9 Days | Experience adventure the active way on this family trip through Vietnam
Discover a different side of a much-loved country on this activity-focused trip through the northern half of Vietnam. Encompassing cycling excursions, guided walking tours, kayaking expeditions and two nights of boating on Halong Bay, this trip is bound to get the blood pumping and the family bonding. Starting in Hanoi, uncover Vietnam's landmark attractions on a city cycling tour, and sit down to lunch at an initiative geared towards helping street children. Savour the picturesque countryside of rural Vietnam during a two-day ride from Luong Song to stunning Ninh Binh, cruise the waters of Halong Bay by junk boat and kayak, and explore charming Hoi An and its surrounds by bike and foot. This is an adventure for families who like spending their down time getting up and at it.
Trip overview
- Start
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Finish
- Hoi An, Vietnam
- Theme
- Family
- Destinations
- Vietnam
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Original
- Ages
- Min 10
- Group size
- Min 2 - Max 16
- Trip code
- TVFB
- Experience the tranquil beauty of rural Vietnam while cycling hrough the lush rice paddies and limestone karsts of Ninh Binh
- Exploring Halong Bay by kayak allows you and your family to access places the junk boats can't. Paddle through grottoes, land on secluded islands and inspect stalactites up close
- Eat for a good cause at Hanoi's KOTO restaurant, an initiative that trains street kids for careers in hospitality
- Be romanced by the well-preserved architecture, welcoming atmosphere and superb eateries of Hoi An
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Save Vietnam's Wildlife. Donations help them provide support for endangered wildlife and protect critical animal habitats in Vietnam. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
- The weather in Vietnam can be hot and sticky, particularly during the monsoon seasons, so ensure that you pack accordingly. Please be sure to pack sunscreen and a hat, especially for wearing when out kayaking in Halong Bay.
- In order to see as much as possible, this trip involves some long journeys, including by overnight train where the amenities are shared and basic. For more about what this experience is like, see our blog post here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/what-to-expect-on-an-overnight-train-in-vietnam/
- On Days 3 and 4 we cover up to 60kms/37 miles on the bike so a good level of fitness is required.
- On Day 3 our accommodation for the evening is a local homestay where you and your family will sleep on mattresses in a communal room. Bedding and mosquito nets are provided. Shared toilet and bathroom facilities are basic.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Inclusions
8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
Plane, private bus, bike, kayak, overnight train
Homestay (1 night), Hotel (5 nights), Overnight boat (1 night), Overnight train (1 night)
- Hanoi - Temple of Literature
- Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex
- Hanoi - Lunch at KOTO
- Mai Chau - Pom Coong Village visit & traditional lunch
- Mai Chau - Traditional Textile Social Enterprise Experience
- Halong Bay - Kayaking
- Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
- Hoi An - Bike ride
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.
2. Minimum age: 10 years old. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian.
3. A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 or younger at the time of travel.
4. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport), for train tickets. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
5. Two single supplements are available to book on this trip if you'd prefer your own room. A hotel single supplement will cover the 5 nights spent in Hotels in Hanoi, Hoi An and Ninh Binh. The other single supplement available to book will cover the Overnight train (Day 6) if you prefer your family to have a private cabin (cabin fits 4 people). Note Day 3 (Homestay) will be shared accommodation and Day 5 (Halong Bay) is excluded from the single supplements due to limited capacity on the boat. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
6.This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 5 pm on Day 1 in Hanoi. This trip ends on Day 9 and you are free to leave at any time.
7. Tet is Vietnam's New Year festival, held annually in late January or early February based on the lunar calendar. While this can be a fascinating time to travel and experience this event, expect some shop closures and busier than usual local transport. Opening hours at some tourist sites may also be affected or closed. Although we make all reasonable efforts to avoid disruption, a flexible approach from the traveler is appreciated.
8. During the rainy months (approx. June to October), our mode of transport can be changed at short notice due to weather conditions.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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