Northern Vietnam Adventure for Families: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Beyond - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, Evening Show

Welcome to Vietnam! Your private driver will be waiting to take you to your Hanoi hotel. Vietnam's capital is located in northern Vietnam and offers an exciting mix of traditional culture, great food, and activities that both kids and adults will love. Depending on your time of arrival and how much energy you and your kids have, head out into the Old Quarter to get your first impressions of Hanoi and maybe your first meal.

In the evening, enjoy a "Lang Toi" ("My Village") show, a lively performance depicting ancient Vietnamese village life on the contemporary stage through enchanting folk melodies. All ages will be transfixed by the acrobats, dancers, and jugglers bringing rural Vietnam to life on the stage. The hour-long show is the perfect introduction to help understand the country's history and the patriotism and bravery of the Vietnamese people.

Day 2: Tour Ba Vi Countryside, Transfer to Mai Chau

Escape busy Hanoi and get close to nature on a day trip to the mountainous Ba Vi area. A 1.5-hour transfer west takes you to your first stop in Ri village, where your hosts will greet you with a welcome drink and some local snacks. Meet Mr. Duoc, a Vietnam War veteran with a tea plantation. Listen to his life stories and learn about tea growing and production in a small workshop. Your next stop is Moc village, where Ms. Chin will teach you how to cook local Vietnamese dishes, and your family will make delicious food together. Then, enjoy eating the meals you cooked for lunch in Ms. Chin's beautiful garden.

Energized after lunch, it's time for some physical activities as you join a cycling trip through rice paddies and banana trees. The cycle route will depend on your physical fitness and the age of your kids. For the smallest members of the family, bicycles with child seats on the back are available. End your day at Mr. Chinh's house, where you'll sip on fresh mint and lemon juice, help out in the garden, and soak tired feet in warm water with herbs—a traditional recipe of the region's Muong ethnic minority. 

After your trip to Ba Vi, your driver will transfer you to your accommodation in Mau Chau, a beautiful area south-west of Hanoi, where you'll spend a relaxing couple of days at the lovely Mai Chau Hideaway Resort, an eco-friendly resort on Hoa Binh Lake.

Day 3: Free Time at Mai Chau Hideaway Resort

After a couple of active days, your family will love relaxing at your luxury resort today, surrounded by stunning landscapes. Chill out in a beautiful garden and have fun in the infinity swimming pool and kids' playground nearby. Walk around the ethnic villages and learn about the locals' unique lifestyles, admire the green rice terraces along the way, or take a boat trip around the lake. For active and adventurous families, set off on a cycling trip through the villages or a kayaking journey to see floating houses and a fishing village.

Day 4: Transfer to Hanoi, Explore the City

Today you'll return to Hanoi via a private transfer. Check in to your hotel and take some free time to rest after the drive. As you didn't spend long in Hanoi at the start of your trip, now is your time to really get to know the capital. Spend the afternoon exploring the city at your own pace. You could enjoy walking through the Old Quarter, where there are lots of traffic-free areas for the kids to run around. Jump on a cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi) to explore the narrow streets of the district in a relaxing and authentic way.

The Old Quarter is also a great place to discover Hanoi's street food. Stop at a local shop to taste bun cha (pork meatballs) or pho bo (soup). Then treat yourself to a famous egg coffee and your kids to a Trang Tien ice cream, a Hanoi specialty. You could also check out Hoan Kiem Lake and the 11th-century Temple of Literature. 

Day 5: Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Adventure Activities

In the morning, your private driver will meet you at your hotel and take you to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site east of Hanoi. Cruising is one of the most comfortable and relaxing ways of exploring this natural wonder, especially if you're traveling with kids. This trip includes a variety of interesting activities, but it's all done at a slow pace. Upon arrival at the harbor, enjoy a welcome drink while the team introduces you to the cruise program. Then check into your cabin, where you will spend the night.

Enjoy lunch while you are cruising through the breathtaking scenery of limestone rocks and karst grottoes. After lunch, the ship will drop anchor in a quiet, cozy place, and older children can set out to explore the limestone islets and caves by kayak. Back on board, you'll continue cruising to one of the islands where you can swim or relax at the beach. Return to your boat in the evening to watch the sunset, take part in some activities prepared by the cruise team, and relax over dinner.

Day 6: Family-Friendly Activities in Ha Long Bay, Transfer to Hanoi

Rise early to see the sunrise and take part in some tai chi on deck. Then enjoy a hearty breakfast and get ready to explore a limestone cave by boat. The cave is full of stalagmites and stalactites and children of all ages will enjoy exploring its otherworldly chambers. Return to your boat to complete the check-out formalities and have an early lunch while the ship cruises back to the dock. At the harbor, your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Hanoi, a journey of approximately three hours. Enjoy one last dinner out in the Old Quarter as you prepare to bid farewell to Vietnam tomorrow.

Day 7: Depart Hanoi

Spend your last morning in Hanoi picking up some souvenirs in the Old Quarter. Let the little ones stretch their legs before your flight with a walk around one of the city's idyllic lakes, and grab one last bowl of noodles for lunch. Check out of your hotel and be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Goodbye Vietnam!

More Great Vietnam Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your family trip to Vietnam? Check out these other Vietnam itineraries, explore different ways to spend a week in Vietnam with your family, or discover the best time to visit Vietnam.

 

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