6-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Vietnam

  1. Day 1: Hanoi Old Quarter
    25 minutes (23.4 km) from Noi Bai International Airport

    Explore Hanoi's historic Old Quarter, a maze of narrow streets lined with traditional Vietnamese shophouses. Visit the bustling Dong Xuan Market, sample street food, and take a cyclo tour to see colonial-era buildings and temples.

  2. Day 2: Ha Long Bay
    <
    3 hours (155 km) from Hanoi Old Quarter

    Cruise through the stunning karst landscape of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a traditional junk boat. Swim, kayak, and explore limestone caves before cooking class and sunset on board.

  3. Day 3: Imperial Citadel of Hue
    13 hours (630 km) from Ha Long Bay

    Visit the imperial city of Hue, the former capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty, to see the walled Citadel, Royal Palace, and Forbidden Purple City. Don't miss the ornate Thien Mu Pagoda and tranquil Perfume River.

  4. Day 4: Hoi An Old Town
    3 hours (131 km) from Imperial Citadel of Hue

    Stroll through the charming streets of Hoi An's Old Town with its mix of Chinese, Japanese, and European architecture. Visit historic houses, colorful lantern shops, and the iconic covered Japanese Bridge.

  5. Day 5: My Son Sanctuary
    1 hour (41 km) from Hoi An Old Town

    Discover the ancient Hindu temples of My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about the Champa Kingdom's religious and cultural history. Admire intricate carvings and unique architecture set amidst lush forests.

  6. Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City
    1 hour (30 km) from Tan Son Nhat International Airport

    Experience the bustling energy and vibrant culture of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Highlights include the War Remnants Museum, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Ben Thanh Market.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour (3 hours, Free)
  • Ha Long Bay Cruise (2 days, 1 night, $150-200 per person)
  • Imperial Citadel of Hue Admission (5 hours, $6 per person)
  • Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour (4 hours, $15-20 per person)
  • My Son Sanctuary Admission (2 hours, $6-7 per person)
  • Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing Tour (8 hours, $30-40 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $207-273 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels or the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam. For those with less time, skip the My Son Sanctuary and spend more time in Hoi An or Ho Chi Minh City. Don't forget to try some of Vietnam's delicious street food and practice bargaining for souvenirs at the markets.

0