Vietnam Discovery Tour with Teenagers

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Arrival at Hanoi airport on flight xx. Welcome by the driver from Tonkin Voyage Travel and transfer to the city.

Start with a cyclo-pousse ride to explore the French Quarter through its colonial landmarks: the Opera House, the Pagoda of Ambassadors, the Bank of Indochina, the former Supreme Residence of Tonkin (Sofitel Métropole Hotel), and the surroundings of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Check-in at the hotel (rooms available from 1:30 PM).

The rest of the day is free for you to rest. Meals on your own.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

Included: Private transport, accommodation, entry fees.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

Breakfast.

Visit a bustling local market early in the morning in Hanoi to experience the local rhythm.

A walking tour lets you explore the city’s 36 old quarters (the street of medicinal plants, Bach Ma Temple, the Cathedral, a walk across the old Paul Doumer Bridge "Long Bien Bridge", once built by Gustave Eiffel...).

Stop by the Restored Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem Lake) and meet with a craftsman. He will teach your children how to make a traditional Vietnamese toy called “To He”.

Then, discover the Temple of Literature, "Vietnam's First University."

In the afternoon, you may visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from the outside with the One Pillar Pagoda.

In the early evening, transfer without a guide to the theater to enjoy a water puppet show.

Meals on your own and overnight at the hotel.

Included: Private transport, accommodation, English-speaking guide, entry fees, Meals: Breakfast.

Day 3: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Mai Hich / Homestay

Breakfast at the hotel.

At 8:00 AM, meet at your hotel in downtown Hanoi with our guide and then drive to Mai Chau (180 km – 4 hours), home to the White Thai who live in large traditional Thai stilt houses. Stop along the way to visit a Muong village at Thung Khe.

Then, drive to Mai Hich, a commune located 13 km southwest of Mai Chau district. This new destination is known for its harmony between man and nature: fatigue, stress, and daily worries seem to vanish as you immerse yourself in the beautiful mountain landscape, amidst the songs and dances performed by the village youth.

The afternoon is dedicated to a 3-hour hike through the surrounding villages including Mai Hich and Mai Ha, through rice fields and small minority hamlets like Sam Khoe. The peaceful life and green landscapes, and the friendly and welcoming people will undoubtedly leave you with unforgettable memories.

In the late afternoon, your children can go kite flying with those from the host village.

Dinner with a local family in Mai Hich or Xam Khoe. Overnight in a stilt house.

Included: Private transport, accommodation, English-speaking guide, entry fees, Meals: breakfast, dinner.

Option to participate in a folk dance and music performance with the locals (cost for an evening is $35 USD per group).

Day 4: Mai Chau – Ninh Binh

Breakfast with the host family.

Depart for Mai Chau valley.

The morning is dedicated to visiting on foot and by bicycle the villages around Mai Chau and their local crafts. The peaceful life and green landscapes, and the friendly and welcoming people will undoubtedly leave you with unforgettable memories.

During your walk, you can go down to the fields where you will participate in the work of the farmers. You will discover all the steps to cultivate or harvest rice (depending on the season and period) using local techniques, such as:

Weeding and plowing the land with a buffalo.

Searching for rice seedlings.

Transplanting rice…etc.

You can also try all these works with the peasants as per your wish.

Lunch on your own.

In the afternoon, depart Mai Chau towards Ninh Binh (200 km / 4 hours drive) to explore Ninh Binh, one of Vietnam's most famous sites, also known as the "Terrestrial Halong Bay" due to its limestone hills covered in lush vegetation, a succession of natural amphitheaters connected by erosion-created tunnels.

Then visit the ancient capital Hoa Lu to discover its temples dedicated to the emperors Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh dynasty (968-80), and Le Dai Hanh of the Le dynasty (980-1009).

Arrive at Ninh Binh, check-in at the hotel.

Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel.

Included: Private transport, accommodation, English-speaking guide, entry fees, Meals: breakfast.

Day 5: Ninh Binh, Terrestrial Halong Bay

Breakfast at the hotel.

A full day to discover the terrestrial Halong Bay.

First, transfer to Tho Ha village where you have lunch on your own in a local restaurant before enjoying a 2-hour sampan ride amidst the rocky peaks to Thung Nham Valley, discovering a stunning natural landscape, another site as beautiful as Tam Coc but much less touristy. The boat trip starts from Tho Ha Village amid the rice fields to But Cave (Fairy Cave, 500m long) and two other caves (option to replace with a cruise at Tam Coc if desired). Then your bike ride or ox-cart ride around Hai Nham village ends at the beautiful amphitheater at Bich Dong. Visit Bich Dong Pagoda. Then head to Hang Mua, climbing 486 stone steps to the top of the bell-shaped mountain near Tam Coc. At the top, enjoy a fantastic panorama of the "Terrestrial Halong Bay."

In the late afternoon, free time for your personal discovery.

Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel in Ninh Binh.

Included: Private transport, accommodation, English-speaking guide, entry fees, Meals: Breakfast.

Day 6: Ninh Binh – Halong, Cruise and Overnight on Board

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, depart without a guide for Halong, where you will arrive around noon (200 km – 4 hours drive).

Immediate boarding for a 23-hour cruise on Halong Bay aboard the beautiful wooden junk, Amira with 3 cabins.

Welcome by the boat's guide.

Welcome drink, presentation of the crew and the cruise program before settling into your cabin.

Lunch based on seafood as the boat begins to navigate through Bai Tu Long Bay amidst the thousands of sugarloaf-shaped islets emerging from the turquoise waters. The landscape gives you the impression of being lost in a legendary world.

Then, swimming in the turquoise waters of the sea and relaxing on the beach.

You can also enjoy the beach (weather permitting), go sea kayaking, or watch the sunset. Return aboard the boat and free time.

Seafood-based dinner and overnight on the boat in an air-conditioned cabin with a private bathroom.

In the evening, you may also try squid fishing from the boat.

Included: Private transport, accommodation, English-speaking guide on board, entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast.

Day 7: Halong – Hanoi – Flight to Hue

We recommend waking up at dawn to enjoy the bay and the sunrise.

Breakfast on board while the crew anchors up for navigation to the floating village of Vung Vieng. Visit the Vung Vieng fishing village by small rowboat. Continue cruising in the bay, and an à la carte lunch is served on board as the boat heads towards the pier.

At noon, disembark at Hon Gai port where you will take the road back to Hanoi (180 km – 3.5 hours drive). Then transfer to Hanoi airport to catch your flight to Hue. Arrival in Hue, welcomed by our driver and transfer without a guide to the hotel (20 km – 40 minutes drive). Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel in Hue.

Included: Private transport, accommodation, bilingual guide on board, entrance fees, flight Hanoi – Hue in economy class, Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Day 8: Hue – Full Day of Visits

Breakfast at the hotel.

Embark on a cruise on the Perfume River. Stop along the way to visit the Celestial Lady Pagoda. Then, head to the Imperial City, a true fortified city built on the same plan as the Forbidden City in Beijing, featuring notably the Palace of Supreme Harmony, the Royal Theatre, and the Palace of Longevity.

In the vicinity of Hue, visit the Imperial Tomb of Tu Duc, arguably the most beautiful and majestic. In search of perfect harmony with nature, it is surrounded by lotus ponds. The tomb is surrounded by statues of lions, elephants, and mandarins.

Then, stop to discover the secrets of making conical hats where you will make your own.

On the way back, explore the local Dong Ba market.

Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel in Hue.

Included: Private transport, accommodation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast.

Day 9: Hue – Countryside Life by Bicycle – Hoi An

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart from the hotel by private car to La Chu village, located 9 km north of downtown Hue. This village is known for its vegetable and herb cultivation (onions, chives, coriander, basil, etc.).

Meet at the entrance of the village for a bike ride through the charming countryside of Hue.

First stop to discover a family workshop of votive paper offerings (a deeply cherished and strong belief among the Vietnamese).

Continue to a small daily local market.

Visit the market through the stalls of meat, spices, vegetables, and fresh fruits, under the benevolent and intrigued gaze of women unaccustomed to seeing tourists.

Then explore the vegetable fields, where you can meet the villagers and chat with them. They will be very happy to pose for a photo with you, what a memory!

Typical countryside landscapes between fields, rice paddies, banana plants, rivers, lotus ponds, and in the background the mountains where you can still see today the scars caused by the Agent Orange dropped by the American army more than forty years ago.

Of course, you cannot leave this bucolic setting without saying hello to the family specialized in producing “Banh Loc” – a small cake made from rice flour mixed with shrimp.

Exchange with the family and the opportunity to try your hand at making these dishes.

Arrive at a family restaurant amidst the rice fields to enjoy a succulent fresh and typical lunch. After lunch, a bit of relaxation in front of the beautiful Vietnamese rice fields, you can relax your feet in a hot bath scented with medicinal herbs.

Then departure for Hoi An via Danang (150 km - 3h30 drive) passing by the Hai Van Pass which offers a superb panorama at its summit.

In Danang, stop at Lang Co beach to visit fishing villages.

Arrival in Hoi An in the late afternoon. Check-in at the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.

Included: Private transport, accommodation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Day 10: Hoi An - Bicycle Ride - Cooking Class

Breakfast at the hotel.

The morning begins with a bicycle ride to the Tra Que vegetable village (located 5km from Hoi An), renowned for its aromatic herbs, especially mint and basil.

You will be introduced to the history of the village, the cultivation of vegetables, and their use in traditional Vietnamese medicine.

After a tour of the gardens, you'll join the farmers in preparing and fertilizing the soil with algae from the nearby lake. You can participate in activities such as raking, sowing, watering plants, picking herbs, and other gardening activities. Then, you'll prepare lunch with a local family. The meal will feature many local specialties, including "Tam huu" spring rolls made from a combination of shrimp, pork, and aromatic herbs, and other regional specialties such as Banh Xeo (a traditional pancake from Central Vietnam). Afterwards, relax with a medicinal herb foot bath, a traditional therapeutic practice.

Next, embark on a "thung chai" cruise, a round bamboo basket boat, which is much more stable than it appears, and local fishermen will teach you traditional fishing techniques. Guaranteed fun!

Then return to Hoi An.

Free time to rest.

Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Included: Private transport, accommodation, English-speaking guide, entry fees, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 11: Hoi An - Free Day at the Beach

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to change to a beachside hotel.

A free day for relaxation at the beach.

Meals on your own and overnight at the hotel.

Included: Accommodation, Meals: Breakfast.

Day 12: Hoi An – Danang – Flight to Buon Me Thuot

Breakfast at the hotel.

Depart for Danang airport to catch the flight to Buon Me Thuot.

Arrival at Buon Me Thuot, VN 1021 Danang – Buon Me Thuot (13:20 – 14:35).

Welcomed at the airport by our local guide and transfer to the city. A short walk in the city to visit the A KohDhong village, home to the EDE ethnic group, and the Trung Nguyen coffee village in Buon Ma Thuot, notable for its old coffee trees. Here, tourists can enjoy a cup of coffee under the shade of the foliage.

Meals on your own. Overnight at Dakruco hotel.

Included: Private transport, accommodation, English-speaking guide, entry fees, Meals: Breakfast.

Day 13: Buon Me Thuot – Lak Lake

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive (50km-1h) to Yok Don National Park, Vietnam's largest national park, for a walk in the forest among diverse flora and fauna. You'll have the opportunity to admire several species of orchids along the way.

Then, take a motorboat ride along the Serepok River to visit the Ede ethnic group. Next, visit Ban Don, the elephant village. Tour the over 120-year-old wooden stilt house, hear the legend of the elephant hunters' king, and cross the 750m long bamboo suspension bridge over the Serepok River.

Continue to Lak Lake (45km – 1h) and stop at the Jun village.

Visit coffee plantations en route.

Upon arrival, check into a homestay at Lak Lake.

Meals on your own. Overnight at Lak Lake.

Included: Private transport, accommodation, English-speaking guide, entry fees, Meals: Breakfast.

Day 14: Lak Lake – Da Lat

Breakfast at the resort.

In the morning, enjoy an elephant ride and a canoe trip on Lak Lake. Visit the M'lieng Mnong village to learn about their daily life and local culture. Then, stroll through the village and explore the long traditional houses that can accommodate multiple generations.

Then, transfer to Dalat. En route, visit the Elephant Waterfall - one of the most natural and majestic waterfalls in Lam Dong. Visit Linh An Pagoda with the big Happy Buddha, tour a coffee plantation, and visit a weasel coffee farm. Arrive in Da Lat at the end of the day. Check into the hotel.

Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Included: Private transport, accommodation, English-speaking guide, entry fees, Meals: Breakfast.

Day 15: Da Lat – Flight to Saigon

Breakfast at the hotel.

You will be greeted by the guide to start touring Dalat, the city of flowers! Visit Xuan Huong Lake, explore the Flower Gardens, and see the old rack railway station built during the colonial era. In the afternoon, head to the Bao Dai King's house, the last emperor of Vietnam, and then take a cable car to visit the Truc Lam Vien Thien monastery and Tuyen Lam Lake. Transfer to Dalat airport to catch your flight to Saigon.

Arrival in Saigon, welcomed by the driver and transferred to the hotel.

Meals on your own and overnight at the hotel.

Included: Private transport, accommodation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast.

Day 16: Saigon – City Tour

Breakfast at the hotel.

Start your city tour with visits to historical sites: the Old Saigon Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral situated centrally on a square, and Dong Khoi Street with its luxury shops and bustling atmosphere. Then explore the Ngoc Hoang Temple which honors the Jade Emperor. Admire its polychromatic sculptures, intricate mosaics, fragrant incense, and a quiet garden, making it one of the city’s most beautiful temples.

Continue your day with a visit to the Reunification Palace, which served as the Presidential Palace of South Vietnam during the North-South division before 1975 (you can choose to visit the War Museum, another temple or pagoda, or a market in Saigon instead).

Next, explore the Chinatown district of Cholon, particularly the vibrant Binh Tay Market where you can find virtually anything in a warm atmosphere. Finally, visit the Thien Hau Pagoda.

Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel in Saigon.

Included: Private transport, accommodation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast.

Day 17: Saigon – Ben Tre – Vung Liem/Home Stay

Depart with the guide towards Ben Tre to discover the Mekong Delta, formed by the nine tributaries of the nourishing river. Around 10 AM upon arrival in Ben Tre, board a local boat. This boat will take you along the river to see daily activities of the locals. Visit a brick kiln, an old house, and a family-owned coconut candy workshop. Taste the candies, honey tea, and seasonal fruits. Continue navigating the Cai Son river, disembarking at Nhon Thanh village where local families specialize in mat making. Then, bike or cart ride through coconut fields and orchards to a traditional house in a coconut orchard where you will taste the specialties of the Mekong Delta. After a free lunch, a short walk to take a rowboat. Around 3 PM visit the tropical fruit market, then head towards Vung Liem. After crossing the Quoi Thien ferry, bike or walk to your homestay. In the evening, you can assist the family with cooking. Then dinner and overnight at the homestay.

Included: Private transport, accommodation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 18: Vung Liem – Long Xuyen

Breakfast at the homestay. Bike ride to discover the authentic life on Quoi Thien island, crossing villages and lush orchards. Meet locals engaged in daily activities in the expansive fields. Say goodbye to the family then drive back towards Vinh Long. Visit an old Khmer pagoda. Lunch in Vinh Long then transfer through Sadec, the hometown of Marguerite Duras. Visit the lover's house, Huynh Thuan. Continue to Long Xuyen. Cross a ferry with the locals. Arrive in Long Xuyen. Check-in at the hotel. Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel.

Included: Private transport, accommodation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 19: Long Xuyen - Saigon

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, take a boat to visit the authentic Long Xuyen floating market, a small market representing typical trading activities, untouched by tourism. Visit the Long Xuyen market. Bike ride on the paths of Cu Lao Ong Ho island to discover daily life, Khmer style houses, traditional crafts...

Lunch on the island. Return to Ho Chi Minh City (220 km – 4h30 drive).

On the way, stop to visit a crocodile farm. Arrive in the late afternoon. Check-in at the hotel in Saigon. Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel.

Included: Private transport, accommodation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast.