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SHORTLIST

Vietnam Family Holiday

With delicious food, scenic natural sites and lots of friendly locals to teach you about the diverse culture, the whole family will fall in love with Vietnam on this 13-day trip. Sail through the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay, watch a water puppet show after exploring the Old Quarter of Hanoi and learn about rich emperors in Hue on a cyclo tour. Wander the colourful heritage buildings of Hoi An, then hit the beach to chill under palm trees (maybe even take a dip in the Vietnam East Sea!). Make paper flowers with an organisation that supports the local deaf community and enjoy a special dining experience at KOTO restaurant, an organisation that supports disadvantaged youth. This is Vietnam!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.
2. Minimum age: 5 years old. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian.
3. A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 or younger at the time of travel.
4. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport), for internal flights and train tickets. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
5. There are two single supplement options on this trip. The hotel single supplement will cover all nights excluding Day 3 - Overnight boat, Day 4 - Sleeper train and Day 11 - homestay. A second single supplement option is available for the overnight sleeper train (Day 4) only if you would prefer not to share a compartment with other people (a compartment fits 4 people). Both single supplements are available on request and are subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
6. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
7. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 5 pm on Day 1 in Hanoi. This trip ends on Day 13 and you are free to leave at any time.
8. Tet is Vietnam's New Year festival, held annually in late January or early February based on the lunar calendar. While this can be a fascinating time to travel and experience this event, expect some shop closures and busier than usual local transport. Opening hours at some tourist sites may also be affected or closed. Although we make all reasonable efforts to avoid disruption, a flexible approach from the traveler is appreciated.
9. During the rainy months (approx. June to October), our mode of transport can be changed at short notice due to weather conditions.

Tour details
Tour Provider Intrepid Travel
Price From
$2,725
Number of Days
13
Start Location
Hanoi, Vietnam
End Location
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Age Range
Avg. 30+
Group Size
1 to 16
Tour Style
Standard
Tour Themes
Family
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate
Itinerary Open all
Day 1: Hanoi
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins in Hanoi – famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, public parks and thriving Old Quarter – with a welcome meeting at 5 pm. If you arrive early, why not head out and explore the Old Quarter at your own pace, maybe searching for a deliciously fresh bahn mi or some Vietnamese iced coffee (for the adults in the group). After the meeting, maybe head out to dinner with your family and fellow travellers – your local leader will always have some great recommendations handy.
Day 2: Hanoi
Embark on a full day of exploration today. Visit the Museum of Ethnology to learn more about the diverse heritage of Vietnam, then head to the Temple of Literature – an oasis of calm in the heart of town. Enjoy some lunch at KOTO restaurant – a longtime friend of Intrepid that lives by the philosophy of 'know one, teach one'. It supports the underprivileged local youth by giving them a chance at making a career in the hospitality industry. In the evening, sit down to a traditional water puppet performance. This northern tradition, dating back nearly a thousand years, is performed alongside traditional Vietnamese music that employs drums, wooden bells, horns and bamboo flutes.
Day 3: Halong Bay
Travel by minibus to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Ha Long Bay. The bay is a breathtaking and secluded harbour with about 2000 limestone islands jutting out of the waters of the Bac Bo Gulf. When you arrive, hop aboard your private boat and cruise among the dramatic limestone peaks. There's an opportunity to swim in the famous Vietnam East Sea and explore caves filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites today, too. You'll spend a peaceful night on board, beneath a sky alive with stars. Your sailing junk has twin-share cabins that have air-conditioning and private facilities and there's a dining room and bar.
Day 4: Hue
If you’re keen, get up for sunrise this morning and watch the bay come alive with light from the deck. Have breakfast on the boat, then maybe head out for an optional early morning kayak. Return to Hanoi by bus, then board an overnight train bound for Hue. As the former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue holds the treasures of Vietnam's royal past. It's a curious mix of bustling streets and tranquil settings. Although conditions are basic on your train journey, overnight trains are a classic South East Asian experience and the best way to travel long distances with the locals. Lie back and enjoy the ride! Most trains have a dining carriage serving simple food, but it's a good idea to stock up on fresh bread, cheese and fruit before you head off.
Day 5: Hue
Arrive in Hue early this morning. Your leader will help you chose a local, tasty breakfast after you disembark, then you’ll you’ll have some free time to freshen up before an afternoon cyclo tour. Journey through the streets of Hue, travelling around the citadel, passing through the local fruit and vegetable markets before stopping over at Ho Chi Minh’s house.
Day 6: Hue
This morning, visit the Imperial Citadel – the best-preserved remnant of a royal centre that once existed on this fortified site. The unique fortifications are fascinating to see, even though much of this place has sadly been destroyed by war. You’ll then visit the Forbidden Purple City, which was almost totally wiped out during the Tet Offensive of 1968. The gaping holes left by bombs give an idea of the shocking destruction that wreaked upon the country during the war. See the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and the central lake set amid a grove of frangipani and pine trees. Then visit the Thien Mu Pagoda – considered by many to be the unofficial symbol of Hue, this active Buddhist monastery originated in 1601 and one of the most poignant displays here is a car belonging to a former monk who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime.
After, stop into a local non-government organisation that supports Hue’s deaf community by providing training, employment, support and a place to connect with others. Here, you’ll meet the hosts and be welcomed with a cup of tea. You’ll be taught a few words in sign language so you can communicate (something priceless to take home with you!), then you’ll take part in a paper flower-making workshop. Your hosts will help you and the kids to make paper flowers that you can then take home as souvenirs.
Day 7: Hoi An
Travelling by bus this morning, heading south through coastal rice paddies, then through the Hai Van Pass in the mountains to Hoi An. Recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An is beautifully preserved and is perfect for strolling, with many beautiful Japanese houses and Chinese temples lining the narrow lanes. Parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago! It's also a shopping haven and the even the kids are sure to love the many shops and markets selling original paintings, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery and lanterns. Hoi An has also become famous for its tailoring, with a great variety of fabrics and tailors to choose from!
Day 8: Hoi An
After breakfast, spend the morning at a local beach relaxing on the palm-fringed white sands and taking in the views of the Cham islands. Transfer back to town and pop into a local restaurant where you’ll learn how to make ‘white rose cake’ – one of Hoi An’s most popular street foods. These tasty savoury dumplings are made with rice paper and minced shrimp and named after their resemblance to a white flower. Once your local instructors have taught you how to make these delicious parcels, sit down together and tuck into your creations for lunch. This hands-on experience is one the whole family will enjoy!
Day 9: Hoi An
Today is a free day to explore Hoi An’s Old Town at your own pace. Maybe take a cooking class and learn the secrets of preparing local specialties like cao lau (dark pork broth with thick yellow noodles, sliced pork, bean sprouts, green vegetables and croutons). Alternatively, hire some bikes and take the family out on a cycling trip into the gorgeous surrounding countryside. Another great activity for the kids is a bamboo basket ride down the waterways of the jungle – to organise any optional day trips and activities, just chat to your leader.
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City
Take a short flight to the economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is characterised by a vast array of sights and sounds – a fascinating blend of old and new, East and West. Check out Ben Thanh Market and tuck into a local lunch of street food during an orientation walk with your leader. After, you're free to explore the city on your own. Your leader will have plenty of interesting and fun ideas for you and the kids. Consider scooting off on cyclos to Cholon – the Chinatown area of Ho Chi Minh City – for a bit of temple-hopping. Or visit the Vietnamese version of a department store for some shopping.
Day 11: Mekong Delta
Head down to the Mekong Delta and visit unexplored Ben Tre, where coconut is everything! The fertile delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits and flowers. When you arrive into ‘the rice bowl of Vietnam’, board your private boat and cruise along the maze of waterways to visit some local cottage industries. This is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at a different part of the local economy. Then, head to your overnight homestay by the water where you’ll be invited into a family home for a true local experience and a chance to see daily life from the inside.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City
Life in the delta starts with the sun, so embrace the day early. You’ll visit a local market before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City for one last night. You should arrive in the afternoon, which will give you time to explore at your own pace and take on anything you didn’t have a chance to do the first time. Tonight, why not head out with your fellow families for an optional farewell dinner, where you can celebrate a trip well travelled!
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City
With no activities planned after breakfast, you’re free to leave at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay in Ho Chi Minh City, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Inclusions
  • Meals: 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners.
  • Transport: Boat, Minibus, Cyclo, Tuk Tuk, Overnight sleeper train, Plane.
  • Accommodation: Hotel (9 nights), Overnight boat (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (1 night), Homestay (1 night).
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer.
  • Hanoi - Temple of Literature.
  • Hanoi - Water puppet show.
  • Hanoi - Lunch at KOTO.
  • Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology.
  • Hue - Cyclo Tour.
  • Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc.
  • Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour.
  • Hue - Lavin Home paper flower making.
  • Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda.
  • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour.
  • Hoi An - White Rose Cake cooking class.
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Orientation Walk.
  • Mekong Delta - Homestay and Boat Cruise.
  • Mekong Delta - Local market visit.
Departure dates
All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply
Start End Availability Price NZD
19 Dec 2025 31 Dec 2025 3 $3,290
20 Dec 2025 01 Jan 2026 4 $3,295
23 Dec 2025 04 Jan 2026 7 $3,020
26 Dec 2025 07 Jan 2026 4 $3,395
31 Dec 2025 12 Jan 2026 6 $2,980
02 Jan 2026 14 Jan 2026 5 $2,990
04 Jan 2026 16 Jan 2026 10 $2,725
07 Jan 2026 19 Jan 2026 2 $3,095
09 Jan 2026 21 Jan 2026 5 $2,970
11 Jan 2026 23 Jan 2026 2 $3,100
27 Mar 2026 08 Apr 2026 8 $2,740
28 Mar 2026 09 Apr 2026 12 $2,730
29 Mar 2026 10 Apr 2026 16 $2,725
30 Mar 2026 11 Apr 2026 16 $2,725
01 Apr 2026 13 Apr 2026 2 $3,040
02 Apr 2026 14 Apr 2026 5 $2,780
03 Apr 2026 15 Apr 2026 5 $2,785
04 Apr 2026 16 Apr 2026 13 $2,725
05 Apr 2026 17 Apr 2026 16 $2,725
06 Apr 2026 18 Apr 2026 16 $2,725
07 Apr 2026 19 Apr 2026 14 $2,725
08 Apr 2026 20 Apr 2026 16 $2,725
09 Apr 2026 21 Apr 2026 16 $2,725
10 Apr 2026 22 Apr 2026 16 $2,725
11 Apr 2026 23 Apr 2026 12 $2,785
27 Jun 2026 09 Jul 2026 16 $2,725
28 Jun 2026 10 Jul 2026 10 $2,725
29 Jun 2026 11 Jul 2026 16 $2,725
30 Jun 2026 12 Jul 2026 16 $2,725
01 Jul 2026 13 Jul 2026 16 $2,725
02 Jul 2026 14 Jul 2026 12 $2,725
03 Jul 2026 15 Jul 2026 16 $2,725
04 Jul 2026 16 Jul 2026 16 $2,725
05 Jul 2026 17 Jul 2026 10 $2,785
06 Jul 2026 18 Jul 2026 16 $2,725
07 Jul 2026 19 Jul 2026 16 $2,725
22 Jul 2026 03 Aug 2026 16 $2,725
24 Jul 2026 05 Aug 2026 16 $2,725
26 Jul 2026 07 Aug 2026 12 $2,725
30 Jul 2026 11 Aug 2026 12 $2,725
02 Aug 2026 14 Aug 2026 13 $2,725
07 Aug 2026 19 Aug 2026 9 $2,740
14 Aug 2026 26 Aug 2026 16 $2,725
19 Sep 2026 01 Oct 2026 16 $2,835
20 Sep 2026 02 Oct 2026 16 $2,835
21 Sep 2026 03 Oct 2026 16 $2,835
22 Sep 2026 04 Oct 2026 16 $2,835
23 Sep 2026 05 Oct 2026 16 $2,835
25 Sep 2026 07 Oct 2026 16 $2,835
26 Sep 2026 08 Oct 2026 16 $2,835
27 Sep 2026 09 Oct 2026 16 $2,835
28 Sep 2026 10 Oct 2026 16 $2,835
29 Sep 2026 11 Oct 2026 16 $2,835
01 Oct 2026 13 Oct 2026 16 $2,725
02 Oct 2026 14 Oct 2026 16 $2,725
03 Oct 2026 15 Oct 2026 16 $2,725
19 Oct 2026 31 Oct 2026 16 $2,725
12 Dec 2026 24 Dec 2026 16 $2,725
15 Dec 2026 27 Dec 2026 16 $2,725
18 Dec 2026 30 Dec 2026 16 $2,725
19 Dec 2026 31 Dec 2026 16 $2,725
20 Dec 2026 01 Jan 2027 16 $2,725
22 Dec 2026 03 Jan 2027 16 $2,725
23 Dec 2026 04 Jan 2027 16 $2,725
24 Dec 2026 05 Jan 2027 16 $2,725
26 Dec 2026 07 Jan 2027 16 $2,725
27 Dec 2026 08 Jan 2027 16 $2,725
29 Dec 2026 10 Jan 2027 16 $2,725
30 Dec 2026 11 Jan 2027 11 $2,725
31 Dec 2026 12 Jan 2027 16 $2,725
01 Jan 2027 13 Jan 2027 16 $2,860
03 Jan 2027 15 Jan 2027 16 $2,860
08 Jan 2027 20 Jan 2027 16 $2,860
10 Jan 2027 22 Jan 2027 16 $2,860
26 Mar 2027 07 Apr 2027 16 $2,860
27 Mar 2027 08 Apr 2027 16 $2,860
28 Mar 2027 09 Apr 2027 16 $2,860
29 Mar 2027 10 Apr 2027 16 $2,860
30 Mar 2027 11 Apr 2027 16 $2,860
31 Mar 2027 12 Apr 2027 16 $2,860
01 Apr 2027 13 Apr 2027 16 $2,860
02 Apr 2027 14 Apr 2027 16 $2,860
03 Apr 2027 15 Apr 2027 16 $2,860
04 Apr 2027 16 Apr 2027 16 $2,860
05 Apr 2027 17 Apr 2027 16 $2,860
06 Apr 2027 18 Apr 2027 16 $2,860
07 Apr 2027 19 Apr 2027 16 $2,860
09 Apr 2027 21 Apr 2027 16 $2,860
10 Apr 2027 22 Apr 2027 16 $2,860
12 Apr 2027 24 Apr 2027 16 $2,860
13 Apr 2027 25 Apr 2027 16 $2,860
21 Jun 2027 03 Jul 2027 16 $2,860
25 Jun 2027 07 Jul 2027 16 $2,860
27 Jun 2027 09 Jul 2027 16 $2,860
28 Jun 2027 10 Jul 2027 16 $2,860
29 Jun 2027 11 Jul 2027 16 $2,860
30 Jun 2027 12 Jul 2027 16 $2,860
01 Jul 2027 13 Jul 2027 16 $2,860
02 Jul 2027 14 Jul 2027 16 $2,860
03 Jul 2027 15 Jul 2027 16 $2,860
04 Jul 2027 16 Jul 2027 16 $2,860
05 Jul 2027 17 Jul 2027 16 $2,860
06 Jul 2027 18 Jul 2027 16 $2,860
23 Jul 2027 04 Aug 2027 16 $2,860
25 Jul 2027 06 Aug 2027 16 $2,860
27 Jul 2027 08 Aug 2027 16 $2,860
29 Jul 2027 10 Aug 2027 16 $2,860
31 Jul 2027 12 Aug 2027 16 $2,860
02 Aug 2027 14 Aug 2027 16 $2,860
06 Aug 2027 18 Aug 2027 16 $2,860
08 Aug 2027 20 Aug 2027 16 $2,860
13 Aug 2027 25 Aug 2027 16 $2,860
18 Sep 2027 30 Sep 2027 16 $2,975
19 Sep 2027 01 Oct 2027 16 $2,975
20 Sep 2027 02 Oct 2027 16 $2,975
21 Sep 2027 03 Oct 2027 16 $2,975
22 Sep 2027 04 Oct 2027 16 $2,975
24 Sep 2027 06 Oct 2027 16 $2,975
25 Sep 2027 07 Oct 2027 16 $2,975
26 Sep 2027 08 Oct 2027 16 $2,975
27 Sep 2027 09 Oct 2027 16 $2,975
28 Sep 2027 10 Oct 2027 16 $2,975
30 Sep 2027 12 Oct 2027 16 $2,975
01 Oct 2027 13 Oct 2027 16 $2,860
02 Oct 2027 14 Oct 2027 16 $2,860
23 Oct 2027 04 Nov 2027 16 $2,860
11 Dec 2027 23 Dec 2027 16 $2,860
14 Dec 2027 26 Dec 2027 16 $2,860
17 Dec 2027 29 Dec 2027 16 $2,860
18 Dec 2027 30 Dec 2027 16 $2,860
19 Dec 2027 31 Dec 2027 16 $2,860
21 Dec 2027 02 Jan 2028 16 $2,860
22 Dec 2027 03 Jan 2028 16 $2,860
24 Dec 2027 05 Jan 2028 16 $2,860
26 Dec 2027 07 Jan 2028 16 $2,860
28 Dec 2027 09 Jan 2028 16 $2,860
29 Dec 2027 10 Jan 2028 16 $2,860
30 Dec 2027 11 Jan 2028 16 $2,860
31 Dec 2027 12 Jan 2028 16 $2,860