5-Day Family Friendly Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Vietnam

Day 1: Exploring Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Noodle Street

Start your day with a delicious bowl of Pho at the local's favorite Noodle Street, perfect for energizing your family.
Walk to the famous Hoan Kiem Lake after breakfast.
VND200,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and immerse in the local culture.
Walk to the Ngoc Son Temple across the bridge.
VND30,000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Ngoc Son Temple

Discover the serene atmosphere of Ngoc Son Temple and learn about its history.
Head to the Old Quarter adjacent to the lake.
VND30,000, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor the famous Cha Ca (grilled fish with dill) for an authentic Hanoi meal.
Walking through the Old Quarter.
VND150,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about the diverse culture and traditions of Vietnam's ethnic groups at this fascinating museum.
Take the public bus # 14 from the Old Quarter.
VND40,000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Banh Mi 25

Indulge in a budget-friendly yet flavorful Banh Mi sandwich at this popular eatery.
Walk back to the Old Quarter area.
VND50,000, 1 hour

6:30PM

Street Food Tour

Join a family-friendly street food tour and explore a variety of Vietnamese snacks together.
Meet your guide in front of your dinner location.
VND200,000, 2 hours
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Day 2: Adventure in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast provided by your hotel to start the day.
Head to the bus station to catch a bus to Ninh Binh.
VND100,000, 1 hour

8:30AM

Bus to Ninh Binh

Travel through scenic landscapes to reach Ninh Binh, a stunning area known for its karst mountains.
Bus ride takes approximately 2 hours.
VND200,000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Trang An Scenic Landscape

Take a small boat ride through the picturesque landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Purchase tickets at the entrance.
VND150,000, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Enjoy a light meal at a local restaurant, trying out the region's specialties.
Short walk to the restaurant.
VND100,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Tam Coc Caves

Discover the beautiful caves of Tam Coc by bike or on foot, surrounded by lush rice fields.
Rent bikes available near the entrance.
VND120,000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at DUC Restaurant

Refuel with a hearty meal at DUC Restaurant, where you can find a variety of Vietnamese dishes.
Short bike ride from the caves.
VND200,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi in the evening to rest and prepare for the next day's journey.
Bus ride back to Hanoi.
VND200,000, 2 hours
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Day 3: Scenic Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam

6:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick breakfast at your Hanoi hotel before heading to Halong Bay.
Check out and walk to the bus station.
VND100,000, 1 hour

8:00AM

Shuttle Bus to Halong Bay

Take a shuttle bus to Halong Bay for a day of exploration amidst its stunning limestone islands.
Bus ride is provided by your cruise company.
VND250,000, 3.5 hours

11:30AM

Cruise on Halong Bay

Enjoy a scenic cruise on the emerald waters of Halong Bay, with opportunities for swimming and sunbathing.
Aboard the vessel with the cruise guide.
VND600,000 (includes lunch), 4 hours

3:30PM

Visit Sung Sot Cave

Explore the fascinating Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) during your cruise excursion.
Follow the cruise guide's directions.
Included, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Hanoi

Return to the harbor and then back to Hanoi to prepare for your next destination.
Bus ride back to Hanoi.
VND250,000, 3.5 hours

9:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a local meal at Quan An Ngon, where you can choose delicacies from multiple regions of Vietnam.
Short taxi ride from your hotel.
VND250,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Immersion in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Start your day with a simple breakfast at a cozy café in Hanoi before checking out.
Head to the airport for your flight to Da Nang.
VND100,000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Flight to Da Nang

Catch a brief flight to Da Nang, then continue to Hoi An.
30-minute flight.
VND1,000,000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Transfer to Hoi An

Take a taxi or a shuttle to reach the charming town of Hoi An, known for its well-preserved Ancient Town.
Taxi ride takes about 40 minutes.
VND400,000, 40 minutes

11:00AM

Explore Ancient Town

Wander through the narrow streets of Hoi An, discovering its unique blend of Japanese, Chinese, and French architecture.
Walking around the Old Town.
VND120,000 (entrance fee for some sites), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cơm Gà Hội An

Try the local specialty of Hoi An - chicken rice, a must-have dish.
Short walk around the Old Town.
VND100,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge

Take photos at the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, an emblem of Hoi An's beautiful heritage.
Continue walking around the site until you reach the bridge.
VND30,000, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Morning Glory

Savor delicious traditional Vietnamese dishes at Morning Glory, a family-friendly restaurant.
Head back to the main street.
VND200,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast at your hotel in Hoi An before departing.
Head to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
VND100,000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly to the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh, the final stop on your Vietnam adventure.
30-minute flight.
VND1,000,000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs and local products at the vibrant Ben Thanh Market.
Short taxi ride from the airport.
VND50,000, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Pho 24

Enjoy a bowl of comforting Pho at the popular Pho 24, famous for its authentic flavors.
Walk from the market to the restaurant.
VND80,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam's history by visiting the War Remnants Museum.
Taxi ride to the museum.
VND40,000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Ngon Restaurant

Enjoy a final family meal at Ngon Restaurant, known for its variety of regional dishes.
Short taxi ride from the museum.
VND200,000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Evening at Bui Vien Street

Immerse yourselves in the vibrant nightlife of Bui Vien Street for some shopping and souvenir hunting.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
VND0, 2 hours
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