14 days tour

Chopsticks & Coconuts Family Holiday

$ 2,625 .00 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $2,625.00

Chopsticks & Coconuts Family Holiday

This tour includes:

Guide

Qualified Vietnamese leaders who speak English will lead all groups. Local guides may be used at various sites.

Meals

This trip includes 12 breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners. Thanks to the tropical climate, the long coast and gigantic range of mountains, Vietnam is blessed with numerous varieties of culinary offerings and maintains a reputation as one of the healthiest, tastiest cuisines in the world. Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a myriad of verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an important role in the cuisine. The Chinese and French influence is felt throughout the country, where you are just as likely to be offered a banh mi (stuffed baguette) as you are a hot bowl of pho (noodle soup). Be sure to seek out the national beverages: Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk (a real sugar and caffeine hit) and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is served on most street corners in the north out of large plastic jugs that are perfect for sharing. Food is cheap in Vietnam, and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere, with the exception of the night in the Mekong Delta. Vegetarian food is widely available; however, the offering will be fairly similar in most places. Please advise at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.

Others

Learning and sampling the secrets of delicious Vietnamese cuisine Sightseeing by cyclo (bicycle taxi) and also by bike A night in a village homestay Magical boat rides and kayaking around scenic Halong Bay, the Eastern Sea and Mekong Delta Crawl through the Cu Chi war tunnels Beaches and swimming pools

Flights

2 internal flights included *** All other flights are not included.

Transport

We use a private minibus or coach, which will be comfortable, usually with air conditioning. Most of the driving days are not long, usually no more than three to four hours. Road conditions are generally good and improving all the time in Vietnam. However, progress can be slow in the main cities due to traffic. There are two domestic flights, all bookings on flights are made in economy class. Tet Holiday Period (Vietnamese New Year) During the Tet holiday period, 9-15 February 2024 and two weeks either side of Tet, our itinerary is subject to minor change as, despite booking hotels and trains in advance, rooms and seats are difficult to obtain during this busy festive period when people are travelling home to celebrate with their families. It is unlikely that changes will occur and if they do it is likely we will just need to use alternative accommodation.

Accommodation

Accommodation on this trip includes: 10 nights in comfortable, centrally located hotels, all rooms en suite One night on a boat in twin-share cabins, en suite One night in a standard guesthouse, sleeping one to three per room (depending on group size) to experience Mekong Delta hospitality One night on a sleeper train in soft-bed berths We have endeavoured to select hotels for their location and character, and to use the best-available accommodation in each area visited. These will have en suite facilities, a reliable supply of electricity and water, good service, and some added amenities. Most hotels have swimming pools but the homestay guesthouse in the Mekong Delta does not. There are opportunities to swim at beaches in Hoi An and on Whale Island. Whale Island Our two-night stay on Whale Island is regarded as a highlight for many; however, the accommodation is basic. You stay in bamboo thatched bungalows, each with mosquito nets, fans and en suites. The simplicity of island life makes it idyllic. Sleeper train We spend one night on the sleeper train, the best way to travel long distances with the local people. The journey between Da Nang and Nha Trang is quite comfortable; however, it is simple, despite being first-class. You will be in a four-berth cabin (occasionally six depending on the season) and bedding is provided, although some prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. On occasions, passengers of different sexes will be required to share a compartment and there will be occasions where youโ€™ll be sharing with local travellers or travellers who are not part of your group. Most trains have a dining carriage, but people generally stock up on snacks before the journey. Single Accommodation There may be instances when you want a single room. Perhaps a grandparent needs one, or parents of a family of three or five want to ensure they get a bit of space! Single supplements are available upon request (see price details below). Please advise at the time of booking. A single room is available on hotel nights only. Additional Accommodation Additional accommodation is available in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City before and after your trip. Please ask for prices. Due to high demand for rooms, there is a chance it may be in a different hotel to the start/end hotel of your trip. Please ask your sales representative if you wish to book extra nights. While we do our best to ensure families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we canโ€™t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little control over where you will be put.

Not included:

Others

โ€” Travel Insurance โ€” Single accommodation (available on request) โ€” Visas or vaccinations

Optional

Hoi An Tu Bon River boat trip GBP 5/USD 8 Saigon Dam Sen Water Park Adult GBP 9/USD 11 Child GBP 5/USD 7 (plus round trip taxi GBP 15-30/20- 45 USD)

Insurance

Insurance is not included. It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Chopsticks & Coconuts Family Holiday

  • Day 1 Day 1: Start Hanoi
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Start Hanoi

      The day is free to recover from the flight or stroll among broad tree-lined avenues dating from the French period. There is a faded colonial charm to Hanoi, where baguettes and good coffee are sold from doorways of grand buildings from a past era. There will be a welcome briefing with your leader this evening, followed by an optional dinner at a local restaurant, where your children will have their first opportunity to master their chopstick skills. Accommodation: May De Ville City Centre Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 2 Day 2: Morning Tour Of Hanoi Including A Cyclo Tour Around The Old Quarter; Afternoon Free. Evening At A Water Puppet Show (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Morning Tour Of Hanoi Including A Cyclo Tour Around The Old Quarter; Afternoon Free. Evening At A Water Puppet Show (Breakfast)

      We take a city tour this morning, which will include a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum area to see his stilt house and visit the One Pillar Pagoda. We'll also visit the Temple of Literature and the Hoa Lo Prison (also known as the Hanoi Hilton). After, we take a cyclo (bicycle taxi) through the Old Quarter, which is home to the 36 Streets, each named for the products sold on it, such as Silk Street, Gold Street and Paper Street. The remainder of the day is at leisure. We recommend strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake, stopping for a coffee or ice cream at one of the many waterside cafes. In the evening, there is the option to enjoy a water puppet performance, a classic Hanoi experience. Accommodation: May De Ville City Centre Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 3 Day 3: To Halong Bay; Cruise/Kayak Among Spectacular Limestone Formations; Dinner And Sleep On Boat (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: To Halong Bay; Cruise/Kayak Among Spectacular Limestone Formations; Dinner And Sleep On Boat (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      We start early for the approximate four-hour journey to Halong Bay, where 3,000 limestone peaks rise from the emerald waters. We cruise among this amazing karst scenery, stopping to kayak (weather permitting) in places inaccessible by the larger boat, before a seafood lunch. In the late afternoon, we watch the sunset and enjoy another lovely meal before a night on the boat in twin-share cabins. Accommodation: Overnight boat

  • Day 4 Day 4: Cruise Then Return To Hanoi; Fly To Da Nang; Short Transfer To Hoi An (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Cruise Then Return To Hanoi; Fly To Da Nang; Short Transfer To Hoi An (Breakfast)

      We continue to cruise around Halong Bay this morning before returning to port. We then drive back to Hanoi, and transfer to the airport for a flight to Da Nang (approximately 1hr 30min). Upon arrival, we take a transfer (approximately 45 minutes) and check into our hotel in Hoi An and relax. Accommodation: Emm Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 5 Day 5: Morning Walking Tour Of Hoi An; Free Afternoon Followed By An Evening Cooking Class (Breakfast,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Morning Walking Tour Of Hoi An; Free Afternoon Followed By An Evening Cooking Class (Breakfast,Dinner)

      After breakfast, we enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An old town; a World Heritage site and the original European trading port in Vietnam. It is now a living museum, with attractive wooden merchant houses and pagoda-style temples with Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European architectural influences. The afternoon is free for you to discover this marvellous place and enjoy the thriving riverside market. In the evening, we join an informal cooking class where adults and children will learn how to make some Hoi An speciality dishes and even create spring rolls. Accommodation: Emm Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 6 Day 6: Cycle Through Countryside; Free Afternoon Before Taking An Overnight Train To Nha Trang (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Cycle Through Countryside; Free Afternoon Before Taking An Overnight Train To Nha Trang (Breakfast)

      This morning, we jump on bikes for a ride on quiet roads through the countryside past markets, schools and villages before continuing to Cua Dai beach (3mi/5km). Please note, we can provide bikes for children who are 3ft 9.5in (1.2m) and taller. The afternoon is dedicated to free time at the beach for swimming, or you can take an optional boat trip on the river or relax back in town. Later this evening, we transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to Da Nang train station, where we board an overnight train to Nha Trang. The group will have use of day rooms at our Hoi An hotel until 6pm, which can be used to freshen up before the overnight train. Accommodation: Overnight train

  • Day 7 Day 7: Arrive In Nha Trang; Transfer To Whale Island, Free Time To Swim In The Turquoise Sea
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Arrive In Nha Trang; Transfer To Whale Island, Free Time To Swim In The Turquoise Sea

      This morning, upon arrival in Nha Trang, we have breakfast and then transfer (approximately three hours) to the tropical retreat of Whale Island. With just one guesthouse on the island and beach bungalow accommodation, this really is a chance to unwind in paradise. Accommodation: Whale Island Resort (or similar)

  • Day 8 Day 8: Cruise Around Islands With Seafood Lunch And Snorkelling (Breakfast,Lunch)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Cruise Around Islands With Seafood Lunch And Snorkelling (Breakfast,Lunch)

      We join a morning boat trip to snorkel and swim before a seafood lunch. In the afternoon, there is the option to visit a local fishing village, see the whale temple, or walk around the island to a viewpoint for a 360-degree panorama of the mountainous coastline, surrounding coves and white-sand beaches. Accommodation: Whale Island Resort (or similar)

  • Day 9 Day 9: Fly To Ho Chi Minh City (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Fly To Ho Chi Minh City (Breakfast)

      We may have time for one last sea swim (depending on flight schedules) before transferring to the airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City, previously known as Saigon. This is an exciting and absorbing metropolis, where scooters rule the streets and old temples stand alongside modern developments. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 10 Day 10: Excursion To The Cu Chi Tunnels; Afternoon Tour Of Ho Chi Minh City With Visits To Reunification Palace And Ben Thanh Market (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Excursion To The Cu Chi Tunnels; Afternoon Tour Of Ho Chi Minh City With Visits To Reunification Palace And Ben Thanh Market (Breakfast)

      We visit the Cu Chi tunnels in the morning, which were used by the Viet Cong as living quarters and escape routes during the Vietnam War. Originally very narrow, some parts have been widened for tourists, allowing us to explore some of the extensive system. People with claustrophobia may prefer to stay outside in the sunshine before we return to Ho Chi Minh City. In the afternoon, we wander around the city visiting the Saigon River, Ben Thanh market, Reunification Hall and Notre Dame Cathedral. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 11 Day 11: Explore The Mekong Delta By Boat, Visiting A Floating Market And Villages; Overnight In Homestay Guesthouse (Breakfast,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Explore The Mekong Delta By Boat, Visiting A Floating Market And Villages; Overnight In Homestay Guesthouse (Breakfast,Dinner)

      This morning, we drive to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta (approximately 2hr 30min). The Mekong, known as the Rice Bowl of Vietnam, produces much of the fruit, sugarcane and coconuts in Vietnam. We spend time at Cai Be, where we begin a Mekong River boat trip passing a floating market and visiting typical riverside villages, where we learn about some of the local products, including popped rice, rice paper and coconut candy. Cai Be floating market is now less crowded and smaller; however, this is still a great opportunity to see local trade in action. We continue our journey after lunch, passing magnificent countryside and stopping at cottage industries. The evening is tranquil as we have dinner on an island and enjoy Delta hospitality. We spend the night sleeping at a simple guesthouse built in the style of a local house. Bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided. Accommodation: Homestay

  • Day 12 Day 12: Morning Walk Through Orchards And Traditional Sampan Ride; Return To Ho Chi Minh City (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Morning Walk Through Orchards And Traditional Sampan Ride; Return To Ho Chi Minh City (Breakfast)

      This morning, we walk through orchards and navigate small canals in a traditional wooden sampan. Later, we rejoin our boat to rendezvous with our vehicle for the journey back to Ho Chi Minh City via a little-visited Cao Dai temple used by devotees of this indigenous religion, which fuses all the great religions of east and west. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 13 Day 13: Free Day In Ho Chi Minh City Or Optional Visit To Dam Sen Water Park (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Free Day In Ho Chi Minh City Or Optional Visit To Dam Sen Water Park (Breakfast)

      Today is a free day to explore Ho Chi Minh City at leisure or do some souvenir shopping. Alternatively, there is the option (additional cost, payable locally) to visit the excellent Dam Sen Water Park, which has slides and rides. Your leader will advise further during the trip for those who wish to do this optional activity. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 14 Day 14: End Ho Chi Minh City (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: End Ho Chi Minh City (Breakfast)

      This family adventure draws to a close after breakfast. However, if youโ€™d like a little more time to explore this buzzing city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 9 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

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