Here's a link to some of the places we loved last time we were there. Our hotel is also Pinned. I've made little notes about each place
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qQtJeN8uF93EGTvL9
I also recommend downloading the Michelin Star app and seeing if there's anything you'd like to try. There are so many amazing restaurants that are very budget friendly listed on that app too!
I am so excited that you are all joining us on this incredible adventure.
The kids & I were in Hanoi and HoiAn in January 2025 and we made sure to explore as much as we possibly could in order to provide you all with tried and tested experiences.
I have added my google maps links to each city in order that you have some point of reference and easy access to places to eat and things to do. There are a lot more options in HoiAn as we will have a lot more time there.
On our trip you will see that things move very cohesively. You can make of your free time whatever you wish... children will form lovely friendships and you'll have plenty of time to do a little solo adventuring if you wish to.
When the kids and I head off to dinner - you are always invited and I will be on hand with recommendations too! This itinerary will be pinned to our WhatsApp group which is how we will communicate once we are in Vietnam.
Packing Tips!
It's not the hottest time of the year in Vietnam so I recommend bringing lightweight layers. You'll also want to bring some comfy walking shoes as the Old Town is best navigated on foot.
Most importantly do not forget your swimsuit. The pool at the Waifaifo is hard to resist!
If you're in the market for a new jacket or backpack then hold off til you get here - North Face and Patagonia type knock offs are everywhere... these are the exact same as the brands themselves - produced in the same factories by the same people but with differences in design. Ask me for more info but the price and quality is right!
We have arranged your pickup... be sure to give us your flight details and stay in touch in the WA group during your journey.
Relax and settle in. Dine at the hotels rooftop restaurant or explore one of the many delicious restaurants nearby.
We will provide you with a list of suggestions for great dining tried and tested by my family on our last visit... Pho, Spring Rolls, Pancakes and more await your taste buds!
Your adventure has begun!
You cannot go to Vietnam and not experience a water puppet show!
This is a traditional artform that has been going on for about 1000 years. The puppet shows started off in flooded rice paddies as a way to entertain the villagers during festivals and harvesting times.
These days the performances are inside with a flooded stage area. They are a cherished part of Vietnamese culture - we will be heading to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater to see the most famous performance.
I aim to get us into a show between 11 and 1pm. Show length is 45 mins. It can be loud for little ones so you might want to bring their head phones.
Trains pass on Mondays at 7pm so we have options. For those who are tired we can go early and see the area without experiencing the train... OR if you're up for it we can head out for dinner, stroll slowly to be in place around 6pm to see the train go by at 7! It's up to you.
This Street is famous in Hanoi for its proximity to the passing trains. It's a thrill (albeit very safe) to see them go by as you are mere feet away. A great place to take some pictures before and after the train passes!
A full day of fun starting at an incense factory.
We will be picked up at 7:45am to begin our day. This will give you time to grab breakfast at the hotel and fill up before we are on our way.
Learn how incense is made and then explore the beautiful incense 'fields' and take some out of this world photos!
After this we will head to a traditional hat making workshop where you will learn all about the significance of the conical hats, how they are made and when they are worn. You'll then have decorate your own hat and enjoy a delicious lunch made by the family. You get to take the hat home as a souvenir.
Once our hats are spiffy we will head to a lacquering workshop where you will create a piece using traditional methods. Note: You do not get to take the lacquering home - it has an additional fee if you want to purchase it.
Here's my list of recommendations in HoiAn - from places to eat to things to do which are in walking distance or a short taxi ride from where we are staying.
Here's something I'll be doing!
Vietnam is famous for its coffee - for those of us who would love to take these delicious coffee recipies home with us - we will head out and attend a workshop to learn just how to do it! Egg Coffee, Coconut Coffee, Salt Coffee and more will be learned in this fun class!
Anyone want to join me?
1h 20m
After Breakfast we will head to the airport and take a short flight from Hanoi to Hoi An (1 hr 20 mins)
We will be transported to our hotel in Hoi An (about 40 mins from airport) and spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring.
This luxury hotel has been curated for families.
Even on cooler days their climate controlled pool is always the perfect temperature for a swim.
An inviting playroom keeps children entertained. A small playground alongside it will also make them very happy! There is a private cinema (tucked away) which we can rent for a movie night one evening!
Their amazing spa has every treatment you can possibly imagine.
The stay includes breakfast which has everything you could possibly dream up and more.
It is located on the edge of the Old Town - meaning you can easily walk in and explore.
The hotel itself is very quiet and the beds are very comfy!
After Breakfast head to the spa for a well earned massage.
Massages will happen in 2 sessions with the first starting at 10am. We will make sure the children are safe while you relax.
Today is Christmas Day... we know that not all of our guests celebrate... this is why we have left the rest of the day free.
The hotel is putting on a Christmas lunch which you may want to opt in to... if not then the city is your oyster to explore and enjoy.
Some ideas to do with your free time:
Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum (learn about the history of Vietnam and its people.
Reaching out Teahouse. A famous tea house which aims to provide opportunities for those with disabilities while preserving ancient traditions. Everyone that works here is deaf and as such the place keeps a very calm ambience as quiet is encouraged.
We will leave the hotel at 4pm to head to the white rose cafe where we will begin our Old Town Street Food Tour.
Our guide will take us to several of the most famous restaurants (say Anthony Bourdain!) to dine on Banh Mi, Crepes, Dumplings and more.
We will experience the lantern lake and play a traditional game!
Our hosts will pick us up from the hotel where we will be taken to a market and then prepare a traditional Vietnamese meal which we will enjoy together.
We will take a little ride on the Coconut boats and learn how they are used for fishing.
This is a really fun activity which I know the kids will love as much as we do!
Memories Show is a theme park which is most famous for the incredible show that they put on one their huge 25,000 sq m stage!
Combining an amazing light show, poetry, dancing and more - the history of Vietnam is presented in a beautiful and visually rich manner.
There are several dining options at the park for you to choose from. Buffet and BBQ included!
We leave after breakfast to visit this historical site. We will be picked up in private transportation and a guide will show us around and explain to us these ruins.
My Son means "Beautiful Mountain"
This is a Unesco world Heritage site that is filled with temples akin to Angkor watt - some overgrown with tree roots.
My Son was the home of the Champa Kingdom from the 4th to 13th Centuries. These Hindu Temples were constructed to worship the god Shiva.
It was heavily bombed during the Vietnam war but has been lovingly restored and is now very much worth the visit.
Every Vacation needs a day for you to make your own.
Perhaps you'd like to go to Ban Na Hills (famous hand bridge and cable car) or maybe you'd like to head into Da Nang or spend the day at the beach. There are also the Marble Mountains which are a short drive away. There's a lot of options but don't worry - I'll help you decide!
We will help you make your day whatever you would like it to be.
Hoi An is famous for its lanterns. In fact they are one of the reasons why it was designated a UNESCO world heritage town.
You'll see lanterns in front of every store and most homes in the Old Town and today you'll get to make one for your home.
A super fun activity that's surprisingly easy for all ages. You'll finish the class with your very own lantern hand made by YOU!
Our guides will pick us up at 11am and take us to their workshop. Don't worry - the lanterns pack flat so are easy to transport home!
As some of you are heading home before midnight I thought it would be nice if we could go out for an early dinner... perhaps hot pot, pizza or something that's fun for the kids.
Those who are staying through til tmw we will find a party to join and enjoy ringing in the new year together!
We will arrange and take care of your transportation to the airport.