A Week of Family Fun in Vietnam

Thursday, September 28: Hanoi

Embark on your Vietnamese adventure in Hanoi, the bustling capital city. Start your morning with a visit to the Temple of Literature, a beautiful complex dedicated to Confucian teachings. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Old Quarter, known for its narrow streets filled with shops and street food stalls. In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.

• Temple of Literature: Cost estimate - 30,000 VND ($1.30), Time spent - 2 hours
• Old Quarter: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 3 hours
• Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre: Cost estimate - 100,000 VND ($4.30), Time spent - 1 hour

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Pho 10 Ly Quoc Su, a popular spot known for its delicious pho noodles. Average cost for a meal is about 75,000 VND (~$3.25) per person.
• For lunch, try Bun Cha Huong Lien, famously known as "Obama Bun Cha" after former President Obama dined here. This restaurant serves tasty grilled pork with noodles and fresh herbs. Average cost for a meal is about 100,000 VND (~$4.33) per person.
• To experience a memorable dinner, visit Quan An Ngon restaurant, where you can taste a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes in a charming courtyard setting. Average cost for a meal is about 200,000 VND (~$8.67) per person.

Friday, September 29: Halong Bay

Take a day trip to the breathtaking Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cruise along the emerald waters surrounded by limestone karsts, and enjoy a seafood lunch on board. Explore the stunning caves and go kayaking in the afternoon. Witness a mesmerizing sunset over the bay before returning to Hanoi in the evening.

• Halong Bay Day Trip: Cost estimate - 1,500,000 VND ($64.70), Time spent - 12 hours

Saturday, September 30: Hue

Fly to Hue, a city rich in history and culture. Start your morning with a visit to the Imperial City, the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty. Explore the citadel, palaces, and gardens within this UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride along the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda. End your day with a walk along the vibrant Dong Ba Market.

• Imperial City: Cost estimate - 150,000 VND ($6.50), Time spent - 3 hours
• Thien Mu Pagoda: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Dong Ba Market: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 2 hours

Sunday, October 1: Hoi An

Travel to the charming town of Hoi An, known for its well-preserved Ancient Town. Spend your morning exploring the ancient houses, assembly halls, and iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. In the afternoon, take a bike ride through the countryside and visit Tra Que Vegetable Village. Enjoy a lantern-lit boat ride along the Thu Bon River in the evening.

• Ancient Town: Cost estimate - 120,000 VND ($5.20), Time spent - 3 hours
• Tra Que Vegetable Village: Cost estimate - 50,000 VND ($2.20), Time spent - 2 hours
• Lantern boat ride: Cost estimate - 150,000 VND ($6.50), Time spent - 1 hour

Monday, October 2: Nha Trang

Fly to Nha Trang, a coastal paradise with stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Spend your morning relaxing on the white sandy beaches or take a boat trip to nearby islands. In the afternoon, visit the famous Vinpearl Land, an amusement park with water slides, rides, and an aquarium. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife along Tran Phu Street in the evening.

• Vinpearl Land: Cost estimate - 800,000 VND ($34.50), Time spent - 4 hours
• Tran Phu Street: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 2 hours

Tuesday, October 3: Ho Chi Minh City

Travel to Ho Chi Minh City, the dynamic metropolis formerly known as Saigon. Start your day with a visit to the historic Reunification Palace, followed by a stroll through the bustling Ben Thanh Market. In the afternoon, explore the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam's history. End your day with a visit to the vibrant Nguyen Hue Walking Street in the evening.

• Reunification Palace: Cost estimate - 40,000 VND ($1.70), Time spent - 2 hours
• Ben Thanh Market: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• War Remnants Museum: Cost estimate - 40,000 VND ($1.70), Time spent - 2 hours
• Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 2 hours

Wednesday, October 4: Mekong Delta

Embark on a day trip to the Mekong Delta, a region known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam. Cruise along the canals, visit local fruit orchards, and explore traditional villages. Experience the unique floating markets and savor the local cuisine. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.

• Mekong Delta Day Trip: Cost estimate - 600,000 VND ($25.90), Time spent - 10 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

When in Hoi An, don't miss a visit to the Tra Que Vegetable Village. This organic herb and vegetable farm offers an immersive experience where you can learn about traditional farming methods and even participate in planting or harvesting activities. It's a great way to connect with nature and gain insights into the local agricultural practices, perfect for a family-friendly outing.