Start your trip by visiting the War Remnants Museum, which showcases the brutalities of the Vietnam War. From there, take a walk around the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and the Saigon Central Post Office. End your day with a relaxing stroll along the Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
Escape to the charming and picturesque town of Hoi An. Take your children to An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach for a fun-filled day. In the afternoon, visit the Hoi An Ancient Town and enjoy the beautiful lanterns and unique architecture. Do not miss a chance to indulge in some Vietnamese cuisine at the Morning Glory Restaurant.
Travel to the Imperial city of Hue. Visit the Forbidden City and the Thien Mu Pagoda which offers amazing views of the city. In the evening, wrap up your day with a Hue street food tour and try some local delicacies like bún bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup) and bánh khoái (fried rice pancake).
In the morning, explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex where you can see the embalmed remains of Ho Chi Minh and visit his stilt house. After that, take a stroll around the Temple of Literature. In the evening, catch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
Enjoy a day cruise around the Halong Bay which is known for its magical limestone islands. Take part in activities like kayaking, swimming, and exploring caves. Have lunch on the boat and enjoy the views. In the evening, return to Hanoi for your flight back.
If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels or Sapa. If you have less time, skip one of the destinations and spend more time in the others. Be sure to carry an adequate amount of mosquito repellent as many destinations in Vietnam are prone to mosquitoes. It is also advisable to carry cash on you as many smaller shops and local vendors in Vietnam do not accept credit or debit cards.