Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Vietnam

Wednesday, August 23: Arrival in Hanoi

Welcome to Vietnam! Start your trip in the capital city of Hanoi. In the morning, explore the historic Old Quarter with its narrow streets, traditional shops, and vibrant markets. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university. As the evening sets in, take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and enjoy the beautiful Ngoc Son Temple.

• Old Quarter: Free, 3-4 hours
• Temple of Literature: VND 30,000 ($1.30) per person, 1-2 hours
• Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple: Free, 1-2 hours

Thursday, August 24: Halong Bay Cruise

Embark on a full-day cruise to the breathtaking Halong Bay. Marvel at the stunning limestone karsts jutting out of the emerald waters. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on board and explore the limestone caves. Take part in fun activities like kayaking or swimming. Return to Hanoi in the evening.

• Halong Bay Cruise: VND 1,500,000 ($65) per person, 10-12 hours

Friday, August 25: Hanoi to Hoi An

Fly from Hanoi to Hoi An, a charming ancient town famous for its well-preserved architecture. In the morning, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, filled with historic buildings, pagodas, and Japanese covered bridges. In the afternoon, take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River and visit the nearby Kim Bong Carpentry Village. Enjoy the evening by strolling along the lantern-lit streets.

• Hoi An Old Town: VND 120,000 ($5) per person, 3-4 hours
• Boat Ride & Kim Bong Village: VND 200,000 ($9) per person, 2-3 hours

Saturday, August 26: My Son Sanctuary

Spend the day exploring the ancient ruins of My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the fascinating Cham architecture and learn about the history of this once-thriving religious center. In the afternoon, relax on the beautiful beaches of Hoi An or take a cooking class to learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine.

• My Son Sanctuary: VND 150,000 ($6.50) per person, 4-5 hours
• Hoi An Beaches: Free, as per preference
• Cooking Class: VND 400,000-800,000 ($17-$35) per person, 3-4 hours

Sunday, August 27: Hue City Tour

Take a day trip to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. In the morning, visit the UNESCO-listed Imperial City, where you can explore the ancient palaces and gardens of the Nguyen Dynasty. In the afternoon, take a boat ride along the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and the serene Tu Duc Tomb.

• Imperial City: VND 150,000 ($6.50) per person, 3-4 hours
• Boat Ride & Thien Mu Pagoda: VND 250,000 ($11) per person, 2-3 hours
• Tu Duc Tomb: VND 100,000 ($4.30) per person, 1-2 hours

Monday, August 28: Ho Chi Minh City

Fly from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City. In the morning, visit the historic Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, and the beautiful Notre-Dame Cathedral. In the afternoon, explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop for souvenirs and sample delicious Vietnamese street food. Take a relaxing walk along Nguyen Hue Street in the evening.

• Reunification Palace: VND 30,000 ($1.30) per person, 1-2 hours
• War Remnants Museum: VND 40,000 ($1.70) per person, 1-2 hours
• Ben Thanh Market: Free entry, as per preference

Tuesday, August 29: Mekong Delta Excursion

Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta, often referred to as the "Rice Bowl" of Vietnam. Explore the vibrant floating markets, visit local fruit orchards, and cruise along the narrow canals. Immerse yourself in the rural charm and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.

• Mekong Delta Tour: VND 800,000 ($35) per person, 8-10 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a memorable family experience, visit the Vinpearl Land amusement park in Nha Trang. This large entertainment complex offers thrilling rides, a water park, and a stunning aquarium. Another great option is the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, home to spectacular caves and diverse ecosystems. Don't miss the Paradise Cave and the Phong Nha Cave for a unique adventure.