Discovering Vietnam was something I was really keen to do. It's the country where my mother grew up and where my grandfather spent 25 years of his life (in what was then Indochina)! Vietnam, with its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, promised to offer us an exciting adventure. In nine days, we explored the mountains of Sapa and the misty shores of Ha Long Bay. Here's a glimpse of our itinerary and highlights!
Days 1 and 2: Hanoi: First steps in Vietnam
Hanoi, the capital, despite the incessant noise of motorbikes, charmed us with its blend of history and modernity. Among the bustling alleyways and street vendors, we sampled some local gluten-free specialties: pho with rice noodles and refreshing spring rolls. In the evening, we enjoyed a water puppet show, which the children loved.
Day 2: Exploring Hanoi and departing by night train
Hanoi is brimming with historical treasures. We visited the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. The city is bursting with energy, but it also offers havens of peace like Hoan Kiem Lake. In the evening, we headed to the train station for an overnight train journey to Lao Cai. An unusual experience, and the children loved it! We, not so much, as there were five of us in a cabin meant for…four! So I shared the narrow bed with my youngest, which made for a short night.
Day 3: Lao Cai – Coc Ly Market – Sapa
At dawn, we disembarked in Lao Cai to visit the colorful Coc Ly market. This place is a living painting: ethnic minorities in traditional dress, stalls overflowing with tropical fruits, and even water buffalo for sale! Next, we headed to Sapa, where the mountains and terraced rice paddies were simply breathtaking. 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 hiked through the villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van, surrounded by vibrant rice paddies and mist-shrouded mountains. My youngest son played jacks with a local boy and had a wonderful time. Our local guides shared anecdotes about the customs of the inhabitants. We walked part of the way encountering various ethnic minorities, including the Black Hmong and the Zay people. 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 offered us a spectacular panoramic view of Sapa. We returned to Hanoi by overnight 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 the "Ha Long Bay on land." A boat and bicycle ride through stunning landscapes and caves captivated young and old alike. Well, my youngest complained quite a bit because the only bike his size was pink! Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, added a touch of history to the day.
Day 7: Departure for Ha Long Bay – Magical cruise under a grey sky
We eagerly awaited our arrival at the legendary Ha Long Bay. Boarding a junk and sailing among the majestic rock formations was a dream come true. Unfortunately, the sun didn't make an appearance: drizzle and mist punctuated our cruise. But it 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 quite a magical and timeless moment.
Day 9: Departure with unforgettable memories
The last day was spent strolling through the streets of Hanoi, bringing back a few 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 blend of cultural discoveries and diverse landscapes. Traveling with children is easy and enriching, thanks to the warm hospitality of the Vietnamese people.
If you are looking for a destination that combines nature, history and gluten-free meal options, Vietnam will charm you!
Have you ever traveled to Vietnam? What were your experiences? Share them in the comments!
