Brutally Honest Reviews Vietnam - Family Edition - 9 Days

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Depart for Ninh Binh (approx. 2 hours drive). Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries. Explore the Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple, dedicated to the emperors of the Dinh and Le dynasties.

Trang An Boat Ride

Enjoy a scenic boat ride in Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as 'Ha Long Bay on land.' Glide through stunning limestone karsts, caves, and rice paddies. Explore several caves by boat, including Sang Cave, Toi Cave, Ba Giot Cave, and Nau Ruou Cave.

Lunch in Ninh Binh

Have lunch at a local restaurant in Ninh Binh. Try local specialties like goat meat or crispy rice crust (cơm cháy).

Return to Hanoi

Drive back to Hanoi in the late afternoon. Relax at your hotel.

Free Evening in Hanoi

Enjoy a free evening in Hanoi. You can explore more of the Old Quarter, try street food, or relax at your hotel.

Transfer to Ha Long Bay

Depart from Hanoi for Ha Long Bay (approx. 3.5-4 hours drive). Enjoy the scenic countryside views along the way.

Embark Ha Long Cruise

Arrive at Ha Long Bay and embark on Le Journey Premium Cruise (or similar). Enjoy a welcome drink and check into your cabin. Set sail into the stunning Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site with thousands of limestone karsts and isles.

Lunch Onboard

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch onboard while cruising through the bay. Admire the breathtaking scenery of Ha Long Bay.

Explore Ha Long Bay

Visit a beautiful cave in Ha Long Bay, such as Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) or Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace Cave). Enjoy swimming or kayaking in the emerald waters of the bay (depending on the cruise itinerary and weather conditions).

Sunset on Deck

Relax on the sundeck and enjoy the spectacular sunset over Ha Long Bay. Participate in a cooking demonstration or enjoy happy hour.

Dinner & Evening Activities

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner onboard. Evening activities might include squid fishing, karaoke, or simply relaxing on the deck under the stars.

Overnight on Cruise

Overnight stay on the cruise in Ha Long Bay.

Sunrise & Tai Chi

Wake up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Ha Long Bay. Participate in a Tai Chi session on the sundeck (optional).

Breakfast Onboard

Enjoy breakfast onboard while the cruise continues to sail through the bay, passing by more stunning rock formations.

Rowing Boat or Kayaking

Explore more of Ha Long Bay by rowing boat or kayak, visiting hidden lagoons and floating villages (depending on cruise itinerary).

Brunch & Disembark

Enjoy a brunch buffet onboard as the cruise returns to the harbor. Disembark the cruise around 10:30 - 11:00 AM.

Transfer to Hanoi Airport

Transfer from Ha Long Bay back to Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport (HAN) for your flight to Da Nang.

Fly to Da Nang

Take a domestic flight from Hanoi to Da Nang (DAD). Flight is excluded and to be booked separately.

Check-in Da Nang Hotel

Arrive at Da Nang International Airport (DAD). Private transfer to Senorita Boutique Hotel (or similar) in Da Nang. Check in and relax.

Spa Treatment

Enjoy a relaxing 1-hour spa treatment at your hotel or a local spa in Da Nang. Unwind after your journey.

Dinner & Beachfront Walk

Have dinner at a beachfront restaurant in Da Nang. Stroll along My Khe Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam.

Ba Na Hills Day Trip

Embark on a full-day trip to Ba Na Hills. Transfer from your hotel to the Ba Na Hills cable car station.

Cable Car to Golden Bridge

Take a scenic cable car ride up to Ba Na Hills. Visit the famous Golden Bridge, held up by giant stone hands. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and coastline.

Explore Ba Na Hills

Explore the French Village, Linh Ung Pagoda, flower gardens, and other attractions in Ba Na Hills. Enjoy the cooler mountain air.

Fantasy Park (Optional)

Optional: Spend time at Fantasy Park, an indoor amusement park in Ba Na Hills (at your own expense). Enjoy rides, games, and entertainment.

Lunch in Ba Na Hills

Have lunch at one of the restaurants in Ba Na Hills. Various dining options are available.

Return to Da Nang

Take the cable car back down and transfer back to your hotel in Da Nang in the late afternoon.

Dinner & Relax

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Da Nang. Relax and unwind after a day at Ba Na Hills.

Marble Mountains

Visit the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone and marble hills named after the five elements. Explore caves, pagodas, and enjoy panoramic views from the mountaintops.

Transfer to Hoi An

Transfer from Marble Mountains to Hoi An Ancient Town (approx. 30 minutes drive).

Cam Thanh Coconut Village

Visit Cam Thanh Coconut Village. Experience a unique basket boat ride through the water coconut palm forest. Learn about local fishing techniques and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Lunch in Hoi An

Have lunch at a restaurant in Hoi An. Try Cao Lau, a local noodle specialty.

Hoi An Ancient Town Exploration

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through the lantern-lit streets, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese Assembly Halls, and ancient houses. Enjoy the charming atmosphere.

Lantern Making & Boat Ride

Participate in a lantern-making workshop and learn to create your own traditional Vietnamese lantern. Enjoy a romantic boat ride on the Thu Bon River and release flower lanterns, making a wish.

Dinner in Hoi An

Have dinner at a restaurant in Hoi An Ancient Town. Try White Rose dumplings or other local specialties.

Hoi An Night Market

Visit the vibrant Hoi An Night Market, browse local crafts, souvenirs, and enjoy street food.

Transfer to Da Nang Airport

Transfer from your hotel in Da Nang to Da Nang International Airport (DAD) for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Take a domestic flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). Flight is excluded and to be booked separately.

Check-in HCMC Hotel

Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. Private transfer to Nicecy Hotel - Bui Thi Xuan Street (or similar). Check in and relax.

Archery Activity

Enjoy an Archery activity in Ho Chi Minh City. Experience this fun and engaging sport.

Lunch in HCMC

Have lunch at a local restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City. Try Pho or Banh Mi.

Free Evening in HCMC

Enjoy a free evening in Ho Chi Minh City. Explore the city at your own pace, visit Ben Thanh Market, or relax at your hotel.

Dinner (Optional)

Optional: Have dinner at a restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City. Consider trying street food or exploring the diverse culinary scene.

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Depart for a half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels (approx. 1.5-2 hours drive). Explore the intricate network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War.

Tunnel Exploration & History

Learn about the history of the Cu Chi Tunnels, explore different sections of the tunnels (optional to crawl through some sections), and see displays of traps, weapons, and living quarters.

Tea & Cassava

Enjoy a simple snack of tea and cassava, the staple food of Viet Cong soldiers during the war, at Cu Chi Tunnels.

Optional Rifle Shooting

Optional: Try rifle shooting at a shooting range at Cu Chi Tunnels (at your own expense). Pay directly if you choose to participate.

Return to HCMC

Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.

Lunch in HCMC

Have lunch at a local restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City after returning from Cu Chi Tunnels.

Farewell Dinner (Optional)

Optional: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Ho Chi Minh City to celebrate the end of your Vietnam trip. Explore rooftop restaurants or fine dining options.

Relax & Pack

Relax at your hotel, do some last-minute souvenir shopping, and pack for your departure.