Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 83 travelers

Exploring Vietnam: A Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary

Thursday, November 2: Arrival in Hanoi

Welcome to Vietnam! Start your adventure in the charming city of Hanoi. In the morning, visit the Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Afternoon can be spent exploring the historic Old Quarter with its narrow streets and traditional shops. For the evening, take an enjoyable cyclo ride around Hanoi's bustling streets.

  • Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: Entrance is free, estimated time spent 1-2 hours
  • Hanoi Old Quarter: Estimated time spent 3-4 hours, expenses for shopping and food
  • Cyclo Ride: Estimated cost of 200,000 VND ($9) for a 1-hour ride
Restaurants
  • Breakfast: KOTO - Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese breakfast at KOTO (Know One, Teach One), a social enterprise restaurant that supports disadvantaged youth. Indulge in traditional dishes like Banh Mi and Pho, with an average cost of about 70,000 VND per person.
  • Lunch: Cha Ca La Vong - Try the famous Cha Ca (Vietnamese Turmeric Fish) at Cha Ca La Vong, a historic restaurant in the Old Quarter. This iconic dish is cooked right at your table and is accompanied by a variety of herbs and rice noodles. The average cost for a meal is around 200,000 VND per person.
  • Dinner: Quan An Ngon - Experience an array of Vietnamese street food at Quan An Ngon, a bustling outdoor restaurant in Hanoi. Order from different food stations offering classics like spring rolls, beef noodles, and grilled seafood. The average cost for a meal is approximately 150,000 VND per person.
Friday, November 3: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Embark on an unforgettable day trip to Ha Long Bay. Morning will be spent cruising through the magnificent limestone karsts and exploring floating villages. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on board while taking in the breathtaking views. In the afternoon, explore stunning caves and perhaps go kayaking. Return to Hanoi in the evening.

  • Ha Long Bay Cruise: Estimated cost of 1,500,000 VND ($65) per person, estimated time spent 8-10 hours
  • Seafood Lunch: Included in the cruise cost
Saturday, November 4: Hanoi Cultural Tour

Today, dive deeper into the rich culture of Hanoi. In the morning, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university. Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in the afternoon, showcasing the country's diverse ethnic groups. For the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet show, a unique art form originated in the Red River Delta.

  • Temple of Literature: Estimated cost of 30,000 VND ($1.30) per person, estimated time spent 1-2 hours
  • Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: Estimated cost of 40,000 VND ($1.75) per person, estimated time spent 2-3 hours
  • Water Puppet Show: Estimated cost of 100,000 VND ($4.30) per person, estimated time spent 1 hour
Sunday, November 5: Hoi An Ancient Town

Take a morning flight to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of this charming town, wandering through narrow streets lined with traditional shops, lantern-adorned buildings, and ancient houses. In the afternoon, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and explore local markets. Spend the evening soaking up the magical atmosphere of the Lantern Festival on the 14th day of the lunar month.

  • Japanese Covered Bridge: Estimated cost of 120,000 VND ($5.20) per person, estimated time spent 1-2 hours
  • Hoi An Markets: Entrance is free, expenses for shopping
  • Lantern Festival: Free to observe, estimated time spent 2-3 hours
Monday, November 6: My Son Sanctuary and Marble Mountains

Discover the ancient ruins of My Son Sanctuary, a significant archaeological site dating back to the Cham Empire. Marvel at the intricate architecture and learn about the history of this Hindu temple complex. In the afternoon, visit the Marble Mountains near Da Nang, a cluster of five limestone hills with hidden caves and picturesque pagodas.

  • My Son Sanctuary: Estimated cost of 150,000 VND ($6.50) per person, estimated time spent 3-4 hours
  • Marble Mountains: Estimated cost of 40,000 VND ($1.75) per person, estimated time spent 2-3 hours
Tuesday, November 7: Mekong Delta Day Trip

Embark on an exciting day trip to the Mekong Delta region. Explore the vibrant floating markets, where locals trade tropical fruits and other goods from their boats. Take a boat ride along the narrow canals, visit local villages, and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.

  • Mekong Delta Day Trip: Estimated cost of 1,200,000 VND ($52) per person, estimated time spent 8-10 hours
  • Traditional Vietnamese Lunch: Included in the day trip cost
Wednesday, November 8: Cu Chi Tunnels and Ho Chi Minh City Exploration

Visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War. Experience crawling through the tunnels and learn about their significance. In the afternoon, explore the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit famous landmarks like the Reunification Palace and the Ben Thanh Market for last-minute shopping.

  • Cu Chi Tunnels: Estimated cost of 125,000 VND ($5.40) per person, estimated time spent 2-3 hours
  • Reunification Palace: Estimated cost of 40,000 VND ($1.75) per person, estimated time spent 1-2 hours
  • Ben Thanh Market: Entrance is free, expenses for shopping

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

When in Hanoi, consider taking a side trip to Bat Trang, a traditional pottery village located just outside the city. Here, you can witness skilled artisans at work and even try your hand at creating your own pottery masterpiece. Another hidden gem is the Cuc Phuong National Park, where you can explore the lush rainforest, spot exotic wildlife, and visit an endangered primate rescue center.

Throughout Vietnam, remember to sample the local cuisine, such as pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls. Engage in a cooking class to learn the secrets of Vietnamese cooking, and don't miss out on the delicious street food stalls found in every city.

For nature lovers, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park offers magnificent caves and breathtaking landscapes. Explore the otherworldly beauty of the Paradise Cave or embark on an exhilarating boat trip through the Phong Nha Cave.

End your trip with a relaxing day at one of Vietnam's pristine beaches. Consider visiting Phu Quoc Island or Nha Trang, where you can unwind, swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy various water sports activities.

For hotel and flight prices, visit Kayak.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version