10-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam

1. Day 1: Bangkok, Thailand
   From Suvarnabhumi Airport to Grand Palace (40 min drive)

   Start with a visit to the Grand Palace, followed by Wat Phra Kaew, a stunning temple complex that houses the famous Emerald Buddha. Better to go early to beat the crowd.

2. Day 2: Bangkok, Thailand
   To Siam Ocean World (20 min drive)

   Step into the underwater world at Siam Ocean World, Bangkok's largest aquarium. Kids will love the penguins, seals and countless marine species.

3. Day 3: Siem Reap, Cambodia
   From Bangkok to Siem Reap (2 hr flight)

   Visit the Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Witness the sunrise or sunset over the temple complex for a breathtaking experience.

4. Day 4: Siem Reap, Cambodia
   To Angkor Thom (30 min drive)

   See the imposing and impressive South Gate of the city of Angkor Thom, visit the active temple of Bayon complete with face sculptures, and end the day exploring the jungle temple of Ta Prohm, featured in the movie "Tomb Raider".

5. Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
   From Siem Reap to Bien Hoa Airport (1 hr flight),
   then to the War Remnants Museum (30 min drive)

   Learn about the Vietnam War through War Remnants Museum, which exhibits historical artifacts, photos, and personal accounts. End the day embracing local culture while watching a water puppet show at Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre.

6. Day 6: Hoi An, Vietnam
   From Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang by flight (1.5 hr),
   then to Hoi An Ancient Town (35 min drive)

   Head to the Hoi An Ancient Town, a charming UNESCO Heritage Site full of colonial-era architecture, snack at Vietnam's pizza Banh Mi Phuong and fold a paper lantern at Lifestart Foundation workshop.

7. Day 7: Hanoi, Vietnam
   From Hoi An to Noi Bai International Airport (1.5 hr flight),
   then to Hoan Kiem area (45 min drive)

   Discover the heart of Hanoi by visiting the Temple of Literature, the first national university, eating phở and egg coffee, then explore Hanoi's iconic French architecture at the Hanoi Opera House.

8. Day 8: Halong Bay, Vietnam
   From Hanoi to Halong City (3.5 hr drive)

   Cruise and explore the stunning karst landscape of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 1,600 limestone islands.

9. Day 9: Halong Bay, Vietnam
   From Halong City to Yen Duc Village (1 hr drive)

   Experience Vietnam's countryside lifestyle at Yen Duc Village while enjoying a Water Puppet Show, Lion Dance performance, and traditional Vietnamese meal.

10. Day 10: Halong Bay, Vietnam
    To Noi Bai International Airport (2.5 hr drive)

    Before heading back home, visit authentic and bustling markets in Hanoi such as Cho Hom, Dong Xuan, and Long Bien.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Grand Palace (2-3 hrs, ฿500)
• Siam Ocean World (3-4 hrs, ฿990)
• Angkor Wat (3-4 hrs, $37)
• War Remnants Museum (2-3 hrs, ₫40,000)
• Hoi An Ancient Town (3-5 hrs, ₫120,000)
• Halal Cruise at Halong Bay (4-6 hrs, $50-100)
• Yen Duc Village (3-4 hrs, $30)
Total Estimated Costs: $117-$227 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Thailand, a cycling tour around Angkor temples, and a local boat trip to explore Bai Tu Long Bay from Halong Bay. If you have less time, you can squeeze Hanoi and Halong Bay into one day and limit your activities in each destination.