A Week of Family Fun in Vietnam

Monday, October 30: Hanoi

Start your trip in the bustling city of Hanoi. In the morning, explore the historic Old Quarter, known for its narrow streets and traditional architecture. Visit the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake and take a stroll through the peaceful Ngoc Son Temple. In the afternoon, discover Vietnam's rich history at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. As the evening approaches, indulge in a delicious Vietnamese dinner at a local restaurant.

• Old Quarter: Estimated Cost – Free, Time Spent – 3 hours
• Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: Estimated Cost – Free, Time Spent – 1 hour
• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: Estimated Cost – 40,000 VND (approximately $2), Time Spent – 2 hours
• Dinner at a local restaurant: Estimated Cost – 300,000 VND (approximately $13), Time Spent – 1 hour

Restaurants

• Start your day with a tasty breakfast at Pho 10, where you can enjoy the traditional Vietnamese noodle soup. The average cost for a meal here is about 50,000 VND per person.
• For a delicious lunch, head to Quan An Ngon, a popular spot known for its wide variety of Vietnamese street food dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 100,000 VND per person.
• Indulge in a delectable dinner at Highway4 Restaurant, which offers a unique fusion of traditional and modern Vietnamese cuisine. The average cost for a meal here is about 200,000 VND per person.

Tuesday, October 31: Ha Long Bay

Embark on a scenic journey to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the morning cruising along the emerald waters, surrounded by stunning limestone karsts. Enjoy a seafood lunch on board and visit the captivating Thien Cung Cave in the afternoon. As the evening sets in, watch the sunset over the bay before returning to Hanoi.

• Ha Long Bay Cruise: Estimated Cost – 1,500,000 VND (approximately $65), Time Spent – Full day
• Thien Cung Cave: Estimated Cost – 100,000 VND (approximately $4), Time Spent – 1-2 hours

Wednesday, November 1: Hoi An

Travel to the charming ancient town of Hoi An. In the morning, explore the well-preserved architecture, colorful lanterns, and bustling markets. Take a bike ride to An Bang Beach in the afternoon and enjoy some relaxing time by the sea. As the evening arrives, savor a delectable dinner at a riverside restaurant.

• Hoi An Ancient Town: Estimated Cost – 120,000 VND (approximately $5), Time Spent – 3 hours
• An Bang Beach: Estimated Cost – Free, Time Spent – 2-3 hours
• Dinner at a riverside restaurant: Estimated Cost – 400,000 VND (approximately $17), Time Spent – 1 hour

Thursday, November 2: My Son Sanctuary

Discover the ancient ruins of My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the morning, explore the intricate Cham architecture and learn about the rich history of the Champa Kingdom. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the serene surroundings. Return to Hoi An in the afternoon for a relaxing spa treatment or a lantern-making workshop.

• My Son Sanctuary: Estimated Cost – 150,000 VND (approximately $6), Time Spent – 4-5 hours
• Picnic lunch: Estimated Cost – 200,000 VND (approximately $9), Time Spent – 1 hour
• Spa treatment or lantern-making workshop: Estimated Cost – 400,000 VND (approximately $17), Time Spent – 2-3 hours

Friday, November 3: Nha Trang

Head to the coastal city of Nha Trang. Spend the morning exploring the Vinpearl Land amusement park, perfect for family fun with thrilling rides and water attractions. Enjoy a seafood lunch by the beach and relax under the sun. In the afternoon, explore the mesmerizing underwater world with a snorkeling or diving excursion. As the evening approaches, savor a delicious dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

• Vinpearl Land: Estimated Cost – 1,500,000 VND (approximately $65), Time Spent – Full day
• Seafood lunch: Estimated Cost – 400,000 VND (approximately $17), Time Spent – 1 hour
• Snorkeling or diving excursion: Estimated Cost – 700,000 VND (approximately $30), Time Spent – 2-3 hours
• Dinner at a local seafood restaurant: Estimated Cost – 300,000 VND (approximately $13), Time Spent – 1 hour

Saturday, November 4: Ho Chi Minh City

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Start your day by visiting the historic Reunification Palace and the nearby War Remnants Museum to gain insights into Vietnam's turbulent past. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Ben Thanh Market for shopping and local street food. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely cruise along the Saigon River and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner on board.

• Reunification Palace: Estimated Cost – 40,000 VND (approximately $2), Time Spent – 1-2 hours
• War Remnants Museum: Estimated Cost – 40,000 VND (approximately $2), Time Spent – 1-2 hours
• Ben Thanh Market: Estimated Cost – Free, Time Spent – 2 hours
• Saigon River Cruise with dinner: Estimated Cost – 1,200,000 VND (approximately $52), Time Spent – 2-3 hours

Sunday, November 5: Mekong Delta

Embark on a day trip to the enchanting Mekong Delta, known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam. Explore the lush fruit orchards, visit local villages, and take a boat ride along the winding canals. Enjoy a traditional lunch with authentic Mekong Delta flavors. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening and indulge in a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant.

• Mekong Delta day trip: Estimated Cost – 800,000 VND (approximately $35), Time Spent – Full day
• Traditional lunch in the Mekong Delta: Estimated Cost – 200,000 VND (approximately $9), Time Spent – 1 hour
• Farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant: Estimated Cost – 500,000 VND (approximately $22), Time Spent – 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the Vinh Moc Tunnels in Hue, where you can explore an extensive underground tunnel network used during the Vietnam War. Another hidden gem is the Cuc Phuong National Park, offering opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and discovering ancient caves. Both attractions are family-friendly and provide unique experiences beyond the usual tourist spots.

Check out hotel and flight prices for your Vietnam trip here.