Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins in the bustling capital city of Hanoi. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 5 pm tonight to meet your local leader and the other families who will be joining you for your trip. If you arrive early, Hanoi is an excellent place to explore on foot – maybe check out the Old Quarter or the Museum of Ethnology for an overview of the rich cultural traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethic groups. After the meeting, get to know your group over a welcome dinner at one of Hanoi’s Michelin Bib Gourmand-listed restaurants, where you’ll tuck into the first of many plates of delicious local cuisine to come. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. Thinking of arriving a few days early and keen to see more of northern Vietnam? Check out our Hanoi to Ninh Binh Short Break (TVAN) for an off-the-beaten path exploration of Pu Luong and Ninh Binh or our Hiking in Sapa Independent Short Break (TVAG) for a big dose of mountain landscapes, fresh air and time with hilltribe communities.

Leave Hanoi and travel to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay – one of Vietnam's most spectacular natural wonders. Hop aboard your overnight cruise accommodation for the evening – a traditionally decorated boat fitted with modern conveniences so you and your family can cruise in comfort. Set sail, taking in views of the towering limestone karsts and islands surrounding you. Have lunch on board, then spend the afternoon going for a dip in the shimmering waters, relaxing on the beach with a good book or maybe even going on a family kayaking adventure. Tonight, you’ll have dinner on deck with unforgettable views of the star-scattered sky above you. Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours. During the overnight cruise, your main luggage can be left at the hotel in Hanoi. The itinerary is subject to slight variations based on weather conditions and local regulations. Local authorities permit a limited number of boats to stay overnight in Halong Bay. To ensure all travellers can be accommodated on the available boats, on rare occasions you’ll stay on a larger boat (with up to 12 cabins) and share your boat with another group. Alternatively, your group may be split across different vessels, in which case a group leader will be present on each boat. The route taken and inclusions on board will be the same.

Have breakfast on the boat this morning as you continue to sail through the bay. Soak up your final glimpses of the glittering emerald waters before returning to Hanoi. In the afternoon, join your leader for a walking tour of the Old Quarter. Along the way, you’ll try some typical local sweet or savoury snacks. Tonight, maybe gather the other families and head to a restaurant to try some authentic dishes and maybe a sweet treat like che xoai (mango pudding) for dessert – ask your leader for their recommendations. Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

Rise and shine for an early start today. You’ll be transferred to Noi Bai Airport for your short flight to Dong Hoi. After landing, you’ll board a private transfer to your Feature Stay for the next two nights – Blue Diamond Retreat, located on the outskirts of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. When you arrive, check in and have lunch at the resort, then you’ll have a free afternoon. Maybe go for a swim in the river or underground pool or unwind in one of the treehouses nestled among the greenery. Or, you could head out and enjoy the tranquil natural surroundings of the jungle, mountains and river. This evening, head out for a special dinner hosted by a local family in a nearby village. Be welcomed by warm hospitality and get hands-on in the kitchen, making a range of authentic local dishes such as grilled meat and crispy spring rolls. Tonight, there will be an optional jungle safari in Phong Nha, where you and the kids can have fun spotting nocturnal wildlife like frogs, owls and snakes. Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

Immerse yourself in local village life today on a visit to Tan Hoa. Once affected by severe yearly floods, this village adapted by building floating houses. Start with a tour of the village itself, then embark on a jungle hike and cave exploration tour. This hike is family-friendly, following easy trails with minimal elevation gain. The kids will love the thrill and sense of adventure when they step into the Tu Lan cave system to explore Hung Ton Cave and Secret Cave. There will also be the opportunity for a swim in the river. This evening, if weather permits, you’ll have the option to do some kayaking, allowing you to see the jungle from a different perspective. Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. Your hiking distance for today will be 6 km with an elevation gain of 110 m and some river crossings. Please note that the optional evening kayaking activity today has a minimum age requirement of 12.

Today is a long travel day, but the spectacular views will make it well worth it. Make sure you and the kids are ready with books, your favourite playlists or some travel games. First, drive to Hue, the country’s former imperial capital. Stop here for lunch, then board the Heritage Train to Da Nang. This journey takes you over the Hai Van pass, giving you some of the most impressive views of the trip. Take in the sweeping coastline, mountains and the vast waters of Lang Co Bay. Disembark, then continue to your accommodation in Hoi An, where you’ll spend the next three nights. Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.

This morning, take an electric vehicle for the short ride into the city and embark on a guided tour of Hoi An’s ancient town. Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and from its charming lantern-lit streets, colourful heritage houses and temples, you can see why. Sit down for lunch at local restaurant in town then enjoy some free time in the afternoon for you and your family to choose your own adventure. You might like to take part in a ‘bean to bar’ chocolate-making workshop where you can learn about local cacao farming, then melt, mould and decorate your own chocolates for the whole family to enjoy. You could also head back to your accommodation and simply relax by the pool – the choice is yours. Regroup in the evening to enjoy the spectacular Hoi An Memories show. It is sure to be a highlight for the whole family!

Today is free for you to explore Hoi An at your own pace. You might like to visit the nearby beaches or the ancient ruins of My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site that dates back to the 4th century. There’s also the option to join a family-friendly cooking class that includes a boat ride. Or perhaps opt to go on a guided bike ride through Tra Que village, cycling through rice paddies and along quiet paths to reach An Bang Beach as the sun sets. You’ll make plenty of photo stops along the way to capture this special family memory. The optional bike ride will be accompanied by a support vehicle, so even younger riders can join with confidence. Speak to your group leader for help with organising optional activities for today. In the evening join the other families for a farewell dinner and reflect on the memories and friendships you’ve made.

With no further activities planned after breakfast, your adventure comes to an end. A transfer to Da Nang Airport will be provided. If you’d like to extend your stay in Hoi An, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.