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Review Of 15 Days In Vietnam And Phu Quoc From The Basset Family

A trip to Vietnam offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Our 15 days Vietnam trip with a Phu Quoc extension, arranged through a professional Vietnam travel agency, gave us unforgettable family memories. We explored Hanoi’s vibrant streets, marveled at the dramatic landscapes of Ha Long Bay, and strolled through Hoi An’s charming old town before relaxing on Phu Quoc’s white sandy beaches. This journey allowed us to experience the country’s diversity while keeping a balanced pace. Here, we share our favorite moments, practical advice, and tips for planning a successful family adventure. In this article, we share our itinerary, our favorite moments, and tips for planning a successful Vietnam family adventure.

I. Why choose a 15 days Vietnam trip with a Phu Quoc extension?

Our 15 days Vietnam beach extension journey turned out to be an unforgettable family adventure. The North captivated us with Ninh Binh’s karst formations, green rice fields, and ancient temples, while Hanoi’s bustling atmosphere gave us our first taste of local culture. In central Vietnam, Hue and Hoi An stood out for their elegance, history, and culinary delights. The southern region, Saigon and the Mekong Delta introduced us to a lively rhythm, where floating markets and boat trips revealed everyday life along the river.

Finishing the trip in Phu Quoc was the perfect balance. Relaxing on white-sand beaches, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and slowing down under palm trees allowed us to fully recharge and create lasting family memories.

II. 15 days itinerary: Discovering culture, adventure, and relaxing beaches

1. Day 1 - 2: Discovering Hanoi

From the moment we arrived in Hanoi, we were immersed in the vibrant energy of the capital. Our first stop was the Ethnology Museum, where we were fascinated by the traditions and cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. We then visited Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on a peaceful lake, whose calm atmosphere was a pleasant contrast to the city’s lively streets. Of course, a walk through the Old Quarter was a must, with its narrow alleys, colorful shops, and traditional cafés.

To end these two busy days, we enjoyed a full Vietnamese body massage, the perfect way to relax after so much walking and sightseeing.

2. Day 3: Ninh Binh – Tam Coc

In Ninh Binh, often called the “terrestrial Ha Long Bay,” we took a boat trip through Tam Coc. Surrounded by green rice fields and impressive limestone formations, it felt like floating through a postcard landscape. The experience was peaceful and unforgettable, ideal for taking beautiful photos.

3. Day 4: Ha Long Bay

The famous Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was truly breathtaking. Sailing among thousands of limestone islands in emerald waters was a magical moment, making us feel small in front of nature’s beauty. Thanks to our Vietnam travel agency, everything was perfectly organized, allowing us to relax and enjoy every moment.

We kayaked to explore hidden caves and admire the quiet beauty of the bay. One of the most fun experiences was squid fishing at sunset, a local activity loved by both adults and children. The day ended with delicious Vietnamese dishes prepared on board, including seafood soup, crispy spring rolls, and grilled fish - an absolute treat for everyone.

4. Day 5: Lan Ha Bay - Return to Hanoi - Flight to Hue

In the morning, we explored Lan Ha Bay, which is less crowded but just as spectacular as Ha Long Bay. The peaceful atmosphere and untouched scenery made this experience especially enjoyable. We then returned to Hanoi to catch our flight to Hue, the former imperial capital, where we began discovering Vietnam’s royal history and heritage.

5. Day 6 - 9: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An

In Hue, we visited the Imperial Citadel and the royal tombs, impressed by their architecture and historical significance. Da Nang offered a different atmosphere with its beautiful beaches and the famous Dragon Bridge. Hoi An quickly became one of our favorite stops: colorful streets, glowing lanterns at night, and traditional villages created a truly special setting. The town has a romantic and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for slow walks and family time.

6. Day 10: Saigon - Ben Tre - Can Tho

After exploring Saigon, we left the busy city behind and headed toward the Mekong Delta. In Ben Tre, we experienced local life while peacefully cruising along canals lined with coconut trees. This timeless moment helped us better understand daily life in the delta. We also enjoyed fresh tropical fruits picked directly from a garden, a simple yet authentic experience we truly appreciated.

We then continued to Can Tho. One of the highlights of the day was visiting the Binh Thuy Ancient House, a beautiful architectural treasure blending Vietnamese and French influences.

7. Day 11: Can Tho - Cai Rang Floating Market - Phu Quoc

Can Tho is a destination full of discoveries, with many attractions that reflect daily life in the Mekong Delta. However, the Cai Rang Floating Market was without a doubt, one of the most memorable highlights of our 15-day Vietnam and Phu Quoc trip. Organized by our Vietnam travel agency, this visit allowed us to slowly cruise among boats overflowing with fruits and vegetables. The warm atmosphere, filled with smiles and friendly exchanges, made us feel as if we were witnessing an authentic slice of local life.

Later, we left Can Tho and boarded a speedboat to Phu Quoc, marking the start of a new chapter of the journey focused on relaxation, turquoise waters, and palm-lined beaches.

8. Day 12 - 14: Phu Quoc - Free Days

In Phu Quoc, time seems to slow down naturally. These 3 days in Phu Quoc were dedicated to a series of simple pleasures: waking up by the sea, exploring quiet beaches, enjoying freshly caught seafood, and meeting local people in fishing villages. A hike in the national park, recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and a boat trip to explore the underwater world completed this peaceful and refreshing escape.

9. Day 15: Free time in Saigon - Departure

We returned to Saigon for our final day. It was the perfect opportunity to stroll through the streets, do some last-minute shopping, and enjoy our final Vietnamese dishes before heading to the airport for our flight home.

III. Summary and tips for family trips

Our 15 days Vietnam trip with a Phu Quoc extension was a truly memorable experience for both adults and children. Each day brought its own emotions: awe at the stunning landscapes of Ha Long Bay, fascination with local life in the Mekong Delta, and serenity on the beaches of Phu Quoc.

Traveling with a Vietnam travel agency made organizing the trip much easier. Transportation was smooth, accommodations were family-friendly, and activities were perfectly planned, allowing us to fully enjoy each stop without stress. We especially appreciated the local advice and recommendations, which made the journey both authentic and comfortable.

For families planning a similar adventure, a few tips can help make the most of these 15 days in Vietnam: maintain a flexible pace to balance sightseeing and relaxation, pack light and comfortable clothing for excursions, and include a variety of activities to keep everyone engaged. Don’t hesitate to try local specialties and chat with residents, as these interactions often make the trip truly unforgettable.

In summary, after these 15 days in Vietnam and Phu Quoc, we leave with a sense of a complete journey, where curiosity, wonder, and family bonding came together. Every encounter and every landscape left a lasting impression on our memories. Thanks to the support of a Vietnam travel agency, we were able to fully enjoy all these experiences without worrying about logistics, while having the freedom to savor simple, authentic moments. This trip will remain etched in our minds as an adventure full of emotions, discoveries, and shared family experiences, leaving us with an irresistible desire to return and explore even more of this fascinating country and its lesser-known treasures.