7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Vietnam

Thursday, February 15: Hanoi

In the morning, explore the historic Old Quarter in Hanoi, where you can wander through narrow streets, visit traditional markets, and try delicious street food. In the afternoon, take a cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple. In the evening, attend a water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form.

• Old Quarter: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 3-4 hours
• Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Water Puppet Show: Estimated cost: $5-10, Time spent: 1 hour

Friday, February 16: Halong Bay

Spend the day exploring the stunning Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a cruise among the karst limestone islands, visit hidden caves, and enjoy a seafood lunch on the boat. In the evening, relax and enjoy the sunset over the bay.

• Halong Bay Cruise: Estimated cost: $50-100, Time spent: Full day

Saturday, February 17: Hoi An

Start your day in Hoi An by visiting the ancient town, known for its well-preserved architecture and lantern-lined streets. Take a walking tour of the town, visit Japanese Covered Bridge, explore the local markets, and try traditional Vietnamese cuisine. In the evening, release floating lanterns on the Thu Bon River.

• Walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town: Estimated cost: $10-15, Time spent: 3-4 hours
• Japanese Covered Bridge: Estimated cost: $5, Time spent: 1 hour
• Thu Bon River Lantern Release: Estimated cost: $5-10, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Sunday, February 18: Hue

Embark on a day trip to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Visit the Imperial City, explore the Forbidden Purple City, and take a boat ride on the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda. Enjoy a traditional Hue-style dinner in the evening.

• Imperial City: Estimated cost: $10-15, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Thien Mu Pagoda: Estimated cost: $2-5, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Hue-style dinner: Estimated cost: $10-20, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Monday, February 19: Nha Trang

Head to Nha Trang, a coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant underwater world. Spend the morning at Vinpearl Land, an amusement park with various attractions. In the afternoon, relax on the beach or take a snorkeling trip to explore the coral reefs. Enjoy fresh seafood for dinner.

• Vinpearl Land: Estimated cost: $20-30, Time spent: 4-5 hours
• Beach time or Snorkeling tour: Estimated cost: $10-30, Time spent: 3-4 hours
• Fresh seafood dinner: Estimated cost: $15-30, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Tuesday, February 20: Ho Chi Minh City

Start your day by visiting the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City to learn about the Vietnam War. Explore the bustling streets of District 1, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. In the afternoon, take a boat tour of the Mekong Delta to experience the rural side of Vietnam.

• War Remnants Museum: Estimated cost: $2-5, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Mekong Delta Boat Tour: Estimated cost: $10-20, Time spent: Half day

Wednesday, February 21: Phu Quoc Island

End your trip in the paradise-like island of Phu Quoc. Relax on the pristine beaches, take a swim in the clear turquoise waters, and indulge in fresh seafood. Visit the Phu Quoc National Park for a nature walk and explore the night market for local souvenirs and delicacies.

• Beach relaxation: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: Full day
• Phu Quoc National Park: Estimated cost: $5-10, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Night market: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours

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 unique Cao Dai religion. Another hidden gem is the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, which offer a glimpse into the underground network used during the Vietnam War. Locals enjoy exploring the Ba Na Hills near Da Nang, where you can take a cable car ride and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Before finalizing your travel plans, make sure to check hotel and flight prices on Kayak.