Two Weeks in Vietnam: A Family Trip to the Mui Ne Coast

After breakfast, set out to explore Hanoi, where centuries-old heritage and lively everyday life come together.

Begin at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, with the Mausoleum and the traditional houses where the leader lived and worked, then the iconic One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, and on to Hoan Kiem Lake and the surrounding Old Quarter, where historic streets and local shops create a buzzing atmosphere.

In the late afternoon, dive into Hanoi’s food culture on a street food tour, wandering the atmospheric lanes of the Old Quarter to taste pho, banh mi, bun cha, spring rolls, and traditional desserts — a favorite with teens — while learning the stories behind each dish from a local perspective.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, your private guide and driver take the family to Ninh Binh, often called the “Halong Bay on land” for its towering limestone karsts, lush countryside, and peaceful waterways.

Begin at Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam under the Dinh and early Le dynasties, visiting the historic temples dedicated to the country’s early kings. Continue to Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and board a traditional sampan to cruise the tranquil river, passing beneath natural caves and between the towering karst mountains — a highlight the whole family will remember.

After lunch at a local restaurant, check in to your hotel in Ninh Binh, with the rest of the day at leisure in the peaceful countryside.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Today, depart for an impressive journey to Halong Bay, the jewel of North Vietnam famous for its thousands of dramatic limestone islands sprinkled around the bay.

Around midday, after a scenic drive through the rice fields of the Red River Delta, arrive at the pier and board your cruise with a welcome drink and briefing. Settle into your cabins over lunch as the ship heads out among the jungle-clad karsts and hidden caves.

Through the afternoon, the family can kayak among the limestone cliffs or climb to the sundeck for a panoramic view, before the cruise anchors in a quiet spot. Gather on deck as the scenery glows at dusk, followed by dinner on board and an easy evening together — games, a film, or squid fishing off the deck after dark, always a favorite with the teens.

Overnight on the cruise.

Begin the morning with a Tai Chi session on deck in the tranquil early light, then breakfast as the ship glides among the karsts. After checking out, the family can relax on board over a brunch as the cruise makes its way back to the harbor.

Transfer by limousine to Hanoi, then continue to the airport for your flight to Da Nang, where your driver meets you for the transfer to your hotel in Hoi An.

The evening is at leisure.

Optional this evening — Cinnamon Dinner Cruise: an elegant evening cruise along the Thu Bon River, with a Vietnamese-inspired dinner and lantern-lit riverbanks as the sun sets over Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, the family explores the countryside of Hoi An with your private guide. Start at Tra Que Vegetable Village, a peaceful community of lush gardens and rice fields, where you’ll meet local farmers and learn the traditional practices behind the fresh ingredients at the heart of Hoi An cuisine.

Continue to Cam Thanh Coconut Village, boarding a traditional basket boat to cruise the tranquil waterways of the coconut jungle. Among the nipa palms, catch a glimpse of local fishing life and the area’s unique ecosystem — the spinning basket boat is always a hit with teenagers.

After lunch with fresh local specialties, return to Hoi An for a lantern-making experience. Under a local artisan’s guidance, learn how the town’s colourful lanterns are crafted and make your own to take home.

Afterwards, return to your hotel for the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An.

This morning, travel about 50 kilometres from Hoi An to the My Son Sanctuary, a valley of ancient Champa temples set between two mountain ranges. Once the religious and burial site of the Champa kings, it is one of Southeast Asia’s foremost Hindu temple complexes — and though time has worn it down, its majestic ruins still carry you back to the glory of the Champa civilization.

Spend around two hours exploring the ruins with your guide, then head to the boat station for a motorized boat trip to Kim Bong carpentry village, with a light lunch and drinks served on the way. The tour finishes at the Hoi An dock in the early afternoon, from where you make your own way back to the hotel.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, enjoy free time in Hoi An before your private driver transfers you to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, your driver meets the family for the transfer to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free to relax or explore Saigon’s vibrant streets, cafés, and cuisine together. In the evening, you might head up to a rooftop at Landmark 81, one of the city’s most iconic towers, for a drink and sweeping views as the skyline lights up (drinks at your own expense).

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

This morning, your private guide and driver take the family to Ben Tre, boarding a boat along the river, a tributary of the Mekong, winding past mangroves amid the morning bustle of fishing and coconut cargo boats. Stop at a traditional brickworks to see bricks made by hand, then turn onto the Cai Son Canal through the coconut jungle to a coconut workshop, where you’ll see every stage of processing done by hand.

Continue to a rice paper and coconut candy workshop, where the family can watch candy made by hand, taste the sweets and fresh fruit, and enjoy some local music. Visit a farmer’s house to see sleeping mats being woven, ride a tuk-tuk through the coconut groves, then take a rowing boat along a shady palm-lined canal and stop for lunch at a riverside restaurant before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

This morning, discover the hidden side of Saigon riding pillion on vintage Vespas — getting off the tourist trail to places you’d never find on your own, an adventure the teenagers will love.

Begin with morning coffee at a local café among the bird lovers, then visit the thought-provoking Burning Monk Memorial. Weave through the traffic to a fresh flower market and the lively Chinese district, passing a traditional medicine street, an ancient Buddhist temple, and a hidden Chinese pagoda.

The final ride takes the family into the heart of the city for the classic landmarks — the French-era Saigon Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral (from outside), ending with a short history lesson outside the Independence Palace, as your local guides show you their Saigon.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

This morning, set out on the drive of around 200 kilometres to the coastal town of Phan Thiet, arriving before lunch.

Mui Ne and Phan Thiet are traditional fishing villages turned into easy-going beach escape, where resort life sits alongside a quiet, unchanged coast. Mui Ne’s long beach is serene, made for walks and spectacular sunsets, with red-and-white sand dunes, seafood restaurants, and water sports close at hand.

The rest of the day is free for the family to enjoy the 10-kilometre beach set among a beautiful palm grove.

Overnight in Mui Ne.

After a leisurely breakfast, the day is the family’s to enjoy — sun, sand, and relaxation in Mui Ne. Spend it by the pool or on the beach, take a refreshing swim, or treat yourselves to a spa session.

For a change of scenery, explore the local fishing village and beachfront cafés, and anyone after a little adventure can head out to Mui Ne’s iconic red-and-white sand dunes — spectacular scenery and great photo opportunities the teens will love.

Return to the resort for a peaceful evening by the beach.

Overnight in Mui Ne.

One more unhurried day on the coast, entirely at the family’s own pace. Trade the beach for the pool, wander the fishing village and cafés, or simply settle in together and watch the waves roll along the shore.

Overnight in Mui Ne.

Enjoy breakfast and a relaxed morning by the beach until check-out. At the scheduled time, transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City for your onward flight from Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

As your journey comes to an end, we hope these two weeks — from the Vespas of Hanoi to the sand dunes of Mui Ne — have given your family a camera full of memories and a love for Vietnam that calls you back one day.

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