A Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Vietnam

Saturday, December 23: Ho Chi Minh City

Start your trip by exploring the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City. In the morning, visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam's history. Afterward, take a stroll in the beautiful Tao Dan Park and enjoy a picnic. In the afternoon, visit the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, where your family can see a variety of animals and enjoy the lush greenery. End the day by indulging in delicious Vietnamese street food at Ben Thanh Market.

• War Remnants Museum: Entrance fee ~ 40,000 VND ($2), Time spent ~ 2 hours
• Tao Dan Park: Free admission, Time spent ~ 1-2 hours
• Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens: Entrance fee ~ 50,000 VND ($2.50), Time spent ~ 2-3 hours
• Ben Thanh Market: Cost varies based on food choices, Time spent ~ 1-2 hours

Sunday, December 24: Mekong Delta

Embark on a day trip to the Mekong Delta, a region known for its vibrant river life and lush landscapes. Start your morning by taking a boat tour along the Mekong River, exploring the floating markets and observing the traditional way of life. In the afternoon, visit a local fruit orchard and enjoy tropical fruit tasting. End the day with a visit to the Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist temple that showcases intricate architecture and serene surroundings.

• Mekong Delta Boat Tour: Cost ~ 500,000 VND ($25) per person, Time spent ~ 6-8 hours
• Local Fruit Orchard: Entrance fee ~ 20,000 VND ($1) per person, Time spent ~ 1-2 hours
• Vinh Trang Pagoda: Entrance fee ~ 20,000 VND ($1) per person, Time spent ~ 1-2 hours

Monday, December 25: Hoi An

Travel to the charming town of Hoi An, known for its well-preserved ancient architecture. In the morning, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and admire the intricate Chinese temples and Japanese merchant houses. In the afternoon, take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River and enjoy the scenic views. End the day by visiting An Bang Beach, where your family can relax and have fun in the sun.

• Hoi An Old Town: Entrance fee ~ 120,000 VND ($6) per person, Time spent ~ 2-3 hours
• Boat Ride on Thu Bon River: Cost ~ 100,000 VND ($5) per person, Time spent ~ 1-2 hours
• An Bang Beach: Free admission, Time spent ~ flexible

Tuesday, December 26: Hue

Head to the historic city of Hue, known for its imperial citadel and ancient temples. In the morning, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Imperial City, where you can learn about Vietnam's royal history. Afterward, explore the Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist temple with stunning river views. In the afternoon, take a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River and enjoy the scenic beauty. End the day by visiting the Tomb of Khai Dinh, a majestic royal mausoleum.

• Imperial City: Entrance fee ~ 150,000 VND ($7.50) per person, Time spent ~ 2-3 hours
• Thien Mu Pagoda: Free admission, Time spent ~ 1-2 hours
• Dragon Boat Cruise: Cost ~ 150,000 VND ($7.50) per person, Time spent ~ 1-2 hours
• Tomb of Khai Dinh: Entrance fee ~ 100,000 VND ($5) per person, Time spent ~ 1-2 hours

Wednesday, December 27: Ha Long Bay

Travel to the magnificent Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters. In the morning, embark on a cruise and explore the breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on board. In the afternoon, take a kayak or bamboo boat ride through the karst formations. End the day by watching a mesmerizing sunset over the bay.

• Ha Long Bay Cruise: Cost ~ 1,500,000 VND ($75) per person, Time spent ~ 6-8 hours
• Kayak or Bamboo Boat Ride: Cost included in the cruise package, Time spent ~ 1-2 hours

Thursday, December 28: Hanoi

Arrive in the vibrant capital city of Hanoi. In the morning, explore the historic Old Quarter, known for its narrow streets filled with shops and street food vendors. Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university, to learn about its rich history. In the afternoon, take a cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple. End the day with a traditional water puppet show, a unique art form originating in Vietnam.

• Old Quarter: Free admission, Time spent ~ 2-3 hours
• Temple of Literature: Entrance fee ~ 30,000 VND ($1.50) per person, Time spent ~ 1-2 hours
• Cyclo Ride: Cost ~ 100,000 VND ($5) per person, Time spent ~ 1-2 hours
• Water Puppet Show: Cost ~ 100,000 VND ($5) per person, Time spent ~ 1 hour

Friday, December 29: Ninh Binh

Take a day trip to Ninh Binh, often referred to as "Halong Bay on land." In the morning, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Trang An Grottoes and enjoy a scenic boat ride through caves and limestone karsts. In the afternoon, explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and visit the temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties. End the day by cycling or taking a sampan boat ride through the picturesque Tam Coc, known as the "Halong Bay of the land."

• Trang An Grottoes: Entrance fee ~ 200,000 VND ($10) per person, Time spent ~ 2-3 hours
• Hoa Lu Temples: Entrance fee ~ 20,000 VND ($1) per person, Time spent ~ 1-2 hours
• Tam Coc: Entrance fee ~ 150,000 VND ($7.50) per person, Time spent ~ 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

One off the beaten path attraction is the Bac Ha Market in the northern highlands of Vietnam. This vibrant market offers a unique cultural experience where you can witness ethnic minority groups trading colorful handicrafts, textiles, and fresh produce. Another local favorite is the Lantern Making Workshop in Hoi An, where you and your family can learn the art of lantern making and create your own beautiful lanterns to take home as souvenirs.