Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Vietnam

Friday, December 8: Ho Chi Minh City

Morning: Start your trip with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, where you can learn about the Vietnam War. Afternoon: Explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market, perfect for shopping and tasting local street food. Evening: Take a stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, illuminated by colorful lights.

• War Remnants Museum: Estimated cost - 40,000 VND ($2), Time spent - 2 hours
• Ben Thanh Market: No entrance fee, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Saturday, December 9: Hoi An

Morning: Discover the ancient town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afternoon: Visit An Bang Beach for relaxation and water activities. Evening: Take a lantern-lit boat ride along the Thu Bon River.

• Hoi An Ancient Town: Entrance fee - 120,000 VND ($5), Time spent - 3-4 hours
• An Bang Beach: Free, Time spent - flexible
• Thu Bon River Boat Ride: Cost varies, Time spent - 1 hour

Sunday, December 10: Hue

Morning: Explore the Imperial City, a grand complex of palaces and temples. Afternoon: Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist temple. Evening: Enjoy a traditional Hue Royal Cuisine dinner.

• Imperial City: Entrance fee - 150,000 VND ($6), Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Thien Mu Pagoda: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Hue Royal Cuisine Dinner: Estimated cost - 300,000 VND ($13), Time spent - 2 hours

Monday, December 11: Halong Bay

Morning: Embark on a cruise to explore the breathtaking limestone islands of Halong Bay. Afternoon: Kayak through the karst formations or relax on a sandy beach. Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner on the cruise.

• Halong Bay Cruise: Cost varies, Time spent - full day
• Kayaking or Beach Relaxation: Included in cruise package, Time spent - flexible
• Seafood Dinner on Cruise: Included in cruise package, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Tuesday, December 12: Hanoi

Morning: Visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the nearby Temple of Literature. Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Old Quarter, known for its narrow streets and traditional architecture. Evening: Watch a traditional water puppet show.

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Temple of Literature: Entrance fee - 30,000 VND ($1), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Old Quarter: Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Water Puppet Show: Estimated cost - 100,000 VND ($4), Time spent - 1 hour

Wednesday, December 13: Ninh Binh

Morning: Explore the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afternoon: Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and take a boat ride through the Tam Coc caves. Evening: Take a leisurely bike ride through the countryside.

• Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex: Entrance fee - 200,000 VND ($9), Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Entrance fee - 20,000 VND ($1), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Tam Coc Boat Ride: Cost varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Bike Ride: Rental cost - 50,000 VND ($2), Time spent - flexible

Thursday, December 14: Phu Quoc Island

Morning: Relax on the beautiful beaches of Phu Quoc Island. Afternoon: Explore the Dinh Cau Night Market for local food and souvenirs. Evening: Enjoy a sunset cruise around the island.

• Phu Quoc Beaches: Free, Time spent - flexible
• Dinh Cau Night Market: No entrance fee, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Sunset Cruise: Estimated cost - 500,000 VND ($22), Time spent - 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique family experience, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, where you can explore the underground network used during the Vietnam War. Another hidden gem is the Cat Ba Island, located in Halong Bay, known for its stunning beaches and hiking trails. Locals also enjoy exploring the Mekong Delta, where you can take a boat ride through the lush canals and visit floating markets.

Check out KAYAK for the best hotel and flight prices for your Vietnam trip!