ElizabethThis post contains affiliate links.
Embarking on a Vietnam family adventure with a multigenerational group in tow, including three kids, my partner Jeff, myself, and my parents, initially felt daunting. With a week to capture the essence of Vietnam and a desire to dive into its local culture far from the American tourist path, the planning phase quickly became overwhelming. That’s when we turned to The Church Travels, a decision that transformed our trip into a meticulously crafted Vietnam family itinerary. Our goal was simple: to immerse ourselves in the vibrant tapestry of Vietnam’s landscapes, history, and culture, all while accommodating the diverse needs and interests of our family. The Church Travels promised—and delivered—an authentic local experience, steering us through the heart of Vietnam’s breathtaking beauty and rich heritage, making every moment of our week-long journey unforgettable.
This journey, however, was so filled with unforgettable experiences that it demands to be shared across two posts. In this first installment, we’ll delve into the wonders of Hanoi and Northern Vietnam – from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene beauty of Ninh Binh. While we didn’t venture into the central part of Vietnam this time, our travels from the north down to the south have only intensified our desire to return and explore what lies in the heart of this beautiful country. Stay tuned for part two, where we’ll share the southern leg of our journey, from the historic depths of Ho Chi Minh City to the vibrant life of the Mekong Delta.
Our Vietnam family adventure began with a morning flight from NRT to Hanoi in December.
Family Travel Tip: On long flights, we’ve found ordering specialty meals like the fruit plate to be a game-changer, especially for families. Not only does this ensure your kids might actually enjoy their meal, but you also get served first, dodging the usual wait times and keeping the little ones happy and fed.
Hanoi Tour & Arrival
Arriving in the bustling city by late afternoon, we were swiftly greeted by our driver from The Church Travels and taken to our first stop, the Hanoi Pearl Hotel. The contrast to Japan’s tranquility was immediate; Hanoi’s streets were alive with the hum of motorbikes. It was loud and I was glad to have our loop earplugs on hand for those of us with sound sensitivity issues. (It’s me! I’m the one with issues!)
Our evening unfolded with a walking tour through Hanoi’s lively night markets, an immersive introduction to the local culture and cuisine. Dinner at a local restaurant offered us a taste of the city’s culinary delights. The tour pre-ordered the food so there were a ton of options to try. A highlight of our night tour was the Ngoc Son Temple, resting on a small island in the heart of Hoan Kiem Lake. Connected to the shore by an ornate wooden bridge, the temple serves as a serene sanctuary amidst the city’s chaos, dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao who defeated the Mongols in the 13th century. This juxtaposition of peace within the pulsating heart of Hanoi set the tone for our journey, revealing the city’s dynamic spirit and rich heritage.
After settling into the Hanoi Pearl Hotel, Jeff and I had pre-booked massages through the hotel to unwind from our travels, a much-needed respite to ease into our Vietnamese journey. That evening turned a bit more eventful when Oliver, our middle child, managed to lock me out of our room, a story I share with laughter and lessons on this episode of “Care and Feeding“.
Reflecting on our time in Hanoi, it became clear that we barely scratched the surface of this vibrant city. Missing the French Quarter and many of Hanoi’s highlights has only left us yearning for more time to explore. For families planning their adventure, I highly recommend checking out the Backpacking Family’s webpage for an extensive list of kid-friendly activities in Hanoi.
Ninh Binh Day Trip
Being driven from Hanoi to Ninh Binh in our private car was a breeze, a perfect setup for keeping the kids entertained on the journey. Plus, you’ll be glad you don’t have to drive once you see all the motorbikes.
Our first stop at the ancient capital was a deep dive into history, where dragons captivated the kids’ imaginations. Yet, we lingered longer than necessary, a lesson for future visits.
The sampan ride on Ngo Dong River, despite the crowds and the unexpected photo sellers (a heads-up: you’re expected to buy any photos taken, though they’re cheap), offers stunning views of the caves and surrounding landscapes. It’s a mixed bag of breathtaking scenery and lots of boats filled with tourists, but absolutely worth the hassle for the views you’ll get.
A serene temple visit offered a brief respite, with clean facilities and a chance to explore.
The highlight, however, was climbing to the Hang Mua Viewpoint and Big Pagoda. The trek up was challenging but rewarding, offering panoramic views that are the essence of Ninh Binh’s beauty. While Jeff and the kids daringly climbed the dragon statue—a move for the brave-hearted—the views alone, back over the river and across rice paddies, are worth the climb.
As you approach the ascent to the Big Pagoda in Ninh Binh, you’ll find two paths diverging at the staircase: to the right, a route leading directly to the pagoda, offering stunning views of the dragon from a safe vantage point; to the left, a trail that presents breathtaking river views and the tempting, albeit risky, opportunity to climb onto the dragon itself. It’s worth taking the time to explore both sides. However, proceed with caution, as the stairs are steep and the climb onto the dragon can be precarious. Balancing adventure with safety, these dual perspectives provide a comprehensive experience of the site’s majestic beauty.
In retrospect, allocating our time differently might have allowed us to enjoy more of what Ninh Binh offers. We skipped the offered bike ride through rice fields for a return to town, a choice we somewhat regret.
Halong Bay Cruise
Our Halong Bay cruise was a mix of awe-inspiring beauty and logistical chaos, a true testament to the unpredictable nature of travel. The journey began with a lengthy bus transfer, punctuated by numerous hotel pickups that extended our travel time significantly.
A pit stop at a crowded pearl and souvenir shop offered a brief respite and access to clean bathrooms amidst the hustle. The process of reaching the main cruise boat was an adventure in itself, marked by a chaotic transfer onto a smaller boat, our luggage precariously perched on the roof for the journey out to the larger vessel. A private transfer may be a better option if this is already making you anxious.
I was glad we brought along these playing cards that doubled as visual illusion cards to pass the time as our little boat chugged out to the big boat. You can also check out my Amazon storefront list of products perfect for managing the time while you wait with kids.
Looking back, opting for a more modern boat might have enhanced our experience. While we cherished our time amidst Halong Bay’s stunning scenery, the dated boat and less-than-stellar service fell short of the high standards set by the rest of our trip. With a myriad of boats to choose from for the overnight stay, a bit more research could have led us to a more comfortable option. For those considering this journey, the Wandering Wheatleys offer an insightful guide on various cruise options that could prove invaluable. I’m sure The Church Travels can arrange this, we just didn’t know to ask.
Yet, Halong Bay’s natural beauty was undeniably the highlight of our cruise. Kayaking around the majestic limestone karsts and having the option to swim in the emerald waters—though too cold for us—underscored the bay’s serene allure.
The evening brought unexpected delights, from a cocktail reception under a starlit sky to an impromptu squid fishing adventure. Henry’s triumph in catching a squid, which was then prepared for our dinner, added a memorable twist to our culinary experience onboard.
The following morning aboard the boat, despite the rain, we embarked on a mesmerizing journey through the sea caves, with Bright Cave (Hang Toi) offering a serene escape into Halong Bay’s hidden wonders. This peaceful interlude, coupled with some quiet time back in our room, provided a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, allowing us to soak in the beauty of the bay at our own pace.
Despite the initial hiccups, Halong Bay remains a breathtakingly beautiful destination, its charm undiminished by the quirks of getting there.
Back to Hanoi
Recognizing the value of flexibility and comfort in travel, we reached out to The Church Travels to arrange for a private car for our return journey, rather than navigating the bus transfer again. This decision not only streamlined our trip back to Hanoi but also afforded us a precious opportunity to revisit Hanoi. With the extra time saved, we were able to explore the majestic Hanoi Opera House and the historic Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam.
While Hanoi’s vibrant streets and rich history captured our hearts, we’d approach our next visit with a bit more strategy, ensuring we fully immerse ourselves in all its hidden gems and cultural landmarks.
Our journey continued as we boarded a Vietnam Airlines flight to Ho Chi Minh City, leaving behind the cooler climes of the north. Our wait at the Hanoi airport was made comfortable and delightful, thanks to access to a lounge through the Priority Pass collection, where we indulged in great food and enjoyed serene views — a perfect send-off.
This isn’t the end of our Vietnamese adventure; it’s merely a pause. Stay tuned for the next installment of our journey as we explore the vibrant life and historical depths of Ho Chi Minh City and beyond. Our Vietnam family adventure is filled with more stories to tell, lessons learned, and tips to share, promising to guide and inspire your own travels through this fascinating country.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. I only recommend products and services that I have personally used and found beneficial. Your support helps keep our blog running and allows us to continue sharing our family adventures. Thank you for your support!
Pin this for your ultimate guide to a family adventure in Vietnam, from Hanoi’s bustling streets to the serene Halong Bay!
Amazing photos, looks like you had a great time.