Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Vietnam – Hanoi – Tam Coc – Bai Tu Long Bay – Hue – Hoi An
100% customisable for you
Calling all explorers: your far-flung family adventure awaits. Head to the airport, whizz through security and settle into the lounge before boarding your overnight flight to Hanoi – you’ll be in the air for roughly 12 hours, so sit back, relax and crack open the snacks.
When you land, you’ll be whisked away to your central hotel, where you’ll check in for two nights. Then, drop your bags, freshen up and head out – the city waits for no one.
Hit the ground running with a private tour led by a local guide, starting with a stroll along the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake, an idyllic landscape in the centre of the city. Next up: head to the 19th-century Ngoc Son Temple, a prominent religious site perched on its own small island.
As you plod along, settle rumbling tummies with a sweet treat break at Maison Marou, the country's leading chocolatier. Then, while lips are still being licked, head to the traditional Old Quarter. In the past, each street specialised in a specific trade, and a rich history still buzzes here, making it ideal for burning off some more of the youngsters’ energy before dinnertime.
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast this morning, because today is yours to explore as much of the vibrant Vietnamese capital as you (or really, your children) desire.
Divided into four main districts, Hanoi is a delight to discover. Head to Ba Dinh for Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum and stilt house, as well as the One Pillar Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple. For a journey back in time, return to the streets of Hoan Kiem and its famous 36 Districts or visit the temples of Hai Ba Trung. Finally, budding bookworms should set their sights on Dong Da, renowned for its Temple of Literature – a literal sanctuary of wisdom.
Rise and shine: today, you’re swapping city scenes for countryside charm with a seriously scenic bike ride. After one last breakfast in the capital, you’ll be privately transferred to the province of Ninh Binh, about three hours away. This is where the adventure begins...
Accompanied by a friendly guide, hop on your bikes, strap on your helmets and push off to pedal along the banks of the Boi River. After a little while, you’ll reach Van Long, where the rice fields spread out in vast and varied shades of green. Then, draw to a halt and board a boat to cruise through a series of rocky peaks, winding canals and lush valleys. Be sure to snap some candids of the youngsters here, too; they’re bound to be awe-struck.
This evening, check in for two nights in your next home away from home in the gorgeously green gem of Tam Coc on the Ngo Dong River.
Tam Coc, also (very matter-of-factly) known as Halong Bay on Land, is a treasure trove of natural wonders. To begin your discovery of this delightful destination, head to Phat Diem Cathedral, where you’ll find a beautiful blend of Catholic and Vietnamese architecture.
After stopping for lunch – and an SPF top up – visit the Bich Dong pagoda, one of the oldest in the region, before reaching Thung Nham’s nature-packed park. Here, every member of your clan can enjoy a game of I-Spy with the wide array of birds that inhabit the riverside landscape, including storks, herons, teals and starlings.
For dinner this evening, skip the back-and-forth with your children by reaching out to your trusty Concierge for some stellar restaurant recommendations. Time to tuck in.
Strap in for the three-hour drive to Hon Gai this morning, where you’ll board a traditional wooden junk boat for a day of seafaring fun. While the youngsters exercise their nautical curiosity, adults can kick back on deck with a refreshing cocktail, watching as the ship cruises through thousands of limestone islets carved from the mysterious caves that populate Halong Bay.
This evening, gather round for a meal on board, a family debrief and maybe even a few board games before being rocked to sleep by the waves – no need for sleep sounds here.
Hear that? The coast is calling. Wake up and tuck into a delicious breakfast this morning while the boat makes its way towards the port. Back on dry land, privately transfer to Hanoi Airport for the speedy one-hour-and-15-minute domestic flight to Hue.
When you land, another private driver will be waiting to take you to your next hotel, where you’ll check in for two nights, drop your bags and start thinking about dinner. Bun bo hue (spicy noodle soup), anyone?
The name of the game today: kites. A cherished cultural craft, kite making is a prominent part of Hue’s identity, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Nguyen Dynasty, which once ruled here. Today, kites serve many purposes, from signalling the end of the rainy season and greeting good weather to calling for abundant harvests.
To delve deeper into the history and craftsmanship of these high-flying heirlooms, pay a visit to a traditional workshop for an insight into kite assembly and decoration by local artisans. Need inspo for that perfect souvenir? Look no further.
Ready for another scenic bike ride? Set off this morning to discover Hue’s countryside, pedalling along rural roads, winding between rice fields and passing a string of traditional houses.
Eventually, you’ll reach the stunning Thanh Toan Covered Bridge, which is supported by 18 wooden pillars. Leave the bikes here and continue on foot to a nearby pagoda, where the whole family can don their creative caps for a lesson in the delicate art of paper flower making. Guided by an expert local craftsman, this is your chance to learn the ins and outs of a know-how that’s more than 300 years old.
Afterwards, prepare to meet another fascinating local: the abbot of the pagoda, who’ll share his views on Buddhism’s influence in Hue. Finally, end your outing with a tasty vegetarian lunch before heading back to your hotel for an afternoon of laid-back leisure or – if your children are still raring to go – eager exploration.
Bid Hue a fond farewell this morning as you prepare to be privately transferred to Hoi An, a two-hour-and-45-minute drive away. Cue road trip games and top-tier playlists.
When you arrive, check in for three nights in another charming home away from home. Then, settle in, freshen up and head out for a scenic stroll to stretch your legs – and tire out the youngsters.
For dinner tonight, sample a local legend by tucking into some cao lau (chewy pork noodles).
Rich in history, parts of Hoi An require tickets to enter, but don’t worry: we’ve sorted these out in advance. So, let your curiosity run wild over the next two days as you uncover the scenic splendour of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Start at Hoi An Market. Held every morning inside a large hall, this bustling hub is full of locals selling everything from tuna and shrimp to mangoes and ginger. Once everyone’s senses have been suitably scintillated, head to the Japanese Covered Bridge, an iconic landmark of the city’s old town, or Phan Boi Chau Street, where rows of French colonial buildings stand.
While you’re here, set aside some time to explore Hoi An’s silk trade. Whether you have an aspiring fashion designer in tow or simply want to mix up your sightseeing schedule, there’s plenty of fun to be had scoping out a new wardrobe for the whole clan.
In the evenings, head out after dark to see flying lanterns and candles sailing on the waters of the river – the perfect setting for some wish-making. A plea for even more holidays, perhaps?
Sadly, your adventure in northern Vietnam comes to an end today. Tuck into one last delicious breakfast this morning before you’re privately transferred to Danang International Airport for your speedy one-and-a-half-hour domestic flight to Hanoi. From here, hop onto a direct flight back to the UK, a journey which takes around 13 hours.
You’ll land the following morning, armed with enough snaps of your family to fill an entire photo album – or, failing that, an envy-inducing Instagram post.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
