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

7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, Cat Ba Island, Ninh Binh

Viewed by 90 travelers

Explore the vibrant cities and stunning natural beauty of Vietnam with this 7-day family-friendly itinerary, taking you to Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, Cat Ba Island, and Ninh Binh.

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Friday, November 10, 2023

Morning: Start your day by visiting the historic Reunification Palace and gain insights into Vietnam's history. Explore the War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam War. Afternoon: Head to the bustling Ben Thanh Market for shopping and tasting local street food. Evening: Enjoy a relaxing stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street and savor delicious Vietnamese cuisine at one of the many restaurants.

  • Reunification Palace: Free entry; approximately 2 hours
  • War Remnants Museum: Admission fee of 40,000 VND (approximately $1.75); approximately 2 hours
  • Ben Thanh Market: Free entry; time spent depends on personal preference
  • Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Free entry; time spent depends on personal preference

Day 2: Hanoi

Saturday, November 11, 2023

Morning: Visit the magnificent Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and explore the nearby Ho Chi Minh Museum. Afternoon: Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. Take a cyclo ride through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter. Evening: Enjoy a traditional water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form.

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Free entry; approximately 1-2 hours
  • Ho Chi Minh Museum: Admission fee of 40,000 VND (approximately $1.75); approximately 1-2 hours
  • Temple of Literature: Admission fee of 30,000 VND (approximately $1.30); approximately 1-2 hours
  • Water Puppet Show: Ticket prices vary; approximately 1 hour

Day 3: Cat Ba Island

Sunday, November 12, 2023

Morning: Take a scenic boat ride to Cat Ba Island, known for its stunning karst landscapes. Afternoon: Explore Cat Ba National Park and hike to the summit of Ngu Lam Peak for panoramic views. Evening: Relax on Cat Ba Beach and enjoy fresh seafood.

  • Boat ride to Cat Ba Island: Cost varies; approximately 2-3 hours
  • Cat Ba National Park: Admission fee of 80,000 VND (approximately $3.50); approximately 3-4 hours
  • Cat Ba Beach: Free entry; time spent depends on personal preference

Day 4: Cat Ba Island

Monday, November 13, 2023

Morning: Take a boat tour to explore the stunning Lan Ha Bay, including kayaking and swimming in secluded lagoons. Afternoon: Visit Monkey Island and enjoy snorkeling to witness the diverse marine life. Evening: Experience a magical sunset at Cannon Fort and learn about its historical significance.

  • Lan Ha Bay boat tour: Cost varies; approximately 5-6 hours
  • Monkey Island: Admission fee of 30,000 VND (approximately $1.30); approximately 3-4 hours
  • Cannon Fort: Admission fee of 20,000 VND (approximately $0.90); approximately 1-2 hours

Day 5: Ninh Binh

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Morning: Explore the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex, taking a boat trip through its breathtaking caves and limestone formations. Afternoon: Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and discover its historic temples. Evening: Enjoy a leisurely bike ride through the stunning countryside of Tam Coc.

  • Trang An boat trip: Admission fee of 200,000 VND (approximately $8.70); approximately 3-4 hours
  • Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Admission fee of 20,000 VND (approximately $0.90); approximately 1-2 hours
  • Tam Coc bike ride: Bicycle rental fees vary; approximately 2-3 hours

Day 6: Ninh Binh

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Morning: Explore the enchanting Cuc Phuong National Park, known for its diverse flora and fauna. Visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center and learn about conservation efforts. Afternoon: Discover the prehistoric caves of Van Long Nature Reserve and go on a boat ride to spot rare langurs. Evening: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner surrounded by stunning nature.

  • Cuc Phuong National Park: Admission fee of 40,000 VND (approximately $1.75); approximately 4-5 hours
  • Endangered Primate Rescue Center: Admission fee of 100,000 VND (approximately $4.30); approximately 2-3 hours
  • Van Long Nature Reserve: Admission fee of 20,000 VND (approximately $0.90); approximately 2-3 hours

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Morning: Take a pleasant walk around the peaceful Jade Emperor Pagoda and admire its intricate architecture. Afternoon: Visit the lively Bui Vien Street, known as Saigon's backpacker area, for shopping and street food. Evening: Experience a vibrant night market at Ben Thanh Night Market and pick up souvenirs.

  • Jade Emperor Pagoda: Free entry; approximately 1-2 hours
  • Bui Vien Street: Free entry; time spent depends on personal preference
  • Ben Thanh Night Market: Depends on personal preference; free to enter

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For an off-the-beaten-path experience, consider visiting Cai Be Floating Market near Ho Chi Minh City, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and buy fresh fruits directly from boats. Families will also enjoy the Suoi Tien Cultural Theme Park in Ho Chi Minh City, featuring water slides, a zoo, and cultural performances.

In Hanoi, take a trip to Bat Trang Ceramic Village, where you can try your hand at making pottery and purchase unique ceramic souvenirs. The Tho Ha Village in Ninh Binh is another intriguing gem, famous for its traditional rice paper making and preserved ancient houses. It offers an authentic glimpse into rural Vietnamese life.

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