Compare Vietnam Family Holiday Comfort by Intrepid Travel vs Culinary tour of Vietnam by Audley Travel

Day 1 Hanoi

Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel, and your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5pm. Afterwards, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow families. Hanoi is famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, verdant public parks and thriving Old Quarter. The latter is a veritable architectural museum piece that feels like a 1930s provincial French town – a great place to explore today if you have time.

Day 2 Hanoi

Embark on a full-day tour of the city. 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 the KOTO restaurant – an excellent establishment and long-time friend of Intrepid which lives by the philosophy of 'know one, teach one'. It supports underprivileged local youth by giving them a chance at making a career in hospitality. 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 2000 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.

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.

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. As the former imperial capital of Vietnam, 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. 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.

Day 6 Hue

After breakfast you and your family will visit Tu Duc Tomb, Emperor Tu Duc enjoyed the longest reign of any monarch of the Nguyen dynasty, ruling from 1848-1883. Next up we pay a visit to a local non-government organisation that supports Hue’s deaf community by providing training, employment, support and a place to connect with others. Take part in a traditional paper flower making class with members of the community – this exercise is conducted in silence using body language and sure to be a special experience the whole family will remember. This afternoon you will journey through the streets of Hue on a cyclo tour. Travelling around the citadel, passing through the local fruit and vegetable marketing before stopping over at Ho Chi Minh’s house.

Day 7 Hoi An

Travelling by bus (approximately 4 hours), head south through coastal rice paddies before traversing the spectacular Hai Van Pass. You'll all be treated to some stunning mountain scenery en route. After a brief visit to the beautiful China Beach, arrive at Hoi An. Recently declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An and its delicate beauty is being restored and preserved. Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it was one of South East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Today, parts of it look exactly as they did more than a century ago – it's the sort of place that grows on you the more you explore it.

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

The rest of your time is left free to relax in this beautiful area. Hoi An is one of the best places to shop for souvenirs, especially if you’re looking for t-shirts, paintings or ceramics. For those interested in getting clothes tailored, this is definitely the place to shop. You might also like to speak to your leader about arranging a cooking lesson and learn about the many layers of fresh herbs and flavours that can be found in Vietnam's fresh and tasty cuisine. Or simply spend your day by the pool.

Day 10 Ho Chi Minh City

Take a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 1 hour). Formerly known as Saigon, this bustling metropolis is full of vibrant sights and sounds; a fascinating blend of old and new. Check out Ben Thanh Market and feast on a delicious lunch of local street food, and take an orientation walk. Afterwards, you're free to explore the city as you please. Your leader will have plenty of interesting ideas for you and your family. Consider scooting off on cyclos to Cholon, the Chinatown area of Ho Chi Minh City, or for a bit of temple-hopping. Otherwise, you could 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 journey to Ben Tre is south by private bus (approximately 2.5 hours). 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. You'll be sleeping on simple camp beds in dorm-style rooms, with all meals included. Bedding and mosquito nets are provided.

Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City

Rise early, as the locals do here on the delta. Enjoy a leisurely morning before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City on the bus. On arrival, you'll have free time to further explore the city at your own pace. This is an opportunity to do anything you might have missed the first time around. District 1 is a great place to walk around with the family. If you've fallen in love with Vietnamese food, sample some of the culinary delights you haven't got around to yet – perhaps some grilled cuttlefish or, for the adventurous, street-barbecued sea snails.

Day 13 Ho Chi Minh City

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time, provided you comply with the hotel’s internal check-out policies.

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Hanoi.

Day 2 : Ky Son

Upon arrival in Hanoi you will be greeted by an Audley representative and transferred to the rural village of Ky Son where you will be staying for the next couple of days.Once known for growing poppies used in the opium trade, Ky Son is now a flourishing farming community with age old traditions contrasting with modern irrigation systems.

Day 3 : Ky Son

Today will be spent venturing out into the village where you will have the opportunity to meet the locals and learn about traditional farming practices. A leisurely cycle ride through the countryside is nicely rewarded back at Moon Garden where a herbal foot massage and home cooked meal await.

Day 4 : Mai Chau

After breakfast you will journey out to the beautiful Mai Chau Valley. Here emerald mountains tower above acres of rice paddies and ethnic minority villages dot the foothills. While staying in Mai chau you will have the chance to sample some ethnic Thai cuisine, share a glass of rice wine and learn about the local cultures.

Day 5 : Mai Chau

Spend a full day in Mai Chau where you can enjoy a guided walking or cycling tour of the area. The morning will be spent visiting local homes, farms and factories before relaxing at your hotel in the afternoon.This evening you can enjoy a cold local beer while watching the sun fade over the horizon.

Day 6 : Hanoi

From peaceful Mai Chau you will travel to Vietnam's capital, Hanoi. Here the pace of life changes and ox carts are replaced with scooters.While in Hanoi you will have a chance to learn a little about the city's origins, recent history and most importantly its grasp on the country's food scene.This afternoon you will join a local blogger for a fascinating street food tour of Hanoi. You will negotiate narrow alley ways, peruse market stalls and question your taste buds while being treated to a wealth of knowledge from your guide.This evening you may want to sample one of Hanoi's many wonderful restaurants (we have a few favourites that we can highly recommend). One dish to watch out for is Bun Cha, which is thought to have originated in Hanoi.

Day 7 : Hanoi

An early rise today to sample the country's staple breakfast, the hugely popular beef noodle dish, Pho. This will be sampled at a local cafe which has been around for many years serving the people from Hanoi their favourite dish. Beforehand you will enjoy a short tour around the city taking in the flag raising ceremony at HCM Square, botanical gardens and bustling markets.Afterwards your guide will introduce you to some of the city's most well known sites before returning to your hotel for a well earned rest.

Day 8 : Halong City

An early rise today as you are collected from your hotel and taken to Halong bay, a journey of about three hours. Upon arrival you will have time to sample a sweet (but strong) Vietnamese coffee before boarding your Junk boat.After settling in to your cabin you will sail out to the bay through a maze of islands and inlets. A freshly prepared seafood lunch can be enjoyed before journeying ashore to one of the bay's most beautiful vantage points.The afternoon can be spent exploring the area by kayak or simply relaxing on-board.Before retiring to bed enjoy a sundowner on the top deck.

Day 9 : Hoi An

This morning you will begin your journey back to the mainland passing remnants of a vast fishing trade that once ruled the waters.Upon arriving back in Halong City you will be met by your guide and transferred to Hanoi Airport in time for your evening flight to Danang. On the way you will have time to visit a rural community famed for its water puppetry and also stop for lunch at a local restaurant.Upon arrival in Danang you will be greeted by an Audley representative and transferred the short distance along the coast to Hoi An.The UNESCO recognised Hoi An was once a busy port linking merchant trade from the north and south of the country. Chinese and Japanese architecture is evident throughout and such is its diversity the town now boasts some of the country's most interesting and delicious cuisine.

Day 10 : Hoi An

Today you will head out on the water in traditional bucket boats to experience the everyday life of a Vietnamese fisherman. Explore local fishing communities before trying your hand at catching your own. A fresh seafood lunch will be served on-board afterwards.The afternoon is free to explore or relax at your own leisure.This evening you may want to try one of the town's many riverside restaurants and sample local specialities such as White Rose dumplings or Cau Lau noodles.

Day 11 : Hoi An

This morning you will join a local chef for a tour around Hoi An's markets before taking a boat to the renowned Red Bridge cooking school. Here under the guidance of a Vietnamese chef you will learn to marry local ingredients together and create a number of select dishes frequented in the country's cuisine. The fresh herbs used in Hoi An's cooking are renowned for bringing to life many dishes.The afternoon is free to explore or relax at your own leisure.

Day 12 : Saigon

After breakfast you will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport in time for your afternoon flight to Saigon.Upon arrival in Saigon you will be met by your guide and taken to your hotel.Saigon is modern, vibrant and daring, especially when it comes to its food and the next couple of days will act as a fitting end to your Vietnamese culinary adventure.This evening you will join a small group of food enthusiasts for a city Vespa tour. Your driver will whisk you through the streets of Saigon's outer lying districts stopping off at a number of street vendors, intimate music venues and atmospheric bars giving you a unique and fascinating perspective of local life.

Day 13 : Saigon

Today you will venture out on to the streets of Saigon visiting many of the major sights including the Notre Dame cathedral, War Remnants Museum and Old Post Office.This evening you may want to dine in one of the city's many fine restaurants. We can recommend a few of our favourite options.

Day 14 : International return flight

Today is free to explore or relax at your own leisure before catching your flight home in the evening. Your return flight will arrive the same day.