Chopsticks & Coconuts Family Holiday

From the spectacular limestone seascape of Halong Bay to the frenetic streets of Saigon, Vietnam is a country full of interest and surprises. The cities are an assault on all the senses: noisy, colourful, aromatic and totally absorbing. We tour Hanoi by cyclo and have the option to see a water puppet show. We have quieter time also, snorkelling at Whale Island, exploring the fascinating Mekong Delta by boat and cycling past vibrant green paddy fields near Hoi An. We also have the chance to enjoy the superb Vietnamese cuisine and practise our chopstick skills (try the fried scorpion if you dare!).

For this family trip in Vietnam, we have selected hotels for their location and character, and aim to use the best-available accommodation in each area visited. Most have swimming pools and there are opportunities to swim at beaches in Hoi An and on Whale Island.



Accommodation on this trip includes:



10 nights in comfortable, centrally located hotels

One night on a boat in twin-share cabins

One night in a Mekong Delta guesthouse, sleeping one to three per room (depending on group size)

One night on a sleeper train in soft-bed berths



Below are a few of the notable stays on this trip.



Mekong Delta homestay







Our time in a guesthouse allows us to experience true Delta hospitality, as we are looked after by local people and stay by the Mekong River. The rooms are relatively basic; bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided, while there are shared bathroom facilities with a shower. The real highlight though is the hospitality of our hosts, the lush garden, and the food (homemade southern Vietnamese cuisine).



Whale Island







Our two-night stay on Whale Island is regarded as a highlight for many; however, the accommodation is basic. You stay in thatched bungalows, each with mosquito nets, fans and private bathrooms. The simplicity of island life makes it idyllic.



Sleeper train



We spend one night on the sleeper train, the best way to travel long distances with the local people. The journey between Da Nang and Nha Trang is quite comfortable; however, it is simple, despite being first-class. You will be in a four-berth cabin (occasionally six depending on the season) and bedding is provided, although some prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. On occasions, passengers of different sexes will be required to share a compartment and there will be occasions where you’ll be sharing with local travellers or travellers who are not part of your group. Most trains have a dining carriage, but people generally stock up on snacks before the journey.



Worth knowing



There may be instances when you want a single room. Perhaps a grandparent needs one, or parents of a family of three or five want to ensure they get a bit of space! Single supplements are available upon request (see price below). Please advise at the time of booking. A single room is available on hotel nights only.

Additional accommodation is available in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City before and after your trip. Please ask for prices. Due to high demand for rooms, there is a chance it may be in a different hotel to the start/end hotel of your trip. Please ask your sales representative if you wish to book extra nights.

While we do our best to ensure families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family trips occur during peak season and we sometimes have little control over where you are put.