indulge in incredible natural beauty, cultural delights and delicious cuisine.
1. The perfect family trip
There’s good reason why Intrepid’s 13-day Vietnam Family Holiday gets such glowing reviews. This tour focuses on all the highlights, including the chance to sleep under the stars while sailing Halong Bay, witness water puppets and enjoy a cyclo tour in Hanoi, and get a tailor-made outfit designed for you in Hoi An.
Add to this the chance to take a dip in the Vietnam East Sea, and it’s the holiday that ticks all the boxes. Finish it off by exploring the War Remnants Museum and palace in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Not only will you delight in the culture and culinary scene as a family, one of the highlights is the chance for kids to make new friends who are also on the tour along the way
2. Take the train
Train travel is an alluring way to take in the countryside, especially when in comfort. In May, resort group Anantara launched a second Vietage train carriage in Vietnam, operating a new five-hour route between beach towns Nha Trang and Quy Nhon.
Onboard, there’s a lavish afternoon tea, and to add to the relaxation factor, guests receive a free massage. The Vietage by Anantara operates daily, connecting the cities of Da Nang, Quy Nhon and Nha Trang.
3. Go island hopping
Interest is growing in discovering the islands off Vietnam, as unlike some resorts in Thailand and Indonesia, they can be less crowded. Scattered over the East Sea, you can expect to discover pristine beaches, fresh seafood and luxurious stays.
The largest island, Phu Quoc, isn’t exactly a secret. In 2022, this tropical paradise welcomed nearly five million visitors. Here, you can take a boat out to snorkel on the coral reef, go hiking and then take in the sunset on Ong Lang Beach.
There’s also the chance to ride the spectacular cable car to Hon Thom island or check yourself into a brand new five-star hotel.
What about the food? Some of the country’s freshest and best seafood can be found here, including local specialties like raw herring salad and flower crab.
4. Meander down the Mekong
There are a number of river vessels that ply the river from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap in Cambodia (and vice versa). It’s an endlessly fascinating river journey.
Days are spent learning about the Vietnamese and Khmer cultures, while lazy late afternoons on deck afford views of villages and life along the snaking waterway. Plus, you can bookend the cruise with a stay in Ho Chi Minh City to sample the incredible cuisine and history.
Luckily, right now there’s more choice than ever, with an array of different experiences on offer from French Colonial-style vessels to traditional sampans.
5. Jump on the back of a Vespa
Traffic in bigger cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is quite chaotic, and crossing the street can be risky. Instead of walking, why not join the fray by hopping on the back of a Vespa.
Travel companies such as Vespa Adventures can pair you with experienced riders for day and night tours. Their Saigon After Dark tour begins with a rooftop bar drink (for passengers only, of course), then a Vespa tour through the city taking in the back alleys and aromatic street stalls.
The tour includes stops at two popular restaurants to sample beloved Saigon dishes and a Vietnamese-style cafe to enjoy live music and a beer.
Keep the good times spring-rollin’ with a Vietnam Intrepid family tour. Enjoy double the fun for HALF the price with 50 per cent off* kids – yes, we’re pho-real! Book with Flight Centre.
