Family-Friendly Vietnam Shoestring Budget Itinerary

Day 1: Historical Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00 AM

Hoan Kiem Lake

Start your day with a leisurely walk around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Hanoi.
Hoan Kiem Lake is centrally located in Hanoi, easily walkable from most accommodations.
Free, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Old Quarter

Explore the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, filled with shops, street food vendors, and traditional architecture.
Walk or take a short taxi ride from Hoan Kiem Lake to the Old Quarter.
Free, 3 hours

2:00 PM

Temple of Literature

Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university and a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture.
Take a taxi or public bus to the Temple of Literature.
20,000 VND, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Water Puppet Show

Enjoy a traditional water puppet show for a unique cultural experience.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the water puppet theater.
100,000 VND, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Bun Cha Hang Manh

Try the famous Vietnamese dish Bun Cha at this popular local spot.
Walk or take a taxi to Bun Cha Hang Manh.
100,000 VND, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00 AM

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Spend the morning at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the country's diverse ethnic groups.
Take a taxi or public bus to the museum.
40,000 VND, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Indulge in a variety of Vietnamese street food at this renowned restaurant.
Take a taxi or walk to Quan An Ngon for lunch.
150,000 VND, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Visit the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, an important historical figure in Vietnam.
Take a taxi or public bus to the mausoleum.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Explore West Lake

Take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque West Lake, enjoying the serene atmosphere.
Take a taxi or public bus to West Lake.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Return to Quan An Ngon for a delicious dinner before leaving Hanoi.
Take a taxi or walk back to Quan An Ngon.
200,000 VND, 1 hour
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Day 3: Island Retreat

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

9:00 AM

Cruise on Ha Long Bay

Embark on a scenic cruise to explore the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay.
Take a bus or organized tour from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay (approx. 4 hours).
500,000 VND, Full day

6:00 PM

Dinner on the Cruise

Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner on the cruise while watching the sunset over the bay.
Included in the cruise package.
Included, 2 hours
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Day 4: Bay Exploration

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

8:00 AM

Kayaking in Luon Cave

Start your day with a kayaking adventure through the mystical Luon Cave, surrounded by towering cliffs.
Included activity with the cruise package.
Included, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch on the Cruise

Savor a fresh seafood lunch onboard as you continue to explore the bay.
Included in the cruise package.
Included, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Swimming at Titov Island

Relax on the sandy beach of Titov Island and take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters.
Included in the cruise itinerary.
Included, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Enjoy a local dinner at a restaurant near the bay, trying out fresh seafood dishes.
Arranged by the cruise company or ask for recommendations at the hotel.
200,000 VND, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Ancient Town Discovery

Hoi An, Vietnam

9:00 AM

Old Town Walking Tour

Stroll through the charming streets of Hoi An's Old Town, lined with historic buildings and lantern-lit alleyways.
Travel from Ha Long Bay to Hoi An by bus or flight (approx. 3 hours).
20,000 VND (Entrance fee to Old Town), 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine at the renowned Morning Glory Restaurant, known for its traditional dishes.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the restaurant.
150,000 VND, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Hoi An Ancient Houses

Visit one of the preserved ancient houses in Hoi An to learn about the town's rich history and architecture.
Entrance tickets can be purchased at the house itself.
120,000 VND, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Boat Ride on Thu Bon River

Hop on a boat for a relaxing ride along the picturesque Thu Bon River, taking in the scenic views.
Book a boat tour at the riverfront or through your hotel.
100,000 VND, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Ganesh Indian Restaurant

Enjoy a flavorful Indian dinner at Ganesh Restaurant, offering a break from Vietnamese cuisine.
Walk or take a taxi to the restaurant.
200,000 VND, 1 hour
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Day 6: Beach Relaxation

Hoi An, Vietnam

9:00 AM

An Bang Beach

Spend a relaxing day at An Bang Beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.
Take a short taxi ride or rent bikes to reach An Bang Beach.
Free, Full day

1:00 PM

Lunch at Soul Kitchen

Have a beachfront lunch at Soul Kitchen, known for its seafood dishes and refreshing drinks.
Located right on An Bang Beach.
250,000 VND, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Beach Activities

Engage in beach activities like swimming, beach volleyball, or simply relaxing by the shore.
Available on the beach for free or at a small rental cost.
Varies, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Before and Now Restaurant

Enjoy a fusion dinner at Before and Now, combining Vietnamese and Western flavors in a cozy setting.
Take a short taxi ride or walk to the restaurant.
250,000 VND, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: City Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

9:00 AM

War Remnants Museum

Start your day with a visit to the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam's history during the war.
Take a flight from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City (approx. 1.5 hours) or a bus (approx. 20 hours).
40,000 VND, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Pho 2000

Try the iconic Vietnamese dish Pho at Pho 2000, a restaurant famous for its flavorful broth.
Located near the museum, easy to walk to.
60,000 VND, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Ben Thanh Market

Explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs, local products, and street food.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the market.
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Saigon Central Post Office

Admire the French colonial architecture of the Saigon Central Post Office and send a postcard home.
Walking distance from Ben Thanh Market.
15,000 VND, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Propaganda Bistro

Indulge in a delicious dinner at Propaganda Bistro, known for its creative fusion dishes and artistic ambiance.
Take a taxi or walk to the restaurant.
300,000 VND, 1.5 hours
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