5-Day Family Friendly Budget Itinerary for Vietnam

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Bánh Mì 25

Start your day with a delicious 'bánh mì' sandwich from this famous local eatery.
Located in the Old Quarter, reachable by foot.
60,000 VND, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple located nearby.
Short walk from breakfast location.
30,000 VND, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Explore the Old Quarter

Take a self-guided walking tour of the vibrant streets of the Old Quarter, offering a variety of shops and local culture.
Just walk throughout the Old Quarter.
Free, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Pho Gia Truyen

Enjoy authentic Vietnamese pho at one of Hanoi's best spots known for its beef noodle soup.
Located in the Old Quarter, 10 minutes walk.
100,000 VND, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit the Museum of Ethnology

Learn about Vietnam's ethnic diversity and culture through interactive exhibits and artifacts.
Catch a local bus (#14 or #18) from the Old Quarter to the museum.
40,000 VND, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Savor the famous dish 'Cha Ca' (grilled fish) in the place that started it all.
Take a taxi or walk; it’s around 20 minutes away.
200,000 VND, 1.5 hours

7:30 PM

Watch a Water Puppet Show

Experience traditional Vietnamese art through an engaging water puppet performance.
5 minutes walk from dinner location.
100,000 VND, 1 hour
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Adventure

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

7:00 AM

Breakfast at hostel

Have a quick breakfast at your hostel before departing.
At your accommodation.
Included in accommodation cost, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Take a bus to Ha Long Bay

Join a budget bus tour to Ha Long Bay, famous for its emerald waters and limestone islands.
Bus departs from Hanoi; book in advance.
250,000 VND, 4 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch on the boat

Enjoy a simple lunch while cruising through the stunning scenery of Ha Long Bay.
Part of the boat tour.
Included in tour package, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Cruise and Kayak

Explore the bay through kayaking and visiting the caves.
Onboard the cruise.
250,000 VND, 2.5 hours

4:00 PM

Return to Hanoi

Begin your journey back to Hanoi on the bus.
Board the return bus from Ha Long Bay.
250,000 VND, 4 hours

8:30 PM

Dinner at Bun Cha Ta

Try 'Bun Cha', a local Hanoi specialty consisting of grilled pork and noodles.
This restaurant is centrally located in Hanoi.
100,000 VND, 1 hour
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Day 3: Discover Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

7:00 AM

Breakfast at hostel

Enjoy a simple breakfast to fuel up for the day.
At your accommodation.
Included in accommodation cost, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Take a bus to Ninh Binh

Travel to Ninh Binh, known for its stunning landscapes and rice fields.
Catch the bus from Hanoi’s Giap Bat Station.
100,000 VND, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Visit Tam Coc

Take a boat ride through the breathtaking Tam Coc caves surrounded by lush mountains.
Book a boat at Tam Coc pier.
150,000 VND, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine at a local eatery near Tam Coc.
Eateries are available near the boat pier.
80,000 VND, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Bich Dong Pagoda

Visit the beautiful Bich Dong Pagoda, located in the mountains with stunning views.
A short bike ride or walk from Tam Coc.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Return to Hanoi

Head back to Hanoi by bus to prepare for the next city.
Departure from Ninh Binh bus station.
100,000 VND, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring the local specialty, Cha Ca.
Located near Hoan Kiem Lake.
150,000 VND, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

7:00 AM

Breakfast at hostel

Fuel up with breakfast at your accommodation before departure.
At your accommodation.
Included in accommodation cost, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Hoi An

Take a flight or sleeper bus to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved Ancient Town.
Book a sleeper bus for a budget-friendly option.
400,000 VND, 12 hours via bus

8:00 PM

Dinner in Ancient Town

After checking in, wind down with dinner at a riverside restaurant enjoying the view.
Explore restaurants along the river.
150,000 VND, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Final Adventures in Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hostel

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation to kickstart your day.
At your accommodation.
Included in accommodation cost, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Explore the poignant exhibits at the War Remnants Museum showcasing the history of the Vietnam War.
Catch a local bus or taxi to the museum.
40,000 VND, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Lunch at Pho 2000

Have lunch at this restaurant made famous by Bill Clinton's visit, known for its delicious pho.
Located near Ben Thanh Market.
100,000 VND, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Shop for souvenirs and local products at the bustling Ben Thanh Market.
A short walk from lunch.
Free (Shopping on own), 2 hours

3:30 PM

Visit Cu Chi Tunnels

Take a tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate network used during the war.
Book a budget tour that includes transport and entry.
150,000 VND, 3 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Re Vietnamese Restaurant

End your trip with a farewell dinner at a restaurant known for its fresh and authentic Vietnamese dishes.
Located in District 1, accessible by taxi.
200,000 VND, 1.5 hours
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