RICE PADDIES & BUFFALO CARTS

Land in the capital, an intriguing blend of old and new Vietnam, and you’ll be transferred to your hotel, the landmark Sofitel Legend Metropole. You’ll be taken on a bike tour to uncover all of the city’s wonders, from Ho Chi Minh’s house to the labyrinth of streets that makes up the Old Quarter, where street-side merchants sell everything from silk pyjamas to sweet potatoes. Next you and the children will have a unique insight into the wonderful world of the Hanoi circus, with a backstage tour where you’ll get to see the brilliant costumes and meet some of the talented performers.

Off to one of the most spectacular natural marvels in the world, you and the family will be taken to Halong Bay for three nights on board the privately chartered Halong Legend. You’ll have your very own personal boat from which to sail around the extraordinary limestone towers and visit the colourful floating fishing village of Vung Vieng, with its own floating school and where families fish through the floors of their homes. Take part in a cookery class back on board your ship before sitting back on deck and watching the sun go down – one of the best times of day to appreciate the amazing view. You can explore Sung Sot grotto, an eerie cave filled with stalactites in a display of strange formations, walk along the sheltered beaches, swim in the shallow waters or hike to the peak of Soi Sim island for the beautiful views – ideal for budding photographers.

Taking a seaplane to Hanoi, you and the family will spend three nights at the Nam Hai, a collection of seaside designer villas located just outside of the city. Hoi An itself is a fascinating town to explore, a prosperous trading port in the past and now a UNESCO-listed attraction; you’ll soon notice that colourful lanterns are everywhere in Hoi An, lining doorways and illuminating the town by night, and you’ll learn about their origins and even get to create your own lanterns in a workshop with a local artisan. One of the best ways to take in the charming town is to walk along the river, where picturesque fishing boats bob along on their way to local villages, before heading into the old town to see its narrow streets crammed with colourful markets and ancient buildings. You’ll have a great introduction into the history of the city with a guided walking tour before being taken into the countryside to get your hands dirty by helping out on a local herb farm for a real insight into the local agricultural life.

Next, you’ll touch down into Saigon and immediately head out into the buzzing city on a guided tour to see its stunning colonial architecture and temple-infused streets.  When the kids get hungry, you’ll then go on a food ‘safari’, sampling the city’s most delicious and unusual cuisine, with patisseries and coffee for dessert at a French-influenced local cafe. The beautiful Mekong Delta is something that has to be seen, and you’ll explore it on a leisurely bike ride, meandering through quaint riverside villages, fruit orchards and lush paddy fields. During your stay in Saigon, you’ll stay at the sleek Park Hyatt for three nights, where you can make use of its 20 metre swimming pool, its tranquil spa and its prime location in the centre of the city.

Finally, you’ll be taken to the fine golden sands of the Con Dao islands for luxury and pampering at the beautiful Six Senses Con Dao resort where you'll spend a blissful three nights. If lazing on the beach, enjoying long picnic lunches under the shade and catching up on some reading sounds good to you, then you’ll find your nirvana under the mahogany trees or by your private infinity pool. However, if you desire something a bit more than just a few days spent in the open-air spa, then try make a dent in the long list of water sport activities available: go diving, snorkelling, island-hopping, kayaking or surfing – all the while looking out for turtles. If the children are a little young for such sporting adventures, they can join the hotel’s Sense of Laughter programme and spend their days on beach critter hunts, playing table tennis, beach football and badminton or making great vacation mementos, such as origami creations, face masks or artworks made out of coconut leaves.