Bat Cave (Hang Doi)
It’s coming up to the busiest family time in Vietnam so we have devoted the May Newsletter to things we know the whole family will enjoy at different locations. From kayaking to stage shows, to cooking classes and trekking, let us open up your planning guide to 20 of our most popular with local and international tourists.
Hanoi – A vibrant Metropoli
If your launching pad is Hanoi, there are many kinds of experiences a traveller with a family can do to amaze and capture the spirit of this historical city.
- The Vietnamese Famous Puppet show
Based on water these famous puppeteers have been delighting the younger audiences for years. A great thing to do on a day when its either too hot or raining.
- Hands on handicraft course
Bat Trang, traditional porcelain and pottery village with history of seven centuries, is an interesting attraction in Hanoi that tourists should not ignore. It is a village in North Vietnam about 13 kms south east of Hanoi, on the Red river. It has been famous for its ceramics for a thousand years.
It’s a fun activity whereby you get to make your own pottery souvenir to bring back home.
- Traditional Paper Mask painting – Preserving an ancient heritage
This is a chance for the whole family to show their creative spirit and bring to life artfully crafted masks that are at both colourful and representative of the festivities of the night. A great way to learn about Vietnamese culture through its arts and crafts.
- Visit the Old Quarter and explore the local stalls, try some street food and check out some of the famous museums.
Ha Long Bay – The Unesco World Heritage Bay
- Kayaking in Ha Long Bay: This is a once in a lifetime experience offering kayaking and exploration through caves and scenery that will keep phones snapping photos the whole time.
Ninh Binh
- Boating & Biking in Ninh Binh: Your whole family will have a delightful time being rowed about this magnificent area, with the unique style of rowing they do with their feet. For the energetic, there are mountains to climb and bicycles are easy to hire to ride around the area to fill a whole day.
Quang Binh and Phong Nha
- Caving & Zip lining in Quang Binh
Quang Binh is dubbed the “Kingdom of caves” with hundreds of caves of various sizes as well as incredible mountain scenery and sprawling beaches.
If it is trekking and caving you think the family would love, then let’s arrange to take you to THE most famous caves.
- Phong Nha Caves – Pure discovery
To truly do this area justice you would need to do a tour extension. This is an adventure your children will remember forever, as they meander by water in kayaks and boats to see caves thousands of years old and in some cases only newly discovered. Depending on your skill levels and time available this suits all age levels as tours are arranged with the utmost of professional guidance and care.
Ideally we think it would suit a more teenage family group as the Caves are spectacular but can take up a lot of energy and require some ambitious climbing.
Hue – The Imperial city
- Visiting some special tombs in Hue
The same as Hue Imperial Citadel, the main tombs which are Khai Dinh Tomb, Minh Mang Tomb and Tu Duc Tomb are quite extensive. They are full of all kinds of special designs and secretive garden paths that your kids will love to discover. The best place to play “Hide and seek”.
- Thanh Tien Village: Making paper flowers
Hue Imperial City (Thua Thien Hue) is famous for various traditional artworks & craftmanship. Amongst them, paper flower handicraft in Thanh Tien Village is one of the most distinctive that offers a special feeling for any travellers especially children. This village has been well-known as one of the most travellers’ favourite destinations which are highly rich in local culture, traditions & local beliefs.
Da Nang – Vietnam’s most liveable city
From Danang you are ideally placed to enjoy a enjoy a wide choice of entertainment and fun experiences. Why not look at:
- Water sports – Danang Beach – kite surfing, surfing, and paragliding. Easy to purchase tickets from the beach with Life Guards on hand and instructors for those wishing to learn how to surf. Affordable for the whole family. Make a day of it.
- Ba Na Hills – The famous Golden Hand Bridge and Fantasy Park full of exciting rides, tasty food and let’s not forget the 5Km cable car to the top with the most panoramic views of Danang.
- Son Tra Nature Reserve – See and count members of macaques and douc langurs family and the many other wildlife. Learn about langurs’ feeding behavior through observing them in the wild, and … watch out for your handbag??
See and experience the natural habitat of Son Tra’s wild animals.
Hoi An – The ancient Old town steeped in history
By visiting Hoi An you can almost feel like you are in a magical movie set, as the Old Town has been preserved so well and features so many delightful old shops and streets that date back to the 16th century. In addition, there are some great things to do that bring the whole family together.
14. Lantern Making Workshop: The Great Heritage of Hoi An
The lanterns hold a deeper meaning for locals and are characteristic of your visit to Hoi An.
Locals believe that hanging lanterns in front of their houses will bring luck, happiness and wealth to the family living in the house. Sign up for this course and let us show you how to make an icon of Hoi An!.
- A cooking class isn’t JUST a cooking class. It can feature a visit to the market, a ride on a boat, followed by a ride on a buffalo, a massage and then, the cooking class. You will be surprised at how much fun a family of all ages can have doing one of these. Please check with us for the best one to suit your family.
- The Hoi An Memories show. A spectacular show with over 500 performers, set on water it has been described, with the lighting effects and choreography, like you are watching the opening of the Olympic games. A MUST TO SEE.
- Tra Que Village – a great fun day to do things the locals have done for centuries. Get dressed in typical local clothes, learn about the local produce, pick your vegetables to cook a delicious lunch.
- Fishing Village Culture & Basket Boat – Enjoy a fun day meandering the water coconut forests in round coracle boats. “Rock’n & rollin” in these round boats to music, is a fun test to see if you can stay afloat!
- Vin Pearl Nam Hoi An – Amusement park and Safari. You will be forgiven for thinking you have just arrived in Disneyland when you visit this Theme park and Safari only 20 mins from Hoi An. They say allow a few hours, but try to leave in a few hours will be hard as the smaller children in particular love this place.
Ho Chi Minh City – The city that never sleeps
- A foodie night out on the town.
This Saigon night tour is partly a night excursion to show off the city from the seat of a scooter, and part a street food adventure. Experience Saigon nightlife the way locals do, all from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter.
Please check out our website for more family ideas and tours www.itsvietnam.com