North Vietnam Heritage Tour for Families

Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi, Vietnam

What to expect on this itinerary

Hanoi captures the range of cultural influences that shine throughout Northern Vietnam, Mai Chau shares tasteful vistas of the luscious countryside, and Bai Tu Long Bay offers an emerald waterscape that is off the beaten path. These are but a few of the enchanting destinations that you and your family will appreciate during your fun-filled excursion across the unspoiled expanse of Northern Vietnam. We have tailor-made this tour to cater to families of all ages, ensuring that every experience is as enthralling as it is educational. Capture lifelong moments together on this 14-day excursion through Northern Vietnam as you celebrate the alluring Vietnamese culture and bucolic environmental sights.

Countries Visited

Vietnam

Places Visited

Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Tam Coc, Mai Chau, Sapa, Bai Tu Long Bay, Hoi An

Suggested Duration

14 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1 - 3

Hanoi – Where French Influence Stands the Test of Time

Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi oozes cultural highlights and offers endless educational experiences, which are set amidst a cityscape that is ablaze with spirit. The streets, which stretch outwards in all directions, cover its broad borders, and among them, you will immerse yourselves in its ever-present vivacity. From sunup to sundown, street-side vendors flicker with verve, and you will negotiate your way through their colorful exhibits and fragrant food stalls as you begin to acclimatize to your surroundings. In the evening, after you have experienced your first taste of exquisite traditional Vietnamese cuisine, you will retreat to your luxurious 5-star accommodation that overlooks the effervescent expanse of Hanoi.

You will be embraced by pleasant chaos the following morning in an authentic Vietnamese market where wafts of delightful delicacies and aromas of freshly squeezed juices will awaken your senses. With bellies full of sumptuous treats, you will escape the hustle to Hanoi’s quaint Old Quarter, which is a humble destination of French-colonial influence that offers a glimpse into ancient traditions that remain prevalent to this day. Ngoc Son Temple is flanked by the peaceful waters of Hoan Kiem Lake, and its 18th-century design still holds up as one of the most endearing sights within the Old Quarter. An elaborate wooden bridge provides access over the lake to this pagoda that houses time-honored artifacts of Vietnam’s past. The bright scarlet doors will welcome your family, and the history will unravel itself from the pagoda’s decorated walls and striking statues that will beckon you to take photos. Old Quarter’s charm will continue to radiate from the neo-Gothic walls of its Notre Dame-inspired, Roman Catholic Church. Outside of the church, you will witness its imposing twin bell towers, and inside, you will marvel at vivid stained-glass murals in addition to its meticulous altar. You will marvel at all of this while uncovering the dramatic French-Vietnamese heritage that leads to the construction of spiritual buildings such as this church.

You will be spoiled for choice the following morning with a collection of world-class French cafes in the heart of Hanoi, where award-winning chefs have a flair for the finer aspects of Vietnamese cuisine. You will then lose yourselves in the phenomenal fusion flavors as you watch your chef curate a delicious meal from the comfort of your charming table while connecting with one another about the magical moments that you have shared so far.

What's Included:

Transfer
Accommodation
Tour
Breakfast
Day 4 - 5

Ninh Binh – Verdant Fields, Golden Paddies, and Emerald Mountains

Day 6 - 7

Mai Chau – Hilltop Meals with the Hmong People

Day 8 - 10

Sapa – Entrancing Treks across the Tonkinese Alps

Day 11 - 12

Bai Tu Long Bay – Explore a Waterscape of Grand Natural Design

Day 13 - 14

Hoi An – A Distinct Destination of Diverse Cultural Influence

Trip Highlights

  • Indulge in a visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter to discover the city’s prominent French influence at pivotal landmarks such as Ngoc Son Temple and the Notre Dame-inspired Roman Catholic Church
  • Delight in the phenomenal flavors of Vietnamese fusion cuisine at an award-winning restaurant in Hanoi
  • Explore the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex UNESCO World Heritage Site and witness the ornate pagodas within archaic rock formations for which the site is famous
  • Experience being welcomed into the home of a traditional Hmong family at the ethnic Xa Linh Village that is perched atop the verdant peaks of Mai Chau
  • Encounter the simplistic beauty of Sapa as you venture to the renowned Silver Waterfalls and traverse the golden rice paddies of the region
  • Embark on a cruise that showcases the unspoiled splendor of Bai Tu Long Bay and captures the surreal waterscape in all its majesty
  • Immerse yourselves in the cultural diversity of Hoi An as you tour the ethereal Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation and Japanese Covered Bridge

Starting Price

$14,800 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.8

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 604 reviews

Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand Vacation Review: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Siem Reap, Bangkok, Cruise, Temples, 2 Weeks

I was incredibly impressed with every aspect of our experience with Zicasso’s travel company. I was traveling with my 83-year-old mother, so I wanted to be sure we worked with a company we could trust. The initial steps of creating the itinerary were personalized and efficient. The communication before and during every day of the trip was clear and consistent.

Each guide and driver was prompt and friendly, and provided a level of care and flexibility that made every step of the journey so smooth. Guides were incredibly knowledgeable and well connected in their respective cities to create seamless experiences for us. When we asked for any change or addition during the trip, everyone responded quickly and met our every need.

It was truly a trip of a lifetime, all thanks to the brilliant team at the travel company. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for an adventure in Asia and I look forward to engaging them for my next trip.

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Vietnam Vacation Review: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Hue, Hoi An, Kayaking, Cruise, 10 Days

Our trip to Vietnam was nothing short of exceptional, and it stands out as one of the most well-organized and enjoyable travel experiences we’ve ever had. From start to finish, every detail was thoughtfully arranged, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty, culture, and history of the country without any stress or logistical concerns.

The journey began in Hanoi, where we were immediately impressed by the seamless airport pick-up and smooth transfer to our hotel. The accommodation was ideally located—comfortable, clean, and perfectly situated for exploring the Old Quarter. Guided tours were expertly paced, balancing iconic highlights with quieter moments that let us absorb the rhythm of daily life. Our guide was knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about Vietnam’s history and culture.

From Hanoi, we traveled to Ha Long Bay, and this portion of the trip was truly unforgettable. Transportation was punctual and comfortable, and boarding the cruise was effortless. The overnight cruise itself exceeded expectations: elegant cabins, excellent service, and breathtaking views of the limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. Activities such as kayaking and cave visits were well coordinated, never rushed, and thoughtfully timed to avoid crowds. Meals on board were outstanding and added to the overall sense of luxury and relaxation.

Next, we ventured to Ninh Binh, often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” and it was a highlight of the itinerary. The scenic drive was smooth and our accommodations offered a peaceful retreat surrounded by dramatic landscapes. Boat rides through the rice paddies and towering cliffs were serene and magical. Again, the logistics were flawless—clear schedules, attentive guides, and effortless transitions between activities.

Our journey continued south to Hue and Hoi An, with flights and transfers handled seamlessly. In Hue, the historical sites were presented in a way that made Vietnam’s imperial past come alive. The hotel was elegant and restful, perfectly complementing the city’s reflective atmosphere. Hoi An, with its lantern-lit streets and charming architecture, was a dream. The accommodation here was particularly memorable—beautifully designed, centrally located, and paired with exceptional service. Tailoring experiences, cycling excursions, and free time were all balanced perfectly.

What truly set this trip apart was the level of organization. Every transfer, hotel check-in, tour, and meal arrangement was smooth and stress-free. We never once had to worry about timing, transportation, or communication. The attention to detail and professionalism of the tour arrangements allowed us to focus entirely on enjoying Vietnam’s incredible scenery, cuisine, and culture.

In summary, this Vietnam trip—from Hanoi and Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh, Hue, and Hoi An—was flawlessly executed. Exceptional planning, seamless transport, high-quality accommodations, and attentive guides made it an outstanding travel experience. We would wholeheartedly recommend this itinerary to anyone seeking a comprehensive, comfortable, and deeply rewarding journey through Vietnam.

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Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam Trip Review: Siem Reap, Phuket, Hoi An, Hue, Elephant Sightings, Catamaran Trip, 2 Weeks

We were so pleased with the whole experience. Zicasso’s travel specialist listened to what we were looking for and presented several different options to achieve our goals. The end itinerary was perfect. The trip itself was amazing. The tour guides were fantastic, the hotels very nice, and the experiences were unforgettable.

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Vietnam, Thailand Travel Review: Lan Ha Bay, Krabi, Cruise, Beaches, 19-Day Trip

The service from Zicasso’s travel company was exceptional throughout the trip. They did a great job keeping in touch and ensuring all tours and transfers were on time and satisfied our expectations.

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Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia Tour Review: Ha Long Bay, Chiang Mai, Angkor Wat, Bangkok, Phuket, Cruise, Catamaran Ride, 3 Weeks

Our trip was exceptional in every way. The seamless transfers, great informative guides, beautiful hotels, and the way Zicasso's travel specialist pivoted our stay in Da Nang due to flooding in Hoi An to a beautiful spa. The wonderful sites we saw, the tuk-tuk food tour in Bangkok, and the extra things. It was all great!

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Vietnam Travel Review: Sapa, Ninh Binh, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Trekking, Cooking Class, 2 Weeks

We had a phenomenal experience in Vietnam. Zicasso’s travel agent answered all of my questions leading up to the trip (and I had so many!) and tweaked our trip multiple times to make it just right for our family. He arranged a fantastic trip and the local guides he set up were INCREDIBLE. They made an enormous positive impact on our trip.

We enjoyed all of the experiences and hotels, and Vietnam is a gorgeous and diverse country, with so much to see, do, and experience. I'm so glad we spent two weeks in Vietnam instead of trying to do a Vietnam-Thailand-Cambodia experience... I feel like we really got to experience the culture and see more of the country.

The travel company helped us find and set up experiences we wouldn't have found on our own!

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

30,000+ Verified Traveler Reviews