Family Friendly Adventure & Foodie Itinerary in Vietnam

Day 1: Arriving in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Giang Cafe

Starting your adventure with a famous cup of egg coffee at Giang Cafe will surely energize you for the day ahead.
Head to Giang Cafe located in the Old Quarter, easily accessible by foot or a short taxi ride.
VND 50,000, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake

A serene area perfect for family photos and a gentle walk where you'll see local residents practicing tai chi.
Walk to the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, just a 15-minute stroll from the cafe.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Ngọc Sơn Temple

Step onto the iconic red bridge and visit this historical site that dates back to the 18th century.
Located on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake, a short walk from the lake's edge.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy the delicious local specialty, Bun Cha, famous for its grilled pork and vermicelli noodles.
Take a taxi or a short walk to this popular eatery.
VND 100,000, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through bustling streets filled with shops and cafes, immersing in the vibrant atmosphere.
This area is easily walkable from your lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Stop by the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about the diverse cultures of Vietnam through exhibits that showcase artifacts and traditional homes.
Take a taxi to the museum, approximately a 15-minute ride.
VND 40,000, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Sample the famous Cha Ca, a dish of grilled fish, at this beloved restaurant with a history that dates back to the 19th century.
Take a taxi back to the Old Quarter; it's about a 10-minute drive.
VND 120,000, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Evening Water Puppet Show

Marvel at the traditional Vietnamese art of water puppetry, an engaging experience for both kids and adults.
Book tickets in advance and head to Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre nearby.
VND 100,000, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Insights in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Phở Gia Truyền Bát Đàn

Start your day with Hanoi’s renowned Pho, a delicious beef noodle soup in a vibrant atmosphere.
This restaurant is about a 5-minute taxi ride from your accommodation.
VND 60,000, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay respects to the founding father of Vietnam and explore the surrounding gardens and architecture.
Take a taxi; it's about 15 minutes from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Tour the Presidential Palace Historical Site

Learn about Vietnam's history and politics while strolling through this serene presidential complex.
It's located right next to the mausoleum.
VND 40,000, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Koto Restaurant

Experience a delicious meal that supports disadvantaged youth while enjoying a diverse menu of Vietnamese cuisine.
A short taxi ride of about 10 minutes.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam's first national university, beautiful gardens, and ancient architecture echoing wisdom.
It's about a 15-minute walk or a quick taxi ride from Koto.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Visit the Fine Arts Museum

Discover a diverse collection of traditional and contemporary Vietnamese art that captures the country's spirit.
Take a taxi; it's about 10 minutes away.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Bánh Mì 25

Indulge in tasty and affordable Bánh Mì sandwiches, a perfect way to end your day on a high note.
This spot is around a 15-minute walk back to the Old Quarter.
VND 50,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

7:30 AM

Breakfast at L'Usine

Start your day with a fresh, locally-sourced breakfast in an indie atmosphere with plenty of pastries.
Visit L'Usine, a 10-minute taxi ride from your accommodation.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Explore the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

Admire the stunning architecture of this iconic cathedral located in the heart of the city.
A short 5-minute walk from breakfast.
Free, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit the Saigon Central Post Office

Experience this impressive historical building designed by Gustav Eiffel, filled with Vietnamese heritage.
Just a 5-minute stroll from Notre-Dame Basilica.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Pho 24

Treat yourself to a delicious bowl of Pho at this popular chain recognized for its high-quality ingredients.
It's walking distance from the Post Office, around 10 minutes.
VND 75,000, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit the War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam's history through its profound exhibitions and artifacts.
A 10-minute taxi ride from lunch.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Stroll through Ben Thanh Market

Shop for local goods, souvenirs, and traditional crafts while soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Walk back towards the market area, around 10 minutes from the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Com Nieu Sai Gon

End your day with a unique rice dish that's served in a clay pot, a must-try culinary experience.
About a 10-minute taxi ride from the market.
VND 120,000, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Evening Rooftop Drinks at Bitexco Financial Tower

Enjoy stunning views of the skyline while sipping a cocktail – a perfect way to end the day.
It's around a 10-minute drive; taxis or Grab are available.
VND 200,000, 2 hours
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Day 4: Explore More of Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Vintage Emporium

Relax in this cozy cafe with wonderful breakfast options and artisan coffee to fuel your day.
Just a 10-minute taxi ride from your hotel.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Cu Chi Tunnels

Take a guided tour of these historical tunnels that played a significant role during the war – a thrilling adventure for the family.
A pre-arranged taxi or tour that takes about 1.5 hours from the city center.
VND 150,000, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Tuan & Sons

Enjoy authentic Vietnamese sandwiches and tasty options after your adventurous morning.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City takes about 1.5 hours, and Tuan & Sons is nearby.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore the Jade Emperor Pagoda

Experience the serene atmosphere of one of the most iconic temples in Ho Chi Minh City.
A taxi ride of about 15 minutes from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Visit the Reunification Palace

Wander through this historical site and learn about Vietnam's political history upfront.
Located about 10 minutes away by taxi.
VND 40,000, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at BBQ chicken 3T

Savor barbecue chicken with a unique twist in this family-friendly fast food joint.
About a 10-minute walk from the palace.
VND 100,000, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Evening at Bui Vien Street

Experience the vibrant nightlife, with shops, bars, and street food aplenty – a lively place for family fun.
Just a short taxi ride from dinner, around 5 minutes.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 5: Return to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Hanoi Social Club

Expect a cozy atmosphere and delicious breakfast options before getting on your flight.
Spend around 15 minutes in a taxi to get there.
VND 90,000, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Fly back to Hanoi

Catch your domestic flight back to Hanoi to complete the journey.
Ensure timely arrival and airport transfer with around 30 minutes to spare.
VND 1,500,000 (Flight ticket), 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Nha Hang Ngon

Find an array of delicious Vietnamese dishes in one location – great for the hungry family post-flight.
A taxi ride of about 20-30 minutes from the airport.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit the Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site that tells the ancient history of Vietnam.
Take a taxi from lunch, around 15 minutes away.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Relax at West Lake

Unwind with a peaceful stroll around Vietnam's largest lake or rent bikes for the family to ride along the shores.
It's about a 10-minute taxi ride from the citadel.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Daluva

Enjoy a blend of Vietnamese and European flavors in a chill environment, perfect for winding down the trip.
Located nearby to West Lake, approximately 10 minutes by taxi.
VND 120,000, 1.5 hours
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