Vietnam Family Adventure

Xin Chao! Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam.

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, your private guide and driver will be waiting outside the arrivals hall, holding a welcome sign displaying your names. You will then be transferred directly to your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Your guide will provide an introduction to your stay and answer any questions you may have.

Hotel check-in is at 2:00 pm. While every effort will be made to have your room ready upon arrival, early check-in is subject to availability.

Spend the day at leisure, relaxing at your hotel or taking a first stroll through the lively streets of the Old Quarter.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Morning (8:00 am – 12:00 pm)
Meet your guide for a safety briefing and introduction before setting off on an exciting motorcycle tour through Hanoi. Riding on a classic Russian Minsk motorcycle, you will discover three contrasting sides of the city.

1. Backstreet Ride – Discover Hanoi’s Hidden Corners

Explore a maze of narrow alleyways, winding backstreets and local markets that are rarely seen by visitors. Along the way, observe everyday life as you pass neighbourhoods where local people live, work, study and worship. Enjoy opportunities to meet residents and experience the city through its sights, sounds, flavours and aromas.

2. The French Quarter & Old Quarter – Hanoi’s Historic Highlights

Ride through the atmospheric French Quarter and vibrant Old Quarter, discovering the architectural and cultural contrasts that shape the capital. Along the way, pass landmarks including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda, West Lake, Truc Bach Lake, Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Opera House and Train Street.

3. Red River Island – A Different Side of Hanoi

Cross the iconic Long Bien Bridge and explore the island communities along the Red River. Take a walk through peaceful flower, vegetable and banana plantations, gaining insight into the distinctive lifestyle of local residents and the contrast between urban Hanoi and its rural surroundings.

Throughout the tour, enjoy an introduction to traditional Hanoian cuisine, with opportunities to sample local dishes along the way. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.

Return to your hotel around midday. Spend the afternoon at leisure, relaxing at the hotel or exploring the hidden alleyways of the Old Quarter.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Morning
Between 8:00 and 8:30 am, a shuttle bus arranged by the cruise operator will pick you up for the journey to Tuan Chau Marina in Quang Ninh Province. Enjoy the scenery of the Red River Delta along the way.

Afternoon
Around 12:00 pm, arrive at Tuan Chau Marina, where the crew of Peony Cruises will welcome you at the port.

At approximately 12:30 pm, board the transfer vessel for a short journey across the bay to your cruise ship. After the itinerary briefing, enjoy a welcome drink and refreshing towel before settling in.

At around 1:00 pm, savour a delicious lunch featuring fresh seafood and local specialities as the cruise sets sail through the spectacular scenery of Lan Ha Bay.

At approximately 3:30 pm, arrive at Tra Bau, a beautiful area known for its unspoiled natural scenery and limestone islands. Enjoy kayaking to explore the surrounding seascape, take a refreshing swim in the emerald-green waters or relax in the cruise’s Jacuzzi.

Evening
Between 5:30 and 6:30 pm, join a cooking demonstration and learn how to prepare one of Vietnam’s favourite dishes: fresh spring rolls. Alternatively, head to the sundeck to admire the sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin.

Enjoy happy hour at the bar, with a buy-one-get-one-free offer, and take in the beautiful views across Lan Ha Bay.

At around 7:30 pm, enjoy a delightful dinner prepared by the onboard chef.

Later in the evening, relax with a drink at the sky bar (at an additional charge), indulge in an optional spa treatment or try your hand at squid fishing from the main deck.

Overnight onboard Peony Cruises in Lan Ha Bay.

Morning
Start the day with an optional Tai Chi session at 6:00 am on the sundeck, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere as the sun rises over the bay.

Breakfast is served between 6:45 and 7:15 am while the cruise makes its way back towards Gia Luan Jetty.

From approximately 7:30 to 9:00 am, take a boat transfer to Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island. Explore this impressive limestone cave, known for its remarkable stalactite formations and distinctive cave ecosystem.

Return to the main cruise around 9:30 am and check out of your cabin. Lunch will be served onboard while the crew prepares for disembarkation. Settle any outstanding bar bills at the restaurant desk.

Between 10:30 and 11:00 am, disembark from Peony Cruises and transfer back to Tuan Chau Marina.

Afternoon
Around 11:30 am – 12:00 pm, meet your shuttle bus for the return journey to Hanoi.

Upon arrival, enjoy some time at leisure before heading out for dinner at Lan Ong Restaurant, located in Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter. Discover the distinctive flavours of Hanoi through expertly prepared dishes inspired by the city’s culinary heritage, using fresh local ingredients and traditional spices.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Morning
Meet your private guide and driver at the hotel and depart Hanoi for a scenic journey of approximately four hours to Mai Chau. Travel through beautiful countryside, passing green rice paddies, traditional villages and spectacular mountain scenery.

Home to several of Vietnam’s ethnic minority communities, Mai Chau is a peaceful valley surrounded by rolling hills, offering a refreshing contrast to the bustle of Hanoi.

Arrive around midday and check in at Mai Chau Ecolodge.

Afternoon
After some time to settle in, set out on a walking tour, or a cycling excursion if preferred, through the traditional Thai villages of Pom Coong and Lac.

Discover the local way of life as you pass traditional stilt houses and lush rice fields. Meet a local family and learn about their daily routines, festivals and cultural traditions.

Continue to explore Mo Luong Cave and Chieu Cave, two natural cavern systems featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years.

You will also visit the Thai Ethnographic Museum, where a collection of more than 1,000 objects offers insight into the history and everyday life of the Thai people. Discover traditional hunting tools, costumes, household items, musical instruments and historical documents.

Evening
Tonight, visit a local family and enjoy a home-hosted dinner featuring traditional dishes and locally made rice wine.

After dinner, return to Mai Chau Ecolodge to enjoy a traditional dance performance by members of the White Thai community.

Overnight in Mai Chau.

Morning
Depart Mai Chau and enjoy a scenic drive along winding mountain roads, with beautiful views of valleys, traditional stilt houses and terraced rice fields.

Along the way, stop at a local viewpoint to appreciate the surrounding landscape and capture some memorable photographs.

Continue to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a tranquil region renowned for its dramatic rice terraces, traditional villages and lush tropical scenery.

Upon arrival, begin a gentle trek through the countryside, exploring scenic villages such as Kho Muong or Don Village. Follow small paths winding between rice fields, vegetable gardens and cool streams, offering glimpses into the daily lives of local farming communities.

Afternoon
Enjoy a locally prepared lunch at a traditional stilt house or ecolodge, featuring regional specialities such as grilled mountain pork, sautéed vegetables, sticky rice and local soups.

After lunch, take some time to relax or chat with your host family and learn about their customs, handicrafts and life in the highlands.

Continue trekking through the reserve, passing traditional bamboo water wheels used by local villagers to irrigate their rice fields. Depending on the season, you may also have the opportunity to observe farmers planting or harvesting rice.

Overnight in Pu Luong.

Morning
After breakfast, meet your guide and set off on a combination of hiking (approximately 4 km) and cycling (approximately 40 minutes) through the beautiful valleys and rice terraces surrounding the retreat.

Descend into the valley and follow small paths through the terraced fields towards Uoi Village, a picturesque settlement nestled at the foot of a towering mountain. Stop to admire the panoramic views of the village and surrounding countryside.

Continue downhill to a local home, where you can take a short break before setting off by bicycle to explore Lan Village.

If time permits, visit a local family to learn about traditional brocade weaving, an important part of the region’s cultural heritage.

Continue cycling through rice paddies and neighbouring villages, enjoying the peaceful rural scenery before returning to the local home, where your driver will be waiting to take you back to the retreat.

Afternoon
Spend the afternoon at leisure. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the retreat, with lunch and dinner at the property.

Overnight in Pu Luong.

Morning
After breakfast, depart Pu Luong for Ninh Binh, travelling through beautiful countryside landscapes of limestone mountains and lush rice fields.

Upon arrival, visit Mua Cave, one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the region. Climb to the top for panoramic views over the surrounding limestone karsts, rice fields and the Tam Coc landscape.

Continue to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam for 44 years under the Dinh and Early Le dynasties. Visit the historic Temple of King Dinh and Temple of King Le, both known for their distinctive traditional architecture and historical significance.

Afternoon
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, with an opportunity to sample regional specialities such as mountain goat and eel.

After lunch, head to Tam Coc and board a traditional sampan boat for a leisurely journey along the Ngo Dong River. Over approximately two hours, a local rower will guide you through peaceful waterways, rice fields and dramatic limestone formations, earning the area its nickname, “Inland Ha Long Bay”.

After the boat trip, transfer to your hotel and check in.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Morning
Depart your hotel in Ninh Binh and enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside of the Red River Delta towards Nam Dinh Province.

Along the way, stop at Co Le Pagoda, an ancient religious and architectural landmark dating back more than 1,000 years. Discover its distinctive blend of Vietnamese and Gothic architectural influences, impressive bell tower and rich history.

Continue to Xuan Thuy National Park, located in Giao Thuy District, where the Red River meets the East Sea. Recognised as Vietnam’s first Ramsar site, this extensive wetland reserve is internationally important for its biodiversity and migratory bird habitats. It is also part of the wider Red River Delta UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Around midday, arrive in Xuan Giao Commune and board a boat to explore the wetlands of the national park.

After approximately one hour on the water, arrive at a local clam hut, where you will enjoy a fresh seafood lunch.

Afternoon
Relax at the hut before returning to the mainland.

Continue with a leisurely sightseeing tour around Giao Xuan Commune, exploring the peaceful villages and observing everyday rural life. Walk along country lanes, see local farmers working in the rice fields and visit traditional houses, Catholic churches and the Agriculture Museum.

If the weather is sunny, you may also visit the local salt fields to observe traditional salt-making methods and even try your hand at becoming a salt farmer.

Overnight in Nam Dinh.

Morning
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Nam Dinh Railway Station to board your train to Hue.

Travel in a four-berth air-conditioned soft sleeper compartment, offering a comfortable way to experience Vietnam by rail.

Afternoon
Enjoy the changing scenery as the train travels south through the country. Watch the landscape unfold outside your window, from expansive rice paddies and peaceful countryside to rolling hills and coastal plains.

Along the way, catch glimpses of everyday rural life, with farmers working in the fields, water buffalo grazing and local village scenes passing by.

The journey takes approximately 12–13 hours, giving you time to relax, read or simply enjoy the rhythm of travelling through Vietnam.

Evening
Arrive at Hue Railway Station in the evening, where your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Hue.

Today, you will discover Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital and home to the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled the country from 1802 to 1945. With its magnificent royal tombs, ancient pagodas and historic citadel, the city retains a distinctive sense of its royal past.

Morning
After breakfast, meet your private guide and driver and begin your exploration at the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex that includes the former Imperial Palace and the Forbidden Purple City, once home to the emperors and their families.

Enjoy a guided walking tour of approximately two hours, discovering the impressive architecture and landscaped gardens while learning about the history, traditions and intrigues of the Nguyen royal court.

Continue to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s most iconic religious landmark, dating back to 1601. Explore its peaceful gardens and admire the famous seven-tiered octagonal tower overlooking the Perfume River.

Afternoon
After lunch, visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, set within a tranquil landscape of gardens and ponds. Discover the harmonious design of this royal resting place, reflecting traditional Chinese Confucian influences.

Continue to the Tomb of King Khai Dinh, a remarkable architectural complex combining traditional Vietnamese elements with European influences, making it quite distinct from the other royal tombs in Hue.

Overnight in Hue.

Morning
After breakfast and check-out, transfer to Hue Railway Station to board the Heritage Train to Da Nang, one of Vietnam’s most scenic rail journeys.

Travel along the spectacular central coastline, passing through the legendary Hai Van Pass, where the railway winds along the mountainside with dramatic views of jungle-covered peaks, hidden coves and the sparkling East Sea.

Enjoy the journey through the large train windows, taking in the beautiful coastal scenery at a relaxed pace.

Upon arrival at Da Nang Railway Station, your private driver will meet you and transfer you to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved architecture, lantern-lit streets and riverside charm.

Afternoon
Meet your local guide and begin a walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, exploring its historic streets and major landmarks, including Chua Ong Pagoda, Tan Ky Ancient House, Fujian Assembly Hall and the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Continue to the Precious Heritage Museum, home to the permanent exhibition of Réhahn’s Precious Heritage Collection. Discover the rich cultural diversity of Vietnam through photographs, traditional costumes and artefacts representing the country’s ethnic communities.

Evening
Set off on a Hoi An Street Food Tour, following your guide through the town’s narrow alleyways to discover local food stalls and eateries that you might otherwise overlook.

Sample some of Hoi An’s favourite local specialities, meet the people behind the dishes and learn about the flavours and condiments that are an essential part of the local food culture.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Morning
Meet your guide at the hotel lobby and transfer to Vong Nhi Village, where your countryside cycling experience begins.

Upon arrival, collect your bicycle and set off on a leisurely ride of approximately 6 km through the peaceful rural landscape.

Follow quiet village roads, passing lush water coconut forests, prawn and red snapper farms, and expansive green rice fields, offering a glimpse into the traditional countryside surrounding Hoi An.

Continue to Thanh Dong Organic Farm, a 10,000-square-metre community garden supporting 10 local families.

Enjoy a guided walk through the garden and hear the stories of local farmers whose lives have been transformed through organic farming practices.

Take part in hands-on gardening activities, which may include preparing and fertilising the soil with organic compost, raking, sowing seeds, watering plants or harvesting seasonal vegetables.

Afternoon
Leave the farm and board a traditional basket boat for a relaxing ride along the Do River. Enjoy the peaceful riverside scenery and observe local fishermen going about their daily routines.

Continue to The Field Restaurant, a rustic riverside venue surrounded by nature. Join a short cooking demonstration to learn how to prepare Banh Xeo, Vietnam’s famous sizzling pancakes.

Conclude the experience with a Vietnamese family-style lunch, enjoying the dishes you have prepared in the tranquil countryside setting.

Afterwards, transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its charming architecture, excellent cuisine and traditional shopping.

Take time to wander through the Ancient Town, browse the many tailor shops or enjoy the town’s wonderful selection of restaurants and cafés.

Hoi An is particularly well known for its tailoring services, where you can have a suit or tuxedo made to measure, often within 24 hours.

Alternatively, consider joining an optional Vietnamese Cooking Class. Visit a local market to select fresh ingredients before learning how to prepare some of Hoi An’s signature dishes.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Morning
After breakfast and check-out, transfer by private vehicle to Da Nang International Airport for your domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City, also affectionately known as Saigon by local residents.

Located near the Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic metropolis.

Afternoon
Upon arrival, meet your guide and driver and enjoy lunch before departing for the Cu Chi Tunnels, located approximately 75 km outside the city.

Built and expanded by the Viet Cong during the wars against the French and later the Americans, this extensive underground network stretches for more than 250 km. It offers a fascinating insight into the lives and resourcefulness of those who lived and operated underground.

At the site, watch a short introductory video about the history of the tunnels before exploring the area on foot. You will also see displays of the traps and weapons used during the conflict.

Some sections of the tunnels have been widened and adapted for visitors, although they can still feel dark and enclosed. Entering the tunnels is entirely optional, particularly for anyone who may feel uncomfortable in confined spaces.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Morning
Meet your private guide and driver and leave the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City behind for a scenic journey of approximately two hours to Ben Tre, in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Known for its coconut groves, waterways, fruit orchards and fertile farmland, the region offers a wonderful introduction to life in the Mekong Delta.

Upon arrival, board a motorised boat and cruise along the scenic Ben Tre River, observing local industries and everyday activities along the riverbanks.

Stop at small family-run workshops to discover traditional brickmaking and sleeping-mat weaving. Continue with a leisurely walk through village lanes, visiting local homes where you can sample dried fruits and honey tea while enjoying a performance of traditional Don Ca Tai Tu music.

Visit a coconut-processing workshop to learn how local delicacies such as coconut candy are made, as well as how coconut husks and fibres are transformed into useful handmade products.

Continue by traditional sampan through narrow, palm-fringed canals, enjoying the peaceful scenery and lush tropical vegetation.

Afternoon
Enjoy a ride on a traditional xe loi (motorised cart) through the countryside, passing rice fields, vegetable gardens and fruit orchards while meeting local residents along the way.

Stop at a local restaurant for lunch before continuing to Coco Riverside Lodge in Trung Nghia, Vung Liem.

If time permits, choose a bicycle and explore the surrounding villages along quiet country roads. Pass duck farms, green rice paddies, sedge fields and small settlements. Stop at a local dragon fruit or orange plantation to sample seasonal fruit straight from the garden.

Enjoy the beautiful countryside scenery and, if the timing is right, watch the sunset before cycling back to the lodge.

Evening
After freshening up, walk to a neighbour’s home to hear personal stories about their experiences during the Vietnam War. Enjoy a traditional performance featuring local music and the distinctive poon lights.

At the end of the performance, walk back to the lodge by the warm glow of traditional torches made from dried coconut leaves.

Later, take part in a Vietnamese Cooking Class, where you will learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese pancakes. Enjoy the meal you have helped prepare at the lodge’s restaurant.

Overnight at Coco Riverside Lodge.

Morning
After breakfast, discover more of the local life and traditional industries around Vung Liem.

Observe the busy river activity as boats transport coconuts and other goods between local workshops. Cross a local ferry to visit a beautiful Cao Dai Temple.

Continue to explore small coconut-processing workshops situated along the river. See how coconut fibres are removed from the husks and transformed into rope, which is then used to weave rugs. Most of the production is still carried out by hand using traditional techniques.

Return to the lodge. If time permits, take part in a hands-on activity to harvest water coconut leaves and learn how to weave them. These leaves are traditionally used as building materials for the walls and roofs of houses throughout the Mekong Delta. Local residents will also demonstrate how to make the traditional poon sticks used during the previous evening’s performance.

Before departure, check out and visit the home of Mr. Cong, where you can watch him demonstrate the traditional technique of making puffed rice, a popular local snack.

Afternoon
Transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City and check in at your hotel.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, relaxing at your hotel or exploring the city independently.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Departure Flight: Guest’s own flight arrangements

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and some time at leisure before your departure.

At the appropriate time, your private driver will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight.

We hope you have enjoyed your journey through Vietnam and wish you a pleasant flight home or onward travels to your next destination.

End of Services.