14 day Vietnam and Cambodia Family Adventure

Your journey begins as you touch down at Noi Bai International Airport, where your private driver awaits to escort you into the heart of Hanoi. This capital city, steeped in over a thousand years of history, greets you with its poetic blend of ancient architecture and tranquil lakes.

After settling into your hotel and enjoying some time at leisure, a truly special evening awaits. You are warmly welcomed into the home of a local family, where tradition and hospitality come alive. Over fragrant tea, hear stories of ancestry and heritage passed down through generations. A lovingly prepared home-cooked dinner follows, filled with authentic flavors and heartfelt conversations. By night’s end, you will have experienced not only Hanoi’s spirit but also the soul of its people.

Overnight in Movenpick Hotel Hanoi Centre or Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

With your private guide and driver, today you unveil the many layers of Hanoi. Begin at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, where Vietnam’s “Great Father” is remembered with reverence. Visit his Mausoleum, simple Stilt House, and the historic One Pillar Pagoda before venturing to the Museum of Ethnology, offering a fascinating glimpse into the country’s 54 ethnic groups. After a leisurely lunch, explore the Temple of Literature, a sanctuary of Confucian wisdom and Vietnam’s first university. Later, step into the workshop of Hanoi’s last traditional mask maker, where vibrant paper masks—symbols of Mid-Autumn joy—carry centuries of heritage. Conclude with a charming cyclo ride through the French Quarter, gliding past colonial villas, the Opera House, and the storied Metropole Hotel. This day is a perfect harmony of history, artistry, and authentic local life.

Overnight in Movenpick Hotel Hanoi Centre or Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

This morning, depart Hanoi with your private driver for the journey to Halong, where a speedboat whisks you to your luxurious floating home.

As the luxury cruise sails into the emerald embrace of Lan Ha Bay, savor a refined lunch in the light-filled dining hall or on your private balcony. In the afternoon, step ashore at Cat Ba Island and cycle through the secluded Viet Hai Village, where life unfolds quietly amid jungle-clad mountains and fertile valleys.

Return to the cruise for moments of indulgence Vietnamese tea tasting, a soothing spa ritual, or simply drifting into the sauna’s warmth.

As night falls, enjoy dinner onboard and perhaps join a guided Singing Bowl Meditation, or gaze at the starry skies from the terrace deck. The bay’s serenity will lull you into a night of timeless tranquility.

Overnight on Stellar of the Seas Cruise or Heritage Line Ylang Cruise

Awaken with the dawn for a rejuvenating Tai Chi session on the deck, as the bay stirs to life around you.

A light breakfast of coffee, tea, and pastries follows before the cruise glides toward the secluded beauty of Frog Lake. Here, paddles your kayak through a maze of jade-green waters, towering limestone cliffs, and tree-crowned islets, an exhilarating encounter with nature’s majesty. Returning onboard, enjoy a hearty brunch as the cruise makes its way back to shore.

A speedboat transfer returns you to the pier, where your private car waits for the drive back to Noi Bai Airport. From there, board your flight to Hue, the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival, your guide welcomes you and escorts you to your hotel, where the storied charm of the Royal City begins to unfold.

Overnight in Anhill Boutique Hue or Azerai La Residence Hue

You will be picked up and transferred to Hue Imperial citadel which is the most massive structure built in modern history of Vietnam. When visiting this construction, you have a chance to explore the royal architecture, admire its ancient charm as well as review the country’s history.

Among many places in the country, Hue is regarded as the most ideal venue for kite flying. Except on rainy days, hundreds of kites can be seen soaring in the sky over the Imperial Citadel every afternoon. Kite flying is still an interesting game for all generations in this former Royal city. Visit Mr. Cu’s private home, a 45-years-experienced kite craftsman. Have a chat with him to understand the history of this traditional pastime and share his passion. Then learn how to create a kite yourself. If the weather allows it, enjoy the excitement as your kite rises into the blue sky.

Overnight in Anhill Boutique Hue or Azerai La Residence Hue

Drive to the Tu Duc Royal Tomb, the most impressive of all the royal mausoleums, built by Emperor Tu Duc between 1864 and 1867. Interestingly, Tu Duc had 104 wives and countless concubines but left no heirs to the throne. While the complex does include a tomb, together with pavilions and temples, no one knows exactly where Tu Duc was buried as all 200 servants who buried the king were beheaded to keep his final resting place a secret from grave robbers.

Continue to the elaborate Khai Dinh Royal Tomb whose architecture showcases elements of Eastern art and Western design. While smaller than many of the other tombs, the Khai Dinh Royal Tomb is more flamboyant, with the largest dragons in the country forming the side walls leading up to the tomb. Notice the tomb’s blackened concrete exterior and colorful mosaic interior in the spacious main building decorated with murals of the Four Seasons, Eight Precious Objects and Eight Fairies.

After exploring the tomb, transfer to Hoian via the Hai Van Pass.

Overnight in Bel Marina Hoi An Resort or Anantara Hoi An Resort 

Begin your morning with a delightful immersion into Hoi An’s culinary heritage. After breakfast, enjoy a welcome drink at Hai Scout Café before venturing into the vibrant central market, alive with colors, aromas, and the animated spirit of local vendors. A leisurely boat ride along the Thu Bon River then carries you to the Red Bridge Cooking School. Here, stroll through lush herb gardens before engaging in an interactive cooking class, learning to craft iconic Vietnamese dishes under the guidance of expert chefs. Savor the fruits of your own creations in a relaxed riverside setting.

Later in the afternoon, explore Hoi An’s Ancient Quarter on foot: wandering through historic pagodas, ancestral homes, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. Conclude the day at the Precious Heritage Museum, where Réhahn’s evocative collection celebrates Vietnam’s extraordinary ethnic diversity.

Overnight in Bel Marina Hoi An Resort or Anantara Hoi An Resort 

Today is yours to unwind and enjoy the gentle rhythm of Hoi An at your own pace. In the morning, take a leisurely stroll through the lantern-lined streets, stop by a riverside café for a cup of Vietnamese coffee, or simply relax at your resort with a spa treatment.

Overnight in Bel Marina Hoi An Resort or Anantara Hoi An Resort 

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Hoi An at your own pace before your private driver transfers you to the airport for your flight south. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, your private guide welcomes you and escorts you to your hotel in the lively heart of the metropolis, ensuring a seamless luxury travel experience.

In the late afternoon, prepare for an exhilarating Vespa adventure that captures the city’s vibrant nightlife. Ride pillion through bustling boulevards and hidden alleys, stopping to sample sizzling street food, from fresh seafood to the beloved crispy Bánh Xèo. Between tastings, soak in the city’s electric energy with live music from an intimate café with soft melodies to a spirited rock bar where Saigon’s youth showcase their style. Tonight, you will discover Saigon not just as a visitor, but as a part of its rhythm and soul.

Overnight in The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel or Park Hyatt Saigon

After breakfast, your tailor-made journey begins with a private speedboat ride from Saigon along the river to the legendary Cu Chi tunnels. As the city skyline fades, witness Vietnam’s contrasts unfold: modern skyscrapers giving way to serene rice fields, riverside workshops, and pottery villages.

At Cu Chi, meet a former guerrilla veteran who once lived in these subterranean passages. With your guide translating, listen as he shares poignant memories of life underground, where narrow tunnels served as hospitals, supply routes, and homes amid the war. This intimate encounter offers profound insight into Vietnam’s resilience and endurance. After exploring the tunnels and reflecting on their history, return by boat and transfer back to your hotel.

The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to unwind and enjoy Saigon at leisure as a part of a slow travel journey

Overnight in The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel or Park Hyatt Saigon

This morning, depart Saigon for Cai Be Jetty, where your private sampan and attentive crew await. As the Cai Be Princess glides onto the bustling waterways, take in scenes of daily life: fishermen casting nets, barges heaped with produce, and children waving from the riverbanks. Pause at Tân Phong Islet for a tranquil rowing boat journey through shaded mangrove canals, then visit a charming 19th-century ancestral home. Along the way, discover cottage industries, from coconut candy to puffed rice, each a testament to Mekong ingenuity.

Lunch is served at Le Longanier Restaurant, a colonial-style villa enveloped in lush gardens, evoking the elegance of Indochina.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival, your guide will escort you to your hotel for check-in. The evening is yours to relax at leisure.

Overnight in Jaya House River Park or Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor

Begin your temple journey at Ta Prohm, the most iconic of the Small Circuit Temples. Arrive as early as possible (ideally at 7:30 a.m.) to avoid crowds. Alternative: Depending on the season and crowd levels (consult your guide), you may instead visit Preah Khan.

Continue to Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under Jayavarman VII. This ancient city is surrounded by an 8-meter-high wall forming a perfect square. Enter through a monumental gate adorned with three-headed elephants and crowned by four serene Buddha faces. The causeway leading to the gate is flanked by rows of 54 gods and demons, each holding a sacred Naga snake.

At the heart of Angkor Thom stands the magnificent Bayon Temple, renowned for its 52 towers with enigmatic stone faces gazing out over the former empire. Nearby, admire the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, both celebrated for their intricate carvings and historical significance.

After lunch, set out to discover Angkor Wat, the crown jewel of Khmer architecture. Built in the early 12th century during King Suryavarman II’s reign, this temple-mountain symbolizes Mount Meru, the mythical home of the gods.

Inside, explore galleries of stone bas-reliefs depicting Hindu epics and the king’s military triumphs. Over 2,000 graceful Apsara dancers are carved into the walls, adding to the temple’s grandeur. Construction of Angkor Wat is believed to have taken 35 years of dedicated labor. Today, it is Cambodia’s national symbol, proudly featured on the country’s flag. Arrive in the late afternoon to witness the temple in the soft glow of sunset, when the crowds have thinned and the carvings shine with ethereal beauty.

Return to your hotel for some well-deserved rest. Enjoy dinner at your leisure (own expense) or relax by the pool after a day of discovery.

Overnight in Jaya House River Park or Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor
 

After breakfast, you will check out your hotel and transfer out of the Siem Reap town to a beautiful village in the countryside, you will start to walk through the village houses, and witness very nice and different activities from the locals for their daily life. Just as some examples: are how the locals wash vehicles, sell gasoline in whiskey bottles, or the small shops where the locals sell food on the side of small streets.

On the way, you can take some fruits from the plants, enjoy a view of this wonderful area and interact with very kind people in the village, a 30-minute old mean vehicle ox/buffalo-cart ride through the rice paddies to reach one big local house to see how this family doing daily work such as making rice wine and handicraft works meanwhile the member of the family will offer you of fresh coconut and some manmade rice wine to taste.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Floating Village. Arrive at the quay and board a local boat for a 2-hour ride on the Tonle Sap Lake, also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia. Find out how communities live and work on the lake; see the floating schools, markets, and police stations, among others; observe their daily lives.

Overnight in Jaya House River Park or Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor

Breakfast at your hotel and free on your own time. The room will be available until 12.00. Lunch and dinner on your own account.

Your guide will be waiting for you at the hotel’s lobby and take care you on a private transfer to the airport for your flight back to home.