A Family Trip to Vietnam

Begin your journey through Vietnam in the vibrant city of Hanoi, where your VIP escort will whisk you through priority customs and immigration. Your personal guide and driver will welcome you and bring you to your hotel, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. This centrally located, historic 1901 property is an exquisite example of Hanoi’s French Colonial architecture and houses a beautiful interior garden and an excellent French restaurant. 

Start your day with a Vietnamese food tour through the Old Quarter of Hanoi, tasting sticky rice, rice flour cakes, and the city’s iconic egg coffee. Wander down the bustling “food alley,” exploring stalls piled high with herbs, spices, and the aromatic ingredients that define Vietnamese cuisine.

In the afternoon, step into another world entirely—the home of the Ngô Quý family, who have lived under the same roof for 18 generations. Over tea in their shaded courtyard, listen as your hosts share stories spanning over two centuries of family history, offering a rare glimpse into Vietnam’s enduring traditions.

Fly by seaplane over limestone karsts and shimmering emerald waters before boarding your private junk boat in peaceful Bai Tu Long Bay, a quieter alternative to the busier Ha Long Bay routes. As the boat sets sail, you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch while soaking in views of dramatic limestone peaks rising from the sea. Spend the afternoon kayaking through the pristine waters of Cap La, then end your day by stargazing on the deck as your boat drifts gently through the bay.

Begin your morning with a leisurely breakfast on board your private junk boat before sailing to Thien Canh Son Cave, one of the most beautiful natural caves in the bay. Continue sailing to the serene Cong Dam area, home to white-sand beaches where you can stroll, swim, and unwind. Savor a freshly prepared lunch on the beach, crafted right on the sand by your chefs. In the afternoon, return to your boat for a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Visit Vung Vieng, a floating fishing village where local fishermen guide you on bamboo boats through serene limestone scenery. Return for one final lunch on board your private boat as you sail back to port, taking in a few final views of the bay. From there, check in to your private villa at Tam Coc Garden in UNESCO-designated Ninh Binh, where rivers flanked by sheer limestone cliffs reminiscent of Ha Long Bay’s karst formations have earned the region the moniker “Ha Long Bay On Land”.

Glide along the river in a traditional boat past green rice paddies and visit the Tam Coc grottoes before hopping on a bike and cycling along mountain paths that wind through quaint villages. Continue to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital during the Dinh and Le dynasties, where ancient temples honor the country’s early emperors. End the day with a scenic hike up Ma Yen Mountain for sweeping views of the Sao Khe River.

Head into the jungle in Cuc Phuong National Park, a biodiversity haven and Vietnam's oldest nature reserve. Visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of endemic species, including the gibbon, langur, and loris. Trek along leafy trails on the lookout for some of the 336 bird species and 135 different mammal species that call the park home, like the clouded leopard, Delacour's langur, and Asian black bear. You’ll also visit the ‘Cave of Early Man’, a fascinating ancient pictograph site. 

Journey west toward Mai Chau Valley, a region near the Laos border known for its emerald rice terraces and rich cultural heritage. En route, stop at Ba Khan Lake and kayak through quiet waters, where the lake mirrors the surrounding nature in a surreal, almost dreamlike setting. Continue to Avana Retreat and settle into your luxurious private villa, where you can unwind amid stunning mountain views while children explore the on-site farm, meeting animals and learning about rural life.

Discover the heart of Mai Chau on a guided walk through its local villages and lush landscapes. Stroll along quiet country roads, cross a hanging bridge, and take in the valley’s paddy fields. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the daily lives and traditions of the local communities, offering a meaningful glimpse into the rich culture and warm hospitality of Mai Chau.

Embark on a full-day trek through the mountain landscapes of Mai Chau to discover the traditions of the Hmong people. Hike through meadows dotted with Hmong homes and terraced hillsides alive with village life. Hear the soft chime of buffalo bells, enjoy a picnic amid sweeping views, and immerse yourself in the serene beauty and rich culture of northern Vietnam.

Savor a slow breakfast and mountain views before your private transfer to Hanoi. As your journey through northern Vietnam comes to an end, depart with lasting memories of dramatic mountain landscapes, rich cultural encounters, and the warmth of the people who make this region so special.