10-Day Vietnam Family Tour: Hanoi to Hoi An by train, with kids
Ninh Binh’s rice fields, the caves of Phong Nha and Hue’s imperial city, at a pace that works for two young kids and their parents.
Is this trip right for your family?
The key facts, before you read the days.
city days not included
- NBNinh Binh3 nights
- PNPhong Nha2 nights
by night train - HUHue3 nights
- HVHai Van Passscenic drive
town days not included
Suits any family with kids 5+
Any group size, grandparents welcome. We adjust rooms, cars and pace to your family.
Travelling with under-5s? We swap the night train for a private car and split the drive, so little ones stay rested.
Slow, with rest every afternoon
The longest leg is done on an overnight sleeper train, while everyone sleeps.
3 guided days, the rest at your pace
Guides for Trang An, Phong Nha Cave and the Hue Citadel.
We can add a Hanoi part and a Da Nang / Hoi An part to this itinerary, on request.
Day-by-day itinerary
10 days, 4 stops. Tap any day for times, options and family tips.
Ninh Binh
Days 1–43 nights · Eco Field Nest, Tam CocDay1
Hanoi → Ninh BinhWelcome to the ancient capital
Private drive (2 h), check in among the rice fields, then pool time.
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Welcome to the ancient capital
Private drive (2 h), check in among the rice fields, then pool time.
- Private pickup in Hanoi for the drive to Ninh Binh. The car can take you to a local lunch spot, or wait while you eat, before heading south.
Kia Carnival, reclining seats2 h by expressway
- Check in at your boutique resort among the rice fields.
- Free time. Swim in the pool or stroll through the resort's organic gardens to unwind after your flight.
Day2
Trang AnThe land of kings & Kong
Private sampan through caves and karsts with your guide, free afternoon.
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The land of kings & Kong
Private sampan through caves and karsts with your guide, free afternoon.
- Trang An Landscape Complex. Board a private traditional sampan and glide through emerald waters, ancient caves and the "Kong: Skull Island" film set.
- Optional: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the first royal capital of Vietnam.
- Back to the resort to relax and enjoy the quiet of the countryside.
Family tipSampans have life jackets for every size, and the boat trip is fully seated. Perfect for a 6-year-old.
Day3
Tam Coc · Mua CaveThe scenic country paths
Cycle the country paths at your own pace, climb Mua Cave if you like.
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The scenic country paths
Cycle the country paths at your own pace, climb Mua Cave if you like.
- An active yet gentle day on two wheels. Cycle through rice paddies and limestone karsts.
Tam Coc · Bich Dong · Thai Vi Temple · Mua Cave
- Those feeling energetic can climb the stone steps for a 360° view of the valley. The others can wait below with a cold drink.
Family tipChild seats or smaller bikes can be arranged. Ride in the morning and save the afternoon for the pool.
Day4
Thung Nham → night trainThe overnight adventure
Free morning, sunset boats among the birds, then the sleeper train south.
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The overnight adventure
Free morning, sunset boats among the birds, then the sleeper train south.
- Free time at the resort.
- Thung Nham Bird Valley. Take a boat trip as thousands of birds return to their nests: a magical sight for children.
- Freshen up & dinner. Back at the resort to shower, pack and have a relaxed dinner. Your room is kept until 9 PM.
- Private transfer to Ninh Binh Station (15 min), then board the overnight train to Dong Hoi.
Train QB01 · 22:12 → 06:30Private 4-berth sleeper cabin
Why a night train?It covers the longest stretch of the trip while everyone sleeps, so no day has more than 3 hours on the road. Kids love it.
Phong Nha
Days 5–62 nights · Karst Villas Phong NhaDay5
Dong Hoi → Phong NhaFarmers for a day
Arrive at dawn, rest, then ducks and buffalo at The Duck Stop.
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Farmers for a day
Arrive at dawn, rest, then ducks and buffalo at The Duck Stop.
- Arrive at Dong Hoi Station. Private pickup and transfer to Phong Nha (40 min).
- Early check-in & refresh. Shower, breakfast and a morning nap to recharge after the train.
- The Duck Stop. A family highlight: the kids learn to lead ducks, get a "duck massage" and try buffalo riding in the fields.
- Wild Boar Eco Farm, a rustic home-cooked meal overlooking the peaceful Bong Lai Valley.
- Free time by the resort's lake or in the pool.
Why family-led today?After a night on the train, everyone wakes up differently. No guide is waiting for you, so you decide: head out to the farm, or simply rest by the pool.
Day6
Phong Nha CaveThe hidden kingdom
Boat into one of the world's great water caves with your guide, free afternoon.
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The hidden kingdom
Boat into one of the world's great water caves with your guide, free afternoon.
- Phong Nha Cave. Travel by boat up the Son River into one of the world's great water caves, filled with shimmering stalactites.
- Free time at the resort. Swim, read, or enjoy the lake view.
Family tipThe cave is reached by boat, with no climbing. Morning is cooler and quieter. Bring a light jacket: it's cool inside.
Hue
Days 7–93 nights · HueNam ResidenceDay7
Phong Nha → HueJourney across the DMZ
Private drive (~3 h) with lunch at the 17th Parallel, tea in the afternoon.
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Journey across the DMZ
Private drive (~3 h) with lunch at the 17th Parallel, tea in the afternoon.
- Private drive to Hue.
Kia Carnival, reclining seats~3 h · 200 km
- Local lunch near the 17th Parallel, the former border between North and South Vietnam.
- Check in at your resort in Hue.
- Tea break & relax. Traditional Hue tea and the "slow life" of the Imperial City.
Day8
Hue CitadelImperial glory
Explore the Imperial City by electric cart with your guide.
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Imperial glory
Explore the Imperial City by electric cart with your guide.
- The Imperial City (Citadel). To keep the children comfortable, we explore the vast palace grounds by electric cart.
- If the kids still have energy after the main tour:11:00 AM · The iconic Thien Mu Pagoda3:00 PM · Tu Duc Tomb
Family tipStart early to beat the heat. The electric cart means no one gets tired legs.
Day9
HueThe art of Hue craft
Kids make their own souvenir at a craft workshop, dragon boat at sunset.
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The art of Hue craft
Kids make their own souvenir at a craft workshop, dragon boat at sunset.
- Hands-on craft workshop. The kids make their own souvenir to take home. Choose one:Lotus paper flower makingTraditional countryside kite paintingPoem conical hat making
- Optional visit to Dong Ba Market, or a sunset dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River.
To Hoi An
Day 10Journey ends at your Hoi An hotelDay10
Hue → Hoi AnHai Van Pass & Lang Co Bay
Seafood lunch at Lang Co, coffee on Hai Van Pass, Hoi An by 3 PM.
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Hai Van Pass & Lang Co Bay
Seafood lunch at Lang Co, coffee on Hai Van Pass, Hoi An by 3 PM.
- Private pickup in your Kia Carnival and a 1.5-hour drive to Lang Co Bay, leaving early so the kids don't get too hungry.
- Seafood lunch at Be Than Restaurant in Lang Co.
- Drive up the Hai Van Pass. Stop at the best viewpoints for photos, then a cliffside coffee shop at the summit for iced coffee (and juice for the kids) with bay views.
- Continue past Da Nang towards Hoi An.
- Settle into your Hoi An hotel and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
Want Hanoi at the start, more time in Hoi An or a beach day? This is a starting point. Every day can change.
Customize this tripWhere you'll stay
2–3 nights each, chosen for space, calm and a pool.
Ninh BinhEco Field Nest, Tam Coc
- Boutique resort among the rice fields
- Swimming pool & organic gardens
- Late check-out until 9 PM on the train night
Phong NhaKarst Villas Phong Nha
- Lake views in the heart of the national park
- Early check-in from 7 AM after the train
- Pool for lazy afternoons
HueHueNam Residence
- Quiet, garden-style stay in Hue
- Close to the Citadel and the Perfume River
- Traditional tea on arrival
Transfers
All private and door to door. Every drive stays under 3 hours.
Kia Carnival, just for you
Your own sleeper cabin
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Day 1
Hanoi → Ninh BinhKia Carnival
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Day 4
Ninh Binh → Dong HoiSleeper train, private cabin
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Day 5
Dong Hoi → Phong NhaPrivate car
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Day 7
Phong Nha → HueKia Carnival · via the DMZ
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Day 10
Hue → Hoi AnKia Carnival · via Hai Van Pass
What's included & price
Meals are left open so you can eat when and where you like. We'll share our family-friendly spots.
Included
- 9 nights in hand-picked family stays
- All private transfers and the overnight sleeper cabin
- Private guides for Trang An, Phong Nha Cave and the Hue Citadel
- Entrance fees, private sampan, cave boat and Citadel electric cart
- Early check-in and late check-out around the train journey
- 24/7 support in English, Korean, Japanese and Chinese
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Lunches and dinners, for flexibility in dining choices
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone, tips)
- Travel insurance
- Optional add-ons (Hoa Lu, Thien Mu Pagoda & Tu Duc Tomb)
Guides and transport for a family of four, June 2026, excluding hotels. Your quote is tailored to your dates, group and choices.
Customize this journey for your family
This itinerary is our starting point, not a fixed package. Add Hanoi, skip Hue, stay longer by the beach: build your own route below. A local lead will send back your tailored plan and quote within 24 hours, for free.
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