Vietnam & Thailand: a family trip

Ho Chi Minh City

Tag 1: Welcome to Vietnam!

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the largest of Vietnam's cities. The hustle and bustle of life co-exists with 300 years of timeless traditions and the beauty of a mixed colonial-orient culture. Upon your arrival at the airport, your driver will take you to your hotel for check-in and an overnight stay.

Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City

Tag 2: Explore the Mekong Delta

On the city's outskirts, Ben Tre is made up of three main islands wedged between the Tien Giang River to the north and Co Chien River to the south, with the Ham Luong River running down the center. Cruise along the Ham Luong River, a branch of the Mekong, and stop off at various local workplaces to get a picture of how the local economy works.

On this tour you'll visit: a traditional brick kiln where bricks are still painstakingly made by hand and fueled by rice husk (an agricultural waste); a coconut processing workshop, where you can sample fresh coconut and see how every single part of this versatile nut is turned into food and other products; and finally, a mat-weaving house where straw mats are created using a hand loom.

Take a walk through a quiet village where you can experience real Delta village life, before enjoying a xe loi rickshaw ride. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for an overnight stay.

Ho Chi Minh City - Phong Nha

Tag 3: The natural splendor of Phong Nha

In the morning, you will be driven to the airport to catch a flight to the city of Dong Hoi. Upon your arrival, your driver will transfer you to your accommodation.

Spend a free afternoon enjoying many activities on offer at or near your resort, such as cycling, swimming, kayaking or simply relaxing amidst stunning nature. Enjoy a good night's rest ahead of a day of exploration.

Phong Nha

Tag 4: Explore the caves of Phong Nha

This morning, embark on a trip to Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, a stunning destination characterized by thousands of limestone mountains. Visit the Paradise Cave, considered by many to be the world’s most beautiful and magnificent cave. It spans a length of 31.4 km and is the longest dry cave in Asia.

Next you'll continue to the Dark Cave, stopping to enjoy a selection of traditional Vietnamese dishes at the local restaurant. You'll have time to explore the Dark Cave and experience the thrill of outdoor activities such as zip-lining, mud bathing, kayaking, and swimming. After you've had your fill, return to Phong Nha for an overnight stay.

Phong Nha - hoi an

Tag 5: The many charms of Hoi An

After breakfast, you will journey to Hoi An. Once there, check into your hotel in the center, and spend some free time exploring the lovely town.

You can explore the Hoi An Museum, the city's ancient houses, the Fujian Assembly Hall with its Chinese influences, local handicraft workshops, and the Japanese Bridge. You could even visit the home of a local lantern craftsman. Don't forget to enjoy the beautiful city in the evening, when colorful lanterns illuminate the Thu Bon River.

hoi an

Tag 6: Experience the lives of local farmers & fishermen

After breakfast today, hop onto a bicycle for a scenic ride through the countryside. Visit a farmer in the eco-village of Cam Thanh, where you can learn to grow rice with a local family and join in on the farmwork. Ride a water buffalo through the field, discover how to transplant, grind and pound rice, and learn about the challenges of farm flooding. This authentic tour continues to a local fishing village where you will join the village fishermen and see how they bring in their catch.

Later, ride a basket boat to a water coconut palm jungle. Learn how to make origami from water coconut leaves, take a jungle walk, partake in a mock mud war, and sing folk songs on the way back to your hotel. 

hoi an - hanoi

Tag 7: Catch a flight to Hanoi

In the morning, you will catch a flight to Hanoi, where you will be met by your guide and brought to your lovely hotel downtown. Hanoi, Vietnam’s cultural heart, bears traces of centuries of change. It is known for its peaceful lakes, French-style buildings, old-town streets, tree-lined boulevards, and brightly painted temples and pagodas.

Upon your arrival, your guide will greet you with a beautiful bunch of flowers and take you to your accommodation to check-in. The remainder of the day will be all yours to stroll around the Old Quarter of Hanoi, taking in its raucous streets full of traditional vendors and artisans.

hanoi - Ha Long Bay

Tag 8: Cruise the waters of Ha Long Bay

Today, head on a four-hour scenic drive to Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage Site since 1994. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, it includes some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. Because of their precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by human presence. The site's outstanding scenic beauty is complemented by its great biological interest.

You will enjoy a welcome coffee upon arrival, before embarking on your overnight cruise. Savor a seafood lunch on board as you take in the truly breathtaking scenery - it changes continuously as you venture to Sung Sot Cave, the islands of Tuan Chau, Dinh Huong, Ga Choi, Dog and Sail, and lastly Titop Beach where you can stop for a swim. Dinner will be served on board at sunset.

Ha Long Bay - hanoi

Tag 9: The islands & coves of Ha Long Bay

Early risers can enjoy a morning view of bay scenery, with a cup of tea or coffee and fresh fruit. While sitting on the upper deck, enjoy the breathtaking beauty of rocky islands that rise from crystal-clear waters. The quiet on these waters is almost eerie; listen to the birds singing, cicadas chirping, and the gentle lapping of waves against the boat - the perfect soundtrack to accompany the fresh air and gentle breeze.

Dive into the emerald waters and splash around in the calm stillness of the morning. Take this chance to captain your own vessel and kayak through the waters at your own pace. If you don’t feel like being active, you could simply sleep in or enjoy the bay from the sundeck.

Lunch will be served on board as your ship weaves through strangely-shaped, limestone rock formations. Then, you will return to port for a transfer back to Hanoi and an overnight stay.

hanoi - Bangkok

Tag 10: Catch a flight to Bangkok

Today you will fly to Thailand!

Upon arrival in the capital city of Bangkok, you will be greeted by your expert guide, who will accompany you to your hotel. This unique kingdom welcomes you with its natural splendor, cheerful hospitality, and rich spiritual traditions.

Bangkok

Tag 11: Explore Thailand's historic capital

Bangkok means the 'City of Angels', and it is not only the political and economic center, but also the spiritual capital of Thailand.

Your day starts with a morning walk through Pak Khlong Talat, a flower market with a long history dating back to the reign of King Rama I in 1782. Travel on to the temple complex of Wat Pho, which enshrines a gilded, 46 m-long reclining Buddha image. It is also home to the Four Great Stupas, which represent the first four kings of the Rattanakosin Kingdom.

Continue to the Grand Palace - the official residence of the King of Thailand. Inside, you'll find Wat Phra Kaew, the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand and home to the Emerald Buddha. Finally you'll venture to Chinatown, one of the liveliest parts of Bangkok where you will visit Wat Traimit - home to the Gold Buddha.

Bangkok - Damnoen Saduak - Bangkok

Tag 12: Tour a famous floating market

Today you will visit a floating market in the province of Ratchaburi, 90 km from Bangkok. Board a traditional row boat and set out on an exploration of this distinctive canal and floating market.

This canal is known as Damnoen Saduak, which translates to 'Convenience Passageway', and was created more than 150 years ago to connect the Tha Chin and Mae Klong Rivers. The floating market itself offers a variety of products and souvenirs, and provides a unique way of buying and selling goods. Many local products are available every day from morning until afternoon, including Thai snacks, desserts, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

Next, visit a coconut sugar factory to sample sweet coconut sugar juice, before heading to the unique Umbrella Pulldown Market on the Maeklong Railway. 

Bangkok - Phuket - Phi Phi Islands

Tag 13: Off to the dazzling Phi Phi Islands

Today you will take a morning flight to Phuket. Upon arrival at Phuket Airport, you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to the pier to check in for a cruise to the Phi Phi Islands.

Enjoy two wonderful hours on the cruise, before arriving to find your guide holding a welcome sign. They will help you make your way to the long-tail boat that will take you on to your island hotel.

Phi Phi Islands

Tag 14: Dive into an underwater paradise

Enjoy your first day in the Phi Phi Islands, ranked among the top 10 scuba diving destinations in the world. Explore the rich marine environment, consisting of superb rock formations, amazing corals and pinnacles, and fabulous underwater caves. You can also spot a variety of marine life, such as small reef sharks, barracudas, squids, and leopard sharks. Alternatively, simply relax on the beach and bask in the warm Southeast Asian sun.

Phi Phi Islands

Tag 15: Enjoy your last full day in Thailand

Today is your final day in this slice of paradise, and yours to spend as you wish. Set out on another scuba diving adventure, go snorkeling closer to shore, or relax on the warm sandy beaches. Everywhere you look, the scenery is simply stunning, and excellent photography opportunities abound at every turn of the head.

Phi Phi Islands - Phuket

Tag 16: Goodbye, Thailand!

The time has come for you to say goodbye to Thailand. In the morning, you will take the boat back to Phuket, then continue to Phuket Airport to catch your flight home. All fantastic trips must come to an end, but the memories will remain in your heart forever. Come back again soon, and see you next time!