Guide

All Intrepid Family trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to assist your family to take the hassle out of your travels and help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for fun things to do and see - for both kids and parents, recommend great local eating venues that will even get the kids trying new things, and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. Our leaders are not babysitters on this trip - we leave that to you (the experts), but they will make sure that group members of all ages are able to explore their destination safely and with as much fun as possible. Our group leaders are not responsible for looking after children at any time and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times throughout this itinerary.

Others

Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer Hanoi - Temple of Literature Hanoi - Water puppet show Hanoi - Lunch at KOTO Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology Hue - Cyclo Tour Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour Hue - Lavin Home paper flower making Hoi An - Old Town walking tour Hoi An - White Rose Cake cooking class Ho Chi Minh City - Orientation Walk Mekong Delta - Homestay and Boat Cruise Mekong Delta - Local market visit

Accommodation

GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS: Family of two: All family groupings of two will be accommodated in a twin room. Family of three: Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in some places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that a triple room will often be a twin room with a rollaway bed or mattress on the floor. Where triple rooms aren’t available it will be at your discretion which of your family takes the single room. Family of four or more: You will most likely be accommodated in two twin rooms. Where possible, we will accommodate your family in a quadruple room. While we do our very best to ensure that family groups are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over the exact placement of rooms within a hotel. Please be understanding if we are unable to room your family in immediate proximity of one another. Hotel (9 nights), Overnight boat (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (1 night), Homestay (1 night)

Meals

11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

VIETNAM FLIGHTS: Please provide your exact name (including middle name) as per passport 45 days prior to your trip’s departure date for flight tickets to be issued. Internal flights will be on the following safety audited airlines: Pacific Airlines, Vietjet or Vietnam Airlines. Boat , Minibus , Cyclo , Tuk Tuk , Overnight sleeper train , Plane

Not included:

Others

Other activities and services not included MANDATORY VACCINATION POLICY From 1 December 2021, all travellers on Intrepid trips, including in Australia, New Zealand and the Cook Islands, are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. This policy is in addition to any specific testing or vaccination requirements for entry or exit to a destination or required by your airline. For more information, including a detailed FAQ about this policy, please visit https://www.intrepidtravel.com/covid19 Passports, visas and entry requirements PASSPORT You will need a valid passport to travel internationally. As a general rule, most countries require that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Please ensure the passport details you provide are accurate. Any errors provided may result in extra fees for making corrections in bookings. We recommend taking copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you as well as leave copies at home with family or friends. VISAS Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time. It is important that you check your government’s foreign travel advisories along with the consular website of the country or countries you are travelling to for the most up to date information specific to your nationality and circumstances. Please be aware that not all visa information found online from other sources may be valid while COVID-19 restrictions are in place. Visas can take several weeks to process, so make sure you research the requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for obtaining any necessary documents as well as the application and processing time. Your booking consultant can advise on a visa processing service or you can apply yourself directly through a consulate. Below you will find general visa advice about the destinations on your trip. Below you will find general visa advice about the destinations on your trip. Due to constantly evolving COVID-19 requirements and restrictions, please refer to your government’s foreign travel advice for most up to date information. VIETNAM VISA: Most nationalities are required to obtain a tourist visa in advance to travel to Vietnam. An eVisa is available for some nationalities including passport holders from Australia, France, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States of America, valid for a single entry of a maximum of 30 days stay in Vietnam. For information on obtaining an eVisa visit the immigration website: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/ Evisas take up to 3 business days to be processed. You will need a clear electronic copy of your passport data page and passport photo, and to make a non-refundable payment as outlined on the immigration website. Keep the customs and immigration form you receive on arrival, as you need it to complete exit formalities on departure. Some nationalities are exempt from visas for a stay of a maximum of 15 days, including British, German, French, Spanish and Italian citizens travelling to Vietnam (for all purposes). This exemption is based upon meeting all conditions prescribed by Vietnamese laws. If you are planning on staying in Vietnam for longer than 15 days you will need to obtain a visa extension in advance (please contact your relevant Consulate or Embassy). Please also check requirements if you plan to re-enter Vietnam. If you are obtaining a tourist visa in your passport from an embassy or consulate, you should allow 3 weeks for processing. The cost is approximately US$60 to US$100. Please check with your embassy or consulate for further requirements. If your visa application asks for a point of contact, please write: Intrepid Vietnam 5th floor HiPT Building, 152 Thuy Khue Street, Thuy Khue, Tay Ho, Hanoi, Ph +84 4 3715 0996. Most nationalities do not require a letter of invitation for Vietnam but if you do need one, please contact your sales agent for more information.

Flights

International flights not included. VIETNAM FLIGHTS: Please provide your exact name (including middle name) as per passport 45 days prior to your trip’s departure date for flight tickets to be issued. Internal flights will be on the following safety audited airlines: Pacific Airlines, Vietjet or Vietnam Airlines.

Optional

Other activities and services not included A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn’t an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it’s recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance). Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank’s name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. Travellers who reside within the European Union or Switzerland receive basic international health insurance, so travel insurance is not mandatory under European Union Law. However, as this does not cover situations such as emergency rescues, private health care, or repatriation to their home country, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. European Union or Swiss travellers who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting.

Start planning your experience

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

Day 1: Hanoi

Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins in Hanoi – famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, public parks and thriving Old Quarter – with a welcome meeting at 5 pm. If you arrive early, why not head out and explore the Old Quarter at your own pace, maybe searching for a deliciously fresh bahn mi or some Vietnamese iced coffee (for the adults in the group). After the meeting, maybe head out to dinner with your family and fellow travellers – your local leader will always have some great recommendations handy.
Day 2 Day 2: Hanoi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Hanoi

Embark on a full day of exploration today. Visit the Museum of Ethnology to learn more about the diverse heritage of Vietnam, then head to the Temple of Literature – an oasis of calm in the heart of town. Enjoy some lunch at KOTO restaurant – a longtime friend of Intrepid that lives by the philosophy of ’know one, teach one’. It supports the underprivileged local youth by giving them a chance at making a career in the hospitality industry. 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 Day 3: Halong Bay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Halong Bay

Travel by minibus to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Ha Long Bay. The bay is a breathtaking and secluded harbour with about 2000 limestone islands jutting out of the waters of the Bac Bo Gulf. When you arrive, hop aboard 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 today, too. You’ll spend a peaceful night on board, beneath a sky alive with stars. Your sailing junk has twin-share cabins that have air-conditioning and private facilities and there’s a dining room and bar.
Day 4 Day 4: Hanoi - Overnight Train
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Hanoi - Overnight Train

If you’re keen, get up for sunrise this morning and watch the bay come alive with light from the deck. Have breakfast on the boat, then maybe head out for an optional early morning kayak. Return to Hanoi by bus, then 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 good idea to stock up on fresh bread, cheese and fruit before you head off.
Day 5 Day 5: Hue
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Hue

Arrive in Hue early this morning. Your leader will help you chose a local, tasty breakfast after you disembark, then you’ll visit the Thien Mu Pagoda – considered by many to be the unofficial symbol of Hue, this active Buddhist monastery originated 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 the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime. After, you’ll have some free time to freshen up before an afternoon cyclo tour. Journey through the streets of Hue, travelling around the citadel, passing through the local fruit and vegetable markets before stopping over at Ho Chi Minh’s house.
Day 6 Day 6: Hue
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Hue

This morning, visit the Imperial Citadel – the best-preserved remnant of a royal centre that once existed on this fortified site. The unique fortifications are fascinating to see, even though much of this place has sadly been destroyed by war. You’ll then visit the Forbidden Purple City, which was almost totally wiped out during the Tet Offensive of 1968. The gaping holes left by bombs give an idea of the shocking destruction that wreaked upon the country during the war. See the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and the central lake set amid a grove of frangipani and pine trees. After, stop into a local non-government organisation that supports Hue’s deaf community by providing training, employment, support and a place to connect with others. Here, you’ll meet the hosts and be welcomed with a cup of tea. You’ll be taught a few words in sign language so you can communicate (something priceless to take home with you!), then you’ll take part in a paper flower-making workshop. Your hosts will help you and the kids to make paper flowers that you can then take home as souvenirs.
Day 7 Day 7: Hoi An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Hoi An

Travelling by bus this morning, heading south through coastal rice paddies, then through the Hai Van Pass in the mountains to Hoi An. Recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An is beautifully preserved and is perfect for strolling, with many beautiful Japanese houses and Chinese temples lining the narrow lanes. Parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago! It’s also a shopping haven and the even the kids are sure to love the many shops and markets selling original paintings, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery and lanterns. Hoi An has also become famous for its tailoring, with a great variety of fabrics and tailors to choose from!
Day 8 Day 8: Hoi An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Hoi An

After breakfast, spend the morning at Cua Dai beach. This beach is known for its palm-fringed white sands 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 Day 9: Hoi An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Hoi An

Today is a free day to explore Hoi An’s Old Town at your own pace. Maybe take a cooking class and learn the secrets of preparing local specialties like cao lau (dark pork broth with thick yellow noodles, sliced pork, bean sprouts, green vegetables and croutons). Alternatively, hire some bikes and take the family out on a cycling trip into the gorgeous surrounding countryside. Another great activity for the kids is a bamboo basket ride down the waterways of the jungle – to organise any optional day trips and activities, just chat to your leader.
Day 10 Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City

Take a short flight to the economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is characterised by a vast array of sights and sounds – a fascinating blend of old and new, East and West. Check out Ben Thanh Market and tuck into a local lunch of street food during an orientation walk with your leader. After, you’re free to explore the city on your own. Your leader will have plenty of interesting and fun ideas for you and the kids. Consider scooting off on cyclos to Cholon – the Chinatown area of Ho Chi Minh City – for a bit of temple-hopping. Or visit the Vietnamese version of a department store for some shopping.
Day 11 Day 11: Mekong Delta
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Mekong Delta

Head down to the Mekong Delta and visit unexplored Ben Tre, where coconut is everything! The fertile delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits and flowers. When you arrive into ‘the rice bowl of Vietnam’, 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 where you’ll be invited into a family home for a true local experience and a chance to see daily life from the inside.
Day 12 Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City

Life in the delta starts with the sun, so embrace the day early. You’ll visit a local market before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City for one last night. You should arrive in the afternoon, which will give you time to explore at your own pace and take on anything you didn’t have a chance to do the first time. Tonight, why not head out with your fellow families for an optional farewell dinner, where you can celebrate a trip well travelled!
Day 13 Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City

With no activities planned after breakfast, you’re free to leave at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay in Ho Chi Minh City, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

+10

13 days tour

Vietnam Family Holiday

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Vietnam Family Holiday

Day 1: Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi

Day 3: Halong Bay

Day 4: Hanoi - Overnight Train

Day 5: Hue

Day 6: Hue

Day 7: Hoi An

Day 8: Hoi An

Day 9: Hoi An

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City

Day 11: Mekong Delta

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City

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