Family tour in Vietnam with beach holiday in Hoi An

Today marks the start of your family’s Vietnam adventure! Pack your favourite books and games for the flight and get ready to journey together towards new experiences beneath warmer skies.

Departure is from your selected airport, and the flight includes connecting flight(s) along the way.

Welcome to Vietnam!

After arriving, you’ll pass through immigration and collect your luggage. Outside the arrival hall, your guide will be waiting for you in a TourCompass uniform, holding a TourCompass sign, so you can easily spot them.

From the airport, you’ll be driven to your hotel in central Hanoi. On the way, you’ll get your first glimpse of Vietnam’s vibrant capital, where scooters, small shops, and street kitchens fill the lively streets.

After checking in at your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. We highly recommend exploring the narrow, bustling streets of the Old Quarter, where there’s plenty to see for both young and old, and new impressions await around every corner.

You could also take a pleasant stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a popular green oasis in the heart of the city. Here, local families, young people, and the elderly gather to take a break from the fast-paced city life.

In the evening, why not go in search of Vietnamese specialities such as pho (noodle soup), banh mi (sandwich), or crispy spring rolls at one of the many charming restaurants or street kitchens in the area.

Enjoy a leisurely morning at your own pace before your guide meets you at the hotel for an afternoon exploring some of Hanoi’s fascinating cultural highlights.

The first stop on today’s city tour is the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070 and regarded as Vietnam’s first university. The beautifully preserved temple complex is made up of tranquil courtyards, ancient trees, and traditional pavilions where Vietnamese scholars have studied for centuries. Here, you’ll hear about Confucius and the learned men who once travelled here to study – and perhaps you’ll spot the location depicted on Vietnam’s 100,000 VND banknote.

Next is an approximately 45-minute ride in a cycle rickshaw, also known as a cyclo. Sit back and enjoy the journey through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter while your driver pedals at a relaxed pace. You’ll pass through the historic area of 36 streets, each traditionally known for its own craft or trade. There’s plenty to see along the way as everyday life unfolds around you.

Late in the afternoon, you’ll experience a traditional water puppet show – a unique Vietnamese art form. Colourful wooden puppets perform on a watery stage, accompanied by live musicians who narrate tales of rural life, ancient legends, and playful daily scenes. The performance is both atmospheric and entertaining.

The day ends with dinner at a local restaurant where you can sample some of Vietnam’s classic dishes.

Afterwards, you’ll be driven back to your hotel. If you still have the energy, you can stay in the city a while longer and take in Hanoi’s evening ambience before making your own way back to the hotel.

Today you’ll have plenty of time to explore Vietnam’s vibrant capital at your own pace.

Start your day with a visit to the famous Train Street. Mornings here are usually quieter, making it easier to soak up the unique atmosphere of the narrow street, where trains rumble past just inches from people’s homes and the little cafés lining the tracks.

From here, continue into the Old Quarter, where the narrow streets buzz with life. It’s the perfect place to take a break or sample some of Hanoi’s many street food specialities.

If you’d like a breather from the bustle of the city, head to the large West Lake area for a little more peace and space. Here you’ll find temples, small parks, and charming cafés offering views across the water.

As evening approaches, make your way to the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, where locals and visitors alike gather for a leisurely walk while the city lights reflect on the water.

You might just find your day coming to an end perched on a small plastic stool at a street kitchen in the Old Quarter.

Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel, and together you’ll head south from Hanoi towards Ninh Binh Province, often referred to as the “Ha Long Bay on land”. Along the way, the scenery gradually transforms from the bustling city streets to open landscapes of rice paddies, small villages, and dramatic limestone mountains rising sharply from the land.

After around 2½ hours of driving, you’ll arrive in Tam Coc, your base for the next few days. Here, life moves at a slower pace, and nature takes centre stage.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. You might want to relax at your hotel, take a dip in the pool, or head out for a stroll or bike ride towards the centre of Tam Coc, where you’ll find cosy cafés, small shops, and local restaurants.

Today is all about nature and offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the local life of Ninh Binh.

Your guide and driver will collect you from your hotel and take you to Gia Vien District, where your cycling trip of about 14 km begins. You’ll hop on your bicycles and pedal leisurely along quiet paths, passing lush rice fields and small villages. There’ll be plenty of chances to pause to take in the view or snap pictures of the rural scenery.

You’ll then reach the village of Mai Trung, where you’ll be welcomed by a local family in their home. This is a lovely chance to get an authentic glimpse of life in the countryside. Together with the family, you’ll take part in seasonal activities such as working in the rice fields, gardening, or feeding fish and poultry.

Afterwards, the family will invite you into their kitchen for a cooking class, introducing you to the rich flavours of Vietnamese cuisine. You’ll help prepare some of the dishes and enjoy a delicious homemade lunch in the relaxed comfort of their home.

You’ll then cycle back to where the ride began, just a few minutes away, before continuing by car to Van Long. Here, you’ll board a traditional rowing boat and glide through the tranquil waters of the nature reserve. Along the way, you’ll experience peaceful wetlands, dramatic limestone peaks, and an abundance of birdlife. The mountains rise steeply from the water while lush greenery is reflected on the shimmering surface.

In the late afternoon, you’ll be driven back to your hotel after a day filled with natural beauty and meaningful encounters with local life.

Today, you’ll leave Ninh Binh and be driven to Hanoi airport, where you’ll board your flight to central Vietnam and the charming town of Hoi An. The flight from Hanoi to Da Nang takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Upon arrival in Da Nang, your guide will be waiting for you outside the arrivals hall, just beyond the exit doors. The guide will be wearing a TourCompass uniform and holding a TourCompass sign, making them easy to spot. From here, you’ll be driven to your hotel in Hoi An.

After about an hour’s drive, you’ll arrive at your hotel. Following check-in, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish.

Hoi An is an experience in itself – a place that many travellers quickly fall in love with. The old town, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, is renowned for its beautifully preserved architecture, proud silk-making tradition, and talented tailors. Life here moves at a gentler pace, and history can be felt in its narrow lanes, colourful façades, and quaint little shops.

Running through the heart of the town is the Thu Bon River, which in the 17th and 18th centuries served as an important hub for international trade. Today, the river provides a picturesque backdrop to everyday life, with small boats gliding quietly over the water.

Wandering away from the river, you’ll find a maze of atmospheric streets lined with a vibrant mix of Japanese wooden houses, Chinese temples, French colonial buildings, and distinctive merchant homes. Colourful lanterns hang like garlands across the streets, creating a magical atmosphere – especially once darkness falls. Shops, street food stalls, cafés, and small restaurants sit side by side, inviting both young and old to explore and discover the town’s many delights.

Spend the day entirely as you wish – Hoi An offers endless possibilities, whether you’re after relaxation, adventure, or a touch of local culture.

A day at VinWonders Nam Hoi An is the perfect choice if you’re looking for excitement and fun. Here, you’ll find a wide range of rides, a water park, play areas, and family entertainment.

If you’d prefer an experience with stunning views, you can take an excursion to Ba Na Hills near Da Nang. Board the cable car up into the mountains, where you’ll find breathtaking scenery, temples, and the iconic Golden Bridge, held aloft by two giant stone hands. There’s also a large amusement park here to explore.

If you prefer a slower-paced day, you can stay in Hoi An and unwind by the pool, letting time stand still for a while. Or you might prefer to wander through Hoi An’s charming streets and alleyways. One of you may even fancy visiting a local tailor to be measured up for some custom-made clothes – a special souvenir to take home from your tour.

Enjoy a day filled with authentic local experiences just outside Hoi An, where you’ll get close to nature, meet local families, and learn about some of the region’s traditional crafts.

You’ll be collected from your hotel and taken to the starting point of today’s cycling adventure. Here, you’ll be introduced to the day’s itinerary, have your bike adjusted to your height, and be provided with a safety helmet.

Then it’s time to set off on a gentle 16–20 km bike ride with several stops along the way. You’ll follow small country roads and narrow paths past lush rice fields.

Your first stop is the village of Tra Que, famous for its fragrant vegetables, herbs, and traditional cultivation methods. Together with your guide, you’ll take a stroll through the kitchen gardens and learn how local farmers plant, fertilise, and harvest their crops according to age-old traditions. You’ll even have the chance to get hands-on in the garden by raking the soil and sowing seeds. After that, you’ll take part in a brief cooking demonstration before enjoying a delicious lunch featuring fresh produce straight from the fields.

You’ll then continue to a small lantern workshop, where you’ll be introduced to one of Hoi An’s most iconic crafts. Here, you’ll take part in a fun workshop where local artisans show how silk and bamboo are transformed into the colourful lanterns for which the town is famous. You’ll choose your own colours and patterns and create your very own lantern to take home as a personal keepsake.

The final stop of the day is the peaceful village of Cam Thanh, surrounded by water coconut palms. Here, you’ll visit a local family to gain a glimpse into their daily life and traditions. You’ll then board a traditional round bamboo boat and glide quietly through the waterways of the coconut palm forest.

After a fulfilling day of experiences, you’ll cycle back to Hoi An with a deeper appreciation of the region’s culture, craftsmanship, and natural beauty.

Please note that children must be able to ride a bicycle confidently. A child seat can be requested but cannot be guaranteed.

Today you’ll bid farewell to Hoi An’s charming streets and historic atmosphere as your tour continues towards the coast. From the hotel, you’ll be driven the short distance to Cua Dai Beach, located approximately 7.5 km from the town.

As check-in is not until 2 pm, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy some lunch or relax in the hotel’s inviting surroundings before your room is ready. Perhaps the children would like to jump into the pool or play ball on the beach, while the adults unwind with a good book? Or maybe a leisurely stroll along the shoreline appeals, where the whole family can take in the views across the South China Sea?

The next few days are set aside for relaxation and independent exploration.

After an eventful tour, it’s time to slow down the pace and enjoy the final days by the coast. Cua Dai Beach invites you to unwind with its soft sand, swaying palms, and views of the South China Sea. Spend your days lounging by the pool, playing on the beach, swimming in the sea, or simply relaxing while reflecting on all the memorable moments of your journey.

If you’re in the mood for more experiences, both Hoi An and Da Nang are still within easy reach. You could also take a day trip to Cham Island, known for its beautiful beaches, snorkelling opportunities, and a laid-back atmosphere. Perhaps you didn’t get the chance to visit Ba Na Hills with its iconic Golden Bridge or the amusement park, VinWonders Nam Hoi An.

As evening falls, it’s the perfect time to head into Hoi An. Here, you can do some last-minute shopping, wander along the river, or enjoy dinner at one of the town’s many restaurants.

Today marks the end of your family adventure in Vietnam, but fortunately, you’re heading home with a suitcase full of shared memories – and perhaps a little sand in your shoes.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to Da Nang airport, where your journey home to Europe begins.

You’ll arrive at your selected airport with your luggage full of memories from a tour filled with fascinating culture, magnificent natural wonders, flavourful encounters with local cuisine, relaxing days by the sea – and perhaps a desire to return to Vietnam one day.