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7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Vietnam - December 17-23, 2023

Sunday, December 17: Ho Chi Minh City

In the morning, explore the historic landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City, including the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Reunification Palace. Afterward, visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam's history. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat tour along the Saigon River. In the evening, head to the bustling Ben Thanh Market to experience local flavors and shop for souvenirs.

  • Notre-Dame Cathedral: Entrance fee - 50,000 VND, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Reunification Palace: Entrance fee - 40,000 VND, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • War Remnants Museum: Entrance fee - 40,000 VND, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Saigon River Boat Tour: Price - 300,000 VND per person, Time spent - 1.5-2 hours
  • Ben Thanh Market: Free entry, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Monday, December 18: Mekong Delta

Embark on a day trip to the Mekong Delta region. Start by visiting the floating markets, where you can witness the bustling river trade. Continue with a boat ride through the picturesque canals, surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local village, followed by cycling or walking through the countryside. In the evening, return to Ho Chi Minh City.

  • Floating Markets: No entry fee, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Boat Ride in Canals: Price - 200,000 VND per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Traditional Vietnamese Lunch: Price - 100,000 VND per person, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Cycling/Walking in the Countryside: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Tuesday, December 19: Hoi An

Take a morning flight to the charming town of Hoi An. Explore the ancient town's well-preserved architecture, including Japanese covered bridges and Chinese assembly halls. In the afternoon, visit the Tra Que Vegetable Village and learn about traditional farming techniques. Enjoy a lantern-making class and release your own lantern into the Thu Bon River during the evening.

  • Hoi An Ancient Town: Entrance fee - 120,000 VND, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Tra Que Vegetable Village: Entrance fee - 20,000 VND, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Lantern-Making Class: Price - 150,000 VND per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Wednesday, December 20: Hue

Take a scenic drive from Hoi An to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Begin by exploring the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which includes the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. In the afternoon, visit the serene Thien Mu Pagoda and take a boat ride along the Perfume River. Enjoy the evening exploring the local cuisine in Hue.

  • Imperial City: Entrance fee - 150,000 VND, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Thien Mu Pagoda: Free entry, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Boat Ride along Perfume River: Price - 150,000 VND per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Thursday, December 21: Halong Bay

Fly from Hue to Hanoi and then take a scenic drive to Halong Bay. Embark on a memorable cruise through the limestone islands and emerald waters of Halong Bay. Explore hidden caves, kayak in the calm bays, and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch onboard. Spend the night on the cruise, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the bay.

  • Halong Bay Cruise: Price - Varies based on the cruise package, Time spent - Overnight
Friday, December 22: Halong Bay - Hanoi

Wake up to the stunning sunrise over Halong Bay and continue cruising through the picturesque landscapes. Disembark from the cruise and return to Hanoi. In the afternoon, explore the charming Old Quarter, visit the historic Hoan Kiem Lake, and enjoy a water puppet show to experience traditional Vietnamese culture.

  • Old Quarter: Free exploration, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Hoan Kiem Lake: Free entry, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Water Puppet Show: Price - 100,000-200,000 VND per person, Time spent - 1 hour
Saturday, December 23: Hanoi

On your last day, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Presidential Palace. Dive into Vietnamese history at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. In the evening, wander through the vibrant streets of the French Quarter, enjoying the architectural beauty and sampling delicious Vietnamese cuisine.

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Free entry, Time spent - 1 hour
  • One Pillar Pagoda: Free entry, Time spent - 30 minutes
  • Presidential Palace: Free entry, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: Entrance fee - 40,000 VND, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • French Quarter: Free exploration, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, visit the Cai Rang Floating Market near Can Tho in the Mekong Delta. This vibrant market gives you a glimpse into the local way of life and offers fresh produce, souvenirs, and delicious street food. Another hidden gem is the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, where you can explore the intricate tunnels used during the Vietnam War. These attractions provide unique insights into Vietnam's culture and history, perfect for a family-friendly adventure.

To check hotel and flight prices for your Vietnam trip, click here.

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