How many days do you need in Vietnam?

This itinerary covers 8 days in Vietnam, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Vietnam?

Plan your perfect 8 days trip to Vietnam. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

8-Day Family Friendly Adventure in Vietnam

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

10:00AM

Check into hotel

Arrive at your hotel, breathe in the energy of Hanoi and prepare for your adventure.

USD100, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Enjoy the local specialty of grilled fish served with noodles, herbs, and peanuts.

USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the lively streets teeming with culture, shops, and stunning architecture.

Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Take a peaceful stroll around the lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple located on an island.

USD2, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the local favorite of grilled pork served with rice noodles in a mouthwatering broth.

USD10, 1 hour

8:00PM

Water Puppet Show

Experience this traditional Vietnamese art form depicting village life and legends.

USD5, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi City Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at KOTO

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at this restaurant that gives back to the community.

USD8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay your respects at the revered resting place of Vietnam's founding leader.

Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the One Pillar Pagoda

Marvel at this unique pagoda built on stilts in the middle of a lotus pond.

Free, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Pho Thin

Indulge in the famous Pho soup, essential to Vietnamese cuisine.

USD7, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam’s first university and a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture.

USD1, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Cyclo ride

Experience a relaxing cycle tour of the city to take in the sights and sounds.

USD10 per person, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at La Badiane

Enjoy a blend of traditional and contemporary Vietnamese cuisine in an elegant setting.

USD25, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before departing to Halong Bay.

Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Halong Bay

Enjoy the scenic 4-hour drive to the stunning landscapes of Halong Bay.

USD80, 4 hours

1:00PM

Check-in and Lunch on Cruise

Embark on your cruise and enjoy a delicious lunch while sailing through limestone islands.

Included in cruise package, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Kayaking in Halong Bay

Explore the breathtaking scenery up close as you paddle through serene waters.

Included in cruise package, 2 hours

5:00PM

Swimming and Beach Time

Relax on the cruise and enjoy swimming in the tranquil waters.

Included in cruise package, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner on Cruise

Savor a delectable Vietnamese dinner as you watch the sunset over the bay.

Included in cruise package, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 4: Cultural Immersion in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

7:00AM

Morning Tai Chi on the Deck

Start your day with Tai Chi while watching the sunrise over Halong Bay.

Included in cruise package, 1 hour

8:00AM

Breakfast on Cruise

Enjoy breakfast while sailing back to the harbor.

Included in cruise package, 1 hour

10:00AM

Travel to Hoi An

Drive back to Hanoi and then fly to Da Nang before transferring to Hoi An.

USD100, 4 hours travel time

2:00PM

Check into Hotel

Get settled into your hotel and recharge after traveling.

USD50, 30 minutes

3:00PM

Explore Ancient Town

Stroll around the UNESCO World Heritage Ancient Town filled with historical architecture.

Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Morning Glory

Savor Hoi An's best street food style dishes in a charming restaurant.

USD20, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 5: Adventure in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe 43

Start your day with a fresh breakfast featuring local specialties.

USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Bike Ride to Tra Que Vegetable Village

Enjoy a bike ride through beautiful rice paddies to this charming village.

USD5, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Cooking Class at Tra Que

Learn to make traditional Vietnamese dishes using fresh ingredients from the garden.

USD25, 2 hours

2:30PM

Return to Hoi An

Bike back to your hotel and relax by the pool.

Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax by the River

Take a peaceful stroll along the riverside and enjoy the sunset.

Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Mango Mango

Enjoy an exquisite dining experience overlooking the river while tasting local flavors.

USD25, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 6: Historical Hue

Hue, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for Hue.

Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Transfer to Hue

Enjoy a scenic drive to the historical city of Hue, known for its imperial heritage.

USD60, 3 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Imperial City

Explore the grand imperial architecture and learn about the Nguyen dynasty.

USD5, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Hanh Restaurant

Enjoy the local dish of Bun Bo Hue (Hue beef noodle soup).

USD8, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Khai Dinh Tomb

Discover the unique architecture and stunning gardens of this royal tomb.

USD3, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Savor classic French cuisine blended with Vietnamese flavors in a lovely ambiance.

USD20, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Hue

Day 7: Beach Day in Da Nang

Da Nang, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for a fun-filled beach day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.

Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Transfer to Da Nang Beach

Head to the beautiful sandy shores of Da Nang.

USD40, 1 hour

10:00AM

Beach Time

Spend a relaxing morning at My Khe Beach, known for its stunning scenery.

Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Beach House

Enjoy fresh seafood and beach views while taking a break from the sun.

USD15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Water Sports

Adventure awaits with options like jet skiing or parasailing.

USD50, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Hai Van Pass

Enjoy local cuisine with stunning views of Da Nang from the famous pass.

USD25, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Da Nang

Day 8: Journey to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your hotel before departing for Ho Chi Minh City.

Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Head to Da Nang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

USD60, 1 hour

10:00AM

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City

Transfer to your hotel and check in.

USD20, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Enjoy a delicious bowl of beef pho in a bustling local eatery.

USD7, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Learn about Vietnam's history through impactful exhibits in an important museum.

USD2, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Wander through this historic market, ideal for shopping and local snacks.

Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Nha Hang Ngon

Taste an array of Vietnamese dishes in a charming outdoor setting.

USD15, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Step 1 Outline Preview:

8-Day Family Friendly Adventure in Vietnam

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

10:00AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

8:00PM

Day 2: Hanoi City Exploration

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise

7:00AM

8:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 4: Cultural Immersion in Hoi An

7:00AM

8:00AM

10:00AM

2:00PM

3:00PM

5:30PM

Day 5: Adventure in Hoi An

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Historical Hue

7:00AM

8:00AM

11:30AM

1:30PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

Day 7: Beach Day in Da Nang

8:00AM

9:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

Day 8: Journey to Ho Chi Minh City

7:00AM

8:30AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

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