12 Days of Vietnam Magic

Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, your private driver will be waiting to greet you with a smile and transfer you to your family-friendly hotel in the heart of Hanoi. After check-in, take time to relax or freshen up. In the late afternoon, we’ll head out together for a relaxed walk around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake. The kids will love spotting the legendary turtle tower and watching local families out for a stroll. We’ll then wind through the charming maze of the Old Quarter, where colorful shops, street food stalls, and the buzz of scooters make for an exciting first impression. In the evening, your family will attend the traditional Thang Long Water Puppet Show—a delightful performance on water that tells ancient folk tales through music and puppetry, sure to capture everyone’s imagination.

Today, your guide will meet you at the hotel for a full-day discovery of Hanoi’s rich culture. We'll begin with a visit to the grand Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace garden, where kids can stretch their legs as we share the story of Uncle Ho. Nearby, you’ll explore the peaceful One Pillar Pagoda, shaped like a blooming lotus. We then step into history at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, where the kids can enjoy spotting dragons and turtles among the ancient architecture. After lunch at a local restaurant with kid-friendly dishes, we’ll head to the fascinating Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. The indoor exhibits are engaging, and the outdoor area features real ethnic minority houses that children can walk through. If it’s a weekend, we’ll end the day with a visit to the Hanoi Night Market, a pedestrian-only street full of energy, colorful goods, and plenty of fun local treats.

This morning, we leave the city behind for the peaceful countryside of Ninh Binh, sometimes called “Halong Bay on land.” After a scenic drive, you’ll board a small rowboat with your guide to cruise through the serene waterways of Tam Coc, passing through spectacular limestone caves and lush rice fields. The calm river ride is perfect for children and incredibly photogenic. After a local lunch, we’ll visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital, and walk among historic temples dedicated to the early kings. For active families, a short climb up to the viewpoint at Mua Cave rewards you with one of the most stunning panoramic views in the country. We return to Hanoi in the late afternoon for a restful evening.

Your morning is free to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or stroll through Hanoi’s French Quarter. In the afternoon, we’ll board the overnight train to Da Nang, a favorite with kids thanks to the bunk beds and gentle rhythm of the tracks. You’ll have a private air-conditioned cabin for your family. It’s a unique way to travel like locals and adds a sense of adventure to your journey south.

We’ll arrive in Da Nang in the morning, where your driver will take you straight to a hotel near My Khe Beach for a quick refresh and breakfast. Later, we’ll visit the Marble Mountains, a cluster of limestone hills dotted with caves, pagodas, and scenic viewpoints. With gentle climbing paths and fascinating shrines hidden in caves, it’s an exciting place for curious kids. Enjoy a free afternoon at the beach. The water is gentle and clean—perfect for family fun. Parents can unwind while the kids play in the sand or at the pool. Overnight in Da Nang.

Take today at your own pace. Relax on the sandy shores, enjoy a book by the pool, or let the kids build sandcastles while you sip a fresh coconut. If you're up for a day trip, join your guide on an optional excursion to Ba Na Hills to see the famous Golden Bridge, ride the world’s longest cable car, and explore a mountaintop theme park full of gardens and family activities. Overnight in Da Nang.

After breakfast, we take a short transfer to Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most magical destinations. You’ll explore the ancient town on foot with your guide, visiting highlights such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Ancient House, and colorful temples. Hoi An’s calm pedestrian streets are ideal for families. Your children can enjoy a lantern-making workshop, where they’ll craft their own colorful paper lanterns—a perfect keepsake. In the evening, enjoy a river stroll and watch the streets come alive with lantern light. Don’t miss the chance to release a candle-lit lantern into the water for good luck.

Today is full of hands-on fun! Begin with a visit to a lively local market to pick fresh ingredients, followed by a family-friendly Vietnamese cooking class. With help from gentle chefs, even little hands can help roll spring rolls or mix dipping sauces. After lunch, take a ride in a basket boat through the coconut forests of Cam Thanh Village—a fun, wobbly adventure that kids love. Learn about traditional fishing methods and meet locals who call the river home. Return to town with free time for shopping or swimming at your resort.

After breakfast, we take a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s vibrant southern capital. Upon arrival, your driver will transfer you to your hotel in District 1. We’ll take a relaxed afternoon tour of the city, visiting the Central Post Office, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the historic Reunification Palace. The architecture here blends French elegance with Vietnamese history. After lunch, treat the kids to a visit to a local ice cream café or explore Nguyen Hue Walking Street, where they can run around safely in a wide plaza lined with fountains and lights.

Today we head out to explore the mighty Mekong Delta, where life moves to the rhythm of the river. You’ll cruise through peaceful canals on a private boat, visiting local workshops, sampling fresh tropical fruits, and seeing how families live in stilt houses along the water. Children will enjoy trying coconut candy and watching how rice paper is made. After a riverside lunch, we return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

This morning we venture to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network used during wartime. Your guide will share stories that bring the history to life in a way that's appropriate for kids—light on the scary details, and big on curiosity. You’ll have the chance to walk through a widened section of the tunnels and see clever traps, hidden entrances, and underground kitchens. 

Enjoy a slow-paced final morning. Pack your souvenirs, sip a Vietnamese iced coffee, or go for a short family walk before your driver picks you up for your transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport. We’ll make sure you have plenty of time for check-in and to reflect on your incredible family journey through Vietnam!