Enriching 10-Day Family Vacation: Vietnam Exploration

Vietnam boasts a wealth of fascinating landmarks and heritage sites. Some of its most significant destinations can be found within the sought-after city of Hanoi. Beyond its enriching history, Hanoi perfectly captures why Vietnam is such a beloved country. The city buzzes with energy, age-old architecture lines the lively streets, and exquisite dining experiences are aplenty. You will revel in these surreal, family-friendly activities shortly after you have arrived. From the airport, you will be transferred to your 5-star accommodation in a limousine. The prestigious hotel sits in the heart of the city and gives you trouble-free access to Hanoi’s coveted points of interest. After you have checked into your elegant family suite, you may take the afternoon to familiarize yourselves with the area around you. A brisk walk will reveal Hanoi’s exuberant lifestyle, and a brief stop at a premier cafe will highlight the country’s captivating coffee culture. In the evening, you may continue your exploration at a vibrant night market where you will encounter authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Traditionally prepared dishes will give off tantalizing aromas into the air, and colorful stalls will chart a path of whimsy as you meander through the market. You will never forget your first taste of Vietnam, and you return to your room in anticipation of your adventures to come.

Action on the streets of Hanoi kicks off early in the morning. At daybreak, vendors begin to set up shop and welcome eager early birds to their fruit stands and breakfast stalls. You will venture off to Hanoi’s famous Old Quarter and will be accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide. Colonial buildings of tremendous beauty and ancient pagodas line the streets. Fascinating museums and high-end stores create a unique juxtaposition of historical intrigue and modern sophistication. There is a wealth to take in, and you will slowly capture all of the essential points of interest on your insightful expedition. A picnic under the luscious trees of Thong Nhat Park, surrounded by stunning indigenous plants and flowers, will fuel your family for the next leg of your excursion. You will then transfer to the renowned hubs of arts and culture: Sol Art and Bat Trang Ceramic Village. Here, your family will delight in the opportunities to discover the country’s remarkable, artistic heritage and even create their own distinct pieces of art. These experiences are unlike any other as they allow you to explore ancient traditions through the unique lens of Vietnamese art. Your tour will culminate at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, which is located in Hanoi that is a historical destination of great importance. You will encounter botanical beauty in the enchanting gardens, marvel at the magnificent Presidential Palace, and photograph the One Pillar Pagoda.

Today, you will set off in the early hours of the morning, straight after a sumptuous breakfast, to the pier of Ha Long Bay. Ha Long Bay is a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site where luxury liners chart emerald waters along striking, limestone cliffs. The sprawling bay is a jaw-dropping destination and is best enjoyed on board a regal cruise ship. From the pier, you and your family will embark on an unforgettable expedition across the shimmering bay. The exceptional boat will be fitted with first-class amenities, and you will delight in the surreal waterside vistas from the comfort of your decorous cabin. Throughout your luxurious experience, you all will be treated to mouthwatering, gourmet meals that are intricately crafted by expert chefs in addition to professionally choreographed entertainment. The entire expedition oozes a level of sophistication that is rarely met on other voyages. Your first day onboard the luxury liner will showcase the magic of Ha Long Bay. You will cruise past Karst Mountains that are topped with thick jungles and feel the wind on your face as you breathe in the unspoiled air. You will encounter a traditional pearl farm and brave the Sung Sot Cave, which shares sweeping views of the entire bay. Furthermore, you will experience the warm embrace of the water as you kayak across the gentle bay. An exceptional spa treatment and a marvelous meal will top off your exciting and relaxing day.

The morning sun will greet you as it rises above the sprawling bay, illuminating the vast stretch of water and glimmering off its surface. Under the guidance of a trained specialist, you and your family will ease into the day with a spiritual Tai Chi session, which is a meditative, martial arts practice. As you stretch and move into a variety of elegant poses, you will feel the morning's embrace as it enlivens your spirit. Your day will continue with a delicious breakfast spread as you transfer to a beloved island in the bay. This destination will share panoramic views of the region's towering, limestone cliffs, and here, you will swim among these marvelous sights. Later today, you will enter Trong Cave complex and capture images of the impressive stalactites that hang like icicles from the roof of the cave. Afterward, you and your family will transfer to an authentic, floating fishing village where friendly locals await your arrival. You and your family, accompanied by a fluent guide, will connect you with their culture so you can learn more about their humble lifestyle. You will conclude your immersive exploration of the enchanting Ha Long Bay with an awe-inspiring cooking demonstration that will be complete with a spectacular supper and splendid sunset vistas. The following morning, you will participate in another revitalizing Tai Chi session before indulging in delectable delicacies for breakfast before making your way to the marina.

Vietnam is well-known for its immaculate countryside; however, the country also boasts stretches of pristine white-sand beaches along its calm coastline. Da Nang is an impressive destination that is home to some of the most majestic beaches along the country’s coastal expanse. You will arrive at a regal beachside resort on the fifth day of your vacation after a short flight from Hanoi. Palm trees line the soft shores, and crystal-clear waters will beckon to you. After you have checked-in, you will venture for the resort’s quiet beach and spend the afternoon at your leisure under the shade of an umbrella. You can completely unwind as you hop in and out of the warm water and absorb the breathtaking views. In the evening, you will transfer to a rooftop bar, where you will witness a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape. You and your family will appreciate the remarkable elegance of this stylish establishment and cherish the magical moments that will be set above the rest of Da Nang. Your friendly sommelier will share exquisite bottles of wine with you while the expert bar staff prepares delightful “mocktails” for your children. The evening will culminate with a meticulously constructed, multiple-course meal that is designed by a revered chef, and you will treasure the incredible sunset views over the far-reaching horizon.

Steeped in fascinating folklore and shrouded in ancient mystery, the Marble Mountains of Da Nang are sights to behold. The collection of hills, formed from limestone and marble, holds a significant place in the history of Vietnam. The hills served as natural outposts and strongholds for Vietnamese soldiers during the war. As you explore them some more, you will even encounter bullet holes that are embedded in the walls of the caves and dotted across the cluster. Furthermore, they are brilliant in their display. You and your family will soak up the Marble Mountains’ pilgrimage as you trek through the forgotten caves and witness sacred Buddhist temples. The hills resonate with an aura of majesty that you can capture in stellar photographs along the way. Your discovery of the Vietnamese environment will continue with a knowledgeable tour guide. In the comfort of a private vehicle, you will venture along the Son Tra Peninsula. The peaceful drive through the serene landscape will gift striking images of pristine stretches of olive forest and navy sea. You may catch glimpses of colorful birds, indigenous monkeys, and other impressive creatures. Your stay in Da Nang will conclude with a sublime supper spread of local meals that are prepared by an exceptional chef.

A short way away from Da Nang lies the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An, which is an ancient town that served as a bustling commercial port for foreign traders. Today, the rapid atmosphere of trade has dwindled and left behind a charming riverside town that is blessed with a rich heritage. Tourism in the destination has spurred on the development of luxury accommodation and restaurants; however, the town manages to retain an element of its old-world charm. This will make for the perfect stop on your family holiday to connect with one another and delve into the superb historical intrigue. Upon your arrival, you will check into a palatial resort on the riverfront. Here, you will enjoy vistas from your private balcony of the Thu Bon River, where much of the original trade would have been conducted. You will delight in the seclusion of your family room while your children are entertained by the resort’s world-class amenities. Thereafter, you will begin walking to the Ancient Quarter, where you will discover a town that is immersed in history. Your family will be thoroughly enthused as you explore age-old establishments that showcase their timeless crafts and stand among elaborate pagodas that pay respects to unchanging traditions. You will culminate your day onboard a traditional, wooden riverboat for a dreamlike dinner and spectacular sunset.

The town of Hoi An is surrounded by idyllic, emerald rice paddies and a flourishing countryside that makes for a phenomenal day trip of wilderness adventure. Accompanied by your private tour guide, you and your family will set off in pursuit of these unspoiled environments. As you arrive in the rural countryside, you will hop on bicycles and ride across the spanning breadth of the paddies. You will thoroughly enjoy the isolation of this remote experience in the tranquil and natural world. Before you make your way back to town, you will indulge in a traditional Vietnamese meal at a local restaurant where an expert chef will share authentic dishes and remarkable life stories. The humbling experience will conclude your stay in the countryside, and you will then journey to the white-sand shores of Hoi An’s tropical beaches. Before the day is finished, you will continue to delve into the delectable flavors of Vietnam’s finest dishes on a guided food tour of Hoi An cuisine. With the help of your tour guide for translation, you will share intimate dining experiences with distinguished chefs at both leading and local restaurants. Each stop will provide you with the opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonderful delicacies and connect over your love for excellent food. This will bring your stay to an utterly satisfying close.

Much like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling destination that is complete with magnificently grand penthouses and luxurious experiences on every corner. Though Ho Chi Minh City takes its display of decadence even further, this can be traced back to its origins as the fulcrum of business operations in Vietnam. The tremendously popular destination is home to an array of exquisite hotels, and you will reside in one of the sought-after, 5-star accommodations for the remainder of your stay. Shortly after you have landed and checked-in, you will have the opportunity to explore more of the city. The first stop on your city tour is a celebrated market that is known for its extraordinary meals. The wafts of mi goi xao bo, which is a fried noodle and beef dish, and traditionally brewed coffee will fill the air. The sounds of pots as they clang and gas burners as they sizzle create a feeling that you are in the heart of Vietnamese culinary culture. You will then delight in the splendid dishes before you venture to luxurious pagodas and spiritual complexes that are dotted around this thriving city. Your experienced guide will transfer you to museums and cultural landmarks for the whole family to enjoy, and you will marvel at the captivating images throughout your experience. In the evening, you can tuck into exquisite dinner at an award-winning restaurant atop a skyscraper with sweeping views. You and your family will cherish each exceptional bite of this Michelin-starred meal before you return home for a peaceful rest.

You will take away the memories of Vietnam’s enchanting cuisine with you; however, there is really nothing like learning how to cook it yourself. You and your family will begin your final day in the country at a prestigious culinary school in the city. You will be entertained by expertly trained Vietnamese chefs and discover the facets of the renowned cuisine. You will also enjoy uninterrupted family fun as you all prepare traditional dishes alongside your experienced chef. After you have mastered your hands at Vietnamese food, you can share in your joyous morning of cooking as you dine on your elegant meals. You will each be presented with a certification of completion to showcase your new skills and will head home with the knowledge of how to feast and cook like the locals. Finally, you will return to your room to collect your things and bid your farewells to this dazzling country. Your private transfer will meet you in the lobby to comfortably transport you to the airport with ample time to make your flight.