Vietnam Family Adventure - Culture, Crafts & Coastal Escape

Arrive Hanoi

Your Vietnamese adventure begins as you arrive in Hanoi, a city where centuries of tradition blend seamlessly with French colonial elegance and vibrant modern life.

Upon landing, you are warmly greeted by your private guide and transferred to the legendary Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, an icon of luxury hospitality located moments from the historic Old Quarter. After settling into your elegant surroundings, the remainder of the day is yours to relax and ease into the rhythm of Vietnam.

Step outside and wander the atmospheric streets nearby, where ancient temples, hidden cafés and lively markets reveal the city’s timeless charm. Hanoi’s Old Quarter offers a fascinating introduction to Vietnamese culture, and the evening is perfect for a gentle stroll or a first taste of local cuisine.

Hanoi

Today offers a truly memorable way to explore Hanoi: by vintage sidecar motorcycle. Accompanied by experienced drivers and your private guide, you’ll travel through the capital’s most iconic boulevards and hidden neighbourhoods, seeing the city from a wonderfully unique perspective.

Your journey passes the monumental Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the wide ceremonial avenues of Ba Dinh Square before continuing along the tree-lined roads surrounding West Lake, the largest lake in Hanoi. Pause here for a refreshing coconut coffee while enjoying sweeping waterside views.

Venturing further, you’ll explore the rural landscapes along the Red River dyke roads where farmers cultivate fertile riverbank gardens. Crossing the historic Long Bien Bridge an architectural relic from the French colonial era, offers another glimpse into Hanoi’s rich past.

The experience concludes in the elegant French Quarter near the Hanoi Opera House, where grand colonial architecture and leafy boulevards create a striking contrast to the bustling Old Quarter.

The afternoon is free to relax at your hotel or continue exploring at your own pace.

Hanoi - Ninh Binh

This morning introduces one of Vietnam’s most enchanting cultural traditions water puppetry.

You’ll meet a master water puppet artisan whose family has preserved this centuries-old art for six generations. During this intimate experience, learn about the history of the craft before enjoying a private performance. You’ll even have the opportunity to try manipulating the puppets yourself, gaining insight into the remarkable skill behind the storytelling.

Afterwards, depart Hanoi and travel south to the breathtaking landscapes of Ninh Binh, often described as “Halong Bay on land.” Here, dramatic limestone karsts rise from emerald rice fields and tranquil waterways.

Your home for the next two nights is Nham Village, an atmospheric retreat inspired by traditional Vietnamese architecture and surrounded by serene countryside. Spend the rest of the day unwinding and soaking in the peaceful rural surroundings.

Ninh Binh

Today reveals the spectacular scenery that makes Ninh Binh one of Vietnam’s most beautiful regions.

Begin with a gentle sampan boat journey through the Tam Coc valley. Rowed by local boatmen, the route glides between towering limestone cliffs and lush rice paddies, passing through natural cave tunnels carved by the river over centuries.

Afterwards, take a short walk to the tranquil Thai Vi Temple, an ancient sanctuary dedicated to the kings of the Tran Dynasty. Surrounded by mountains and forests, the temple offers a peaceful moment of reflection amid extraordinary scenery.

Later, experience a traditional fishing practice with local fishermen, who demonstrate how bamboo poles and nets are used to catch fish in the shallow waters. This fun, hands-on activity offers an authentic glimpse into rural Vietnamese life.

Return to your countryside retreat in the afternoon to relax and enjoy the serenity of the landscape.

Halong Bay

This morning you journey across the Red River Delta towards the coast and the UNESCO-listed waters of Halong Bay.

Upon arrival at the marina, board your luxury cruise vessel and settle into your private cabin as the ship begins its journey through one of the world’s most spectacular seascapes. Thousands of limestone islands rise dramatically from emerald waters, creating an otherworldly panorama.

A gourmet lunch is served as you glide deeper into the bay. In the afternoon, explore quieter corners of the archipelago, where opportunities may include kayaking, swimming, or simply relaxing on deck while admiring the views.

As evening falls, watch the sun set over the karst islands from the sundeck before enjoying dinner on board. The tranquil night spent anchored among the limestone peaks is a highlight of any Vietnam journey.

Halong - Hoi An

Rise early to greet the morning in Halong Bay with a peaceful Tai Chi session on deck as the mist lifts from the water.

After breakfast, enjoy your final moments cruising through the bay before returning to the marina. From here, travel back to Hanoi Airport for your flight to central Vietnam.

Upon arrival in Danang, transfer south to the charming riverside town of Hoi An. Your stay is at the elegant Anantara Hoi An Resort, ideally located beside the Thu Bon River and just a short walk from the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town.

The evening is yours to relax or wander through lantern-lit streets filled with boutiques, cafés and historic merchant houses.

Hoi An

Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most atmospheric destinations, and today you’ll explore its beautifully preserved historic centre.

During a leisurely guided walk, discover centuries-old merchant houses, ornate temples and colourful shopfronts reflecting the town’s rich trading history. Along the way, sample local delicacies and hear stories about the culinary traditions that make Hoi An a food lover’s paradise.

In the afternoon, enjoy a delightful hands-on chocolate workshop. Guided by expert chocolatiers, learn how cacao is transformed into silky chocolate before crafting your own sweet creations including pralines, truffles and a handmade chocolate bar.

Hoi An - Danang

Hoi An is famous for its colourful lanterns, symbols of luck and happiness that illuminate the town each evening.

Today you’ll visit a family workshop hidden within the peaceful nipa palm forests surrounding Hoi An. Here, artisans will introduce the history of lantern-making, a craft passed down through generations.

With their guidance, create your own silk lantern to take home as a beautiful souvenir of your journey.

Later, travel to Danang’s spectacular Son Tra Peninsula for the final stage of your holiday. Your home for the coming days is the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, an architectural masterpiece cascading down lush jungle hillsides to a pristine private beach.

Danang

he next few days are devoted entirely to relaxation.

Surrounded by jungle-covered mountains and overlooking the East Sea, the InterContinental Danang offers one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking coastal settings. Spend your days unwinding beside the infinity pool, enjoying the resort’s private beach or indulging in world-class spa treatments.

For those seeking gentle activity, yoga sessions, water sports and nature walks through the Son Tra Nature Reserve are all available.

As the sun sets each evening, dine on exquisite Vietnamese and international cuisine while overlooking the shimmering coastline — the perfect finale to your Vietnamese adventure.

Depart Danang