An unforgettable Family Adventure in Vietnam with Realistic Asia DMC.

For families seeking a travel experience whose memories will linger for a lifetime, Vietnam specialists Realistic Asia is your go-to DMC.

The beating heart of Southeast Asia, this is a land of unforgettable adventures - a fascinating, vital place of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures and immersive experiences.

Amongst Vietnam’s natural beauty, rich heritage and driving modern energy, families are able to forge deep and meaningful connections both with one another and the places they explore.

Under the expert guidance of our Vietnam DMC Realistic Asia, your guests can relax into a meticulously crafted experience be as fast or slow-paced as they wish; one that seamlessly blends comfortable transfers, some soft adventure and transformative encounters with local communities.

And why is Realistic Asia our top pick for the region? This passionate, family-run and eco-conscious DMC are renowned for tailoring high-quality itineraries that are much more than just a trip - they are an invitation to dive deep into the real Vietnam, creating enduring memories, embarking on new adventures and discovering the extraordinary, all while enjoying a touch of luxury.

Read on for a two-week taster, sure to whet the appetite of any family looking at this magical land…

The Bustling Streets of Hanoi

There’s no better baptism into Vietnamese life than its cultural capital, Hanoi.

Renowned as the Grand Old Dame of the East, Hanoi’s exhilarating energy and modern-day buzz somehow blends with complete harmony with its bygone colonial heritage - a contemporary Asian metropolis with its beautiful roots on show.

Allowing your guests to take in Hanoi’s hidden gems, a Jeep tour is a brilliantly fun way to explore the City at its most authentic - zipping through its twisting streets and narrow alleyways and stopping off for culture, cuisine and some local shopping.

Joining Hanoi’s stream of motorbike traffic, guests can take in the sights and sounds of renowned spots like Ba Dinh Square, where Vietnam’s independence was proclaimed, and Lenin Garden, the best place to see the City’s daily routine.

Through the maze of tiny streets, the traditional ways of City life are still evident as guests pass generations-old family sewing shops before heading to the tranquil gardens of the Temple of Literature, home to Vietnam’s first University, and the Ethnology Museum, where guests can learn about the country’s fascinating cultural makeup.

A change of pace then takes guests out of the City and into the lush, green countryside, visiting Bat Trang Ceramic Village.

Lying next to the Red River between the ancient trading centres of Thang Long and Pho Hien, the history of this traditional pottery and porcelain centre stretches back over seven centuries.

Today’s explorers can peruse the wares of the many ceramic stores before visiting the central market area for the chance to cast their own pots under the expert tutelage of friendly locals - a wonderful experience that brings all the family together with the local community and way of life.

Later, happy yet hungry, families can head back to the thriving heart of the City to meet Chef Ai, a passionate culinary expert.

Taking guests to the local market, she will show them how to select the freshest ingredients for cooking authentic Vietnamese food, before heading back to her house to enjoy a hands-on cooking experience, rustling up some delicious Vietnamese dishes together that guests can enjoy on the day and recreate again and again at home!

Home in Hanoi is Capella Hanoi, an art nouveau masterpiece.

The mythical Jade Islands of Halong Bay

Synonymous with the ancient magic of Vietnam, the towering limestone karsts of Halong Bay are shrouded in legends of gods and dragons - and are a must-see for any visitor to the country.

While there are endless ways to explore this stunning natural wonder, Realistic Asia’s tried-and-tested favourite is to take an overnight private cruise in the family-friendly surroundings of a Cappella Cruise. Families will love the giant inflatable water slide and beautiful family suites - a memorably decadent way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage gem.

With 30 spacious cabins providing the ultimate in comfort, guests can take in the grandeur of the karsts jutting from the emerald ocean from the deck, before cruising to a secret islet to explore the limestone formations up close and personal by kayak.

After? Return to the boat for some afternoon tea served on one of the six sundecks, or try a round of mini-golf. Guests can even enjoy a sing-along in the melody theatre and finish the day with a gourmet dinner with a top restaurant ambience, complete with incredible panoramic sunset views.

As the sun rises on a new day, guests can take part in a Tai Chi lesson before a light, delicious breakfast and brunch before moving on to the next adventure - Hoi An.

On to Hoi An

Charming, quaint and with a heritage all of its own, Hoi An is undoubtedly one of Vietnam’s most beautiful places.

In this scenic riverside town with its UNESCO World Heritage centre, Vietnamese’s ancient traditions are fused with the French, Japanese and Chinese influences of centuries past, making for a truly unique and fascinating experience.

After a walking tour that takes in the world-famous Japanese bridge of lights and lanterns, The Old House of Tan Ky and the Phuc Kien and Cantonese Assembly Halls, a stroll around the lively central market sees guests arrive at a family-owned lantern making workshop for the chance to craft their own colourful lantern, the symbol of Hoi An.

Guided by time-served artisans, here is a great opportunity to learn about the role of lanterns in Hoi An’s culture and work with local artisans, all the while enjoying green tea and candies prepared by the welcoming local community.

Then, their appetite for crafting thoroughly whetted, a trip to the beautiful Driftwood Village, a community of local artisans whose setting is nestled amongst rice paddies and lush greenery, sees guests learn about local carpentry traditions and listen to stories of the village and its past.

These craftspeople create beautiful, one-of-a-kind art pieces from driftwood they collect on nearby beaches - the ultimate in sustainable practices. Again, guests are able to learn the basics of their centuries-old techniques, making and painting their own masterpieces to complete a truly unique and special set of souvenirs!

Where to stay? We love Anantara Hoi An Resort

Ho Chi Minh - the Heartbeat of Vietnam

Dynamic, enriching and irresistible - Ho Chi Minh (still known here as Saigon) offers an exhilarating blend of old and new, its unique vibe driven by its young, thriving population and its history laid bare for explorers to uncover at their leisure.

Immersed in the most engaging parts of this bustling city, guests are guided around the remarkable Independence Palace and must-see French colonial masterpieces like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office before visiting the War Remnants Museum for a truly moving learning experience that reveals the tragic history of this beautiful land.

Outside the City, a sampan boarded at My Tho begins an exploration of the beautiful Mekong Delta, cruising around the four stunning islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise.

After disembarking, a horse carriage ride feels like a suitably traditional mode of transport to investigate the local village, where coconut candy, delicious seasonal fruits and honey tea can be sampled to the strains of Southern Vietnamese folk music.

The picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong (Bassac River) guide guests into the Cai Rang Floating Market, the region’s liveliest market where local farmers trade their produce direct from their boats.

At Can Tho, whose famous Monkey Bridge was built from one stem of bamboo, don’t miss the chance to see how the locals make their mouth-watering Vietnamese vermicelli soup - guests needn’t just take our word for how good it is, a tasting is mandatory!

Experience urban luxury at its best at the Park Hyatt Saigon.

Beach Bliss and Water Activities

And where better to end the perfect family adventure than on an idyllic tropical beach?

The final spot in Realistic Asia’s two-week tour sees guests head to Mui Ne, a slice of coastal paradise that beckons travellers with its blend of rural beauty and serene tranquillity.

Once a small fishing village, this beautiful resort town is known for its sweeping sand dunes and azure waters.

As well as promising blissed-out beach days for those seeking a laid-back retreat, there is also plenty to do for more adventurous souls, including a vibrant watersports scene.

Realistic Asia’s top tips for finishing an unforgettable family adventure in real style?

End a day spent swimming in the warm, gentle ocean and kicking back on palm-fringed sands with a walk to the Fairy Pond and a sunset trip to the sand dunes.

After the sun has dipped beneath the horizon, fix a final scene of the real Vietnam with an evening digesting local life in Mui Ne village, before returning to the luxury of Anantara Mui Ne

Vietnam's undeniable charm, diverse landscapes, rich culture and endless activities make it an ideal destination for a family adventure holiday that will create deep and meaningful connections both between family members and with this magical land.

If your guests are ready to pack their bags - or if you’d like to explore all the options available through Realistic Asia’s personalised itineraries - get in touch today.

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