7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Vietnam

Thursday, September 14: Hanoi

Start your trip in the vibrant city of Hanoi. In the morning, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. Explore the Old Quarter in the afternoon, with its narrow streets filled with shops, restaurants, and markets. In the evening, enjoy a water puppet show, a traditional Vietnamese art form.

• Temple of Literature: Cost estimate: $1, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Old Quarter: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Water Puppet Show: Cost estimate: $5-10, Time spent: 1 hour

Friday, September 15: Halong Bay

Embark on a cruise to explore the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. Spend the morning kayaking through limestone karsts and swimming in crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a seafood lunch on the boat and visit a floating fishing village in the afternoon. Watch the sunset over the bay before heading back to Hanoi in the evening.

• Halong Bay Cruise: Cost estimate: $100-200, Time spent: Full day
• Kayaking and Swimming: Cost estimate: Included in cruise, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Floating Fishing Village: Cost estimate: Included in cruise, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• A popular breakfast spot in Halong Bay is "Cococabana Restaurant" which offers a wide range of Vietnamese and Western breakfast options. With an average cost of 100,000 VND per person, it's a great place to fuel up for the day.
• For a delightful seafood lunch, "Quang Ninh Seafood Restaurant" is highly recommended. They serve freshly caught seafood dishes at an average cost of 200,000 VND per person.
• "Halo Restaurant" is a fantastic choice for dinner, offering a mix of Vietnamese and international cuisine. With an inviting ambiance and an average cost of 250,000 VND per person, diners can enjoy a delicious meal while soaking in the sights of Halong Bay.

Saturday, September 16: Hoi An

Fly from Hanoi to the charming town of Hoi An. Spend the morning exploring the ancient town's narrow streets, lined with well-preserved traditional houses. In the afternoon, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and the colorful Hoi An Central Market. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner in one of the riverside restaurants for a memorable evening.

• Ancient Town of Hoi An: Cost estimate: $5-10, Time spent: 3-4 hours
• Japanese Covered Bridge: Cost estimate: $1-2, Time spent: 30 minutes
• Hoi An Central Market: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Sunday, September 17: Hue

Take a scenic drive from Hoi An to the imperial city of Hue. Start your morning by visiting the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with palaces and temples. In the afternoon, cruise along the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and explore the royal tombs. Enjoy a traditional Hue-style dinner before heading back to Hoi An.

• Imperial City: Cost estimate: $5-10, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Perfume River Cruise: Cost estimate: $10-20, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Thien Mu Pagoda: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Royal Tombs: Cost estimate: $5-10, Time spent: 2-3 hours

Monday, September 18: Nha Trang

Fly from Hoi An to the coastal city of Nha Trang. Spend the morning relaxing on the pristine beaches and swimming in the turquoise waters. In the afternoon, visit the Vinpearl Land amusement park, which offers various rides and attractions for the whole family. Enjoy a seafood dinner overlooking the beach for a perfect ending to the day.

• Nha Trang Beach: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: Half day
• Vinpearl Land: Cost estimate: $20-30, Time spent: 4-5 hours
• Seafood Dinner: Cost estimate: $10-20, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Tuesday, September 19: Ho Chi Minh City

Fly from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. Start the day by exploring the historic Reunification Palace and the nearby War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam's history. In the afternoon, visit the bustling Ben Thanh Market for shopping and street food. Enjoy a rooftop dinner with panoramic city views in the evening.

• Reunification Palace: Cost estimate: $2-5, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• War Remnants Museum: Cost estimate: $1-2, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Ben Thanh Market: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Rooftop Dinner: Cost estimate: $20-30, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Wednesday, September 20: Mekong Delta

Take a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta. Explore the vibrant floating markets in the morning and take a boat ride along the picturesque canals. Visit local fruit orchards and sample tropical fruits in the afternoon. Immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.

• Floating Markets: Cost estimate: $10-20, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Boat Ride: Cost estimate: Included in tour, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Fruit Orchards: Cost estimate: Included in tour, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Traditional Vietnamese Lunch: Cost estimate: Included in tour, Time spent: 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh, where you can witness the colorful religious ceremonies of the Cao Dai religion. Another hidden gem is the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used during the Vietnam War. These attractions offer unique insights into Vietnam's history and culture.

Check hotel and flight prices on Kayak.