Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 74 travelers

Exploring Vietnam: A Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary

Sunday, December 31: Arrival in Hanoi

Welcome to Vietnam! Start your trip by arriving in Hanoi, the vibrant capital city. Spend the morning exploring the Old Quarter, a maze of narrow streets filled with markets, shops, and traditional architecture. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form.

  • Old Quarter: Free, 3-4 hours
  • Temple of Literature: Entrance fee - $2, 1-2 hours
  • Water Puppet Show: $5-10 per ticket, 1 hour
Monday, January 1: Halong Bay Cruise

Embark on a memorable day cruise to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its limestone karsts and emerald waters. Explore the breathtaking caves, go kayaking, and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch onboard. Take in the stunning views as you cruise through the bay. Return to Hanoi in the evening.

  • Halong Bay Cruise: $50-100 per person, full day
Tuesday, January 2: Hoi An Ancient Town

Fly to Danang and transfer to the charming town of Hoi An. Explore the well-preserved Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through the narrow streets lined with colorful buildings, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, and explore local markets. In the evening, release floating lanterns on the Thu Bon River.

  • Hoi An Ancient Town: Entrance fee - $6, 4-5 hours
  • Japanese Covered Bridge: Free, 30 minutes
  • Thu Bon River Lantern Experience: $5-10 per lantern, 1 hour
Wednesday, January 3: My Son Sanctuary

Take a half-day trip to the ancient ruins of My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the remains of the Champa Kingdom and admire the intricate Hindu temples surrounded by lush greenery. Return to Hoi An and spend the afternoon relaxing on the beautiful An Bang Beach.

  • My Son Sanctuary: Entrance fee - $10, 3-4 hours
  • An Bang Beach: Free, relaxation time
Thursday, January 4: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling metropolis in southern Vietnam. Start your day by visiting the historic Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam's history. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Ben Thanh Market for shopping and street food. Don't miss the Saigon Opera House and Notre Dame Cathedral.

  • Reunification Palace: Entrance fee - $2, 2-3 hours
  • War Remnants Museum: Entrance fee - $1, 2-3 hours
  • Ben Thanh Market: Free, shopping time
Friday, January 5: Mekong Delta Excursion

Embark on a full-day excursion to the Mekong Delta, 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 in a riverside restaurant and try fruit tasting. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.

  • Mekong Delta Excursion: $20-30 per person, full day
Saturday, January 6: Explore Ho Chi Minh City

Spend your last day in Vietnam exploring more of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling streets and try Vietnamese street food. Take a sunset cruise along the Saigon River for a memorable farewell.

  • Cu Chi Tunnels: Entrance fee - $5, 3-4 hours
  • Street Food Experience: $5-10 per person, 2-3 hours
  • Sunset River Cruise: $10-20 per person, 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path experiences, consider visiting the Cuc Phuong National Park near Hanoi, where you can explore the diverse flora and fauna of Vietnam. In Hoi An, take a bicycle tour through the countryside to witness the peaceful rural life and interact with locals. If you have extra time, venture to Phu Quoc Island for pristine beaches and snorkeling adventures.

For hotel and flight prices, click here.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version