10-Day Family Adventure in Vietnam: Culture, Nature & Volunteering on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Explore Historic Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Giang Cafe

Start your journey with traditional Vietnamese coffee and egg coffee at Giang Cafe.
Walk to the Old Quarter after breakfast.
VND 150,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple.
Walk around the lake.
VND 30,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try the famous Bun Cha, served with grilled pork and rice noodles.
Short taxi ride or 20 minutes walk from the lake.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Immerse yourselves in the rich cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
Take a taxi to the museum.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Cyclo Tour of the Old Quarter

Enjoy a fun cyclos (bicycle rickshaw) ride through the vibrant streets of the Old Quarter.
Cyclo rides are available around the museum.
VND 300,000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

End your day with a delicious Cha Ca where grilled fish is served with herbs and rice noodles.
Short walk from the Old Quarter.
VND 200,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: History and Culture

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Hanoi Social Club

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a local twist at this charming café.
Walking distance from the hotel.
VND 120,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Learn about Vietnam's national hero Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum.
Take a taxi to the mausoleum.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the One Pillar Pagoda

This unique pagoda is an iconic symbol of Hanoi.
Short walk from Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Free, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Banh Mi 25

Savour a delicious Banh Mi sandwich filled with flavoursome ingredients.
Short taxi or 15 minutes walk.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam's first university, dedicated to Confucius.
Take a taxi or grab a bus to the temple.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Cooking Class

Learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Pre-arranged cooking class location.
VND 700,000 per person, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at KOTO

Enjoy a delicious meal at this restaurant which also trains disadvantaged youth.
Walking distance from the cooking class location.
VND 200,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Nature in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Uncle Joe's Restaurant

Enjoy a local breakfast of pho in Ninh Binh.
Take a taxi from the hotel.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Ninh Binh

Take a train ride from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.
Train station in Hanoi.
VND 150,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Phat Restaurant

Sample Vietnamese cuisine with a view of the rice fields.
Take a taxi from the train station.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Tam Coc

Experience stunning scenery on a boat ride through the caves and karst hills.
Short taxi ride to the Tam Coc pier.
VND 250,000, 3 hours

5:00PM

Cycling in Ninh Binh

Enjoy a relaxing bike ride through picturesque countryside villages.
Bicycles available at your accommodation.
VND 50,000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Moonlight Restaurant

Dine on delicious local dishes reflecting the flavours of Ninh Binh.
Walk from your accommodation.
VND 150,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Adventure and Relaxation

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your place of accommodation.
At the hotel.
Included in the stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Trang An Landscape Complex

Take a boat tour through stunning landscapes, and discover caves and temples.
Short taxi ride to Trang An.
VND 200,000, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tràng An Countryside

Savour a hearty meal with a view after your morning boat adventure.
Walk from the boat dock.
VND 120,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore this ancient pagoda located in a beautiful limestone cave.
Taxi ride from lunch location.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Volunteer at a Local Orphanage

Spend the afternoon playing and teaching local children at an orphanage.
Pre-arranged with the orphanage.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at local street food stalls

Experience the best of Vietnamese street food with multiple options!
Walk around the town centre.
VND 80,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Beach Time in Da Nang

Da Nang, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Bun Mam

Start the day with a traditional breakfast in Ninh Binh before heading to Da Nang.
Taxi ride from your hotel.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Da Nang

Take a train from Ninh Binh to Da Nang.
Train station in Ninh Binh.
VND 350,000, 7 hours

4:00PM

Check-In & Relax at My Khe Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon soaking in the sun at one of Vietnam's most beautiful beaches.
Short taxi ride to the beach.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Waterfront Restaurant

Enjoy dinner with scenic views of the Han River and great seafood.
Walking distance from the beach.
VND 250,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Cultural Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Secret Garden

Savour a morning meal surrounded by lush gardens.
Short taxi ride to Hoi An.
VND 120,000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Hoi An

Head to the charming town of Hoi An via bus from Da Nang.
Bus station in Da Nang.
VND 75,000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Wander through the old streets, visiting lantern-lit houses and shops.
Walking around the Ancient Town.
VND 120,000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Enjoy local specialities in a beautiful setting.
Walk through the Ancient Town.
VND 150,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit local art galleries

Discover fantastic art by local artists and pick up a souvenir.
Explore the galleries on foot.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Participate in a Lantern Making Workshop

Learn the art of making traditional Hoi An lanterns with local artisans.
Pre-arranged workshop location.
VND 500,000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Cargo Club

Indulge in both local and international dishes, with a rooftop view.
Short walk from the workshop.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Relaxing & Volunteering

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hoa Sua

Start your day with a delightful breakfast in a local café.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Volunteer at local eco-project

Spend the morning helping with a local environmental project.
Pre-arranged eco-project location.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Banh Mi Phuong

Savour one of the best Banh Mi in Vietnam.
Take a taxi from the eco-project site.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend the afternoon at the tranquil beach in Hoi An.
Taxi ride to An Bang Beach.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Hoi An

Travel back to the Ancient Town.
Taxi ride or bus back.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Mango Mango

Enjoy unique dishes that blend Vietnamese and international flavours.
Walking distance from the Ancient Town.
VND 220,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a simple meal at your hotel in Hoi An before departing.
At your hotel.
Included in the stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Ho Chi Minh City

Fly or take an overnight train from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City.
Arrange transfer to the airport or train station.
VND 1,500,000 flight / VND 400,000 train, 1 hour flight or 12 hours by train

12:00PM

Check-in at your accommodation

Settle into your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Walking distance from the hotel.
Included in the stay, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Pho 24

Try delicious Pho at a popular local chain.
Near your hotel.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the War Remnants Museum

Gain insights into Vietnam's history through powerful exhibits.
Short taxi ride from lunch.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Walk around Ben Thanh Market

Explore this bustling market filled with local crafts, foods, and souvenirs.
Walking distance from the museum.
Free to enter, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Indulge in a variety of Vietnamese dishes in a lively atmosphere.
Located nearby the market.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Further Explore Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Paris Baguette

Enjoy a quick breakfast and coffee at this popular chain.
Nearby your accommodation.
VND 90,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Discover this stunning French colonial cathedral in the heart of the city.
Short taxi ride from breakfast.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore the Saigon Central Post Office

Marvel at the architectural beauty of this post office with its impressive interior.
Walking distance from the cathedral.
Free, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Bo Hue 3

Enjoy a tasty bowl of Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup.
Short taxi ride.
VND 90,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Reunification Palace

Explore the historic palace, a symbolic site of the country's reunification.
Short taxi ride from lunch.
VND 40,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Unwind at this tranquil park, perfect for families.
Short taxi ride.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Dinner at Pho Hoa

Savour one of the best Pho in Ho Chi Minh City.
Short walk from the park.
VND 100,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Exploring the Mekong Delta

Mekong Delta, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy breakfast before an exhilarating adventure.
At your accommodation.
Included in the stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Mekong Delta

Join a day trip to the beautiful Mekong Delta.
Bus from your hotel.
VND 500,000, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

River Cruise Tour

Experience the scenic riverside villages aboard a boat.
Boat departs from the delta area.
Included in day trip, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at local riverside food stalls

Taste authentic Mekong dishes in a local setting.
Culminates at the food stalls.
VND 150,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit a local village

Experience the culture and lifestyle of the Mekong Delta residents.
Short taxi ride within the delta.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Head back to the city after a memorable experience.
Bus back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Included in day trip, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Long Chim

Enjoy an exquisite farewell dinner with fusion cuisine before concluding your journey.
Walking distance from your hotel.
VND 300,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability