old Quarter’ via a cyclo (rickshaw). Each narrow lane bears the name of various guilds that once established their presence on a particular street, ranging from silk tailors to traditional medicine shops. During our exploration, we'll have the opportunity to taste exotic fruits, sizzling noodle dishes, and delectably sticky snacks offered by sidewalk vendors. Later in the evening, there's a chance to freshen up before boarding the train (4-berth sleeper cabin, basic standard) on the 'Reunification Express' railway line bound for Hue. An alternative option to fly from Hanoi to Hue is also available.

This morning, we savor a breakfast box aboard the train before reaching Hue, where we embark on a guided exploration of this captivating imperial city. Formerly the capital of the Nguyen emperors, the last reigning family of Vietnam, UNESCO-listed Hue abounds with palaces, pagodas, and temples. Among the key highlights are the Thien Mu Pagoda, housing the city's oldest monastery, and the Citadel. Enclosed within the Citadel walls is the Imperial Purple Palace—an exact replica of Beijing's renowned Forbidden City—boasting impressive ramparts, formal moats, and imperial palaces, some of which now lie in ruins. Following our tour, we indulge in a relaxed cruise along the Perfume River, making our way back to the hotel.

Hue - Road of the Ocean Clouds - Hoi An. Today, our journey takes us to the charming riverside town of Hoi An, traversing the scenic Hai Van Pass, affectionately known as the Road of the Ocean Clouds. This route offers breathtaking views of beaches on one side and lush hills on the other. Breaking up our travel, we pause at China Beach, a sprawling sandy expanse made famous by the film 'Apocalypse Now.' Here, you can choose to take a refreshing swim in its warm waters before continuing our southbound journey along the coastline. Exuding timeless allure with its grand colonial architecture, Hoi An stands as one of Vietnam's most enchanting destinations. The Old Town, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as an impeccably preserved illustration of an Asian trading port, featuring covered bridges, pagodas, temples, and merchant houses. The town's captivating riverside ambiance enhances the overall picturesque charm of Hoi An, where women in conical hats navigate wooden boats downstream and the glow of red lanterns in the evenings reflects on the water's shimmering surface. A brief walking tour transports us to a bygone era, encompassing visits to the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Hall, a 200-year-old Tam Ky house, former merchants' residences, and the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge.

For a glimpse into rural life, embark on a leisurely bicycle journey from Hoi An to Cam Thanh farm today. Pedaling through idyllic villages where time moves at a more unhurried pace, you'll traverse rice paddies, local orchards, and witness villagers engaged in their fieldwork. Arriving at the organic farm in Cam Thanh, you'll have the opportunity to meet the local farmers and delve into the details of their community-driven initiative. Engage in a hands-on farming experience, participating in tasks such as tending to the fields, applying organic manure, crafting organic pesticides, and preparing the soil for planting and irrigation. After the agricultural endeavors, return to the farmer's residence, where the harvested produce from the organic vegetable garden will be used to collaboratively prepare a flavorful Vietnamese lunch. In the afternoon, saddle up on your bicycles once more for a brief ride to a bamboo workshop. Here, you'll join a skilled local craftsman to create your bamboo products under his expert guidance. Following the workshop, we'll drive back to Hoi An, leaving the evening open for leisurely pursuits.

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace, discovering Hoi An. Consider a day of unwinding at the beach or indulging in some retail therapy – Hoi An is renowned for its talented artisans, boasting exceptional craft shops, art galleries, and some of the finest custom tailors in Asia.

From Hoi An, we catch an early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. This modern metropolis, once known as the 'Pearl of the Orient,' seamlessly blends the old and the new. Tall skyscrapers, upscale restaurants, and designer stores coexist with colonial-era landmarks and reminders of the post-war era. Today, our journey includes a walking tour through the city, encompassing iconic landmarks like the striking red-brick Neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic central Post Office, and a visit to the poignant War Remnants Museum.

On Thursday, an inclusive transfer to the airport is provided. If time permits, you might want to engage in bargaining for goods at Ben Thanh Market or visit the majestic Independence Palace. Alternatively, for those with more available time, there's an opportunity to extend your stay and consider joining a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Here, you can explore an extensive network of underground tunnels and hideouts utilized by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Gain insights into booby traps, navigate through trap doors, and even put your skills to the test at the firing range with an AK-47.