7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Vietnam

Tuesday October 3: Hanoi

Start your trip in the bustling city of Hanoi. In the morning, visit the historic Hoan Kiem Lake and explore the beautiful Ngoc Son Temple. In the afternoon, take a cyclo ride through the charming streets of the Old Quarter and indulge in delicious street food. As the evening sets in, watch a traditional water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form.

• Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: Entrance is free, estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Cyclo Ride in the Old Quarter: VND 200,000 (approximately $9), estimated time spent: 1 hour
• Water Puppet Show: VND 100,000 (approximately $4.5), estimated time spent: 1 hour

Restaurants

• Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen, known for their delicious pho noodle soup. Average cost for a meal is about 50,000 VND per person.
• Savor a tasty lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien, famous for their grilled pork with vermicelli noodles. Average cost for a meal is about 70,000 VND per person.
• Indulge in a dinner feast at Quan An Ngon, offering a wide range of Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting. Average cost for a meal is about 150,000 VND per person.

Wednesday October 4: Halong Bay

Embark on a scenic cruise to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking limestone islands. In the morning, explore the stunning caves and karst formations. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on the boat. In the afternoon, go kayaking or swimming in the emerald waters. As the evening approaches, relax on the deck and witness a mesmerizing sunset over the bay.

• Halong Bay Cruise: From VND 1,500,000 (approximately $65) per person, estimated time spent: Full day

Thursday October 5: Hoi An

Travel to the charming town of Hoi An. In the morning, explore the ancient town with its well-preserved architecture and colorful lanterns. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation. In the afternoon, take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River and discover the traditional craft villages. As the evening sets in, enjoy a lantern-lit dinner by the riverside.

• Hoi An Ancient Town: Entrance fee is VND 120,000 (approximately $5.5), estimated time spent: 4 hours
• Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River: VND 150,000 (approximately $7), estimated time spent: 2 hours

Friday October 6: Hue

Head to the imperial city of Hue. In the morning, explore the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel and admire the grandeur of the Nguyen Dynasty. Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, a symbol of Hue, overlooking the Perfume River. In the afternoon, take a dragon boat cruise and visit the royal tombs of the emperors. As the evening approaches, savor traditional Hue cuisine.

• Imperial Citadel: Entrance fee is VND 150,000 (approximately $7), estimated time spent: 3 hours
• Dragon Boat Cruise and Royal Tombs: VND 300,000 (approximately $13.5), estimated time spent: 4 hours

Saturday October 7: Nha Trang

Fly to the coastal city of Nha Trang. In the morning, relax on the pristine beaches and take a dip in the clear turquoise waters. Enjoy a seafood lunch by the beach. In the afternoon, visit the Vinpearl Amusement Park, offering thrilling rides and an aquarium. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely stroll along the Tran Phu Promenade.

• Nha Trang Beach: Free, estimated time spent: Half day
• Vinpearl Amusement Park: VND 800,000 (approximately $36), estimated time spent: 4 hours
• Tran Phu Promenade: Free, estimated time spent: 1 hour

Sunday October 8: Ho Chi Minh City

Travel to the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. In the morning, visit the historic Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam's history. Enjoy a delicious pho noodle soup for lunch. In the afternoon, explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market for shopping and local delights. As the evening approaches, take a stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

• Reunification Palace: Entrance fee is VND 40,000 (approximately $1.8), estimated time spent: 2 hours
• War Remnants Museum: Entrance fee is VND 40,000 (approximately $1.8), estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Ben Thanh Market: Free, estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Free, estimated time spent: 1 hour

Monday October 9: Mekong Delta

Take a day trip to the picturesque Mekong Delta. In the morning, explore the floating markets and witness the local way of life on the river. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch. In the afternoon, visit fruit orchards and sample tropical fruits. As the evening sets in, take a boat ride through the narrow canals and enjoy the tranquil scenery.

• Mekong Delta Day Trip: From VND 1,000,000 (approximately $45) per person, estimated time spent: Full day

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a family-friendly adventure off the beaten path, visit the Cat Ba Island in Halong Bay. Explore the Cat Ba National Park, home to diverse wildlife and hiking trails. Enjoy kayaking in Lan Ha Bay, a pristine alternative to the crowded Halong Bay. Cat Ba Island offers a more relaxed and authentic experience, perfect for nature-loving families.

Check out hotel and flight prices on Kayak.com.