SHORTLIST

Vietnam Family Holiday

With great food, lush scenery and lots of warm, friendly locals, the whole family will fall in love with Vietnam. Sail beautiful Halong Bay. Delight at water puppets in Hanoi. Learn about rich emperors in Hue. Get a new outfit tailor-made in Hoi An. Maybe even take a dip in the Vietnam East Sea. With so much to share and do together, you'll experience the culture, flavours, and highlights of a Vietnamese adventure your family will always remember.

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
$2,231
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. Hanoi is famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, verdant public parks and its thriving Old Quarter. The latter is a veritable architectural museum piece, with blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a 1930s provincial French town. You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel, and your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5pm. Afterwards, perhaps enjoy some dinner with your family and fellow travellers (this is optional).
Day 2: Hanoi
Embark on a full-city tour of town. You will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, and the tranquil Temple of Literature – an oasis of calm in the heart of town. Also head to the Museum of Ethnology to learn more about the diverse heritage of Vietnam. Enjoy some lunch at KOTO restaurant, an excellent establishment and longtime friend of Intrepid which 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 World Heritage-listed site of Halong Bay (approximately 4 hours). The bay is a breathtaking secluded harbour, with some 2,000 limestone islands jutting out of the waters of the Bac Bo Gulf. Board 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. 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. There's also a dining room and bar.

Notes: Due to recent, unforeseen changes by local authorities, many boats are no longer permitted to stay overnight on the bay. This has resulted in a boat shortage. To ensure Intrepid travellers are all accommodated, a larger boat, usually with 12 cabins, may be used, and passengers may be split across multiple boats. An Intrepid group leader will be present on each boat, and the route and onboard inclusions will remain the same.
Day 4: Hue
Enjoy breakfast on the boat this morning and perhaps head out for an optional early morning kayak. Return to Hanoi by bus (approximately 3.5 hours). From there you will 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 great idea to stock up on fresh bread, cheese and fruit before you head off.

Notes: Sleeper trains typically have four-berth compartments (occasionally six-berth, depending on seasonal variations) which have bench seats that convert into sleeping bunks. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. On occasion, passengers of different genders will be required to share a compartment and there will be occasions where you'll be sharing with local travellers or travellers who are not part of your group.
Day 5: Hue
Welcome to Hue! Your leader will help you chose a local, tasty breakfast option this morning after you disembark the overnight train. Afterwards, you will take a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, which is considered by many to be the unofficial symbol of Hue. It's an active Buddhist monastery originating in 1601. 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 against the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime.
You will have some free time to explore on your own 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
Delve further into the fascinating former capital today. You will visit the Imperial Citadel, which is the best-preserved remnant of a large citidel and Royal centre that once existed on this fortified site. The unique fortifications are fascinating, even though much of this place has sadly been destroyed by war. The foliage-covered ruins make for an interesting couple of hours of exploring. You will visit the Forbidden Purple City, which was almost totally wiped out during the Tet Offensive in 1968. The gaping holes left by bombs give an idea of the shocking destruction wreaked upon the country during the war. You will visit one of the royal tombs, that of Emperor Tu Duc, and see the central lake set amid a grove of frangipani and pine trees. There is also the chance to visit the tomb of Minh Mang. Its lush forest backdrop and impressive architecture make it perhaps the most majestic of all the royal tombs.

Afterwards 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 members of the community and join them for a traditional paper flower making class – a fun and interesting way to get to connect with your hosts without exchanging any words.
Day 7: Hoi An
Travelling by bus, head south through coastal rice paddies, then traverse the spectacular Hai Van Pass along the mountains en route to Hoi An (approximately 4 hours). Recently declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An is beautifully preserved and exudes a tranquil atmosphere. It's perfect for strolling around at a leisurely pace, 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 mecca – browse local markets and shops for 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, head out to spend the morning at Cua Dai beach. This beach is known for its stunning palm-fringed white sand and 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
Enjoy further free time in this beautiful old town. Perhaps take up 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. Street food tours can also be arranged. Alternatively, hire some bikes and take the family out on a cycling trip into the gorgeous surrounding countryside. Another great activity which kids will enjoy is a bamboo basket ride down the waterways of the jungle. For more optional day- and half-day trips, chat to your leader.
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City
Take a short flight to the economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 1 hour). 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 experience a delicious local lunch of street food, and enjoy an orientation walk. Afterwards, 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 serious shopping.
Day 11: Mekong Delta
Head down to the Mekong Delta and visit unexplored Ben Tre where coconut is everything and anything. The fertile delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits and flowers. On arrival, 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. Be invited into a family home for a true local experience – 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 will visit a local market before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City for one more night. You should arrive in the afternoon, which will give you time for a final exploration of the city. On Day 13 your trip comes to an end, and you are free to leave at any time. For those who have booked an airport transfer, the leader will confirm your departure time and onward flight details.
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City
Today is your last day and there are no activities planned. You are free to leave at any time. For those who have booked an airport transfer, the leader will confirm your departure time to the airport and your onward flight.
Inclusions
  • Meals: 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners.
  • Transport: Boat, Minibus, 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 - Ho Chi Minh Complex.
  • 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 House Craft Experience.
  • 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
Start End Availability Price NZD
30 Jul 2024 11 Aug 2024 6 $2,252
10 Aug 2024 22 Aug 2024 7 $2,231
16 Aug 2024 28 Aug 2024 9 $2,252
20 Sep 2024 02 Oct 2024 5 $2,252
22 Sep 2024 04 Oct 2024 9 $2,274
29 Sep 2024 11 Oct 2024 4 $2,295
30 Sep 2024 12 Oct 2024 2 $2,316
02 Oct 2024 14 Oct 2024 8 $2,274
19 Oct 2024 31 Oct 2024 4 $2,342
08 Dec 2024 20 Dec 2024 10 $2,457
16 Dec 2024 28 Dec 2024 2 $2,835
17 Dec 2024 29 Dec 2024 8 $2,835
19 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2024 8 $2,835
20 Dec 2024 01 Jan 2025 16 $2,730
22 Dec 2024 03 Jan 2025 2 $2,835
24 Dec 2024 05 Jan 2025 11 $2,730
26 Dec 2024 07 Jan 2025 16 $2,835
27 Dec 2024 08 Jan 2025 5 $3,005
28 Dec 2024 09 Jan 2025 1 $3,200
29 Dec 2024 10 Jan 2025 16 $2,835
30 Dec 2024 11 Jan 2025 2 $3,170
31 Dec 2024 12 Jan 2025 16 $2,835
03 Jan 2025 15 Jan 2025 12 $2,945
05 Jan 2025 17 Jan 2025 12 $2,945
10 Jan 2025 22 Jan 2025 16 $2,945
12 Jan 2025 24 Jan 2025 16 $2,945
28 Mar 2025 09 Apr 2025 16 $2,945
30 Mar 2025 11 Apr 2025 11 $2,945
01 Apr 2025 13 Apr 2025 16 $2,945
02 Apr 2025 14 Apr 2025 14 $2,945
03 Apr 2025 15 Apr 2025 11 $2,945
04 Apr 2025 16 Apr 2025 16 $2,945
05 Apr 2025 17 Apr 2025 16 $2,945
06 Apr 2025 18 Apr 2025 11 $2,945
07 Apr 2025 19 Apr 2025 16 $2,945
08 Apr 2025 20 Apr 2025 16 $2,945
09 Apr 2025 21 Apr 2025 12 $2,945
10 Apr 2025 22 Apr 2025 16 $2,945
11 Apr 2025 23 Apr 2025 12 $2,945
12 Apr 2025 24 Apr 2025 11 $2,945
13 Apr 2025 25 Apr 2025 16 $2,945
14 Apr 2025 26 Apr 2025 14 $2,945
28 Jun 2025 10 Jul 2025 14 $2,945
29 Jun 2025 11 Jul 2025 16 $2,945
30 Jun 2025 12 Jul 2025 16 $2,945
01 Jul 2025 13 Jul 2025 16 $2,945
03 Jul 2025 15 Jul 2025 16 $2,945
04 Jul 2025 16 Jul 2025 16 $2,945
05 Jul 2025 17 Jul 2025 16 $2,945
06 Jul 2025 18 Jul 2025 12 $2,945
07 Jul 2025 19 Jul 2025 16 $2,945
08 Jul 2025 20 Jul 2025 16 $2,945
09 Jul 2025 21 Jul 2025 16 $2,945
10 Jul 2025 22 Jul 2025 12 $2,945
25 Jul 2025 06 Aug 2025 16 $2,945
27 Jul 2025 08 Aug 2025 16 $2,945
29 Jul 2025 10 Aug 2025 16 $2,945
31 Jul 2025 12 Aug 2025 16 $2,945
01 Aug 2025 13 Aug 2025 16 $2,945
03 Aug 2025 15 Aug 2025 16 $2,945
08 Aug 2025 20 Aug 2025 16 $2,945
10 Aug 2025 22 Aug 2025 16 $2,945
15 Aug 2025 27 Aug 2025 16 $2,945
20 Sep 2025 02 Oct 2025 16 $2,945
21 Sep 2025 03 Oct 2025 16 $2,945
22 Sep 2025 04 Oct 2025 16 $2,945
23 Sep 2025 05 Oct 2025 16 $2,945
24 Sep 2025 06 Oct 2025 16 $2,945
26 Sep 2025 08 Oct 2025 16 $2,945
27 Sep 2025 09 Oct 2025 16 $2,945
28 Sep 2025 10 Oct 2025 16 $2,945
29 Sep 2025 11 Oct 2025 16 $2,945
30 Sep 2025 12 Oct 2025 16 $2,945
01 Oct 2025 13 Oct 2025 16 $2,945
16 Dec 2025 28 Dec 2025 16 $2,865
19 Dec 2025 31 Dec 2025 16 $2,865
20 Dec 2025 01 Jan 2026 16 $2,865
21 Dec 2025 02 Jan 2026 16 $2,865
22 Dec 2025 03 Jan 2026 16 $2,865
23 Dec 2025 04 Jan 2026 16 $2,945
24 Dec 2025 05 Jan 2026 16 $2,865
26 Dec 2025 07 Jan 2026 16 $2,975
27 Dec 2025 08 Jan 2026 16 $2,975
28 Dec 2025 09 Jan 2026 16 $2,975
29 Dec 2025 10 Jan 2026 16 $2,975
30 Dec 2025 11 Jan 2026 16 $2,975
31 Dec 2025 12 Jan 2026 16 $2,975
02 Jan 2026 14 Jan 2026 16 $3,070
04 Jan 2026 16 Jan 2026 16 $3,070
09 Jan 2026 21 Jan 2026 16 $3,070
11 Jan 2026 23 Jan 2026 16 $3,070
27 Mar 2026 08 Apr 2026 16 $3,070
29 Mar 2026 10 Apr 2026 16 $3,070
31 Mar 2026 12 Apr 2026 16 $3,070
01 Apr 2026 13 Apr 2026 16 $3,070
02 Apr 2026 14 Apr 2026 16 $3,070
03 Apr 2026 15 Apr 2026 16 $3,070
04 Apr 2026 16 Apr 2026 16 $3,070
05 Apr 2026 17 Apr 2026 16 $3,070
06 Apr 2026 18 Apr 2026 16 $3,070
07 Apr 2026 19 Apr 2026 16 $3,070
08 Apr 2026 20 Apr 2026 16 $3,070
09 Apr 2026 21 Apr 2026 16 $3,070
10 Apr 2026 22 Apr 2026 16 $3,070
11 Apr 2026 23 Apr 2026 16 $3,070
12 Apr 2026 24 Apr 2026 16 $3,070
13 Apr 2026 25 Apr 2026 16 $3,070
27 Jun 2026 09 Jul 2026 16 $3,070
28 Jun 2026 10 Jul 2026 16 $3,070
29 Jun 2026 11 Jul 2026 16 $3,070
30 Jun 2026 12 Jul 2026 16 $3,070
01 Jul 2026 13 Jul 2026 16 $3,070
02 Jul 2026 14 Jul 2026 16 $3,070
03 Jul 2026 15 Jul 2026 16 $3,070
04 Jul 2026 16 Jul 2026 16 $3,070
05 Jul 2026 17 Jul 2026 16 $3,070
06 Jul 2026 18 Jul 2026 16 $3,070
07 Jul 2026 19 Jul 2026 16 $3,070
08 Jul 2026 20 Jul 2026 16 $3,070
24 Jul 2026 05 Aug 2026 16 $3,070
26 Jul 2026 07 Aug 2026 16 $3,070
28 Jul 2026 09 Aug 2026 16 $3,070
30 Jul 2026 11 Aug 2026 16 $3,070
31 Jul 2026 12 Aug 2026 16 $3,070
02 Aug 2026 14 Aug 2026 16 $3,070
07 Aug 2026 19 Aug 2026 16 $3,070
09 Aug 2026 21 Aug 2026 16 $3,070
14 Aug 2026 26 Aug 2026 16 $3,070
19 Sep 2026 01 Oct 2026 16 $3,070
20 Sep 2026 02 Oct 2026 16 $3,070
21 Sep 2026 03 Oct 2026 16 $3,070
22 Sep 2026 04 Oct 2026 16 $3,070
23 Sep 2026 05 Oct 2026 16 $3,070
25 Sep 2026 07 Oct 2026 16 $3,070
26 Sep 2026 08 Oct 2026 16 $3,070
27 Sep 2026 09 Oct 2026 16 $3,070
28 Sep 2026 10 Oct 2026 16 $3,070
29 Sep 2026 11 Oct 2026 16 $3,070
30 Sep 2026 12 Oct 2026 16 $3,070
15 Dec 2026 27 Dec 2026 16 $3,070
18 Dec 2026 30 Dec 2026 16 $3,070
19 Dec 2026 31 Dec 2026 16 $3,070
20 Dec 2026 01 Jan 2027 16 $3,070
21 Dec 2026 02 Jan 2027 16 $3,070
22 Dec 2026 03 Jan 2027 16 $3,070
23 Dec 2026 04 Jan 2027 16 $3,070
25 Dec 2026 06 Jan 2027 16 $3,070
26 Dec 2026 07 Jan 2027 16 $3,070
27 Dec 2026 08 Jan 2027 16 $3,070
28 Dec 2026 09 Jan 2027 16 $3,070
29 Dec 2026 10 Jan 2027 16 $3,070
30 Dec 2026 11 Jan 2027 16 $3,070