Arrive in Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital located in the heart of northern Vietnam, warmly welcomed by the English-speaking guide from Kampá Tour at the airport. A comfortable transfer takes visitors to the centrally located hotel (rooms available from 2:00 p.m.), with the day's activities tailored to suit the arrival time.
Set out for the first exploration of the city center, marking the start of your 2-week family trip itinerary in Vietnam, soaked in the charm of this ancient capital:
Ly Thai To is the founder of the Ly dynasty (1009-1225). It was he who transferred the capital from Hoa Lu to Hanoi in 1010.
This Old Quarter is located in the heart of Hanoi and is full of old houses, temples, bustling markets, artisan shops, and traditional restaurants. It is an emblematic place that testifies to the history and culture of the Vietnamese capital.
Discover the colonial heritage with French concessions: Take a cycle rickshaw ride through the city to visit the Grand Théâtre, the Métropole hotel, the state bank, and the Central Post Office. End your day with a relaxing night at the hotel.
A day dedicated to exploring Hanoi's most remarkable cultural sites and historical monuments:
Spend your night in Hanoi.
Heading towards the high mountains of the far north of the country, an expansive border region between Laos and China. Stop along the way at Suoi Giang, land of green tea plantations with its towering centuries-old tea trees. Optional visit to a tea farm and tasting session.
Arrival at Nghia Lo, a small village nestled in the vast Muong Lo basin. Settle in with a Thai family in the village of Ban Deu, inhabited by both white and black Thai minorities.
Warmly welcomed by our hosts, take a rest and embark on a bicycle ride around the village. Meet with the Thai locals, uncovering the distinctions between the white and black Thai communities (attire, habits, customs, etc.).
In the evening, enjoy a family dinner. Overnight stay in their stilt house.
Greetings from our hosts, then off to Mu Cang Chai, land of magnificent rice terraces. This landscape, a delight for even the most discerning photographers, reaches its peak beauty from June to September when hills, slopes, and fields are adorned with vibrant green and golden rice paddies. Several stops are planned along the way:
Overnight in a hotel.
Continue towards Sapa through the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, the southeasternmost extension of the Himalayas.
In the afternoon, hike amidst beautiful exotic landscapes along the valley, visiting ethnic villages like Lao Chai of the Black Hmong, Ta Van of the Dzay, etc. Meet with locals working in the rice fields, discovering their daily lives.
Return to the village, overnight in a hotel.
Enjoy a day of hiking amidst stunning exotic landscapes along the vast Muong Hoa valley, with views of its spectacular rice terraces. Located southwest of Sapa and at the foot of Mount Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina.
Visit ethnic villages scattered throughout the valley, such as Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai with their Black Hmong, Ta Van and Dzay. (By late August, the rice terraces begin to ripen, turning the entire Muong Hoa valley from green to yellow - an extraordinary landscape only once a year... don't miss it!).
Possible encounters with locals working in their rice fields and other crops, and discover their daily life.
Night in Sa Pa.
Head towards Bac Ha – a small and peaceful town about a hundred kilometers northeast of Sapa (Bac Ha is known for its weekly ethnic markets in the surrounding areas).
Walk through stunning landscapes of rice terraces and streams around Bac Ha. Away from the crowds, visit very un-touristy villages of Thai Giang Pho and Na Hoi populated by Tay, Black Hmong, and Flower Hmong minorities.
Settle in at the end of the day with a warm Tay ethnic family. Dinner and overnight with the family.
Today, depending on the day of the week, seize the opportunity to visit one of the bustling weekly markets bustling with local minorities around Bac Ha.
Engage with the vibrant tapestry of ethnic communities as they gather to trade goods and exchange stories, offering a glimpse into their colorful customs and traditions. Witness the unique livestock trade among the locals, adding a fascinating cultural dimension to your journey.
Later in the afternoon, embark on a scenic drive back to Hanoi, relishing the picturesque landscapes along the way.
Retreat to the comfort of your hotel for a restful overnight stay, reflecting on the enriching experiences of the day.
Set off for Ninh Binh, a region adorned with towering limestone formations, verdant rice paddies, and tranquil waterways that meander through the landscape like ribbons of serenity.
Arrive at Ninh Xuan and ascend Mua Mountain, where a mesmerizing panorama awaits atop its summit. Climb the 486 stone steps to behold sweeping views of the Tam Coc region, offering a captivating glimpse into nature's splendor.
Subsequently, journey to Tam Coc, where you'll embark on a leisurely bike ride, immersing yourself in the idyllic surroundings and soaking in the beauty of the countryside.
In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, navigating through lush rice fields and beneath the arching limestone caves. Allow yourself to be enchanted by the ethereal beauty of Tam Coc, a landscape that seems plucked from a dream.
As the day draws to a close, return to Hanoi, where you'll retire to your hotel for a well-deserved rest, reminiscing about the day's adventures amidst the tranquility of the evening.
Head out on a journey to Halong Bay, often hailed as the most stunning bay in Vietnam and one of the most enchanting landscapes in all of Asia. Step aboard a traditional junk upon arrival and receive a warm welcome from the crew. Set sail for an unforgettable cruise across the bay, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the northern part of Halong Bay, known as Bai Tu Long:
We provide shared junks, typically smaller in size with 10 to 12 cabins, suitable for hosting around twenty passengers. Alternatively, you have the choice of selecting a private cruise on a smaller junk, offering one or a few cabins, for a truly unforgettable experience. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you're interested in this option.
End of the afternoon, relaxing on the upper deck of the junk.
Participation in a culinary demonstration on board, preparation of spring rolls or spring rolls.
Tasty seafood lunch and dinner.
Free evening for your personal rest and relaxation: card games, night fishing…
Night on board.
Rise at dawn to savor a truly unique spectacle: the first rays of sunlight peering over the countless sugarloaf peaks of the bay, followed by a serene Tai Chi session on the terrace.
Tai Chi, the art of deep relaxation, involves performing a series of slow, flowing, and circular movements.
Initiate on a boat or kayak excursion to explore the charming fishing village of Vung Vieng, where you may have the chance to meet local residents.
Enjoy lunch on the junk, then disembark and return to Hanoi.
In the evening, catch a flight to Hue, the historic imperial city located in the heart of the country.
Spend the night in Hue.
Departure for a city tour of Hue (Hue being the last imperial capital of Vietnam 1802-1945)
Night at the hotel.
Departure by road for Hoi An, an ancient small town located 150 km south of Hue. Several stops are planned along the way:
This pass acts as a natural climatic divide between the northern and southern regions of the country. From its summit, you can behold the breathtaking bays of Lang Co and Da Nang, stretching as far as the eye can see.
In the afternoon, arrive in Hoi An, complete the check-in process at the hotel, and settle in for an overnight stay.
Here comes a full-day bicycle excursion to discover the serene and verdant countryside of Hoi An, nestled downstream along the Thu Bon River.
After breakfast, set out towards the fishing village of Van Lang and the Bay Mau coconut forest, a region surrounded by numerous channels, mangrove forests, and water coconut palms that still maintain their authenticity. The route meanders through rice fields, cornfields, orchards, friendly hamlets, craft workshops, and boat-building yards, offering picturesque stops, visits, and engaging encounters.
Upon arrival in Van Lang village, receive a warm welcome from the friendly local boatmen before embarking on a round-basket boat ride through coconut-lined rivers. Marvel at the beautiful landscapes, relax, and then try your hand at exceptional shrimp fishing techniques. Afterward, land and settle in with a local family.
In the afternoon, continue to Tra Que village, renowned for its organic vegetable cultivation. Walk through the fields, meet the farmers, and participate in agricultural activities such as soil fertilization and herb planting. Interact with the friendly villagers before biking back to your hotel.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, with the evening spent at your hotel.
Enjoy a fully free day for independent exploration of Hoi An's Old Town:
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Free time until transfer to the airport for the flight to Hanoi and then the return flight. Thank you for choosing Kampá Tour's family travel services in Vietnam in 16 days! This Vietnam family trip has been designed as part of a comprehensive Vietnam 2-week itinerary, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience for your family. It has been our pleasure to accompany you on this wonderful journey. Safe travels!
To deal with language barriers in Vietnam in 2 weeks, learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases, use translation apps like Google Translate when your guide isn't around, carry a phrasebook, and be patient and polite. Many young Vietnamese people and those working in tourism speak some English, so don't hesitate to ask for help.
Yes, it is entirely possible to make changes to the provided itinerary. We specialize in private and tailor-made trips, and our advisors will be able to adjust the program according to your every wish.
Balancing relaxation and adventure in this itinerary involves planning a mix of activities that cater to both. Incorporate adventurous activities like trekking, biking, and water sports with relaxation time at beaches, spas, and scenic spots. Kampá Tour will ensure your itinerary has a good mix of high-energy days followed by more leisurely days to rest and recharge.
Unique experiences to include in this trip could be taking a street food tour, trying your hand at traditional crafts like pottery or silk weaving, enjoying a bike ride through the countryside, participating in a dawn Tai Chi session by a lake, or exploring Vietnam's coffee culture by visiting local cafes and trying different brews.
The walks and hikes offered in our tours are of easy to moderate difficulty level and typically last for 3-5 hours per day. However, the duration and difficulty of the hikes depend on your fitness level. You can shorten or extend the duration of the hikes according to your preferences. This private program can be customized on-site.
Spending 2 weeks in Vietnam is an ideal amount of time to experience the country's diverse attractions and culture. During this period, you can explore the bustling streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, marvel at the natural beauty of Halong Bay, and relax on the stunning beaches of Da Nang. Additionally, you can choose to focus your 2-week itinerary on either the northern, central, or southern regions of Vietnam to fully immerse yourself in the unique experiences each area offers. Whether it's the mountainous landscapes and ethnic cultures of the north, the historical sites of the central region, or the vibrant Mekong Delta in the south, two weeks provide ample opportunity to appreciate the essence of Vietnam.
All our tours are private and tailor-made, and we can certainly customize the itinerary by combining must-see sites with off-the-beaten-path excursions. Feel free to let us know your preferences, and our advisors will be able to accommodate your every request.
It's certainly the North, which comprises the Northeast and Northwest mountains. Located along the country's Laotian and Chinese borders, Northern Vietnam's mountains boast incredibly wild and breathtaking landscapes: limestone peaks and vast rolling hills as far as the eye can see, lush valleys with stunning terraced rice fields, winding roads and switchbacks on the mountain slopes. It's also the only region where the culture of minority ethnic groups remains strongly present: traditional villages, unique customs, colorful attire, and vibrant weekly markets. The region is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, those interested in ethnic culture, and travelers looking to venture off the beaten path.
Among the country's three regions, the North, the Central, and the South, it's the North that is the most beautiful and interesting. For your first exploration, don't forget to visit the ancient capital of Hanoi, the land-based Halong Bay in Ninh Binh, and, most importantly, Halong Bay on a cruise. If time allows, take a detour to the Northern mountains, such as Sapa or Pu Luong, to discover stunning landscapes and diverse, authentic cultures.
Terraced rice fields can be found in the Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Mu Cang Chai, and Sapa regions.
In Mai Chau and Pu Luong, there are two rice seasons each year: the first season is from February to May, and the second lasts from June to October.
As for Mu Cang Chai and Sapa, there is only one rice season per year, from May to September.
During the rest of the year, even though the fields may be empty, visits are still possible because these destinations not only feature rice fields but also pristine forests and, most importantly, ethnic villages with their traditional houses.
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