Discovering Vietnam was really important to me. It is in this country that my mother grew up and that my grandfather spent 25 years of his life (formerly Indochina)! Vietnam, with its striking landscapes and vibrant culture, promised to offer us an exciting adventure. In nine days, we traveled through the mountains of Sapa and the misty waters of Ha Long Bay. Here is an overview of our itinerary and our highlights!
Day 1 and 2: Hanoi: First steps in Vietnam
Hanoi, the capital, despite the incessant noise of motorbikes, was able to charm us with its mix of history and modernity. Between the bustling alleys and street vendors, we sampled some local gluten-free specialties: Pho with rice noodles and refreshing spring rolls. In the evening we attended a water puppet show which the children really enjoyed.
Day 2: Exploration of Hanoi and departure by night train
Hanoi is full of historical treasures. We visited the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. The city is buzzing with energy, but it also offers havens of peace like Hoan Kiem Lake. In the evening, head to the station for a night train trip to Lao Cai. An atypical experience, and the children loved it! Us, a little less because there were 5 of us, for a cabin of…4! So I shared the narrow bed with my youngest, which means that the night was short.
Day 3: Lao Cai – Coc Ly Market – Sapa
At dawn, we disembarked at Lao Cai to visit the colorful Coc Ly market. This place is a living painting: ethnic minorities in traditional clothing, tropical fruit stalls, and even buffalo for sale! Then, head to Sapa, where the mountains and rice terraces were simply magnificent. In the evening we enjoyed stir-fried vegetables and sticky rice, naturally gluten-free options.
Day 4: Hike between Sapa, Lao Chai and Ta Van
This day was one of the highlights of our trip. We walked through the villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van, surrounded by vibrant rice fields and mist-shrouded mountains. My youngest son played knucklebones with a local kid and had a blast. Our local guides shared with us anecdotes about the customs of the locals. We traveled part of the way crossing different ethnic minorities, including black Hmongs and Zays. A woman and her daughter accompanied us for several kilometers.
Day 5: Giang Ta Chai, Cat Cat and return to Hanoi
After a peaceful night, we explored the village of Cat Cat, famous for its waterfalls. The climb to Ham Rong gave us a spectacular panoramic view of Sapa. Return to Hanoi by night train, tired but delighted with our discoveries.
Day 6: Excursion to Hoa Lu and Tam Coc
We left the hustle and bustle of Hanoi for the serenity of Tam Coc, nicknamed Ha Long Bay on land. A boat and bike ride through magnificent landscapes and caves captivated young and old. Well, my youngest complained a lot because the only bike his size was pink! Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, added a dose of history to this day.
Day 7: Departure for Ha Long Bay – Magical cruise under a gray sky
It was with impatience that we reached the legendary Ha Long Bay. Boarding a junk and sailing between the majestic rock formations was a dream come true. Unfortunately, the sun was not there: drizzle and mist punctuated our cruise. But she had a certain charm.
Waking up in the heart of the bay, surrounded by the calm of the water and the song of the birds, was a quite magical and timeless moment.
Day 9: Departure with lasting memories
The last day was spent wandering the streets of Hanoi, bringing back some souvenirs, including a bronze Gong that we still have. This trip was an enriching adventure for the whole family.
Why choose Vietnam as a family?
Vietnam offers a perfect mix of cultural discoveries and varied landscapes. Traveling with children is simple and rewarding, thanks to the warm welcome of the Vietnamese.
If you are looking for a destination combining nature, history and gluten-free meal options, Vietnam will seduce you!
And you, have you ever traveled to Vietnam? What are your experiences? Share them in comments!
