Family Voyage Across the Beautiful Vietnam in 16 Days

A day dedicated to exploring Hanoi's most remarkable cultural sites and historical monuments:

• The Temple of Literature, symbolizing feudal education and standing as one of Hanoi's iconic landmarks.
• Visit Ba Dinh Square, the location of the former palace of the Indochina governor, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and his residence.
• Explore the Ethnography Museum, home to a vast collection of 25,000 ancient and contemporary artifacts providing insights into the history of local populations.
• In the evening, enjoy a water puppet show – a distinctive feature of Vietnamese culture.

Spend your night in Hanoi.

Heading towards the high mountains of the far north of the country, an expansive border region between Laos and China. Stop along the way at Suoi Giang, land of green tea plantations with its towering centuries-old tea trees. Optional visit to a tea farm and tasting session.

Arrival at Nghia Lo, a small village nestled in the vast Muong Lo basin. Settle in with a Thai family in the village of Ban Deu, inhabited by both white and black Thai minorities.

Warmly welcomed by our hosts, take a rest and embark on a bicycle ride around the village. Meet with the Thai locals, uncovering the distinctions between the white and black Thai communities (attire, habits, customs, etc.).

In the evening, enjoy a family dinner. Overnight stay in their stilt house.

Greetings from our hosts, then off to Mu Cang Chai, land of magnificent rice terraces. This landscape, a delight for even the most discerning photographers, reaches its peak beauty from June to September when hills, slopes, and fields are adorned with vibrant green and golden rice paddies. Several stops are planned along the way:

• Khau Pha Pass overlooking the beautiful valley of Tu Le rice fields.
• Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha, De Xu Phinh, where Hmong villages and stunning rice terraces are found.
• The Mu Cang Chai market remains authentic.

Overnight in a hotel.

Continue towards Sapa through the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, the southeasternmost extension of the Himalayas.

In the afternoon, hike amidst beautiful exotic landscapes along the valley, visiting ethnic villages like Lao Chai of the Black Hmong, Ta Van of the Dzay, etc. Meet with locals working in the rice fields, discovering their daily lives.

Return to the village, overnight in a hotel.

Enjoy a day of hiking amidst stunning exotic landscapes along the vast Muong Hoa valley, with views of its spectacular rice terraces. Located southwest of Sapa and at the foot of Mount Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina.

Visit ethnic villages scattered throughout the valley, such as Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai with their Black Hmong, Ta Van and Dzay. (By late August, the rice terraces begin to ripen, turning the entire Muong Hoa valley from green to yellow - an extraordinary landscape only once a year... don't miss it!).

Possible encounters with locals working in their rice fields and other crops, and discover their daily life.

Night in Sa Pa.

Head towards Bac Ha – a small and peaceful town about a hundred kilometers northeast of Sapa (Bac Ha is known for its weekly ethnic markets in the surrounding areas).

Walk through stunning landscapes of rice terraces and streams around Bac Ha. Away from the crowds, visit very un-touristy villages of Thai Giang Pho and Na Hoi populated by Tay, Black Hmong, and Flower Hmong minorities.

Settle in at the end of the day with a warm Tay ethnic family. Dinner and overnight with the family.

Today, depending on the day of the week, seize the opportunity to visit one of the bustling weekly markets bustling with local minorities around Bac Ha.

Engage with the vibrant tapestry of ethnic communities as they gather to trade goods and exchange stories, offering a glimpse into their colorful customs and traditions. Witness the unique livestock trade among the locals, adding a fascinating cultural dimension to your journey.

Later in the afternoon, embark on a scenic drive back to Hanoi, relishing the picturesque landscapes along the way.

Retreat to the comfort of your hotel for a restful overnight stay, reflecting on the enriching experiences of the day.

Set off for Ninh Binh, a region adorned with towering limestone formations, verdant rice paddies, and tranquil waterways that meander through the landscape like ribbons of serenity.

Arrive at Ninh Xuan and ascend Mua Mountain, where a mesmerizing panorama awaits atop its summit. Climb the 486 stone steps to behold sweeping views of the Tam Coc region, offering a captivating glimpse into nature's splendor.

Subsequently, journey to Tam Coc, where you'll embark on a leisurely bike ride, immersing yourself in the idyllic surroundings and soaking in the beauty of the countryside.

In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, navigating through lush rice fields and beneath the arching limestone caves. Allow yourself to be enchanted by the ethereal beauty of Tam Coc, a landscape that seems plucked from a dream.

As the day draws to a close, return to Hanoi, where you'll retire to your hotel for a well-deserved rest, reminiscing about the day's adventures amidst the tranquility of the evening.

Head out on a journey to Halong Bay, often hailed as the most stunning bay in Vietnam and one of the most enchanting landscapes in all of Asia. Step aboard  a traditional junk upon arrival and receive a warm welcome from the crew. Set sail for an unforgettable cruise across the bay, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the northern part of Halong Bay, known as Bai Tu Long:

We provide shared junks, typically smaller in size with 10 to 12 cabins, suitable for hosting around twenty passengers. Alternatively, you have the choice of selecting a private cruise on a smaller junk, offering one or a few cabins, for a truly unforgettable experience. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you're interested in this option.

• Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the picturesque islands and islets, each with its unique shapes resembling sails, dogs, roosters, and incense burners.
• Explore the stunning caves of Halong Bay, including Thien Canh Son, which houses stalagmites and stalactites dating back several thousand years.
• The cruise then continues to Cap La, where you can embark on a kayaking adventure and take a refreshing swim in the bay's pristine waters, weather permitting

End of the afternoon, relaxing on the upper deck of the junk.

Participation in a culinary demonstration on board, preparation of spring rolls or spring rolls.

Tasty seafood lunch and dinner.

Free evening for your personal rest and relaxation: card games, night fishing…

Night on board.

Rise at dawn to savor a truly unique spectacle: the first rays of sunlight peering over the countless sugarloaf peaks of the bay, followed by a serene Tai Chi session on the terrace.

Tai Chi, the art of deep relaxation, involves performing a series of slow, flowing, and circular movements.

Initiate on a boat or kayak excursion to explore the charming fishing village of Vung Vieng, where you may have the chance to meet local residents.

Enjoy lunch on the junk, then disembark and return to Hanoi.

In the evening, catch a flight to Hue, the historic imperial city located in the heart of the country.

Spend the night in Hue.

Departure for a city tour of Hue (Hue being the last imperial capital of Vietnam 1802-1945)

• The Imperial City served as the residence and workplace for the 13 Nguyen kings for 143 years.
• Explore the mausoleum of Minh Mang, the Emperor renowned for fathering 142 children with 43 concubines.
• Visit Phu Mong village with its garden houses, an integral part of Hue's imperial heritage.
• Discover the Thien Mu Pagoda, renowned as the most beautiful and frequently visited pagoda in Hue, or experience the serenity of Tu Hieu Pagoda, where the tombs of eunuchs from the Nguyen dynasty are located. Depending on the timing, you may have the opportunity to witness a monks' prayer session.
• Explore Dong Ba Market, the largest and oldest market in Hue, where you can purchase local specialties such as conical hats and tunic dresses. 

Night at the hotel.

Departure by road for Hoi An, an ancient small town located 150 km south of Hue. Several stops are planned along the way:

• Take in the serene, less-visited stretches of coastline at Thuan An and Lang Co beaches, where extensive lagoons host various fish farms supporting the local community.
• Ascend the Hai Van Pass, the highest pass in central Vietnam, situated strategically between Hue and Da Nang.

This pass acts as a natural climatic divide between the northern and southern regions of the country. From its summit, you can behold the breathtaking bays of Lang Co and Da Nang, stretching as far as the eye can see.

• Visit small-scale melaleuca oil factories
• And encounter picturesque roadside cemeteries known as 'Ghost Towns.' These cemeteries boast tombs resembling castles, adorned with diverse Asian architectural styles, creating a truly luxurious cityscape visible from a distance.

In the afternoon, arrive in Hoi An, complete the check-in process at the hotel, and settle in for an overnight stay.

Here comes a full-day bicycle excursion to discover the serene and verdant countryside of Hoi An, nestled downstream along the Thu Bon River.

After breakfast, set out towards the fishing village of Van Lang and the Bay Mau coconut forest, a region surrounded by numerous channels, mangrove forests, and water coconut palms that still maintain their authenticity. The route meanders through rice fields, cornfields, orchards, friendly hamlets, craft workshops, and boat-building yards, offering picturesque stops, visits, and engaging encounters.

Upon arrival in Van Lang village, receive a warm welcome from the friendly local boatmen before embarking on a round-basket boat ride through coconut-lined rivers. Marvel at the beautiful landscapes, relax, and then try your hand at exceptional shrimp fishing techniques. Afterward, land and settle in with a local family.

In the afternoon, continue to Tra Que village, renowned for its organic vegetable cultivation. Walk through the fields, meet the farmers, and participate in agricultural activities such as soil fertilization and herb planting. Interact with the friendly villagers before biking back to your hotel.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, with the evening spent at your hotel.

Enjoy a fully free day for independent exploration of Hoi An's Old Town:

• Explore shopping opportunities in the Old Town (lacquerware, crafts, etc.), particularly for tailored garments at silk shops.
• Take a bike ride to the surrounding countryside, where you'll find several traditional villages (producing vegetables, ceramics, carpentry, etc.).
• Relax on the beautiful beaches of the East Sea (Cua Dai, An Bang...), located near Hoi An.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Free time until transfer to the airport for the flight to Hanoi and then the return flight.

Thanks for choosing our family travel services in Vietnam in 16 days!