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Hanoi, Vietnam
Arrive early morning July 23. Rest, then explore the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Temple of Literature — Vietnam's first national university from 1070. Eat bun cha and banh mi in the streets around Hoan Kiem for under 50,000 VND per meal. Skip the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum if Abdullah finds standing in queues boring.
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Sa Pa, Vietnam
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Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Ninh Binh is the single best value destination in northern Vietnam and is criminally underrated. Trang An is a UNESCO World Heritage boat journey through limestone karst caves and ancient temples — Abdullah will love the caves, Jafar will love the 2,000-year-old history. Hoa Lu ancient capital was Vietnam's 10th-century imperial seat and rivals anything in the country for atmosphere. Rent bicycles to Tam Coc and Mua Cave viewpoint for one of the most dramatic panoramas in Southeast Asia.
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Phong Nha, Vietnam
Phong Nha-Ke Bang is a UNESCO World Heritage site containing the largest cave system on Earth including Son Doong. Paradise Cave is the most spectacular cave Abdullah will ever walk into — 31 kilometres long with cathedral-sized chambers. Dark Cave combines zipline, kayaking, and swimming through a cave in one activity and is the single best adventure experience in Vietnam for a 12-year-old. Take the overnight train from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi to save a hotel night and arrive rested.
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Hue, Vietnam
Hue is Vietnam's answer to Petra — a walled Imperial Citadel, seven royal tombs carved into jungle hillsides, and a city that was the seat of 13 emperors for 143 years. Jafar will find this genuinely comparable to visiting a Middle Eastern palace complex. Rent a scooter-taxi to reach the Tomb of Tu Duc hidden in pine forests for 25,000 VND — it is more atmospheric than any museum in Vietnam. Eat bun bo Hue, Vietnam's spiciest and most complex noodle soup, which originated in this city.
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Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam
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Hanoi, Vietnam