Vietnam Family Adventure

From the beautiful landscapes of Halong Bay, to the beaches of Phu Quoc, Vietnam is a land of smiles and adventure. This stunning journey through the natural and historic heartland of the country takes you from chaotic Hanoi to the serene Mekong Delta by junk, kayak, sampan and hydrofoil. Along the way you will explore the bustling streets of Hanoi and Saigon, crawl through the Chu Chi Tunnels and cruise through the villages and floating markets of the ‘Nine Dragons River’. This is a journey of stunning contrast, covering the length of the entire country, from the northern historic northern capital to the glittering turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand.


Highlights

  • Swimming and kayaking amongst the World Heritage landscapes of Halong Bay and cruising on a traditional junk.
  • Cycling around historic Hoi An.
  • Visiting the infamous Chu Chi Tunnels and exploring Saigon by cyclo and on foot.
  • Drifting through the villages and floating markets on a Mekong cruise.
  • Relaxing on the golden beaches of Phu Quoc, one of Vietnam’s most popular resorts.


Tour includes:
  • 14 nights hotel and guesthouse accommodation.
  • 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners.
  • 3 internal flights.
  • 3 day/2 night cruise in Halong Bay in private cabin on Dragons's Pearl Junk.
  • Accompanied by experienced English speaking local guides. Private basis.
  • Private chauffer driven vehicle.
  • Sightseeing program including all entrance fees.
  • Private guided transfers to and from all airports.


Departures: Daily

Comment:
An exciting family adventure combining plenty of activity with sightseeing and cultural interaction. Great for travellers of all ages.

Flight Inclusive Price:
Based on return economy class flights with Thai Airways; from London Heathrow to Hanoi, and returning from Ho Chi Minh to London, both via Bangkok. This will add 2 days onto your itinerary. UK Airport Passenger Duty and airport taxes are also included.

Tour Prices:
Whilst all best endeavours are made to ensure the prices for private journeys on our website are accurate - given the nature of peak season air supplements and fuel surcharges - prices given above may vary depending on departure date and availability.

Vietnam Family Adventure

Vietnam Family Adventure

Day 1: Hanoi
Arriving in Vietnam's capital, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel close to the Old Quarter. Venturing into the labyrinthe of back alleys, a maze of shops and noodle sellers, you will visit one the narrow houses to enjoy a Vietnamese coffee and take in the captivating views of Hoan Kiem Lake. This evening you will attend a performance of Vietnamese water puppetry.

Day 2: Hanoi - Halong Bay
Leaving the hotel this morning you will drive to Halong Bay, possibly one of the most spectacular natural settings anywhere in Asia. Steeped in legend, this breathtaking World Heritage Site presents a stunning backdrop to the next two days of cruising; taking you into a world of limestone caverns and mystical islands. After a welcome drink, your traditional junk will set sail, cruising around the bay to Cap La, where you will have a chance to enjoy your first swim and kayak before dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Halong Bay
After enjoying and an al fresco breakfast overlooking the bay, you then cruise to Cong Dam to kayak around the hidden lagoons. Sailing on to Tra Giol later for some well-earned sunbathing and swimming, you'll then enjoy a barbecue lunch before paying a visit to the fishing village of Cong Dam. This presents an ideal opportunity to meet some of the local people and learn something of their lives and cultures, before sailing back through the lagoons to Cong Do. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Halong Bay - Hoi An
Following breakfast you pay a visit to the Thien Canh Son Cave, for a final swim in the bay before returning to the mainland. After an a la carte lunch on board, you will then drive back to Hanoi to catch an internal flight on to Danang, where you will be met and transferred to the old merchant city of Hoi An, one of Vietnam's most historic and engaging old towns. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Hoi An
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An is one of the most romantic and enchanting towns in Vietnam. This morning you join a local guide to explore the historic heart of the town filled with a rich array of wonderfully preserved buildings, visiting the wonderfully grandiose Tan Ky House (a superb 18th century merchant's house) and the temple of the sea goddess, Thien Hau. The afternoon is free to explore this cultural gem at your leisure. (B)

Day 6: Hoi An
Following a short walk to the Bach Dang pier this morning, you cross the Thu Bon River to pay a visit to the neighbouring community of Kim Bong. Famed for their skills in carpentry, the artisans of Kim Bong have been favoured by Vietnam's ruling elite for centuries, being employed to work on the palaces of the Nguyen emperors and even the tomb of Ho Chi Minh. Taking a guided tour by bicycle, you will have a chance to explore the workshops and shipyards, meandering past temples and rice fields and enjoying some seasonal fruits along the way, before returning to Hoi An. (B)

Day 7: Hoi An
Today offers an opportunity to create some culinary magic with an optional cookery class. After shopping for ingredients in the local market, you'll then prepare a traditional Vietnamese dish, learning from the experts how to create a delicious and aromatic meal. Alternatively you can spend the day exploring a little more of Hoi An and its surroundings, perhaps paying a visit to one of the town's famous tailor shops, or relaxing on the beach. Close by are the stunning Cham temples of My Son, one of the country's most important archaeological sites. (B)

Day 8: Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City
Leaving the serenity of Hoi An behind this morning you fly to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), without doubt one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in South East Asia. Once the capital of French Indochina, it has risen from the ashes of the Vietnam War to become one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Vietnam. This afternoon you will enjoy a tour of the bustling streets by cyclo, before paying an evening visit to the sprawling and chaotic market of Binh Tay. (B)

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City
After watching mass at Cao temple, you head to the infamous tunnels of Chu Chi. This fascinating relic of Vietnam's long and bloody colonial wars, is incredible network of underground passages and chambers, that served a command base for thousands of Vietnamese troops. This afternoon those with a head for heights have the option of tackling the X-rock climbing wall, or (for a gentler activity!), visit a local rice paper workshop. (B)

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh is filled with an amazing collection of reminders of Vietnam's recent and bloody past. Todays guided tour of the city visits the Unification Palace, and the emotive War Crime Museum, home to some particularly powerful images from the colonial wars. The tour will also take in the French colonial grandeur of the Notre Dame Cathedral, the GPO building and the old Hotel de Ville, which today serves as the headquarters of the People's Committee. (B)

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta
One of the world's great rivers, the mighty Mekong, known locally as the 'Nine Dragons River', has always been essential to life in the Delta. This morning you leave Ho Chi Minh behind to start cruising through the network of canals and waterways, enjoying a lunch of elephant ear fish and grilled prawns with a local family, passing through floating markets en route to your hotel in Can Tho. (B,L)

Day 12: Mekong Delta - Sampan Cruise
Day 12: Departing early this morning you take to the river in a traditional sampan for a cruise to the bustling floating market at Cai Rang. One of the most remarkable sights on the river, this colourful market is the largest in the Delta, with locals and farmers haggling and bartering from boats overflowing with fruit and vegetables. Transferring to the quiet backwaters, you stop for a walk in the tranquil countryside, before heading back to Can Tho. (B)

Day 13: Mekong Delta - Phu Quoc
Leaving Can Tho you drive to the town of Rach Gia, and take the hydrofoil to Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island. Nestling amongst the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is well known for its beautiful beaches and pristine landscapes and on arrival you will be transferred to the Sea Star Resort, where the rest of the day is free to enjoy the golden sands of Bai Truong (Long Beach). (B)

Day 14: Phu Quoc
Today is free to enjoy more of Phu Quoc's charms. Much of the island is a natural sanctuary, with the lush jungle and offshore waters falling under the protection of a national park, making for some superb diving and snorkelling. You can also hire motorbikes or cars to explore farther afield if you are feeling adventurous, heading up into the forested hills to enjoy some walking along some of the trails. There is also an option today to pay a visit to a nearby pearl farm. (B)

Day 15: Phu Quoc - Ho Chi Minh City
Transferring to Phu Quoc's airport after breakfast, you take the short flight back to Ho Chi Minh City, where you will connect with your onward bound flight home. (B)

Vietnam Family Adventure

Without flights

DatesTypePrice Per PersonSingle Supplement 
1 Jan 12 - 31 Dec 12Adult Price£1,930 £360 Make an Enquiry
Child Price£1,650 £360

With flights from the UK

DatesTypePrice Per PersonSingle Supplement 
1 Jan 12 - 31 Dec 12Adult Price£2,740 £360 Make an Enquiry
Child Price£2,440 £360

* Please note the prices shown above are based on four persons sharing two twin or double rooms. To qualify for discounted child price, children must be under the age of 12 at the time of travel.

Vietnam Family Adventure

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More useful information when travelling to:
Vietnam

Flight Information

There are no direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City from London. The easiest route is generally via Paris with Air France and takes around 12:30hrs.

Useful Tips

• Take a cyclo rickshaw around Hanoi, cheap and good fun

• Enjoy a Vietnamese water puppet show

• Take ear plugs to the firing range at the Cu Chi Tunnel - AK47s make a hell of a bang!

• Ask for extra Lemon grass in your Vietnamese curry, tastes great.

When To Go

In general terms the best time to visit Vietnam is the months from October through to March when the weather should be warm without being too stifling.

Packing List

Below is a list of general items you might take with you on a Wild Frontiers trip to Vietnam. With your booking confirmation you will receive a packing list specific to your tour, so please treat this as a general guideline only.

Luggage:
It is best to use a soft bag - rucksack/hold-all/duffel bag - so it can be transported and stored more easily.
On all our trips a small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions.

Clothing:
In general you should bring clothes you feel comfortable with, so as a guide we suggest a packing list like this:
• 4 x Light cotton shirts or T-shirts, short sleeved and long.
• 2/3 pairs of cotton trousers. If preferred, women can wear dresses and skirts
• 2 x Lightweight jumpers or sweatshirts
• Good quality fleece or warm jumper
• Waterproof jacket or poncho
• Warm nightwear
• Change of clothing for the evenings
• Sun hat or cap
• Swim suit or trunks
• Pair of walking shoes/boots (walking)
• Pair of recreational shoes, adventure sandals, trainers or pumps

Equipment:
The following is useful extra equipment for you trip:
• Travel towel, travel soap and toiletries
• Flip flops/sandals for showers
• Torch (LED head-torch keeps your hands free)
• Pair of good quality sunglasses
• Water bottle
• Plug adapter (see ‘Electricity’ section)

Personal First Aid Kit:
While we do carry a large medical kit on all our group tours, we would still advise that you take some of the basics with you. This should include:
• Any prescription medication required (please inform the tour leader at your pre-departure meeting about these)
• Antibacterial dry hand wash
• Painkillers: paracetamol & ibuprofen
• Rehydration salts (Gastrolyte)
• Malaria Tablets (if necessary)
• Travel motion-sickness tablets if required (e.g. natural ginger tablets)
• Diarrhoea remedies
• Antihistamines
• Cold/flu decongestants
• Mosquito Repellent
• Insect bite cream
• Laxatives
• Plasters/Bandage/Steri-Strips/Blister pads
• Sunscreen (30+ factor)
• Moisturiser/after sun cream/lip balm
• Contact lenses and solution if required
• Tweezers
(A kit with most of this in is available at www.nomadtravel.co.uk)

Optional Extras:
• Ear plugs (if sharing a room / camping)
• Alarm clock
• 3-4 plastic carrier bags are very useful for dirty washing, dirty shoes and rubbish
• Binoculars
• Small packs of tissues
• Money belt or secure pouch for money and passport etc.
• Eye patches if light affects your sleep
• Sewing kit/scissors
• Writing materials
• Spare batteries/camera memory cards
• Swiss Army knife
• Calculator (for currency conversion)
NB: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are rare. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.

You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!

Hand Luggage:
Although it is very rare that luggage goes missing on flights, it has been known to happen and so it’s a good idea to carry a spare top, toothbrush, wash kit, underwear and any other essentials in your hand luggage so that you can at least freshen up while waiting for your bags to catch you up. If you wear your sturdy shoes/boots it will also reduce weight in your luggage and keep them safe.

Practical Information

Time:
Vietnam is 7hrs ahead of GMT.
A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com

Food and Alcohol:
Rice is the foundation for meals, and almost all dishes are cooked with fresh ingredients such as vegetables, freshwater fish, poultry, duck, pork, beef or water buffalo. Limejuice, lemon grass and fresh coriander give the food its characteristic tang, and various fermented fish concoctions are used to salt the food. Hot chillies, garlic, mint, ground peanuts, tamarind juice, ginger and coconut milk are other seasonings.

Electricity:
Those bringing video & digital cameras that require battery chargers should also bring a two-pin, American style adapter. In most hotels you can charge from the mains using a travel adaptor plug, in some areas power will be unreliable so be sure to have spare batteries.

Money:
In Vietnam the unit of currency is the Dong.
To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com
A few points to help you plan:
• Payments are mainly made in cash.
• Only the few large hotels and banks accept credit cards and Travellers Cheques so they are basically useless.
• It is strongly recommended you travel with US dollars in cash. Sterling can be difficult to change.
• It is useful to bring lots of small denomination notes.

Language & Religion:
In Vietnam, the major language is Vietnamese. English, French, Chinese, Japanese, Russian and German are popular foreign languages. The religions of Vietnam are varied and rarely clear-cut. Although some people call themselves Buddhists, they do likely practice Confucian and Taoist principles, ancestral worship, a little animism, and superstitions as well. Actual beliefs have developed over centuries from a melting pot of many ideas.

The strong influence of Buddhism, resulted in certain characteristics of Vietnamese people such as: gentleness, tolerance, hospitality, generosity, non-violence, compassion and humility. Other religions practiced in Vietnam include Christian, Catholic, and Cao Dai.

Cultural Sensitivity:
At Wild Frontiers we are very aware of the ethical impact tourism can have on ancient cultures. We realise that taking a group of tourists through such a region can have a negative impact on the lives of those who live there and on all our tours we therefore go to great lengths to minimise the negative and accentuate the positive…after all, there are also many good things that the tourist can bring.

To help this process we ask that our clients do not hand out pens or sweets to children. As one sign in Egypt emphatically put it, ‘Please don't make beggars out of our children!' No matter how well intentioned, in our opinion the dolling out of free gifts fosters a ‘beggar mentality' that is ultimately extremely destructive to a society. In addition we do not condone giving out money to beggars or ‘students'.

However, we also realise that we are exceptionally privileged to be travelling in areas where most of the people have far less than us and that the desire to ‘help' can be very powerful. As a result we ask that you refer to your trip dossier for information on the Wild Frontiers Foundation which supports specific projects in the areas where we travel.

Photography:
Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission.

Also many countries have very strict rules about taking photos of army, police or any official personnel; restrictions apply at borders, bridges and any government building. Please exercise care in this regard as the penalty may be to have your film and/or camera confiscated.

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