Family Itinerary through Vietnam in 2 Weeks

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, Sonasia’s guide & driver will pick you up and transfer directly to the hotel in the old quarter of Hanoi.
Vietnam's capital races to make up for time lost to the ravages of war and a government that as recently as the 1990s kept the outside world at bay. Its streets surge with scooters vying for right of way amid the din of constantly blaring horns, and all-around layers of history reveal periods of French and Chinese occupation – offering a glimpse into the resilience of ambitious, proud Hanoians.

This morning, embark on a Hanoi city tour. The first stop is the Temple of Literature, or Quoc Tu Giam. Built in 1076, The Temple of Literature was Vietnam's first university and was established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years and its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Then meander through the bustling Old Quarters. View the local kids’ toy world in the Old Quarter and explore the daily life activities around the Restored Sword lake.

Welcome Vietnamese lunch is at Cau Go restaurant with the best view in town.

This afternoon, get ready for an immersive, behind-the-scenes experience in Hanoi. Step into the home of Mr. Liem, a passionate seventh-generation puppet maker and performer. Get an introduction to water puppetry, a traditional North Vietnam art form that dates back to the 11th century. Take a tour of Mr. Liem’s workshop where shelf after shelf is lined with wooden puppet parts in all shares and sizes.

Be entertained by a half-hour performance at a small theatre in his house. Learn about the folklore and legends presented in the show and the significance of the performance itself. After the show, join the puppeteers and learn basic techniques, using bamboo rods to move the puppets through the water. Then return to the workshop and paint a puppet. Use a range of typical bright and shiny colors to create a one-of-a-kind puppet, all the while learning more about this local art form.

Following this insightful glimpse into one of Vietnam’s most beloved art forms, say farewell to Mr. Liem and return to the hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi

Today’s tour begins at 08:30. After a sumptuous breakfast, drive 30 minutes to the ancient village of Bat Trang, a traditional porcelain and pottery community. Start exploring the old charms of the pottery village by walking through ancient and narrow alleys while admiring the unique architecture. Step into a local house and learn the intricate steps involved in making ceramic works of art from skillful craftsmen. Next, sleeves will be rolled up and hands sunk into soft clay while creating pottery using the time-tested techniques of the local craftsmen.

Afterwards, venture deeper into the village to discover a house where locals worship their ancestors. Here, a local elder explains the unique aspects of Vietnamese culture and its spiritual beliefs.

Continue the trip by learning all about banh cuon or rice pancakes, a dish of northern Vietnam. Pay close attention to the master chef as he explains the art of creating this local specialty, and typically rewards visitors who are able to prepare the best banh cuon. After this fun and rewarding experience, sit down and enjoy a tasty self-made lunch of local specialties..

The trip concludes with a tour of the ceramic market that really puts the influences of Vietnam’s growing economy into perspective. Expected return to the hotel is around mid-afternoon.

Spend the afternoon at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi

This morning discover Halong Bay in an ultimate way by the 12-seater Cessna Caravan seaplane offering magnificent views of Halong Bay’s 1600 islets from above, along with thrilling water take off and landing.  Depart the hotel for a 40-minute transfer to Noi Bai Airport then embark on a join-in seaplane at 09:00 (10:00 in winter).

Enjoy a 60-minute scenic flight to Halong Bay from 150 meters high for a unique and full of excitement experience while taking in breathtaking sights as the plane hovers above abundant islets.

Arrive at the jetty in Halong City towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities on board a cruise.

After the welcome onboard, a lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself. In the afternoon, relaxing on boat or join in some activities such as: kayaking; swimming, bamboo boat rowing; visiting caves to admire the majestic beauty of wild nature.

Overnight in Halong

Designated a World Heritage Site in 1994, Halong Bay is scatter of karst limestone islands, dotted with wind and wave-eroded grottoes. In Vietnamese, Ha Long means ‘descending dragon’. Dragons play a prominent role in Vietnamese culture, and the most popular legend has it that one such creature and her children descended from heaven to defend the Viet people from invaders, spraying fire and emeralds or jade. She and her children then stayed on Earth.

Enjoy the fresh morning in the middle of the bay, the sun rises on Halong in the morning and breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruises slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port.  

Overnight in Halong Bay.

The sun rises on Halong in the morning and breakfast is served (also brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruises slowly back towards port. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi or Haiphong airport

Take a short flight to Danang, on arrival in Danang transfer 40-minutes to Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years. 

Depending on your flight, you may have ample time to stroll around this charming town by yourselves or just relax by the pool of the hotel.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Hoi An Ancient town city tour

Pick up at 08:30 from the hotel in Hoi An and receive a short transfer to the historic town centre. From here, take a walking tour to explore the beauty of the Ancient Town. Hoi An was a major Asian trading port from the 15th to the 19th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years making it traditionally a favourite destination for international visitors.

The ‘Hoi An Ancient Town’ was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the centre of Hoi An remains much the same today as it was in its heyday, when it was one of Asia’s busiest trading ports. Hoi An is an exceptionally well-preserved example of trading port from the 15th century to the 19th century in South East Asia.

This walking tour is the best way to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Ancient Town, the wooden-fronted houses that once belonged to the town’s prosperous merchants, the Japanese-covered Bridge and the wonderful market as well as the silk, handicrafts, antique shops and galleries that take you back in time.

Paper mask & lantern making with artist

Begin with a walk through Hoi An Ancient Town to  meet a paper mask artist at his workshop. His craft is steadily disappearing as newer forms of entertainment have gradually taken over. Learn how this artist contributes to the effort of preserving his craft for future generations.

Next, enjoy the process of making lantern in the cozy atmosphere.  This hands-on experiences offers a fun time together as you don’t just gain head knowledge, but get to use your hands and get a traditional Vietnamese lantern as a souvenir to bring home

Overnight in Hoi An.

This morning, head into the tranquil countryside for an unforgettable Hoi An cycling tour. Discover unknown regions of Hoi An on two wheels from ancient temples and water coconut forests to communal organic gardens- and help out with the labour!

Depart for the Hoi An cycling tour from the hotel at approximately 08:00 and transfer by road a short distance into the nearby countryside. On arrival at a typical hamlet, hop on the bicycles to begin exploring the village.  Cycle along the lush water-coconut forest, beyond tranquil ponds and green rice fields. Take a break at Mr. Tien’s Temple - the initiator of the birds’ nests culture in this area. 

Spend time at Thanh Dong Organic farm - a 6000sqm organic garden supporting 14 local families. Learn about the rural lifestyle here and help out the farmers with their work, depending on the season, while learning more about local organic farming techniques in this area. Take a break at Mr. Meo’s house and listen to stories about the culture and history in this area.

Leave the farm behind for a 20-minute ride in a traditional basket boat along a small languid river takes guests to a special local restaurant situated in the middle of the rice paddy fields. Here enjoy a break in the shade and a delicious Vietnamese lunch. Afterwards transfer back to Hoi An Ancient Town or to selected hotel in Hoi An, arriving back at approximately 14:30.

Afternoon is free at leisure to explore the town on your own

Overnight in Hoi An.

Spend the morning at leisure until the transfer to the airport to the flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, be transferred to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure until the evening cultural show.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening of culture at the historic Saigon Opera House. Witness a stunning blend of acrobatic arts, contemporary dance and traditional Vietnamese elements. 

After the lights dim, the stage comes alive for an hour-long AO Show. Performed by enthusiastic local dancers and artists, the show displays Vietnamese heritage and culture through contemporary choreography and traditional music. Be amazed by the stunning blend of acrobatic acts and contemporary dance.

Following this vibrant spectacle, step out into the streets and join the guide for a stroll back to the hotel. Enjoy the ambiance of Ho Chi Minh City at night, seeing street vendors selling fresh snacks, motorbikes carrying young couples and locals out for their evening exercise. 

Overnight in Sai Gon.

This tour begins at 9:00. Join Discovery Challenge Tour of Ben Thanh Market, a fun, interactive experience best suited for families or small to mid-sized groups. Upon reaching the entrance of this sprawling market, divide into small teams and receive the challenge ‘itinerary’ packet and a basic phrase book.

Spend the next hours completing the various challenges found in the book. Communicate with locals to answer riddles and purchase various items on the checklist. Share a laugh with a local vendors while trying to bargain for items in Vietnamese. Learn about exotic fruits and other unusual items while trying to translate the shopping list. Snap photos of typical market scenes and solve puzzles about Vietnamese culture.

After the time limit has expired, regroup at the market entrance and go to a coffee shop to sit down for a drink and swap stories of the treasure hunt, share new knowledge then tally up the results to determine the winner, bringing this unique Vietnam adventure to an end.

Overnight in Saigon

This morning, take a short drive to the banks of the Saigon River. Board a private speed boat for this scenic Cu Chi tunnels cruise. Gaze upon the modern skyline of the city as the boat cruises across the water. Watch as the scenery changes, passing through urban neighborhoods and then rural countryside.

After 90 minutes arrive at Cu Chi and explore the incredible network of 200 km underground tunnels. Crawl underground and get a better sense for what life was like living and fighting in the labyrinth of caves and tunnels. Hear remarkable stories of the residents’ resilience and see relics of the wartime weapons. Following the visit, return to the boat and relax while cruising back to the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Spend the remainder of the afternoon free at leisure. 

Overnight in Saigon

This tour begins at 08:30. Arrive at Ben Tre city to get on a boat in Phong Nam bright and early to start exploring coconut’s homeland. Follow the flow of water down Chet Say River. Observe life on the river like how locals transfer goods and agriculture products by boat along the Mekong Delta.

Visit a coconut workshop where guests enjoy how sweet coconut candy is. Stop at the other places to learn how many handicraft products can be made from coconut. Interact with locals to see how bricks are handmade from clay and mats are woven from sedge.

Conclude the tour with a cycle (or moto cart ride upon availability) to a local restaurant for a local style lunch. After lunch, hop on a sampan and row along a coconut palm canal to cruise back to Hung Vuong Jetty.

Be transferred via an air-con vehicle to Mekong Home, located about 30-minute drive from Ben Tre Town.

Take a rest for a while then depart with a member of the family for an introduction to the local fishing villages.

Try to cook pancakes with rice milk, coconut milk and some other local ingredients for dinner. Indulge in a lemongrass and ginger foot bath, a local therapeutic method to relieve the pain and fatigue of the legs.

Overnight at the Mekong Riverside resort & Spa.

Enjoy breakfast while breathing in the fresh air of rural surroundings.

Then, transfer by ferry to take a short cycle around the small village to experience a tailor-made countryside loop to Oc Islet.

Travel along quiet roads and rural laneways, passing fields and farms with lush green coconut forest in the backdrop. Stop often for photos or to observe scenes of daily life.

During the ride, visit small local handicraft village where guests learn all about coconut specialty. Watch as skilled workers make coconut stemmed baskets and coconut coated buttons.

Have the chance to interact with a workshop owner on different braiding techniques. Stop at a fish farm, to learn more about two species of catfish raised in freshwater ponds. These catfish are the two main species of fish production in Vietnam.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City and arrive around the late afternoon.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

You are free to stroll around the town for your own exploration before taking the departure flight