Our family group adventure to Vietnam didn’t get off to the start we expected: we were originally due to fly via the Middle East, but due to the war, had to change our flights, which meant arriving in Hanoi a few days earlier than planned and two days before our family group tour with Exodus Adventure Travels officially began.

Instead of seeing our flight change as a setback, we treated it as a bonus as we had time to ease into Vietnam at our own pace and really get a feel for the city.

We based ourselves just outside of Hanoi’s Old Quarter and spent our first few days simply exploring. The streets were a whirl of scooters, food stalls, tiny cafés and shopfronts, with something happening on every corner. It was the perfect introduction: busy, lively and completely different to home, yet surprisingly welcoming.

We booked a food tour with a local guide who led us through the backstreets and introduced us to Hanoi’s favourite dishes including bowls of steaming pho at tiny plastic tables and fresh spring rolls and noodles packed with herbs and flavour. The tour ended with a visit to Hanoi’s famous Train Street. Walking along the narrow tracks, with houses, cafés and everyday life squeezed right up to the rails, felt almost surreal. We found a spot at one of the little cafés and waited for the train to pass through. Watching it thunder by just inches from doorways and balconies was an unforgettable experience for everyone, and one of those moments that really reminded us how different life can look around the world. The tour did more than fill us up, it gave us a real insight into daily life in Hanoi and helped us to relax into the culture and pace of the city.

Those few unexpected days in Hanoi, wandering, tasting and experiencing the city, set the tone beautifully for the rest of our Vietnam adventure and meant that by the time our tour began, we already felt that little bit more at home in the country.

Day 1: Beginning our Family Group Tour in Hanoi

Our first official day of the family group tour with Exodus Adventure Travels could not have been a better introduction to Vietnam’s history and culture. After getting to know each other properly and meeting our guide “Lucky”, we set off to explore some of Hanoi’s most significant sites.

Our first stop was Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, which serves as the final resting place of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader and President and gave us the opportunity to begin to understand the figure who shaped so much of the country’s modern story.

From there, we continued to the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. It is one of Hanoi’s most beautiful historic sites, with peaceful courtyards, ancient stone tablets and traditional architecture. Wandering through the temple grounds, it felt like a calm oasis compared with the busy streets outside.

After a morning of history and culture, we were more than ready for lunch. We tucked into a simple but delicious meal of noodles and spring rolls, which quickly became a firm favourite with the group. Vietnam is a dream for food lovers, and even the more cautious eaters found dishes they enjoyed.

In the afternoon we visited Hỏa Lò Prison museum. Originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners, it was later used by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it became known to American POWs as the “Hanoi Hilton”. It's not an easy place to visit, but it's an important one. Walking through the museum brought some of the history we had heard about to life in a very real way, and it prompted thoughtful conversations within our group, especially with the teenagers.

We finished the day on a lighter note, with a cyclo ride around the Old Quarter. Sitting back in our cyclos while the drivers navigated the traffic was a fantastic way to see the streets from a different perspective. We passed cafés, street food stalls, tiny shops and busy junctions, taking in the sounds, smells and constant movement without having to concentrate on crossing the road. It was a fun, memorable end to our first official day of the tour and left us excited for everything still to come.

Day 2: From Hanoi to Halong Bay

The next morning, we left the buzz of Hanoi behind and travelled to one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes: Halong Bay. The drive out of the city gave us a glimpse of everyday life beyond the capital, but it was the first sight of those limestone karsts rising from the water that really took our breath away.

On arrival we boarded our boat, which would be our home for the night. There was a real sense of excitement as we explored the cabins and headed up onto deck to take in the view.

After a relaxed lunch on board, we set sail into the bay. Surrounded by towering rock formations and calm green water, it felt instantly peaceful and worlds away from the city we had just left.

In the afternoon we visited a local floating fishing village and had the chance to get even closer to the landscape by kayak. Paddling quietly among the limestone rock formations, with the cliffs rising dramatically around us, was a highlight for many of us.

The teenagers loved the adventure of being out on the water, while the adults enjoyed seeing how people live and work in this unique environment.

Back on board, the fun continued. We tried our hand at making spring rolls, which resulted in plenty of laughter and some surprisingly good creations. It was a lovely hands‑on activity that brought the whole group together.

As evening fell, we found ourselves on the back of the boat, fishing for squid under the lights. Even when the squid weren't biting, it was a memorable way to spend the night, with the dark silhouettes of the karsts around us and the gentle movement of the boat beneath our feet.

Falling asleep on the water, with Halong Bay all around us, felt like a very special part of the journey and one that will stay with our family for a long time.

Day 3: Sunrise Tai Chi, Limestone Caves & onwards to Hoi An

Our final morning in Halong Bay started early for those who wanted to make the most of it. There was an optional 6 am Tai Chi lesson on the top deck, and it was well worth the early alarm.

Even for those who just watched with a coffee in hand, it was a beautiful moment: soft light on the water, quiet all around and a real sense of being somewhere very special.

After an early breakfast, we set off by small boat to visit some of Halong Bay’s limestone caves. Stepping inside, we were greeted by towering chambers, dramatic rock formations and cool air that felt refreshing after the warmth outside.

By mid‑morning it was time to disembark and say goodbye to our boat. From there, we travelled back to Hanoi airport to catch our flight to Da Nang.

On arrival in Da Nang, we continued our journey by road to Hoi An. As we approached, the atmosphere began to change: from city and coastline to a smaller, more relaxed town with a charm all of its own.

By the time we reached our accommodation in Hoi An, we were ready for a slower pace again and excited to explore somewhere new. Lantern‑lit streets, riverside cafés and a completely different feel to Hanoi and Halong Bay awaited us in the next chapter of our Vietnam adventure.

Day 4: First Impressions of Hoi An

After arriving in Hoi An, it didn’t take long to see why so many people fall in love with this town. The scale felt gentler, the pace a little slower, and there was a real sense of history in the yellow‑walled buildings and narrow lanes.

This morning our guide took us on a walking tour of Hoi An’s old town. It was the perfect way to get our bearings and understand the stories behind the pretty streets. We wandered past historic merchant houses, colourful shophouses and small temples, learning how Hoi An once thrived as a busy trading port. Crossing the famous Japanese Covered Bridge and looking out along the river, we could almost imagine the boats and traders that once filled this area.

In the evening we swapped sightseeing for something much more hands‑on: a Vietnamese cooking class. Aprons on, we set about chopping, stirring and tasting our way through a selection of local dishes. It was a brilliant family activity, with everyone from the teens to the adults getting involved. Learning how to balance flavours with herbs, spices and sauces gave us a whole new appreciation for the meals we had been enjoying since we arrived in Vietnam. Best of all, we got to sit down together at the end and eat the dishes we had created, sharing plenty of laughter over whose spring rolls looked the most professional.

After dinner, Hoi An showed us its most magical side. As night fell, the town glowed with hundreds of colourful lanterns, their reflections shimmering on the river.

We climbed into a small lantern boat and drifted along the water, watching the lights of the town from a different angle. It was one of those simple yet unforgettable experiences.

Walking tour of Hoi An

Day 5: Cycling, Beach Time & Village Life around Hoi An

This morning we collected our bikes and set off on a gentle ride through the rice paddy fields on our way to An Bang beach. Cycling along the small paths, with fields of vivid green on either side and water buffalo grazing in the distance, felt a world away from Hanoi’s busy streets. It was a wonderful way for us to see the agricultural landscape and enjoy the fresh air and slower pace.

Reaching An Bang beach, we had time to relax by the sea. The chance to paddle and swim was very welcome after our busy days of sightseeing and travelling, and it gave everyone in the group a bit of space to do their own thing for a while.

In the afternoon our focus shifted from the fields and beach to the water. We were taken by boat to a local fishing village and shown how to fish with a traditional net. Watching the demonstration, then having a go ourselves, was both fascinating and humbling. Trying to master the technique gave us a new respect for the skill and strength involved. It also offered a glimpse into the daily lives of the local community and how closely tied they are to the river.

Next came one of the most fun and unique experiences of the day: a ride in a round basket boat. These traditional woven boats are iconic in this part of Vietnam, and climbing into them felt a little wobbly at first, but quickly turned into a lot of laughter. Gliding along the water in the basket boats, spinning gently and seeing the waterways from this low, intimate angle, was a huge hit with the teenagers in particular.

Afterwards we were taken by golf cart to a family‑run cooking school, where we learned how to make Vietnamese pancakes. Once again, it was a brilliant, interactive activity for all ages. Sitting down together to eat what we had made was the perfect way to round off a day filled with fresh air, local life and delicious food.

Day 6: Sleeper Train Adventure to Nha Trang

After a few wonderful days in and around Hoi An, it was time to move on to the next chapter of our Vietnam adventure. By now we had fallen into the rhythm of the trip: a mix of activity, culture, food and just enough downtime for everyone to recharge.

Leaving Hoi An behind, we made our way to the station to board our overnight train to Nha Trang. For many in our family group, this was a completely new experience and there was a definite sense of excitement as we found our bunks and settled in. The sleeper train added a real sense of journey to the trip. Watching the countryside roll by, chatting in our cabins and then being gently rocked to sleep by the movement of the train felt like a little adventure in itself. It was not luxurious in the traditional sense, but it was comfortable, memorable and something we were all glad to have experienced together.

Day 7–9: Whale Island – Our Slice of Paradise

By morning we arrived in Nha Trang, feeling a little sleepy but pleased to have covered such a long distance while we rested. From there, our journey continued by boat to our next base: Whale Island Resort.

As the boat pulled away from the mainland and headed towards the island, we could feel the pace of life slowing again. Clear water, a simple jetty and lush greenery framed our arrival, and we quickly realised this part of the trip was going to be all about switching off and enjoying island life.

Whale Island Resort became our home for the next few days, a peaceful contrast to the busy streets and activity‑packed days we had enjoyed so far.

One of the highlights was a morning boat trip out into the bay to go snorkelling. Slipping over the side of the boat into the sea felt wonderfully refreshing after the heat on deck. Floating above the coral, spotting fish and watching the underwater world go about its business was a real treat, especially for the teens.

The rest of our island days were happily unhurried: time on the beach, paddling in the shallows, relaxing in the shade and simply enjoying being together in such a peaceful place.

One evening, some of our group decided to walk up to the top of the island to take in the view. The climb was rewarded with a wonderful panorama: the curve of the bay, the resort below and the surrounding sea dotted with boats and fish farms.

For us, Whale Island was less about ticking off sights and more about soaking up simple pleasures: sea, sky, sand and unhurried time with family.

Day 10: From Island Calm to City Buzz in Saigon

All too soon it was time to say goodbye to Whale Island and swap our peaceful slice of paradise for Vietnam’s biggest and busiest city.

We left the island early and made our way back to the mainland, then on to the airport for our morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City (still often called Saigon). It felt like a big change of scene: from sandy paths and gentle waves to a modern, energetic city of wide boulevards, skyscrapers and constant motion.

After landing, we stopped for lunch, refuelling before heading straight into the heart of the city’s action at Ben Thanh Market. One of the largest and oldest markets in Saigon, it was a complete feast for the senses. Stalls were packed tightly together, overflowing with everything from spices and coffee to clothes, souvenirs and household goods. The sounds of bargaining, the scent of incense and street food, and the constant flow of people made it a fascinating place to wander.For our family group, it was an eye‑opening introduction to Saigon’s pace and character. Some of us enjoyed testing our bartering skills, others simply soaked up the atmosphere and people‑watched.

In the evening, we joined an optional food walking tour with a local guide. We tried a whole range of local specialities; from fresh dishes we recognised to completely new flavours and combinations. Sitting on tiny plastic stools surrounded by locals, passing shared plates along the table and comparing favourites, it felt like we were getting a real taste of how the city eats.

Day 11: Cu Chi Tunnels & The Reunification Palace

Our next day in southern Vietnam was one of the most thought‑provoking of the entire trip.

We set off early from Saigon to Cu Chi which, although only around 60 km away, took about two hours to reach due to the traffic. Ho Chi Minh City has a population of roughly 14 million people and approximately 9 million of them ride a motorbike, so the roads are always busy and the journey itself becomes part of the experience.

When we reached Cu Chi, we were taken to the tunnel network, which stretches for around 250 km and was dug by local villagers and the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Walking around the site, seeing the tiny tunnel entrances and learning how people lived, hid and fought underground, was fascinating and sobering in equal measure. Some of our group chose to go down into the tunnels to experience just how small and confined they are, which really brought home the reality of life here during the war.

In the afternoon we returned to the city and visited the Reunification Palace, otherwise known as Independence Palace. Its rooms and preserved wartime bunkers offered another perspective on the country’s recent history and the events that shaped modern Vietnam.

Cu Chi Tunnels

Day 12: Life in the Mekong Delta & Homestay Experience

For our final group excursion, we swapped Saigon’s busy streets for the slow‑flowing Mekong.

We packed an overnight bag and travelled by bus from Saigon to the Mekong Delta, then continued our journey by boat. As we moved along the river, we stopped at different villages for a glimpse into local life.

Our first stop was a family farm where they grow a whole array of tropical fruits including durian, jackfruit, mango, rambutan, longan and star apple. We were able to see the trees up close and sample some of the fruits, which was a real treat for the teens. While we tasted, our hosts treated us to a performance of traditional songs, which made the visit feel incredibly warm and welcoming.

After a lunch of local delicacies, we climbed into a sampan, a traditional, small wooden flat‑bottomed boat commonly used to navigate the narrow canals of the Mekong Delta. Being paddled quietly through the shaded waterways, with palm fronds arching overhead and glimpses of daily life on the banks, was a peaceful and atmospheric experience. It felt like we were seeing a completely different side of Vietnam again, far removed from the cities and even from the coastal islands.

Later we visited a family‑run business and were shown how they make popped rice, coconut milk and rice paper. Watching these familiar ingredients and snacks being prepared by hand, using techniques passed down through generations, was fascinating. It gave us a real appreciation for the work that sits behind the food we so often take for granted.

Later in the afternoon, we arrived by boat at our homestay, which immediately felt friendly and welcoming. Set right by the water, it gave us a lovely sense of being part of the village rather than just passing through.

Shortly after arriving our guide took us on a short bike ride around the village, pedalling along quiet lanes, passing local houses and gardens, and exchanging smiles and waves with people going about their day. It was a simple but memorable way to see everyday life up close.

In the evening we helped to cook Vietnamese pancakes for dinner. Having already tried these in other parts of the country, it was great fun to learn how to make them ourselves, this time in a family home rather than a formal cooking school.

Staying at the homestay gave us one last, very real glimpse into daily Vietnamese life before we returned to Saigon.

Day 13–14: Water Park Fun

After our time on the Mekong Delta and an overnight homestay, we returned to Saigon for the final chapter of our 14‑day adventure.

On the last day of our tour we swapped temples, tunnels and markets for something the teenagers had been very excited about: a full day at Dam Sen water park in Saigon.

After two weeks of travelling, sightseeing and learning, it was the perfect way for everyone to let off steam. The boys threw themselves into the slides and pools with their new friends, while the adults enjoyed a mix of relaxing in the shade and giving a few of the rides a go too. It was pure fun and a lovely contrast to the more serious and cultural days we had experienced.

In the evening we headed out for a final meal together with our fantastic guide, Lucky. Over shared dishes and plenty of stories, we looked back on everything we had done in just two weeks: from Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Halong Bay to Hoi An, Whale Island, the Cu Chi tunnels, the Mekong Delta and Saigon itself.

We had travelled with a great group of like‑minded people and it truly made the experience. We  made plans to meet up again when we got back to the UK, which says everything about how well the group bonded.

Our boys, in particular, really enjoyed the experience of travelling as part of a group and spending time with other children their own age. They had built friendships, faced new experiences together and created memories that will stay with them for a long time.

Beach Time & Sand Dunes in Mui Ne

Our Vietnam adventure did not quite finish when the tour ended. Due to flight changes we ended up with two extra nights in Vietnam. Rather than seeing this as an inconvenience, we decided to treat it as an opportunity to slow down and enjoy a little more of the country.

We travelled east from Saigon to the coastal town of Mui Ne for some much‑needed relaxation after what had been quite a full‑on trip. With the main touring finished, this felt like a gentle “exhale” at the end of our holiday.

We booked a lovely hotel right on the beach and quickly settled into a slower rhythm: time by the pool, walks along the sand and the simple pleasure of not having to be anywhere at a particular time.

Of course, in true us style, we couldn’t resist one more little adventure, so we joined a jeep excursion to some of the local attractions around Mui Ne including the Fairy Stream: a shallow, rust‑coloured stream that you walk along barefoot, framed by unusual rock formations and soft, sandy banks, White sand dunes: a striking, almost desert‑like landscape, Red dunes: where we tried sand boarding and Mui Ne fishing village: a colourful, working harbour scene with fishing boats bobbing on the water and a fascinating glimpse of local life. It was a fun, varied excursion that gave us yet another side of Vietnam to add to our growing collection of memories.

Looking back on our tour, Vietnam felt like an exceptional choice for us as a family.

Joining other families, also with teenagers of a similar age, turned out to be a brilliant mix. The adults had ready‑made company, the teenagers quickly formed their own little gang, and the shared experiences brought everyone together.

Most of all, travelling with an experienced local guide and as part of a small group meant we could focus on being present in each moment, rather than worrying about the logistics.

We returned home tired in the best possible way: full of stories, photos, new friendships and a long list of favourite places, and as often happens with the most memorable trips, we are already planning our next group adventure.

If reading this has sparked ideas for your own family or small‑group journey, whether to Vietnam or elsewhere, I would love to help. Get in touch and we can start designing a trip that is carefully planned, full of experiences you will all love, and tailored to the ages, interests and pace of your group.