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13-Day Vietnam Family Itinerary: Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An, Nha Trang Beaches & Halong (2026-02-10 to 2026-02-22)

Viewed by 66 travelers
Day 1 · Tue, Feb 10
Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) — settle, street-food intro, Ben Thanh Market shopping

Morning:

After landing and checking into your hotel, ease into Saigon with a gentle walking introduction around Nguyen Hue Walking Street, where your family can soak up the lively city vibe and your sister can enjoy the open space and fountains. Stop for a brunch of vegetarian-friendly Vietnamese pancakes and fresh fruit at Banh Xeo 46A (many stalls offer veggie options) before visiting Cholon's Thien Hau Temple to admire ornate Chinese-Vietnamese architecture and offer a calm, cultural pause that suits all ages.

Afternoon:

Wander through the colorful stalls of Ben Thanh Market hunting for vegetarian street-food bites, fresh fruit smoothies, and budget-friendly souvenirs while your mom and you check out local textiles and cosmetics; your dad and sister can sample quirky snacks and watch the bustle. Afterward, take a short taxi to Saigon Square for more clothes shopping and bargain-hunting, then relax at the nearby Turtle Lake fountain area where your sister can splash a little and the family can enjoy iced coffee or coconut water before an evening stroll.

Evening:

As the city lights come alive, head to Bui Vien Street for a lively family-friendly vibe where your dad can try local craft beers while your mom and sister enjoy evening snacks and people-watching; seek out vegetarian bánh mì stalls and fresh sugarcane juice at the street corners. Afterward, take a short ride to the riverside Saigon Riverwalk near Bach Dang Wharf for a relaxed stroll, watch the illuminated skyline, and finish with sweet treats and smoothies at the riverside Cafe Apartment rooftop terraces - great for shopping-inspired browsing and photo ops.

Day 2 · Wed, Feb 11
Ho Chi Minh City

Cu Chi Tunnels half-day + city highlights: Notre-Dame, Central Post Office, walking food tour

Morning:

Start early with a guided half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels Visitor Centre, where the family can crawl through safe sections, try a bamboo basket ride demonstration, and watch a short documentary that brings the history alive for your sister. After returning to the city, stop at Tan Dinh Church for its eye-catching pink facade and quick photos, then enjoy a relaxed vegetarian noodle brunch at Com Nieu Saigon nearby before a short rest at your hotel to recharge for the afternoon walking food tour.

Afternoon:

After a morning underground adventure, wander through the leafy plaza around Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica for photos, then cross to the nearby Central Post Office to admire its colonial interior and pick up inexpensive postcards or local stamps as souvenirs. Continue with a family-friendly food walk that stops at Nguyen Hue Flower Street for snacks and street performers, samples of vegetarian phở at a popular stall near Pham Ngu Lao, and a refreshing coconut drink at Nguyen Hue Riverside Promenade while your sister watches paddle-boaters and the city glide by.

Evening:

Wind down after a day of sights with a family-friendly dinner cruise on the Saigon River, where you'll enjoy vegetarian Vietnamese dishes, live music, and skyline views while your sister watches the boats and lights. After the cruise, stroll through the charming lanes of Pham Ngu Lao Night Market for affordable clothes and cosmetics hunting (perfect for you and your mom) and finish with creamy desserts or smoothies at the cozy L'Usine Cafe nearby for a relaxed, late-evening treat.

Day 3 · Thu, Feb 12
Mekong Delta (from Ho Chi Minh City)

Mekong Delta day trip — river cruise, floating market, local vegetarian specialties

Morning:

Rise early and drive out to the Mekong with a private car or small-group minivan, then board a local wooden boat at My Tho Pier to cruise the peaceful canals; your family will glide past lush orchards while your sister enjoys spotting colorful birds and local fishermen. Stop at a riverside village to cycle on shaded paths to Cai Be Fruit Orchards (electric or tandem bikes available) and taste homemade vegetarian tropical jams and coconut candy at a family-run stall, then hop on a sampan through narrow water channels for a calm, hands-on experience that suits all ages.

Afternoon:

After a leisurely riverside lunch, glide to the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market area by motorboat to watch vendors sell fresh fruit and snacks from their boats - it's colourful and perfect for photos while your family samples vegetarian bánh bèo and tropical fruit smoothies from floating stalls. Continue with a gentle walk through a village to visit a family-run rice noodle workshop where you can see noodles being made by hand and try veggie-friendly tasting plates, then relax on a shaded terrace at Orchid Island Homestay for fresh coconut water and a calm canal-side break before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Evening:

As the sun softens, settle into a riverside family meal at Binh Thanh Riverside Restaurant (known for veggie-friendly Mekong dishes) where your parents can try local rice-paper rolls and you can sample fresh coconut desserts while your sister watches boats glide by. After dinner, enjoy a gentle twilight stroll through Vinh Long Night Quay-bustling with food stalls and live music-then take a short sampan ride past stilt houses to soak up the calm delta night air before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 4 · Fri, Feb 13
Hoi An (via Da Nang)

Fly to Da Nang, transfer to Hoi An — evening old town shopping & lanterns

Morning:

Arrive in Da Nang and drive to Hoi An, then stretch your legs with a relaxed riverside breakfast at Mango Rooms offering fresh fruit bowls and vegetarian bánh mì while your sister watches boats glide by. After check-in, rent a family bicycle and pedal a gentle coastal loop to Cam An Beach for sandcastle building and a quick dip in clear water, then pop into Reaching Out Teahouse for a calm cultural tea break where Mom and you can browse local cosmetics and lightweight cotton clothing sold nearby.

Afternoon:

Head to the charming riverside neighborhood around An Hoi Islet where you can rent a small wooden boat for a short family-friendly cruise under low bridges - your sister will love the gentle sway while your dad enjoys the views. After the boat ride, stroll through the artisan quarter and visit Phuc Kien Assembly Hall for its ornate carvings, then stop at Hoi An Silk Village to watch silk-making demonstrations and pick up lightweight dresses or cosmetic-friendly silk scarves for your mom and you.

Evening:

As twilight falls, wander the atmospheric lanes around Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu) and browse handcrafted clothes and cosmetics at the boutique stalls on Tran Phu Street, where your mom and you will love trying on tailor-made samples and picking up natural beauty products. End the night by releasing a paper lantern together on the river at Hoai Riverfront, savoring vegetarian street bites from nearby vendors and enjoying the family-friendly live music that usually plays on Le Loi Riverside as lanterns drift past.

Day 5 · Sat, Feb 14
Hoi An / An Bang Beach

Hoi An walking tour, tailor visit, beach time at An Bang — family-friendly seaside fun

Morning:

Begin with a relaxed breakfast at The Chef - Hoi An Roastery for smoothies and freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee, then take a gentle guided walking tour through the quieter lanes of the Ancient Town's craft quarter, where you'll watch lantern-makers shaping silk lamps and try a quick hands-on lantern-painting mini workshop perfect for your sister. Afterward, visit a highly-recommended family-run tailor at Yaly Couture for measurements and fabric selection (bring photos of styles you love), while your mom and you browse natural cosmetic stalls nearby and your dad accents the experience by choosing a custom linen shirt.

Afternoon:

Cycle or take a short taxi to An Bang Beach Club for shady sunbeds, calm swimming and a family-friendly paddle zone where your sister can splash safely while your dad tries stand-up paddleboarding lessons. After some beach play, stroll to the nearby Soul Kitchen for a late lunch of fresh vegetarian rice bowls and tropical smoothies, then wander back via the peaceful Tra Que Vegetable Village where you can join a quick herb-planting demo and sample farm-made dipping sauces-fun for kids and a lovely hands-on stop for the whole family before returning to town for evening tailoring appointments.

Evening:

As the sun softens, take a family-friendly sunset cruise from Cua Dai Pier on a traditional wooden junk with lantern-lit decks and live folk songs-your sister will love the gentle sway while your parents relax with fresh sugarcane juice. After docking, wander the atmospheric riverside stalls near Cam Nam Island for handcrafted clothing and local natural cosmetics, then enjoy a cozy vegetarian dinner at Morning Glory Riverside (vegetarian options available) before capping the night with colorful lantern-viewing along the quieter stretch of Bach Dang Riverside Promenade.

Day 6 · Sun, Feb 15
Hoi An area

My Son Sanctuary half-day or bicycle countryside loop; afternoon free for markets & tailoring

Morning:

Set off early for a peaceful countryside ride that avoids previously mentioned spots: pedal through rice paddies to Tra Que Herb Village's quieter edges, join a hands-on morning planting demo with a local gardener, then continue to the nearby Cam Thanh Coconut Village for a gentle basket-boat ride through water coconut palms-perfect for your sister to spot birds while your dad enjoys a mild adventure. Alternatively, take the short drive to My Son Sanctuary Visitor Centre for a guided early-morning tour of the Cham ruins before the crowds arrive, followed by a calming tea break at the shaded My Son Eco Lodge café where the family can refuel with vegetarian rice plates and fresh fruit.

Afternoon:

After a morning of ruins or rice-paddy cycling, spend a relaxed afternoon exploring Hoi An Central Market for vibrant fabric stalls, natural cosmetics and spice shops-perfect for your mom and you to hunt bargains while your dad watches local life. Then head to Memory Lane Tailor for a quick fitting of the samples you picked earlier, followed by a calming family dessert at Rosie's Coffee where your sister can enjoy homemade coconut ice cream and everyone can regroup before evening shopping in the Ancient Town.

Evening:

As dusk falls, enjoy a relaxed family dinner at Boat House Restaurant & Bar, where vegetarian Vietnamese dishes and fresh fruit shakes are served on a riverside terrace while your sister watches local boats. Afterwards, take a gentle twilight walk through Pham Phu Temple Garden to see traditional incense offerings and local evening life, then finish with a sweet treat from Hoi An Roastery & Dessert Corner-famous for coconut ice cream and creative coffee mocktails perfect for the whole family.

Day 7 · Mon, Feb 16
Nha Trang

Fly to Nha Trang — transfer to beach resort, clear-water beach time and casual seafood market dinner

Morning:

Arrive in Nha Trang and head straight to your resort area for a relaxed morning at Doc Let Beach where the water is famously clear and calm-perfect for your sister to paddle and for you to enjoy bright-blue swimming spots; many beachfront cafes rent floats and offer fresh fruit smoothies. After some beach time, stop at Hon Khoi Fishermen's Village for a short, family-friendly stroll to watch local boats and see nets pulled ashore, then sample vegetarian-friendly coconut rice and tropical fruit at a shady seaside stall before checking into your hotel and freshening up for the afternoon boat trip.

Afternoon:

Spend a gentle afternoon exploring the calm crescent of Tran Phu Beach where you can rent a family cabana, your sister can play in the shallow surf, and you can snorkel near the rocky headland looking for colorful fish. After beach time, wander to the lively Dam Market for bargaining on lightweight beachwear and natural cosmetics (perfect for you and your mom) and enjoy vegetarian bánh xèo or noodle bowls from friendly stall vendors before an early evening stroll along the palm-lined Sun Bay Promenade to watch local fishing boats return.

Evening:

As the sun cools, stroll to Nha Trang Night Market (Cho Dem Nha Trang) for vibrant street-food stalls and souvenir shopping where your mom and you can hunt for beach dresses and natural cosmetics while your dad samples smoky grilled corn and vegetarian skewers. After browsing, head to Xom Moi Street for a casual family dinner at small seafood restaurants with veggie-friendly options and seaside views, then finish with a relaxed riverside walk along Tran Phu Promenade-stop at a beachfront gelato cart so your sister can enjoy a sweet treat while the family watches lights shimmer on the bay.

Day 8 · Tue, Feb 17
Nha Trang islands

Island-hopping boat tour (snorkel, swim, sandbanks) — calm beach play for your sister

Morning:

Board a private wooden boat from Cau Da Marina for a family-friendly island hop that first visits the calm snorkeling shoals around Hon Mun Marine Protected Area, where you can swim above colorful coral and your sister can paddle in shallow, glassy water under guide supervision. After snorkeling, drop anchor at the powdery sandbanks of Mot Island for sandcastle-building and beach games while your dad tries a quick sea kayak and your mom and you relax with fresh tropical fruit and iced lemongrass tea served by the boat crew.

Afternoon:

After a morning at sea, glide to the sheltered lagoon around Bai Tranh Beach for gentle swimming and shallow snorkel spots ideal for your sister to splash while the family relaxes under rented umbrellas; local vendors often bring fresh fruit and iced sugarcane to the sand. Later, visit the quiet crescent of Hon Chong Promontory for a short rocky stroll and panoramic photo stops, then anchor at Bai Dai (Long Beach) inlet where you can build dunes and play beach games while your dad tries a quick paddleboard rental and your mom and you browse nearby beach stalls for lightweight dresses and natural cosmetics.

Evening:

As the boat returns to shore, head to Nha Trang Waterfront Promenade for a relaxed family stroll where your sister can ride the gentle seaside carousel and everyone can enjoy cool coconut shakes from beachside kiosks. Follow with an early dinner at Lanterns Vegetarian Bistro serving fresh mock seafood rice plates and tropical fruit desserts, then finish the night browsing handcrafted souvenirs and lightweight beach dresses at Dam Market Night Alley before catching a short taxi back to your resort.

Day 9 · Wed, Feb 18
Nha Trang

Relax at the beach or visit Vinpearl Land (optional) — shopping and coastal evening

Morning:

Start the day with a lazy beachfront breakfast at Ivy's Cafe & Bistro near the quieter north end of the bay, then head to the family-friendly shallow cove of Bai Truoc Beach where your sister can paddle safely while you hunt for bright swimwear and cosmetics at nearby pop-up stalls. Mid-morning, take a short boat to the peaceful Hon Tam Island for snorkeling in clear water, a glass-bottom boat ride for easy coral viewing, and a coconut-shell craft workshop perfect for kids while your parents relax on sun loungers.

Afternoon:

For a calm family afternoon, head to the soft-sand cove of Bai Dai (Long Beach) for shallow swimming, sandcastle contests with your sister, and optional paddleboard rentals while vendors sell fresh coconut and tropical fruit; nearby beachside cafés serve refreshing vegetarian rice-paper rolls and iced lemongrass tea. If your family wants more action, take the cable car over to Vinpearl Land for gentle rides, the kid-friendly Aquapark splash zones for your sister, and family photo ops by the landscaped plazas before returning to explore waterfront boutiques along Nha Phu Street for lightweight dresses and natural cosmetics.

Evening:

As the sun softens, wander the lively waterfront around Tran Phu Night Promenade to catch street performers and pick up evening snacks from local carts selling grilled corn and vegetarian skewers; your mom and you can hunt for beach dresses and natural cosmetics at the row of kiosks. Afterward, enjoy a relaxed family dinner at Nha Trang Square's Rooftop Garden, where vegetarian Vietnamese plates and mock-seafood specialties are served with bay views while your sister delights in the nearby illuminated carousel, then finish with a riverside dessert stroll to Po Nagar Night Bazaar for affordable souvenirs and colorful lanterns.

Day 10 · Thu, Feb 19
Hanoi

Fly to Hanoi — evening food walk in Old Quarter and night market shopping

Morning:

After your flight to Hanoi and hotel drop-off, start gently with a lakeside brunch at Tranquil Books & Coffee by Trúc Bạch Lake, enjoying Vietnamese egg coffee and light vegetarian bánh cuốn while your sister watches paddleboats; it's a calm welcome to the city after bustling Nha Trang. Then take a family-friendly cyclo ride through the leafy streets to St. Joseph's Cathedral Square for photos and continue on foot to the nearby Long Bien Bridge viewpoint where your dad can admire river vistas and your family can stroll along the Red River promenade before a relaxing early-afternoon rest at the hotel.

Afternoon:

After a restful lakeside brunch, ease into Hanoi's rhythm with a walk through Trang Tien Plaza for light shopping and to peek at Vietnamese cosmetics and local textile boutiques that your mom and you will enjoy. Continue to Quan Thanh Temple for a brief cultural pause, then join a family-friendly cooking demo at Hidden Hanoi Cooking Class where you can learn to make vegetarian spring rolls and pho variations-fun hands-on food for your sister and a tasty preview of the evening food walk.

Evening:

As dusk settles, wander the fragrant lanes of the Old Quarter on a guided street-food crawl that stops at Ta Hien Beer Street for a family-friendly mocktail or light craft beer for your dad, then tastes vegetarian-friendly bun rieu chay and freshly made banh cuon chay at the popular Hang Be Alley vendors. Continue to the lively stalls around Dong Xuan Night Market for bargain hunting-your mom and you can browse Vietnamese cosmetics and lightweight textiles while your sister enjoys grilled sweet potato treats and games at the market perimeter-finishing with a riverside dessert at Long Bien Night Eats for warm sweet soups and iced jasmine tea.

Day 11 · Fri, Feb 20
Halong Bay

Halong Bay overnight cruise (or day trip) — limestone scenery, kayaking, seafood & sunset

Morning:

Rise early and board a traditional junk at Tuan Chau Marina, then glide through emerald waters toward the quieter karst cluster of Vung Vieng floating village where you can meet local fish-farm families and try freshly made vegetarian rice cakes. After a short tender ride, explore the hidden lagoon of Dark & Bright Cave by rowing boat, followed by a calm guided kayak around sculpted limestone islets-perfect gentle adventure for your dad and safe shallow paddling for your sister before the cruise serves a mid-morning brunch on deck.

Afternoon:

After a relaxed deck lunch, glide toward the quieter coves of Luon Cave area for a gentle guided kayak through emerald grottoes and hidden openings - a calm, safe paddle perfect for your sister while your dad enjoys the mild adventure. Later, visit a floating fishing village near Cua Van to meet local families, try freshly prepared vegetarian-friendly squid- or tofu-style dishes on a wooden raft restaurant, then return to the boat for a golden-hour sunset on the sundeck with iced lemongrass tea and panoramic limestone views.

Evening:

As twilight deepens, gather on the sundeck for a sunset aperitif while the boat glides toward the scenic Grotto Bay viewpoint, then disembark for a short sunset stroll on the quiet sands of Titov Beach where your sister can play and the family can watch the limestone karsts change color. Back aboard, enjoy a family-style vegetarian-friendly dinner at Sundeck Dining Room featuring fresh local produce and mock-seafood dishes, followed by squid-boat spotting from the upper deck or a gentle stargazing session with warm jasmine tea to end the night.

Day 12 · Sat, Feb 21
Hanoi

Return to Hanoi — temples, Hoan Kiem Lake, final shopping in Old Quarter

Morning:

Start with a peaceful stroll and light breakfast at Cafe Pho Co overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, then join a short guided visit to the serene Ngoc Son Temple on the lake island to learn local legends while your sister feeds the friendly turtles nearby. Continue to the nearby Vietnamese Women's Museum for an engaging, family-friendly look at traditional crafts (great for finding inspiration for textiles and cosmetics) before popping into the atmospheric Hang Gai silk street to hunt for last-minute tailor options and lightweight fabrics that you and your mom will love.

Afternoon:

Wander the leafy lanes toward Quang An Street for a relaxed lakeside lunch at a family-friendly café serving vegetarian bun cha chay and iced lotus tea, then stroll through the nearby Book Street (Phố Sách Hà Nội) to browse stationery, local skincare pop-ups and lightweight fashion stalls your mom and you will love. Continue with a calm visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake for peaceful photo stops while your sister can watch lotus boats, then pop into Nghi Tam Village boutiques for handcrafted textiles and natural cosmetics before returning toward the Old Quarter for evening shopping.

Evening:

As dusk falls, wander the cozy food alleys around Ta Hien Street for family-friendly evening snacks and mocktails while sampling vegetarian versions of local favourites at small vendors. Continue to Ma May Ancient House area to browse artisan boutiques and handcrafted cosmetics before finishing with a peaceful lantern-lit boat ride on the Hoan Kiem Lake eveningscape (small paddle-boat rentals near Dinh Tien Hoang quay) so your sister can enjoy the water and the family can soak up the glowing city reflections.

Day 13 · Sun, Feb 22
Hanoi (Depart)

Departure from Hanoi — final airport transfer and flight home

Morning:

Pack and enjoy a relaxed final Hanoi breakfast at Kafeville with a last taste of Vietnamese egg coffee and a light vegetarian bánh mì while you check luggage details; nearby Lotte Center Hanoi has quiet seating and last-minute duty-free cosmetics shops perfect for you and your mom to snag souvenirs. After checkout, take a stress-free private transfer that stops for a short photo break at West Lake's Quang Ba Flower Market (bright blooms and quick local snacks) before continuing to Noi Bai International Airport with ample time for check-in and one last family selfie to close your trip.

Afternoon:

After checking out, take a leisurely last stroll through Long Bien Market to grab fresh tropical fruits and tiny souvenir finds while your sister watches the riverside activity; pick up a light vegetarian noodle box from a market stall for a picnic-style lunch. Then visit the calm riverside park at Vincom Riverside Garden for a relaxed sit-down and final family photos before your private transfer departs from Gia Lam Road to Noi Bai International Airport, allowing plenty of time for check-in and last-minute duty-free cosmetic shopping.

Evening:

If your flight allows a relaxed last evening in Hanoi, enjoy an early dinner at KOTO on Van Mieu for an uplifting meal where the family can savor vegetarian Vietnamese dishes while supporting youth training programs; your sister will enjoy the friendly atmosphere and desserts. After dinner, take a calm stroll through Ly Thai To Park to watch locals practice evening tai chi and listen to street musicians, then return to your hotel to collect luggage before the private transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for check-in and final goodbyes to Vietnam.

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