A Fun-Filled Family Adventure in Vietnam

Sunday, August 6, 2023: Hanoi

Start your trip in the vibrant city of Hanoi. In the morning, visit the Temple of Literature, a beautiful Confucian temple that served as Vietnam's first national university. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the bustling Old Quarter, known for its narrow streets and vibrant markets. In the evening, watch a water puppet show, a unique traditional art form of Vietnam.

• Temple of Literature: VND 30,000 ($1.30), 1-2 hours
• Local Vietnamese restaurant: VND 150,000 ($6.50), 1-2 hours
• Old Quarter: Free, 2-3 hours
• Water Puppet Show: VND 100,000 ($4.30), 1 hour

Monday, August 7, 2023: Halong Bay

Embark on a scenic cruise in Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning limestone islands. Spend the morning exploring the bay's magnificent caves and grottoes. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on board. In the afternoon, take a kayak tour to discover hidden lagoons and floating villages. End the day with a relaxing sunset cruise.

• Halong Bay Cruise: VND 2,500,000 ($108), 8-10 hours
• Kayak Tour: VND 300,000 ($13), 2-3 hours

Tuesday, August 8, 2023: Ninh Binh

Head to Ninh Binh, often referred to as the "Halong Bay on Land." Start the day by exploring the stunning Trang An Grottoes on a boat tour. Afterward, visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, and learn about its rich history. In the afternoon, take a bike ride through the beautiful countryside and visit Tam Coc, known for its picturesque limestone karsts and rice paddies.

• Trang An Boat Tour: VND 200,000 ($9), 2-3 hours
• Hoa Lu Entrance Fee: VND 20,000 ($0.90), 1-2 hours
• Bike Rental: VND 50,000 ($2.20), 2-3 hours
• Tam Coc: VND 150,000 ($6.50), 2-3 hours

Wednesday, August 9, 2023: Hoi An

Fly to the charming town of Hoi An. Spend the morning exploring the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, with its well-preserved architecture and narrow streets filled with shops and cafes. Enjoy a delightful Vietnamese lunch by the Thu Bon River. In the afternoon, take a boat ride to the nearby Thanh Ha Pottery Village and learn how to make traditional pottery. End the day by watching a sunset on An Bang Beach.

• Hoi An Ancient Town: VND 120,000 ($5.20), 3-4 hours
• Local Vietnamese restaurant: VND 150,000 ($6.50), 1-2 hours
• Boat Ride to Thanh Ha Pottery Village: VND 80,000 ($3.50), 2-3 hours
• An Bang Beach: Free, 2-3 hours

Thursday, August 10, 2023: My Son Sanctuary

Explore the ancient ruins of My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the intricate Hindu temples and learn about the Cham civilization. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the lush surroundings. In the afternoon, visit a nearby village and experience the traditional way of life of the locals.

• My Son Sanctuary Entrance Fee: VND 150,000 ($6.50), 3-4 hours
• Picnic Lunch: VND 100,000 ($4.30), 1 hour
• Village Visit: VND 50,000 ($2.20), 2-3 hours

Friday, August 11, 2023: Ho Chi Minh City

Fly to the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Start the day by visiting the historic Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum to gain insight into Vietnam's history. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Ben Thanh Market for some shopping and taste delicious street food. End the day with a relaxing stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

• Reunification Palace: VND 40,000 ($1.70), 2-3 hours
• War Remnants Museum: VND 40,000 ($1.70), 2-3 hours
• Ben Thanh Market: Free, 2-3 hours
• Street Food: Varies, 1 hour
• Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Free, 1-2 hours

Saturday, August 12, 2023: Mekong Delta

Take a day trip to the enchanting Mekong Delta. Explore the lush fruit orchards and experience the local way of life on a boat tour. Visit a coconut candy factory and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch in a riverside restaurant. In the afternoon, cycle through the countryside and visit a local market before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

• Mekong Delta Day Trip: VND 800,000 ($34), 8-10 hours
• Coconut Candy Factory: VND 30,000 ($1.30), 1-2 hours
• Local Riverside Restaurant: VND 200,000 ($9), 1-2 hours
• Bike Rental: VND 50,000 ($2.20), 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique off-the-beaten-path experience, visit Cuc Phuong National Park near Ninh Binh. Explore the diverse flora and fauna, take a hike to the ancient tree, and visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center. Another hidden gem is the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, where you can learn about the Viet Cong's underground network during the Vietnam War. These attractions are family-friendly and provide educational experiences.

For hotel and flight bookings, you can check prices on Kayak.