8-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Vietnam

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Start your day with a hearty bowl of Vietnam's famous Pho, made with rich broth and fresh herbs, at this local favorite.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to your first destination.
VND100,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Experience the serene beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake, with a lovely stroll or pedal boat ride while enjoying family moments.
Short walk from breakfast.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Engage in interactive exhibits that educate about Vietnam’s diverse cultural heritage, an enriching experience for the whole family.
Take a taxi for roughly 15 minutes.
VND40,000, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Liên

Dive into Hanoi's specialty dish, Bun Cha, grilled pork with vermicelli noodles, popularized by Obama’s visit.
Approximately 15 minutes by taxi back toward the city center.
VND120,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum

A historical site that provides insights into Vietnam's turbulent history—eye-opening yet educational for older kids.
Short taxi ride from lunch.
VND30,000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through vibrant streets filled with shops, as you soak in the energy of Hanoi and maybe pick up some souvenirs.
Walk to the Old Quarter from the museum, about 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Home Hanoi Restaurant

Enjoy a family-friendly dinner featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes with a cozy environment perfect for families.
Short walk from the Old Quarter.
VND200,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Day in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Or Coffee

Start your day with delightful Vietnamese coffee and pastries in a cozy café environment.
Walk from hotel to cafe within the city center.
VND80,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay respects at the mausoleum of Vietnam's revolutionary leader and learn about his life and contributions.
Take a short taxi ride.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Presidential Palace

Stroll through the grounds of the stunning French-colonial presidential palace, a beautiful spot for family photos.
Walk from the mausoleum for about 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Savor a delicious buffet of authentic Vietnamese street food, perfect for picky eaters who can select their favorites.
Take a taxi for a 15-minute ride.
VND150,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Experience a unique water puppetry show that entertains the whole family with stories based on Vietnamese folklore.
Short taxi ride from lunch.
VND200,000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Take a Cyclo Tour

Enjoy a relaxing cyclo ride where you can see the Old Quarter from a different perspective while resting your feet.
Arranged through various vendors in the area.
VND150,000, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at 45 Degree

Dine at this family-friendly establishment offering delicious pizza, pasta, and Vietnamese cuisine for all tastes.
Nearby the cyclo tour ending spot.
VND250,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Halong Bay Adventure

Halong Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up at a hearty breakfast before leaving for Halong Bay.
Optional dining at hotel restaurant.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Halong Bay

Head off for a scenic 4-hour drive to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Private transportation or tour bus from Hanoi.
VND900,000, 4 hours

12:00PM

Board your cruise

Check-in and enjoy a welcome drink aboard the cruise, setting the tone for a day of exploration.
Onboard the boat.
Included in cruise package, 30 minutes

12:30PM

Lunch on the cruise

Savor a delicious Vietnamese lunch as you cruise past magnificent limestone islands.
Restaurant area on the cruise.
Included in cruise package, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Discover the stunning Sung Sot Cave, famous for its dramatic limestone formations and breathtaking views.
Short boat ride from the cruise.
VND50,000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Swimming and Kayaking

Enjoy swimming or kayaking, perfect for families wanting to get closer to nature and the stunning seascape.
Equipment provided by cruise.
Included in cruise package, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner on the cruise

End your day with a delectable dinner featuring local flavors, shared with your loved ones while cruising the bay.
Restaurant area on the cruise.
Included in cruise package, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Halong Bay Relaxation

Halong Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast on the Cruise

Wake up to a scenic view of the bay while enjoying breakfast surrounded by nature.
Restaurant area on the cruise.
Included in cruise package, 1 hour

9:00AM

Trekking on Cat Ba Island

Enjoy a family hike through Cat Ba Island’s lush landscapes, exploring its wildlife and natural beauty.
Boat ride to the island from the cruise.
Included in cruise package, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch on the cruise

Refuel with a fulfilling lunch while taking in the picturesque views of Halong Bay.
Restaurant area on the cruise.
Included in cruise package, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Fishing Village

Experience local culture as you visit a floating fishing village, gaining insights into the traditional lifestyle of residents.
Boat ride from cruise.
Included in cruise package, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Leisure Time on the Boat

Enjoy recreational activities on the boat, whether it’s playing games or relaxing on the deck.
Onboard the cruise.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner on the cruise

Delight in your final dinner on the cruise, surrounded by the stunning beauty of Halong Bay.
Restaurant area on the cruise.
Included in cruise package, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening Activities on the Boat

Engage in games or watch films with the family onboard, ending your Halong Bay adventure on a high note.
Common area of the cruise.
Free, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Exploration in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast on the Cruise

Enjoy a buffet breakfast on board as you sail back, reminiscing about your Halong Bay adventure.
Restaurant area on the cruise.
Included in cruise package, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Hoi An

Travel to Hoi An via private transfer, which takes about 4 hours, allowing for comfortable family travel.
Transfer from Halong Bay.
VND1,200,000, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Discover traditional Vietnamese dishes served with local flair at this family-friendly restaurant.
Walk from your hotel or use a bicycle.
VND180,000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Ancient Town

Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ancient Town of Hoi An, admiring the architecture and vibrant streets.
Walking tour around Ancient Town.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge

Capture family photos in front of the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge as the sun sets around Hoi An.
In the Ancient Town area.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Mermaid Restaurant

Feast on fresh seafood and other local specialties, perfect to satisfy every family member’s taste buds.
Just a stroll away from the bridge.
VND220,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Hands-On Activities in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast to prepare for a fun-filled day ahead!
Onsite dining at your hotel.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Take a Cooking Class

Join a family cooking class that teaches you how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes together, creating lasting memories.
Local cooking school in Hoi An.
VND500,000, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the Cooking Class

Enjoy the delicious meals you prepared during the cooking class for lunch, a real taste of your efforts.
Dining area at cooking school.
Included in class fee, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit a Lantern Making Workshop

Unleash your creativity and make beautiful Vietnamese lanterns, a perfect souvenir from Hoi An.
Local lantern workshop.
VND300,000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend the late afternoon enjoying the sandy beach and playing in the waves, creating fun memories with the family.
Short taxi ride to An Bang Beach.
Free, 2.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Fisherman Restaurant

Enjoy local seafood dishes and traditional Vietnamese favorites in a spacious family-friendly setting.
Close to An Bang Beach, about 10 minutes drive.
VND250,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: City Vibes in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast in your hotel, preparing for a day in the bustling Ho Chi Minh City.
Onsite dining at your hotel.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Take a short flight that provides quick transportation to Vietnam's largest city.
Transfer to airport and flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
VND1,200,000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Gain insights into Vietnam’s history and the Vietnam War with informative exhibits suitable for older children.
Short taxi ride from the airport.
VND40,000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cuc Gach Quan

Relish a homestyle lunch that embodies Vietnamese flavors in a charming setting perfect for families.
Taxi from museum around 15 minutes.
VND180,000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Wander through this bustling market to shop for local goods and souvenirs, ensuring an authentic Ho Chi Minh experience.
Short ride from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral

Marvel at this iconic basilica, a stunning architectural landmark located in the heart of the city.
Walk from the market, around 20 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Pizza 4P's

Enjoy fresh pizza from this renowned restaurant that caters to both Western and Vietnamese tastes in a family-friendly environment.
Short taxi ride from the cathedral.
VND250,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Final Adventures in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy one last breakfast at your hotel, soaking in the ambiance before departure.
Onsite dining at your hotel.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Cu Chi Tunnels

Venture underground to explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, a fascinating yet engaging experience for families.
Private transport arranged to the tunnels.
VND100,000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a local eatery

Taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine at a nearby local restaurant, an excellent way to wrap up your food adventure.
Near the Cu Chi Tunnels.
VND150,000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Head back to the bustling city and take time to relax before departure.
Private transportation back to the city.
VND100,000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Leisure Time at a Park

Soak up the local atmosphere with a final family outing at a park, enjoying fine weather and good company.
Visit a nearby city park.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Lemongrass

Enjoy a delightful farewell dinner featuring the best local flavors to reflect on your memorable journey through Vietnam.
Short taxi ride from your hotel.
VND300,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability