Family Friendly Nature Retreat in Vietnam

Day 1: City Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Enjoy Pho for Breakfast

Start your day with a bowl of traditional Vietnamese pho at a local street food stall.
Find a nearby popular pho place like Pho Thin or Pho Gia Truyen.
$3, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Take a leisurely stroll around the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple, and see the iconic red bridge.
The lake is located in the heart of the Old Quarter, easily accessible by foot.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Indulge in Hanoi's famous dish, Cha Ca (grilled fish with turmeric and dill) at the historic Cha Ca La Vong restaurant.
Make a reservation in advance due to its popularity.
$15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Old Quarter

Get lost in the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Walk or take a cyclo ride to immerse yourself in the local culture.
$10, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Savor a variety of Vietnamese dishes in a garden setting at Quan An Ngon restaurant.
Try their famous nem cua be (crab spring rolls) and pho.
$20, 2 hours
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Day 2: Nature Exploration

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Homestay

Enjoy a homely breakfast spread prepared by your hosts at a traditional homestay in Ninh Binh.
Check with the hosts for local delicacies and suggestions.
$5, 1 hour

10:00AM

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Embark on a boat ride through the picturesque karst landscapes and caves of Trang An.
Purchase tickets at the Trang An Wharf and join a guided tour.
$10, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Am Tien Cave

Enjoy a picnic lunch near the stunning Am Tien Cave surrounded by lush greenery.
Pack a picnic or ask your guide for nearby dining options.
$10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Visit the Bai Dinh Pagoda complex, the largest Buddhist pagoda in Vietnam, and admire the intricate architecture and serene surroundings.
Take a short drive from Ninh Binh to Bai Dinh Pagoda.
$5, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Local Eatery

Experience a traditional Vietnamese dinner at a local eatery, savoring regional specialties.
Ask locals or your accommodation for authentic dining recommendations.
$15, 2 hours
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Day 3: Island Exploration

Halong Bay, Vietnam

8:00AM

Cruise Breakfast

Wake up to a delicious breakfast on your cruise ship while enjoying panoramic views of Halong Bay's limestone karsts.
Most cruises offer breakfast on board as part of the package.
Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Cave Exploration

Explore one of the magnificent caves in Halong Bay, such as Sung Sot Cave, known for its grandeur and natural formations.
Join a guided tour or hike to the cave entrance if accessible.
$5, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch on the Boat

Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch on the cruise deck with breathtaking views of the bay.
Most cruises include lunch as part of the itinerary.
Included, 1 hour

3:00PM

Kayaking Adventure

Paddle through the emerald waters of Halong Bay on a kayaking adventure, exploring hidden coves and limestone cliffs.
Rent kayaks from your cruise or join a group tour.
$20, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner with Sunset Views

Indulge in a sumptuous dinner on the deck of your cruise as you witness a mesmerizing sunset over Halong Bay.
Many cruises offer sunset dinner experiences on board.
Included, 2 hours
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Day 4: National Park Adventure

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast in the Park

Enjoy a hearty breakfast surrounded by the lush greenery of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park at a local restaurant or accommodation.
Check with your lodging for breakfast options or explore nearby eateries.
$5, 1 hour

10:00AM

Paradise Cave Exploration

Discover the underground splendor of Paradise Cave, one of the most stunning caves in the world with its colossal stalactites and stalagmites.
Purchase entrance tickets at the visitor center and either hike or take a golf cart to the cave entrance.
$15, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Chay Lap Farmstay

Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch experience at Chay Lap Farmstay, tasting fresh local produce in a peaceful setting.
Book a table in advance at the farmstay for an authentic meal.
$20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Botanical Garden Visit

Stroll through the Phong Nha Botanical Garden, discovering diverse flora and fauna in a tranquil environment.
The garden is located within the national park and offers guided tours.
$5, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner under the Stars

Enjoy a barbecue dinner under the starlit sky at your accommodation within Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
Check with your lodging for outdoor dining options or arrange a private setup.
$25, 2 hours
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Day 5: Historical Exploration

Hue, Vietnam

8:00AM

Royal Breakfast

Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese royal breakfast at a local restaurant, sampling imperial dishes reminiscent of Hue's royal past.
Look for eateries serving specialties like banh khoai (royal pancake) and bun bo Hue (beef noodle soup).
$10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Imperial Citadel Visit

Explore the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel of Hue, a vast complex of palaces, temples, and gates that served as the seat of Nguyen emperors.
Purchase tickets at the entrance and hire a local guide for insights.
$8, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Dine at Ancient Hue Restaurant, specializing in traditional Hue cuisine with recipes passed down through generations.
Reserve a table in advance to try specialties like banh uot thit nuong (grilled pork with rice paper).
$15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic seven-story pagoda located on the Perfume River, offering panoramic views of the city.
Take a short boat ride or taxi to the pagoda from the city center.
$3, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner on a Dragon Boat

End your day with a dinner cruise on the Perfume River aboard a traditional dragon boat, enjoying Hue's illuminated landmarks.
Book a dinner cruise experience in advance for a memorable evening.
$30, 2 hours
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Day 6: Cultural Indulgence

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Locally-Inspired Breakfast

Start your day with a fusion breakfast at a local cafe, combining Vietnamese and Western flavors in Hoi An's charming ambiance.
Explore cafes like Mai Fish or Rosie's Café for unique breakfast options.
$7, 1 hour

10:00AM

Ancient Town Exploration

Wander through the well-preserved Ancient Town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire the blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architecture.
Get a map from the visitor center and follow the designated routes to key attractions.
$5, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Savor traditional Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist at Morning Glory Restaurant, known for its extensive menu and culinary artistry.
Expect a queue at peak hours, so make a reservation or arrive early.
$20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Lantern Making Workshop

Participate in a lantern making workshop to learn about Hoi An's famous lantern culture and create your own colorful lantern to take home.
Book a workshop at Lifestart Foundation or Lantern Town.
$10, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner by the Riverside

Enjoy a riverside dinner with lantern-lit views, sampling fresh seafood and local delicacies in the magical ambiance of Hoi An at night.
Choose a restaurant along the Thu Bon River for the best views.
$25, 2 hours
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Day 7: City Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Banh Mi Breakfast

Start your day with a classic Vietnamese banh mi sandwich for breakfast, a flavorful local favorite packed with fresh ingredients.
Head to a popular banh mi stall like Banh Mi Huynh Hoa or Banh Mi Phuong.
$2, 1 hour

10:00AM

Ben Thanh Market

Explore the vibrant Ben Thanh Market, a bustling hub of shopping and street food in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
Navigate through the market's various sections selling everything from clothing to spices.
$5, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pho 2000

Dine at Pho 2000, a historic noodle shop where former President Bill Clinton enjoyed a bowl of pho during his visit to Vietnam.
Experience the nostalgia of the famous dining spot with a steaming bowl of pho.
$10, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

War Remnants Museum

Visit the War Remnants Museum to gain insight into Vietnam's turbulent history through exhibits, photographs, and artifacts from the Vietnam War.
Plan for an emotionally intense but important museum visit.
$3, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Secret Garden

Conclude your journey with a dinner at Secret Garden, a rooftop restaurant offering authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy garden setting.
Reserve a table in advance to enjoy the rooftop ambiance and culinary delights.
$30, 2 hours
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