Name: Vietnam Family Adventure
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.9 (21 reviews)

Vietnam Family Adventure Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Family Group, Guided Group
Destination: Vietnam
Programmes: Family
14 Days: Land Only
Ages: 9+
Trip Code: FIV
Carbon Footprint: 66kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Enjoy a family adventure from north to south Vietnam

From the spectacular limestone seascape of Ha Long Bay to the frenetic streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is a country of contrasts and surprises. The cities are an assault on the senses: noisy, colourful, aromatic and totally absorbing. We tour Hanoi by cyclo and have the option to see a traditional water puppet show. We have quieter time too, snorkelling at Whale Island, exploring the fascinating Mekong Delta by boat and cycling past green paddy fields near Hoi An. We also have the chance to enjoy the superb Vietnamese cuisine and master our chopstick skills.

At a Glance

Accommodation: 2 Superior nights (hotel), 9 Classic nights (8 hotel/resort, 1 Ha Long Bay boat), 2 Simple nights (sleeper train and homestay)
13 days of sightseeing, boat trips, kayaking and exploration
Travel by private minibus, boat, bike, train and two internal flights

Highlights

Experience the best of Vietnam on an adventure designed specifically for families
Hop on a cyclo (bicycle taxi) to explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi
Cruise among the otherworldly limestone peaks of Ha Long Bay on a traditional junk boat
Spend two nights on the tropical Whale Island, snorkelling in turquoise seas
Navigate the Mekong Delta on a traditional wooden boat and stay in a welcoming guesthouse
Enjoy downtime at beautiful beaches and hotel pools – the kids can all play together!

Is This Trip for You?

This trip has been rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page.

Though this trip has been designed for 13 to 16-year-olds, it’s also suitable for nine to 12-year-olds. Our Family trips are aimed at children in the primary age group, so if your child is in the secondary age group, they may find it a little harder. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Trip pace

This trip is designed so you can see the best of Vietnam using a mixture of private buses, boats and flights. There is a lot to see in the time you are here, but the itinerary is paced to feel relatively unrushed. Travel is kept to a minimum, but there are a few longer drives. There is plenty of time for sightseeing and the trip has numerous stops where we spend two or more nights.

Hotels and facilities

Some of the accommodation is modest but clean and tidy. The swimming pools may not be up to Western standards.

Photos

Local people and other Asian tourists may want to take photos of themselves with your children, particularly if they are young, blonde and have blue eyes. You should be prepared for them to do this without asking permission first. You should also be prepared for lots of traffic in the bigger cities, such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where you will have to relearn crossing the street.

Group

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

Adult min age: 9

Min group size: 8

Max group size: 24

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Hanoi
End City: Ho Chi Minh City

Land Only Itinerary

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: Babylon Grand Hotel & Spa (or similar)

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: Babylon Grand Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

We start early for the approximate four-hour journey to Ha Long 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

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We continue to cruise around Ha Long 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: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

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: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

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

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

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)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

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)

Meals included: 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)

Meals included: Breakfast

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, visiting typical riverside villages, where we learn about some of the local products, including popped rice, rice paper and coconut candy.

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 modest guesthouse built in the style of a local house. Bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided.

Accommodation: Homestay

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

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)

Meals included: 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)

Meals included: Breakfast

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

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotels, boat, Mekong Delta homestay and sleeper train

For this family trip in Vietnam, we have selected hotels for their location and character, and aim to use the best-available accommodation in each area visited. Most have swimming pools and there are opportunities to swim at beaches in Hoi An and on Whale Island.

Accommodation on this trip includes:

10 nights in centrally located hotels
One night on a boat in twin-share cabins
One night in a Mekong Delta guesthouse, sleeping one to three per room (depending on group size)
One night on a sleeper train in soft-bed berths

Below are a few of the notable stays on this trip.

Mekong Delta homestay

Vietnam Family Adventure

Our time in a guesthouse allows us to experience true Delta hospitality, as we are looked after by local people and stay by the Mekong River. The rooms are relatively basic; bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided, while there are shared bathroom facilities with a shower. The real highlight though is the hospitality of our hosts, the lush garden, and the food (homemade southern Vietnamese cuisine).

Whale Island

Vietnam Family Adventure

Our two-night stay on Whale Island is regarded as a highlight for many; however, the accommodation is basic. You stay in thatched bungalows, each with mosquito nets, fans and private bathrooms. 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 rated 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 you’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.

Worth knowing

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 below). Please advise at the time of booking. A single room is available on hotel nights only.
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 can’t guarantee this. Most family trips occur during peak season and we sometimes have little control over where you are put.

While we do our best to ensure families 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 control over where you will be put.

Single supplement from £ 335

Food & Drink

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.

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, 28 January to 3 February 2025 and 16-21 February 2026, 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.

Weather & Seasonality

The weather will be hot and humid throughout with daytime temperatures usually 28C-34C (82F-93F). It is only a little cooler at night.

There is quite a range of seasons between the north and south: the south up to Hue has a distinct dry season between December and April and then a rainy season from May to November when it tends to come in short heavy bursts with bright sunshine in between. Hanoi is cool in autumn, and even gets chilly between November and February (with a drizzly rain).

There is no ideal time to visit Vietnam; it is quite pleasant at any time of year, though it is unlikely the weather will be perfect for the entire trip.

Please be aware, the Ha Long Bay boat trip is subject to short notice change if adverse weather conditions develop during your trip. These could occur year-round, but especially in monsoon season (from October to April). Ha Long Bay boat trips are governed by the local authorities, who are authorised to make appropriate safety decisions. If your Ha Long Bay trip is affected by adverse weather, this could either result in a reduced excursion or, less likely, the need to re-arrange the itinerary if it is not possible at all to go out on Ha Long Bay. While this is not a frequent occurrence, our local team and leaders are well equipped to handle such situations and have long offered appropriate options to groups in the instances where this may occur.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Hanoi Airport (HAN)

Getting to the start hotel

Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) from the end hotel.

Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Hanoi
Location end: Ho Chi Minh City

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Casual clothes. Light cotton clothing is recommended for most of the trip, though it will be cold in Hanoi between November and early March and you should bring a warm jacket, woolly hat, and trousers (pants) if you are travelling at that time. Please remember, you will be expected to cover your legs and arms (to the elbow) in some temples and palaces. Sandals are useful as they are cooler and are easier to take off when visiting temples
Torch (flashlight)
Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses and swimming costume
Bike helmet: these will be available locally; however, we can’t guarantee the quality and fit so please pack your own if you’d rather be confident in the standard and comfort of the helmets
A first-aid kit is carried on each trip, but you should bring your own with diarrhoea treatment, painkillers, rehydration sachets, plasters (band-aids) and a blister-treatment kit
Insect repellent containing DEET
Overnight bag. For the night in Ha Long Bay and the Mekong Delta, you will be required to leave your main bag behind at the previous hotel for the night
Warm clothes/layers for the overnight train journey, especially in the cooler months
Large refillable water bottle

There are laundry facilities at the bigger hotels or cheaper laundry facilities close to some hotels.

Water included

Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.

Optional Equipment

Money belt
Lightweight waterproof jacket or an umbrella (you could buy a cheap poncho locally)
Rash vests or swimsuits that are like shortie wetsuits as they can protect children from the sun

Practical Information

Passport

To enter Vietnam, your passport must have:

An expiry date at least six months after the day you arrive
A minimum of two blank pages
No water damage

Visa

Vietnam

UK passport holders normally do not need a visa to enter Vietnam for visits up to 45 days, while those with a US or Irish passport normally do need a visa to enter. Visa requirements for EU citizens vary by country.

Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through. Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/vietnam
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/vietnam
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/vietnam
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Vietnam.html

Vaccinations and Health

Vietnam

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to speak to your doctor or travel clinic about vaccinations for hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may want to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.

Similarly, dengue and zika, both viral diseases spread by mosquitoes, are known risks in Vietnam. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Local Time

Vietnam's time zone: Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh (UTC +07:00)

Electricity

Vietnam's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins, US standard), C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 220V, 50Hz

Money

Vietnam's currency: Vietnamese dong (VND)

ATM Availability

ATMs are widespread in Vietnam and are the easiest way of obtaining money, it is possible to withdraw a maximum of 2m Vietnamese dong (US$85) in major cities in one go.

Credit card acceptance is now widespread in Vietnamese cities at restaurants and shops catering for tourists.

If you would like to bring cash, there will be ample opportunity for you to change this. British pounds and US dollars are both easily exchanged.

As you will probably be carrying much of your money in cash, we strongly recommend using a money belt.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

You will need about 7.15m-8.6m dong (US$300-US$360) for all other meals, which will allow you to eat well. Apart from the food, you should allow money to cover soft drinks (more for the adults who like a beer/alcohol) and souvenirs.

Optional Excursions

There are several optional activities, which your leader can help arrange for you during the trip. Prices below are approximate:

Hoi An

Tu Bon River boat trip: 190,500 dong (US$8)

Ho Chi Minh City

Dam Sen Water Park:
- Adult 262,000 dong (US$11)
- Child 166,750 dong (US$7)
- Round-trip cab: 476,400-1.07m dong (US$20-US$45)

Tipping

This is entirely at your own discretion, but we suggest you allocate some funds to tip local guides and staff. The leader will suggest to the group that they donate a sum of US$43 per person towards a kitty on arrival. This money is then used to tip local guides, hotel porters, drivers etc. If you do not wish to contribute to a central pool, you are, of course, free to do so.

If you feel your leader has performed well over the course of your trip, you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal, but as a guide, US$3-US$6 per person per day would be a reasonable starting point. The tipping kitty is separate from any contribution to the tour leader. Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus.

Sustainability and Impact

At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.

As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.

Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.

Important Information

Water safety

This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.

Family trips

Our staff and leaders are there to ensure the trip runs as smoothly as possible. However, company policy states they cannot take care of children; it is your responsibility to look after your young ones throughout the trip. During free time or if you decide to opt out of part of the itinerary, you are responsible for your family and any arrangements that need to be made, though your leader will be happy to make recommendations.

Important Information

Your safe participation

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

Seatbelts

All vehicles used by Exodus should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by Exodus based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.

How to Book

Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.

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