Vietnam Family Holiday 12 Days

Embark on a comprehensive city tour. Explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, and the serene Temple of Literature – an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city. Continue your exploration with a visit to the Museum of Ethnology, delving into the rich and diverse heritage of Vietnam. Enjoy a delightful lunch at KOTO restaurant, a remarkable establishment and a longstanding partner of Intrepid. KOTO follows the philosophy of 'know one, teach one' and supports underprivileged local youth by providing them with opportunities in the hospitality industry. In the evening, treat yourself to a traditional water puppet performance. This age-old northern tradition, dating back nearly a millennium, features performances accompanied by traditional Vietnamese music using drums, wooden bells, horns, and bamboo flutes.

Take a minibus journey to the magnificent Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site (approximately 4 hours). This bay is a stunning, secluded harbor adorned with around 2,000 limestone islands emerging from the waters of the Bac Bo Gulf. Board your private boat and cruise through the mesmerizing limestone peaks. Revel in the opportunity to swim in the renowned Vietnam East Sea and explore caves adorned with breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites. Enjoy a serene night on board, beneath a sky filled with stars. The sailing junk features twin-share cabins with air-conditioning and private facilities, along with a dining room and bar. Please note that recent local authority changes have impacted overnight stays on the bay. As a result, a larger boat, typically with 12 cabins, may be utilized to accommodate all Intrepid travelers, with passengers potentially distributed across multiple boats. Rest assured, an Intrepid group leader will be present on each boat, and the route and onboard offerings will remain unchanged.

Savor your breakfast on the boat this morning and consider opting for an early morning kayak adventure. Later, return to Hanoi by bus (approximately 3.5 hours) and catch an overnight train bound for Hue. As the former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue harbors the treasures of the country's royal heritage. The city presents a fascinating blend of lively streets and serene surroundings. While the conditions on the overnight train are modest, these journeys offer a quintessential Southeast Asian experience, providing a chance to connect with locals during long-distance travels. Appreciate the ride and relax! Most trains have a dining carriage serving simple fare, but it's a good idea to stock up on fresh bread, cheese, and fruit before departure. Please note that sleeper trains typically feature four-berth compartments (occasionally six-berth, depending on seasonal variations) with bench seats converting into sleeping bunks. You'll be provided with a sheet, pillow, and blanket, but some travelers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Occasionally, passengers of different genders may share a compartment, and there might be instances where you share with local or non-group travelers.

Welcome to Hue! Your guide will assist you in selecting a delightful local breakfast option this morning after your journey on the overnight train. Following that, embark on a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River. This excursion includes a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, widely recognized as the unofficial symbol of Hue. The pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery founded in 1601, holds historical significance. Notably, it features a car that belonged to a former monk. In 1963, he drove to Saigon and set himself on fire in protest against the mistreatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime. Explore one of the royal tombs, that of Emperor Tu Duc, surrounded by a serene lake and a grove of frangipani and pine trees. Optionally, visit the tomb of Minh Mang, celebrated for its lush forest backdrop and impressive architecture, rendering it one of the most majestic royal tombs.

Explore further into the captivating former capital today. Your destination is the Imperial Citadel, showcasing the best-preserved remnants of a vast citadel and Royal center that once thrived on this fortified grounds. Despite the unfortunate war-induced destruction, the unique fortifications offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. The overgrown ruins, adorned with foliage, create an intriguing environment for a couple of hours of exploration. Your journey also includes a visit to the Forbidden Purple City, nearly obliterated during the Tet Offensive in 1968. The visible craters from bomb impacts provide a stark reminder of the devastating toll the war exacted on the country.

Traveling by bus, journey southward through scenic coastal rice paddies, then traverse the breathtaking Hai Van Pass along the mountainous terrain en route to Hoi An (approximately 4 hours). Recently granted World Heritage status, Hoi An is impeccably preserved and radiates a serene ambiance. Ideal for leisurely strolls, the town features many charming Japanese houses and Chinese temples lining its narrow lanes. Certain parts of Hoi An have retained their appearance from over a century ago. The town is also a shopping haven, offering opportunities to explore local markets and shops for unique paintings, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery, and lanterns. Hoi An has gained fame for its tailor shops, presenting a diverse array of fabrics and skilled tailors.

Following breakfast, we embark on a morning excursion to Cua Dai Beach. Renowned for its breathtaking white sand bordered by swaying palm trees and offering vistas of the Cham Islands, this beach is a true gem. We return to town for lunch and devote the afternoon to a hands-on experience learning the art of preparing White Rose Cake—an activity that promises enjoyment for the entire family!

Indulge in additional leisure time in this enchanting ancient town. Consider participating in a cooking class to unlock the secrets of crafting local delicacies such as cao lau—a savory concoction featuring dark pork broth, thick yellow noodles, sliced pork, bean sprouts, green vegetables, and croutons. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the vibrant street food scene with a guided tour. If you're feeling more active, renting bicycles for a family cycling adventure through the picturesque surrounding countryside is an excellent choice. Another delightful activity for the whole family is a bamboo basket ride along the waterways nestled within the jungle. Explore various optional day and half-day excursions by consulting with your guide.

Embark on a brief flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling economic hub (approximately 1 hour). Formerly named Saigon, this city is a captivating blend of old and new, with a rich tapestry of sights and sounds representing a fusion of East and West. Explore the vibrant Ben Thanh Market, savor a delectable local street food lunch, and partake in an orientation walk. Following this, you have the freedom to discover the city at your own pace. Your guide will provide engaging and enjoyable suggestions for both you and the kids. Consider a cyclo ride to Cholon, the Chinatown district of Ho Chi Minh City, to explore its temples. Alternatively, indulge in some serious shopping at a Vietnamese-style department store.

Travel to the Mekong Delta and explore the undiscovered charm of Ben Tre, where coconuts play a central role in daily life. Renowned for its lush harvests of tropical fruits and flowers, the fertile delta offers a unique experience. Upon arrival, board a private boat and navigate through the intricate network of waterways, visiting local cottage industries for an insightful glimpse into a different facet of the regional economy. Proceed to your overnight homestay by the water, where you'll be welcomed into a family home for an authentic local encounter, providing a firsthand view of daily life. Accommodations consist of simple camp beds in dorm-style rooms, and all meals are included, with bedding and mosquito nets provided.

Begin your day in the delta with the rising sun, immersing yourself in the local rhythm. Explore a nearby market and a workshop specializing in soya bean production. Later in the day, return to Ho Chi Minh City for an additional night. You should reach the city in the afternoon, allowing for one last opportunity to discover its charms. On Day 13, your journey concludes, and you are free to depart at your convenience. For those with arranged airport transfers, your leader will provide details about your departure time and onward flight.