Vietnam Off-The-Beaten-Path 15 – Day Family Adventure Tour

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, proceed through customs and passport control. After collecting your luggage, our driver will be waiting outside the arrivals hall to take you directly to your hotel. Overnight in Ha Noi. Optional: After Dark By Vintage Vespa (D) In the evening, dive straight into the action with a unique introduction to Vietnam! Ride pillion on a vintage Vespa scooter as you zip along Ha Noi's iconic narrow streets, sampling its sensational street food scene. Enjoy an authentic Ha Noi-style night out, ending at a lively jazz club. Plus, it’s all-you-can-eat with free-flow drinks!

Traveling to Vietnam, especially Ha Noi, without experiencing a traditional water puppet show would be a missed opportunity. However, it would be even more regretful to enjoy the show without understanding the rich history behind this iconic Vietnamese art form. Today, we will head to Dao Thuc Village, located about 20-25 km (approximately 30-45 minute drive) from Ha Noi. The village, renowned for its 300-year-old water puppetry tradition, will offer you an in-depth look into this unique art. The local artisan will guide you through the history of the village, the process of crafting the puppets, and demonstrate how they are controlled. You will even have the chance to create your own puppet to take home! Finally, enjoy the Water Puppet Show from a new perspective. Afterward, return to Ha Noi and have the afternoon free. Overnight in Ha Noi.v

We will pick you up at your hotel and head to Pu Luong. We will visit Hieu Waterfalls, a tranquil spot perfect for relaxation and enjoying the beauty of the surrounding landscape. After lunch, we will explore the traditional water wheels used by locals for irrigation, providing a glimpse into agricultural life. We will then relax on bamboo rafts along the clear waters of Cham stream, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and fresh air of the area. Overnight in Pu Luong.

The tour will begin with a trip to Kho Muong Village, where we will trek 4km along the village path, admiring the beauty of the countryside, terraced rice fields surrounded by mountains, before reaching Bat Cave to explore the cave. Afterward, we will visit Lan Village, famous for its traditional brocade weaving. We will watch the locals weave intricate fabrics, learn about the cultural significance of brocade weaving and also have the opportunity to try weaving under the guidance of the locals. This experience will allow you to appreciate the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Pu Luong. Overnight in Pu Luong.

After breakfast, we will head to Ninh Binh. Once there, enjoy a scenic boat trip through the Trang An Grottoes, known as Vietnam’s “Inland Ha Long.” With 31 valleys and 50 caves, Trang An is home to over 600 species of flora and 200 types of fauna, many of which are rare and endangered. The peaceful atmosphere, broken only by birds and the sound of oars in the water, creates a serene experience. As you float, you may spot wild white goats grazing on the mountainsides. Trang An Grottoes is truly one of Vietnam's most stunning natural attractions. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Free as your leisure day to explore the city. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

After breakfast, we will drive to Ha Long. Upon arrival at the harbour, you will be greeted by the staff of your chosen cruise. After a tender transfer, you will embark on a boat to explore Ha Long Bay, famous for its 3,000 limestone islands rising from the clear waters. The stunning limestone karst formations are scattered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way, we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and a visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. Overnight on the cruise. Note: The detailed itinerary and activities on your Ha Long Bay cruise may vary depending on the cruise line and weather conditions. This allows for a unique experience tailored to offer an unforgettable journey through one of Vietnam's most iconic landscapes.

Start your day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the terrace deck. Afterward, enjoy coffee, tea, and breakfast pastries in the dining room, setting a tranquil tone for the morning. Choose between a revitalizing swim in Ha Long Bay’s emerald waters or a kayak excursion through the stunning landscape, with towering cliffs and lush islets. After brunch, we will transfer you to Ha Noi Train Station for your overnight train ride to Hue. Relax and unwind during the journey, as the train takes you through the picturesque countryside of Vietnam. Overnight on the train.

Upon arrival at Hue Train Station, our guide will transfer you to your hotel. At the appointed time, board a dragon boat at Toa Kham Wharf for a cruise on the Perfume River. Visit the historic Thien Mu Pagoda, a symbol of Hue, before continuing to Hue Ecolodge. There, a local guide will introduce you to Thuy Bieu Eco-village, an authentic countryside area. Visit the local market with your guide to buy ingredients for the cooking class. Learn to prepare traditional Hue dishes, including Vả Trộn, Khoái Cake, and Ram Ít Cake. Afterward, enjoy your meal and relax with a therapeutic herbal foot soak and massage. Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, depart Hue for Hoi An, a journey of approximately 3 hours. The scenic route takes you through the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co, before crossing the famous Hai Van Pass (Pass of the Ocean Cloud), offering breathtaking views of the coastline and mountains. Continue through Da Nang on the way to Hoi An. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. You can enjoy Hoi An’s charming streets, vibrant markets, or relax by the beach. Overnight in Hoi An

Enjoy the day at your leisure to explore the city. Overnight in Hoi An.   Optional: Water Buffalo Riding, Traditional Farming And Fishing Life Experience (L) This tour begins with a cycle to a local farm in Tra Que Village, where you will learn about the village’s history and its vegetable cultivation, which plays a role in traditional Vietnamese medicine. You will join the farmers in preparing and fertilizing the land with algae from the local lake, and participate in activities like raking, sowing, and picking greens. Then, experience fishing with local fishermen using traditional nets. After working the land, you will prepare and enjoy local dishes, including Tam Huu spring rolls (pork, prawn, mint, and coriander) and Banh Xeo pancakes (shrimp, pork, bean sprouts). This tour offers an authentic glimpse into village life.   Optional: Lantern making Continue your cultural journey with a visit to a lantern-making workshop. This engaging one-hour activity introduces you to a traditional craft that is highly revered in Hoi An. You will learn about the history and significance of lanterns, a symbol of luck and happiness. Afterward, you will have the opportunity to create your own lantern, adding a personal touch to your experience. Your handmade lantern will serve as a beautiful souvenir and a lasting reminder of your time in Hoi An.

You will be greeted by our tour guide at your hotel and transferred by electric car to our parking lot, where you will receive a briefing on riding an electric scooter. We will head to Cam Nam Village to uncover the hidden gems and experience the vibrant daily life of the locals on this charming island. Our first stop will be a boat repair yard, where you will see the hard work involved in maintaining fishing boats. After a short drive through the winding village roads, we will visit a local family chapel to learn about the spiritual beliefs of a traditional Vietnamese family. Next, explore local handmade products at lantern and leather workshops. We will take a brunch break at a riverside café overlooking Hoi An Ancient Town. Afterward, we will drive through picturesque rice fields to Tra Que Village, where locals cultivate herbs and vegetables using compost from river weeds. You will have the chance to join them in making rice crackers. To conclude the tour, unwind at a beautiful beach lounge at An Bang Beach, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, while enjoying a refreshing drink. Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time before transferring to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Check in and take the rest of the day to relax and unwind. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

08:00 Your Mekong Delta Tour guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and bring you by car to your boat at Ho Chi Minh City pier.

08:15 The boat departs and you slip away from downtown Saigon via narrow canals and enter the verdant green tributaries of the Mekong Delta. A light breakfast of sandwiches or pastries, fresh tropical fruits and Vietnamese iced coffee (Ca phe sua da) is served, as your guide explains rural traditions and aspects of riverbank life.

09:15 Visit Mr. Binh’s lush fruit orchard. As you step into this tranquil retreat, you will get a firsthand look at traditional fruit cultivation in the Mekong Delta and enjoy the rare treat of picking and tasting sun-ripened fruits straight from the trees.

10:00 Reach the idyllic watery expanses of the Mekong Delta itself, known as the Delta of Nine Dragons for the 9 tributaries that splinter from the main Mekong River. Turn off the delta into small, winding canals of the Thu Thua area, shaded by a canopy of foliage as you drift along lazily.

10:30 Visit a bustling, colorful riverside market full of local curiosities, tropical fruits and all manner of fish and shellfish. Great photo opportunities!

11:00 Turn off the delta into small, winding canals of the Thu Thua area, shaded by a canopy of foliage as you drift along lazily. Experience the charm of the Mekong Delta as you enjoy a short 10-minute ride in a traditional rowboat through the small canals, surrounded by coconut palms. Though brief, this peaceful activity provides a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty. You will visit a quaint Mekong village, and then a traditional farmhouse where you’ll sample coconuts and Mekong whisky. You will walk along the banks of the river to a traditional rural Vietnamese house where 3 generations live.

12:30 Visit a special pagoda. This pagoda is not only a place for spiritual and religious activities of locals to express their beliefs and aspirations but also an orphanage run by Buddhist monks.

13:00 Visit a colorful Cao Dai Temple, one of the highlights of our Mekong Delta Tour.

13:30 Enjoy a traditional Mekong Delta lunch at riverside farm stay.

14:15 Return to the speedboat and depart for Ho Chi Minh City.

15:30 Arrive back in Saigon. Les Rives’ staff will return you to your hotel by car. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to relax or explore at your leisure until the time of transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your departure flight.