Family-Friendly Itinerary in Vietnam

Friday, September 29: Hanoi

Begin your family adventure in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. In the morning, explore the historic Old Quarter, known for its narrow streets and bustling markets. Visit the Temple of Literature, a well-preserved ancient Confucian temple. In the afternoon, take a cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple. In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet show, a unique form of Vietnamese entertainment.

• Old Quarter: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours
• Temple of Literature: Estimated cost - VND 30,000 ($1.30), Time spent - 1 hour
• Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Water Puppet Show: Estimated cost - VND 100,000 ($4.30), Time spent - 1 hour

Saturday, September 30: Halong Bay

Embark on a scenic journey to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the morning cruising among the limestone karsts and emerald waters. Explore the stunning caves, such as Thien Cung Cave or Sung Sot Cave. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on board. In the afternoon, try your hand at kayaking or swimming in the bay. As the sun sets, take in the breathtaking views before returning to Hanoi.

• Halong Bay Cruise: Estimated cost - VND 1,500,000 ($65) per person, Time spent - Full day
• Thien Cung Cave: Estimated cost - VND 100,000 ($4.30), Time spent - 1 hour
• Kayaking/Swimming: Estimated cost - Included in cruise, Time spent - 2 hours

Sunday, October 1: Hoi An

Fly from Hanoi to Danang and travel to the charming town of Hoi An. In the morning, explore the well-preserved Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the Japanese Covered Bridge, stroll along the picturesque streets, and visit the historic houses. In the afternoon, take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River and visit the traditional craft villages. End the day with a lantern-lit walk along the riverfront.

• Ancient Town: Estimated cost - VND 120,000 ($5.20), Time spent - 4 hours
• Boat Ride and Craft Villages: Estimated cost - VND 300,000 ($13), Time spent - 3 hours
• Lantern Walk: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Monday, October 2: Hue

Take a scenic drive from Hoi An to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. In the morning, visit the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the royal palaces and temples. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch. In the afternoon, take a boat ride along the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and the tombs of the Nguyen Emperors. End the day with a relaxing dinner cruise on the river.

• Imperial City: Estimated cost - VND 150,000 ($6.50), Time spent - 3 hours
• Boat Ride and Thien Mu Pagoda: Estimated cost - VND 250,000 ($11), Time spent - 2 hours
• Tombs of Nguyen Emperors: Estimated cost - VND 100,000 ($4.30) per tomb, Time spent - 1 hour per tomb
• Dinner Cruise: Estimated cost - VND 350,000 ($15), Time spent - 2 hours

Tuesday, October 3: Ho Chi Minh City

Fly from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. In the morning, visit the historic Reunification Palace, the former presidential palace of South Vietnam. Explore the War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam War. Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used by the Viet Cong. End the day by strolling around the vibrant Ben Thanh Market.

• Reunification Palace: Estimated cost - VND 40,000 ($1.70), Time spent - 2 hours
• War Remnants Museum: Estimated cost - VND 40,000 ($1.70), Time spent - 2 hours
• Cu Chi Tunnels: Estimated cost - VND 110,000 ($4.70), Time spent - 3 hours
• Ben Thanh Market: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours

Wednesday, October 4: Mekong Delta

Explore the vibrant Mekong Delta region on a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City. Cruise along the Mekong River and visit local villages. Experience the bustling floating markets, where locals trade fruits and vegetables. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch in a riverside restaurant. In the afternoon, take a sampan boat ride through the narrow canals and immerse yourself in the rural beauty of the delta. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.

• Mekong Delta Cruise: Estimated cost - VND 1,000,000 ($43) per person, Time spent - Full day
• Floating Markets: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Sampan Boat Ride: Estimated cost - Included in cruise, Time spent - 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For an off-the-beaten-path experience, visit the peaceful town of Tam Coc in Ninh Binh province. Explore the stunning limestone landscapes and take a boat ride through the scenic Tam Coc caves, often referred to as the "Halong Bay on land." Another family-friendly activity is visiting the Sun World Ba Na Hills amusement park in Da Nang. Take a cable car to the mountaintop park and enjoy thrilling rides, beautiful gardens, and panoramic views.

Check prices for flights and hotels in Vietnam here.