12 Days Unveiling the Gems of Vietnam with Family

After enjoying breakfast, begin a city tour of the vibrant city center, known as "Colonial Saigon":

• Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office: Marvel at the iconic landmarks designed by Gustave Eiffel.
• Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Headquarters: Visit the former Central Municipal Hall, one of the city's most beautiful colonial buildings.
• Museum of Traditional Medicine in Vietnam: Explore a fascinating collection of documents, objects, and instruments related to local medicine.

In the afternoon, journey to the Cu Chi underground tunnels on the city's outskirts. Descend underground to discover a labyrinthine world: tunnels stretching 200 km long, 70 cm wide, and 90 cm high, featuring meeting rooms, kitchens, hospitals, and more. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

Night at the hotel.

Today, we depart for the Mekong Delta, a unique region blending land and water in the country's southern tip.

Arrive in Ben Tre, a bustling town nestled in the heart of the northern branches of the river. Enjoy a boat ride along the rivers to reach Mo Cay, a charming rural area still off the beaten path, renowned for its coconut trade and production of coconut-based products.

Explore the green island, adorned with coconut plantations, by bike or Xe loi (motorized rickshaw). Wander along shady paths beneath coconut trees, stopping at farms to witness the making of coconut sweets and brooms.

Continue your journey with a tranquil ride in a small rowing boat through streams lined with water palms, immersing yourself in the daily life of the delta. Visit Mr. Van's traditional house and savor local specialties prepared by his wife, including coconut jam, honey, and pollen tea.

In the afternoon, drive to Giong Trom through coconut plantations and a network of canals connected to the mighty Mekong River. Check into a charming lodge nestled on the banks of the Ham Luong River, where you can enjoy fishing with the hosts and unwind in a serene environment, perhaps catching a stunning sunset.

In the evening, join in the preparation of dinner with your hosts, learning to make Banh Xeo, the Vietnamese crepe or pancake.

Night at the lodge.

Bike ride in the heart of coconut country on small shady trails to the island of Oc. Oc Island is the largest island in the Ham Luong River. It is home to sumptuous landscapes, with fertile fruit gardens, rows of green coconuts and the peaceful life of the southern inhabitants. This walk will allow you to discover the daily life of the local inhabitants, their craft activities.

Visit a small local market and a coconut shell factory.
In the afternoon, drive to Tra Vinh crossing the great arms of the Mekong: Ham Luong and Co Chien, a route that offers beautiful green and rural panoramas of the delta.

Arrival in Tra Vinh, a small and pretty city located downstream of the Mekong like a peninsula (this city is largely populated by Khmer-Cambodians and is still very untouristy).

Visit the Khmer Cultural Museum and Ang Pagoda (or Angkor Ajabory Pagoda), an ancient pagoda of Khmer architecture surrounded by hundreds of ancient trees. Built in the 10th century and restored in 1842, the oldest pagoda in Trà Vinh has a unique architecture, harmoniously combining the typical decoration of the Khmer in Vietnam and that of Angkor in Cambodia.

In the late afternoon, continue to Can Tho, the capital of the delta, located on the right bank of the southern arm of the Mekong.
Night in hotel.

Wake up early and greet your hosts before transferring to Can Tho, the capital of the Mekong Delta, located on the right bank of the Mekong River's southern branch.
Upon arrival, board a boat for a cruise down the Mekong River. Visit the Cai Rang floating market, spectacular with its colors and its gathering of many boats loaded with fruits, vegetables, and all other types of products. Discover the very original "river trade" of the inhabitants of the Mekong Delta region.
Disembark for a visit to the An Binh land market located opposite Cai Rang, an opportunity to make an interesting comparison between the floating market and the land market.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City, fly to Hue, the former port city of the Central.
Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, depart for a tour of the city of Hue (Hue is the last imperial capital of Vietnam 1802-1945):

• The Imperial City, residence and workplace of the 13 Nguyen kings for 143 years: the South Gate, the Forbidden Purple Citadel, the Peace Palace, the Royal Reading Pavilion, the temples of the Nguyen dynasty, the traditional theater, etc.
• The mausoleum of Gia Long, founder of the Nguyen dynasty, one of the two first founders of the "special" Franco-Vietnamese relationship (the other French priest: Mons. Pigneau de Béhaine) or the mausoleum of Minh Mang, the emperor very known to have fathered 142 children with 43 concubines.
• Village of Phu Mong with garden houses: a building block of Hue's imperial identity.
• The Thien Mu pagoda, the most beautiful and visited pagoda in Hue or the very peaceful Tu Hieu pagoda, where there are tombs of eunuchs of the Nguyen dynasty. Depending on the time, there is the possibility of seeing the prayer session of the monks.
• The Dong Ba market, the largest and oldest in Hue, where local specialties are sold: conical hats, tunic dresses, etc.

Overnight in hotel in Hue.

Full-day excursion to explore the villages and pagodas around Hue.
Board a boat for a cruise down the tranquil Perfume River. Make a stop in the village of Thuy Bieu, specialized in the cultivation of pomelos recognized for their quality. Bicycle ride through the village of Thuy Bieu, on paths shaded by thousands of pomelos, fruit trees ... the opportunity to soak up the serene and green nature. Stay with a peasant family, meet the hosts. Participation in the preparation of lunch, tasting of dishes cooked by yourself.
In the afternoon, transfer by car to the village of Sinh, known for making prints. According to local practices, the prints of the Sinh village are used as offerings to put on altars, in daily rites before being burned by souls, saints ... Walk around the village, stop at Mr. Phuoc, an artist of 60 years of profession, discovery of the stages of printmaking and initiation to traditional techniques.
Continue the visit to the village of Thanh Tien, specialized in the manufacture of paper flowers. This 400-year-old profession has been passed down from generation to generation to this day. Here, all kinds of flowers (lotus, rose, lotus, sunflower ...) are reproduced in paper, bamboo and other local materials. It is really difficult to distinguish the true from the false. Visit a factory to understand the work of highly skilled craftsmen.
Return to Hue, the rest of the day free to relax.
Overnight in hotel.

Depart by road to Hoi An, a small ancient town located 150 km south of Hue. The unusual route crosses the rugged coast of the eastern sea, beautiful bays of turquoise waters and the Hai Van Pass, offering breathtaking views.
Arrival in Hoi An around noon, check in to hotel.

In the afternoon, walking tour to discover the old town of Hoi An - "the most charming city in Vietnam". Visit its main areas of interest:

• The Fujinan shrine dedicated to the goddess protecting fishermen and sailors, with its ornate architecture and colorful lanterns.
• The Phuc Thanh pagoda, the oldest in Hoi An (1454), featuring a serene courtyard and intricate Buddhist statues.
• The Japanese Covered Bridge, built in 1593, connecting the Chinese and Japanese districts and embellished with colorful wooden carvings.
• A tailor's workshop, where you can witness the silk production process from raising silkworms to weaving finished garments.
• Wander through the old town's narrow streets, lined with traditional wooden houses, charming cafes, and vibrant silk and lantern shops. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and soak in the town's rich history and culture.

In the evening, Hoi An comes alive with the gentle glow of thousands of lanterns strung across the streets and waterways. Take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River for a magical experience amidst the illuminated town.

Today, embark on a cycling adventure to discover the peaceful and verdant countryside surrounding Hoi An.
After breakfast, cycle towards the fishing village of Van Lang and the Bay Mau coconut forest. This region, crisscrossed by canals, mangroves, and water palms, offers a glimpse into local life and traditional activities.
Pass through rice paddies, cornfields, and vegetable gardens, stopping at friendly villages, artisan workshops, and boat-building yards.
Arrive at Van Lang village, where you'll be greeted by friendly boatmen and embark on a basket boat ride along the coconut palm-lined rivers. Admire the picturesque landscapes and learn about traditional shrimp fishing techniques.
Disembark and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by a local family.
In the afternoon, continue cycling to Tra Que village, renowned for its organic vegetable cultivation. Stroll through the fields, meet the farmers, and participate in hands-on activities like fertilizing the soil and planting herbs.
Bid farewell to the hospitable villagers and cycle back to your hotel in Hoi An.
Spend the rest of the evening at your leisure, perhaps enjoying a rooftop dinner with panoramic views of the town.

Dedicate these two days to relaxation and fun at the beautiful and uncrowded beaches near Hoi An - Cua Dai and An Bang.
Soak up the sun, swim in the turquoise waters, and build sandcastles with your family.
Take leisurely walks along the beach, collect seashells, and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
If you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at water sports like surfing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding.
In the evenings, explore the beachfront restaurants and cafes, savoring fresh seafood and local delicacies.
You can also rent bicycles and explore the nearby countryside, discovering hidden temples, quaint villages, and rice paddies.

Enjoy your last breakfast in Hoi An before checking out of your hotel.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to do some last-minute shopping or explore the town further.
Transfer to Da Nang International Airport for your flight back to Ho Chi Minh City, and onward to your home country.
This 12-day family trip to Vietnam offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, scenic beauty, and relaxation. From the bustling Mekong Delta to the charming ancient town of Hoi An and the pristine beaches, this trip has something for everyone in the family.