Group meets at Da Nang International Airport (DAD). Private coach (16–29 seats) transfers the group ~30–45 minutes to hotels in Hoi An; this keeps luggage and mobility easy for older travelers.
Check into a centrally located family-friendly hotel or several adjacent mid-range hotels/resorts in Hoi An (book block rooms). Recommended properties for groups: La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa (mid-range), Vinh Hung Library Hotel (budget-friendly town option), or An Bang Beach hotels for relaxed beach access. Request adjoining rooms and ground-floor or elevator access for elders.
Most hotels offer breakfast buffets with vegetarian choices; if you prefer outside, try Minh Hien Vegetarian (Hoi An) or other local 'chay' restaurants that serve rice/noodle dishes — good for Indian palates (request no fish sauce).
Stroll the lantern-lit ancient town (UNESCO): short distances, mostly flat — good introduction to the cultural atmosphere. Many shops and small museums; the pedestrian area is best around late afternoon to evening when lanterns come on. Note: some museums open ~8:00am–5:30pm.
Group dinner at a vegetarian-friendly restaurant such as The Vegan Garden or Minh Hien Vegetarian; inform the restaurant beforehand for a large all-vegetarian menu with Vietnamese and pan-Asian options. These restaurants usually open 9:00am–9:30pm.
Short private sampan or wooden boat ride on the Thu Bon River to see lanterns (sundown ~5:30–6:30pm depending on season). This gentle activity is accessible to elders and delightful for families.
Depart by private coach to My Son (approx 1–1.5 hours). Explore the Cham Hindu temple complex — important historical and religious site; the visit is moderate walking on uneven paths. Typical visiting hours: 6:30am–5:00pm. Best to visit in the morning when cooler.
Return to Hoi An for a prepared vegetarian group lunch near the river — dishes include vegetarian cao lau, rice, fresh herbs and vegetarian spring rolls. Choose a restaurant that can handle a group booking (11:30am–2:30pm service typical).
Relax at An Bang Beach (15 minutes from town) for swimming, beach walks, and low-impact time for elders. Beach vendors and cafes are open until early evening; accessible sunbeds and shaded seating available.
Group can split between a vegetarian Vietnamese chay restaurant and a casual Indian vegetarian restaurant (Hoi An has several small Indian-run eateries that cater to groups) to suit tastes and spice preferences — both types typically open until 9:30pm.
Start with a short guided visit to Hoi An market to buy herbs and vegetables, then join a 3.5–4 hour cooking class specializing in vegetarian Vietnamese dishes—classes typically run 8:30am–1:00pm and include market + boat transfers. Great for families and educational for kids.
Enjoy the fruits of the cooking class; a relaxed group lunch that doubles as a meal and cultural lesson. Most classes include lunch as part of the price.
Easy cycling (or short van transfer for elders) to Tra Que for a gentle farming demonstration and herb garden walk — low-impact and interactive. Open afternoons and flexible by appointment.
Take a private short river cruise or bamboo boat to watch sunset and floating lanterns; very gentle, accessible activity. Boat operators run until early evening (times vary by season).
Group dinner at a riverside restaurant with pre-ordered vegetarian set menus to streamline service for large numbers; choose a place that can set a customized vegetarian banquet.
Private coach departs early (approx 2.5–3 hours scenic drive). The Hai Van Pass is a highlight; plan restroom and stretch breaks for elders. For large groups, split into two coaches if necessary.
Explore the walled citadel and Forbidden Purple City — key historical site of the Nguyen Dynasty. Opening hours ~8:00am–5:00pm. The site has uneven ground; consider golf-cart hire for limited mobility guests where available.
Enjoy simple vegetarian Hue dishes like banh khoai (made vegetarian), bun bo chay (vegetarian noodles) and fresh rice paper — many restaurants near the citadel cater to vegetarians; check opening hours 10:30am–2:30pm for lunch service.
Visit the iconic riverside pagoda (open ~7:00am–5:30pm) and, if time and energy permit, take a short dragon-boat ride on the Perfume River for a restful, scenic experience — suitable for elders.
Drive to one royal tomb (easier access and lower walking demands than multiple sites). Tomb visiting hours typically 7:30am–4:30pm; choose tomb with short walks and good access.
Short drive to Marble Mountains to visit caves, pagodas and viewpoints with cultural and spiritual significance; open ~7:00am–5:30pm. There are stairs and paths — elders may prefer staying at base and enjoying the pagoda areas. Consider taxi lifts or partial visits.
Visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture (open approx 7:30am–5:00pm) to see exquisite Cham artifacts — a compact, informative stop for history lovers and sheltered from weather.
Group lunch at a vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Da Nang; many serve both Vietnamese chay and Indian vegetarian dishes to suit the group. Confirm group menu and opening hours in advance.
Return to Hoi An for pool/beach relaxation or shopping — a low-energy afternoon for elders. Alternatively, those wanting adventure can opt for a short Ba Na Hills cable car excursion (longer, more costly) — check Ba Na Hills opening hours 7:00am–6:00pm and plan for a full half-day if chosen.
Reserve a larger space at a restaurant for a farewell-style group dinner in Hoi An with multiple vegetarian Vietnamese and Indian options tailored for the group.
For the adventurous group members: boat to Cham Islands for snorkeling, beach, and reef exploration. Boats typically depart 8:00–9:00am and return mid-afternoon (approx 3:00pm). Not ideal for those who cannot swim or have mobility restrictions.
For elders and those preferring low energy: morning spa treatments, tailoring/shopping in Hoi An's tailor shops, museum visits, or additional short trips to nearby temples and pagodas. Most shops open 9:00am–6:00pm and spas by appointment.
Either aboard the Cham Islands trip (usually lunch included) or a relaxed lunch in Hoi An with vegetarian options; reserve seating to accommodate the whole group comfortably.
Final group dinner with a pre-set vegetarian menu highlighting Central Vietnamese specialties and Indian favourites if requested. Book a private dining room for a comfortable group experience.
Private coach to Da Nang Airport (30–45 minutes). For a smooth departure, leave 2.5–3 hours before international flights for check-in and immigration for large groups.
If you want a South Vietnam extension, book morning flights (~1h15). Recommended for families wanting urban history (War Remnants Museum), Cu Chi tunnels (adventurous — not for all elders), or Mekong Delta day trips. This is optional and requires at least 2–3 extra days.