7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Vietnam

Sunday November 5: Hanoi

Start your trip in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. In the morning, visit the Temple of Literature, a beautiful Confucian temple that is also Vietnam's first national university. Explore the Old Quarter in the afternoon, known for its bustling streets, traditional shops, and vibrant atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form.

• Temple of Literature: Entrance fee: 30,000 VND ($1.30), Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Old Quarter: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Water Puppet Show: Ticket price: 100,000-200,000 VND ($4.30-$8.60), Time spent: 1 hour

Monday November 6: Halong Bay

Embark on a day trip to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald waters and limestone islands. Take a scenic boat cruise through the bay, explore the stunning caves, and enjoy swimming or kayaking in the crystal-clear waters. Admire the breathtaking sunset over the bay before returning to Hanoi.

• Halong Bay Day Trip: Tour price: 900,000-1,500,000 VND ($38.80-$64.60), Time spent: Full day

Tuesday November 7: Hue

Fly from Hanoi to Hue, a city rich in history and culture. In the morning, visit the Imperial City, a vast complex that was once the residence of the Nguyen emperors. Take a boat cruise along the Perfume River in the afternoon and visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic seven-story pagoda. End the day with a visit to the vibrant Dong Ba Market.

• Imperial City: Entrance fee: 150,000 VND ($6.45), Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Boat Cruise on Perfume River: 200,000-300,000 VND ($8.60-$12.90), Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Thien Mu Pagoda: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Dong Ba Market: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Wednesday November 8: Hoi An

Travel from Hue to Hoi An, a charming ancient town with well-preserved architecture. Start the day by exploring the UNESCO-listed Old Town, known for its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and lantern-lit nights. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and take a boat ride along Thu Bon River. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese cooking class.

• Hoi An Old Town: Entrance fee: 120,000 VND ($5.20), Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Japanese Covered Bridge: Entrance fee: 20,000 VND ($0.85), Time spent: 30 minutes
• Boat Ride on Thu Bon River: 100,000 VND ($4.30), Time spent: 1 hour
• Vietnamese Cooking Class: Class price: 500,000-700,000 VND ($21.50-$30.10), Time spent: 2-3 hours

Thursday November 9: Nha Trang

Fly from Hoi An to Nha Trang, a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant marine life. Spend the morning at Vinpearl Land, a popular amusement park with thrilling rides and a water park. In the afternoon, relax on the pristine beaches or go snorkeling to explore the underwater world. Enjoy a seafood dinner by the beach in the evening.

• Vinpearl Land: Entrance fee: 800,000 VND ($34.50), Time spent: 4-6 hours
• Beach Relaxation: Free, Time spent: Flexible
• Snorkeling: Tour price: 300,000-500,000 VND ($12.90-$21.50), Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Seafood Dinner: Cost varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Friday November 10: Ho Chi Minh City

Fly from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the largest city in Vietnam. In the morning, visit the historic Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam's history. Explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market in the afternoon, known for its vibrant atmosphere and wide range of goods. In the evening, take a stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

• Reunification Palace: Entrance fee: 40,000 VND ($1.70), Time spent: 1-2 hours
• War Remnants Museum: Entrance fee: 40,000 VND ($1.70), Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Ben Thanh Market: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Free, Time spent: Flexible

Saturday November 11: Mekong Delta

Join a day trip to the Mekong Delta, a fascinating region known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam. Cruise along the Mekong River, visit local villages, and experience the floating markets. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch and immerse yourself in the rural charm of the delta. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.

• Mekong Delta Day Trip: Tour price: 600,000-1,000,000 VND ($25.80-$43.00), Time spent: Full day

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For an off the beaten path experience, head to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO-listed site known for its stunning caves and karst mountains. Explore the Paradise Cave, the largest dry cave in the world, and marvel at its breathtaking formations. Another hidden gem is the Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho, where you can witness the vibrant river life of the Mekong Delta and sample local fruits.

For hotel and flight prices, check here.