Vietnam, Hanoi

A family holiday in Vietnam

On arrival in Hanoi, you'll be warmly greeted by our driver at the airport. A private transfer will take you to the heart of the city, where you can relax or explore the Vietnamese capital at your own pace. Stroll through the lively alleys, soak up the local atmosphere or make yourself comfortable at your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Note: Rooms will be available from 2:00 p.m.

After breakfast, explore Hanoi, nicknamed the “Paris of the East” for its colonial architecture and picturesque lakes.

Visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, with its mausoleum and house on stilts, as well as the famous One Pillar Pagoda. Then on to the Tran Quoc pagoda, the city's oldest, located on an island in the West Lake.

In the afternoon, discover the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, before strolling through the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of the city.

In the evening, enjoy a puppet show on water, a unique Vietnamese tradition.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Early in the morning, departure for Ninh Binh, famous for its spectacular scenery and historical remains. You will visit the 10th-century temples of the Dinh and Le kings, a testimony to Vietnam's imperial past.

In the afternoon, take a sampan cruise through the Tam Coc caves, where rivers and limestone peaks create an enchanting setting.

Return to Hanoi at the end of the day.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, depart by private car for Halong Bay, crossing the Red River Delta en route. When you arrive, you will board the boat and receive a warm welcome from the crew, who will offer you a refreshing drink.

The cruise begins through emerald waters, winding between impressive limestone peaks. A fresh seafood lunch is served on board as you admire the spectacular scenery. In the afternoon, explore a hidden cave, before enjoying the calm of the bay at sunset.

Dinner and overnight on board. Night fishing available on request.

Remarks:

- Itinerary may vary according to weather and boat availability.

- English-speaking guide only on board, no guide for the Hanoi - Halong trip.

Wake up gently to the sunrise over the bay and enjoy a Tai Chi session on the deck. During breakfast, the cruise continues through the islets and floating villages, offering a final glimpse of this enchanting landscape.

Disembark late in the morning, then return to Hanoi by private car. In the evening, board the night train to Hue.

Overnight in an air-conditioned compartment with four soft berths.

Dinner is not included (plan to eat before departure).

Note: Trains in Vietnam offer simple comfort, with journeys that can be noisy and bumpy.

Upon your arrival in Hue, you will be greeted by your guide and driver, followed by a transfer to the city. You will start the day with a local breakfast, enjoying the famous Bun Bo Hue, a fragrant soup made with rice noodles and beef.

The morning will be dedicated to visiting the Imperial Citadel, the historic heart of Hue and a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you pass through its imposing gates, you will discover its palaces, temples, and gardens, all witnesses to the city's royal past.

Continue with the exploration of Hue's typical garden houses, where nature and architecture blend harmoniously in a peaceful atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit the tomb of Minh Mang, an architectural masterpiece nestled in a serene natural setting, surrounded by frangipani and lotus.

Finally, stroll through the Dong Ba market, ideal for shopping and discovering local products.

Overnight at the hotel in Hue.

The day begins with a visit to the Thien Mu pagoda, an iconic symbol of Hué, perched on a hill overlooking the Perfume River. Built in 1601, this seven-storey tower is one of the oldest places of worship in the region.

Next, board a local boat for the village of Thuy Bieu, a haven of peace reflecting the authenticity of the Hué countryside. By bicycle, set off to meet local craftsmen and discover the secrets of silk painting, incense stick making and sesame sweets.

You will then be welcomed by a local family for a traditional cooking class, where you will learn how to prepare three Hué specialities: Vả with prawns and pork; Banh Ram It (crispy rice cake filled with prawns and pork) and Banh Khoái (pan-fried pancake stuffed with prawns and pork belly).

After savouring your meal, why not enjoy a herbal foot bath? This wellness break is inspired by local traditions.

You have the afternoon free to relax by the hotel swimming pool or to explore the city at your own pace.

Overnight in Hué.

After breakfast, enjoy a morning at leisure to relax by the pool or explore Hué at your own pace.

At 1:00 pm, depart by car (without guide) for Hoi An. En route, cross the Hai Van Pass, offering spectacular views of the central coast, and stop at Lang Co, one of Vietnam's most beautiful beaches.

On the way, stop at the village of An Bằng, nicknamed the ‘City of Ghosts’ , where impressive, richly decorated tombs bear witness to the cult of ancestors in Vietnamese culture.

Arrive in Hoi An at around 5:00 pm, then enjoy some free time to explore the town at your own pace.

Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a day at leisure to explore the charming town of Hoi An at your own pace. You can also opt for a trip to An Bang or Cua Dai beach, two magnificent beaches just 5 km from the city centre.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a day at leisure to explore the charming town of Hoi An at your own pace. You can also opt for a trip to An Bang or Cua Dai beach, two magnificent beaches just 5 km from the city centre.

Overnight in Hoi An.

In the morning, transfer with your driver to Danang airport for your flight to Hanoi, then your international departure flight.

Meals (not included) depending on your flight schedule. The room is available until midday only.

Travel formalities:

Since 15 August 2023, UK nationals have been exempt from visa requirements for a stay not exceeding 45 days (days of entry and exit included), regardless of the type of passport and the purpose of the stay.

To benefit from this visa exemption, the expiry date of the passport must not be less than six months before the end of the stay in Vietnam.

Tourist visa exemption (maximum 45 days, including entry and exit days), e-visa (maximum 90 days, including multiple entry and exit days) and tourist visas in general cannot be extended or renewed on the spot. Neither the UK Embassy in Hanoi nor the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City can intervene in these matters, which are the responsibility of the Vietnamese authorities.