14-Day Family Adventure in Vietnam on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

10:00AM

Check-in at Hostel

After arriving in Hanoi, check into a friendly hostel featuring private rooms to settle in.
Make your way to the Old Quarter via taxi (approx. 40 mins).
USD20, 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake

Take a relaxing stroll around the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, famous for its beautiful scenery and Turtle Tower.
A short 10-minute walk from the hostel.
FREE, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Enjoy a memorable meal of the local specialty, cha ca (grilled fish), at this historic restaurant.
10-minute walk from the lake.
USD5, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Ngọc Sơn Temple

Explore the stunning Ngọc Sơn Temple located on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake, rich with history.
10-minute walk from lunch location.
USD1, 30 mins
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Day 2: Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bánh Mì 25

Start your day with a delicious and affordable baguette sandwich from this famous spot.
Short 5-minute walk from the hostel.
USD2, 30 mins

9:00AM

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Learn about Vietnam's history by visiting the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, an essential site.
Taxi ride (~15 minutes).
FREE, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover the diverse cultures and tribes of Vietnam through fascinating exhibits.
Taxi ride (~10 minutes).
USD2, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Koto

Enjoy a hearty meal at Koto, where every meal helps train disadvantaged youth.
Taxi ride (~10 mins back).
USD5, 1 hour

2:30PM

Shopping in the Old Quarter

Wander through the vibrant streets of the Old Quarter, shopping for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Walk back into the Old Quarter.
FREE (depends on purchases), 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Travel to Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam

6:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Enjoy a light breakfast at your hostel before your journey.
On-site
Included, 30 mins

7:00AM

Train to Sapa

Catch a train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, enjoying the beautiful views en route.
Taxi to Train Station (~15 mins).
USD15, 8 hours

3:00PM

Check-in at Sapa Hostel

Arrive at your Sapa hostel and settle into your private room to refresh.
Transportation from Lao Cai to Sapa (~1 hour).
USD5, 1 hour
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Day 4: Explore Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sapa Café

Savor a fresh local breakfast featuring Vietnamese coffee and pastries.
Short walk from the hostel.
USD3, 1 hour

9:30AM

Trek to Cat Cat Village

Engage in a beautiful trek to the ethnic minority village of Cat Cat, immersed in stunning terraced landscapes.
Start on foot from the town center.
FREE, 3.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Have lunch at a nearby local restaurant serving traditional dishes.
Walk back into Sapa (~30 mins).
USD4, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Sapa Market

Explore the local market filled with handicrafts and souvenirs, perfect for family shopping.
Short walk from lunch location.
FREE (depends on purchases), 1 hour
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Day 5: Ninh Binh Journey

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Enjoy your breakfast at the hostel before heading out.
On-site
Included, 30 mins

9:00AM

Bus to Ninh Binh

Take a bus to Ninh Binh, a beautiful area known for its limestone mountains and rice paddies.
Book a bus at the station (~4 hours ride).
USD7, 4 hours

1:00PM

Check-in at Ninh Binh Hostel

Settle into your new hostel upon arrival.
Transportation to hostel (~30 mins).
USD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Tam Coc

Enjoy a boat ride through the breathtaking rice fields and limestone cliffs.
Bus or bike rental (~30 mins).
USD4, 1 hour
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Day 6: Ninh Binh Adventures

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Gather energy with breakfast served at your hostel.
On-site
Included, 30 mins

9:00AM

Explore Trang An

Take another stunning boat ride in Trang An, known for its caves and spectacular scenery.
Transportation to Trang An (~30 mins).
USD5, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Savor a delicious meal featuring local flavors at a nearby eatery.
Back to Ninh Binh (~30 mins).
USD3, 1 hour

2:30PM

Cycling around the Countryside

Rent bikes to explore the beautiful landscapes and rural life around Ninh Binh.
Bike rental shop nearby.
USD2, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Travel to Hue

Hue, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Enjoy some hearty breakfast options available at the hostel.
On-site
Included, 30 mins

9:00AM

Train to Hue

Take a scenic train ride from Ninh Binh to Hue, enjoying the views along the coastline.
Taxi to Train Station (~15 mins).
USD10, 7 hours

4:00PM

Check-in at Hue Hostel

Arrive in Hue and check into your hostel, freshening up after the journey.
Transportation to hostel (~20 mins).
USD20, 1 hour
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Day 8: Hue Historical Sites

Hue, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Kick off your day with breakfast at the hostel.
On-site
Included, 30 mins

9:00AM

Visit the Imperial City

Step into Vietnam's history by visiting the Imperial City, a UNESCO Heritage Site.
Short walk from the hostel.
USD3, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit the iconic seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda, located on the banks of the Perfume River.
Boat ride or taxi (~20 minutes).
USD2, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tinh Gia Vien

Try a traditional Hue meal at this charming local restaurant.
Taxi or boat ride back to the city center.
USD5, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Tomb of Tu Duc

Explore the elaborate Tomb of Tu Duc, surrounded by gardens and lotus lakes.
Taxi ride (~15 minutes).
USD2, 1 hour
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Day 9: Travel to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Fuel up with breakfast before departing for Hoi An.
On-site
Included, 30 mins

9:00AM

Bus to Hoi An

Take a comfortable bus ride to Hoi An, enjoying the scenic coastal road.
Book tickets from the hostel (~4.5 hours).
USD6, 4.5 hours

2:00PM

Check-in at Hoi An Hostel

Settle into your new hostel and get ready to explore.
Transportation from bus station (~20 mins).
USD20, 1 hour
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Day 10: Explore Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Morning Glory

Start your day with breakfast at Morning Glory, famous for its Pho and other local dishes.
Short walk from the hostel.
USD4, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Ancient Town

Spend the morning wandering the charming streets of Hoi An's Ancient Town, filled with shops and local crafts.
On foot.
USD5 (entrance ticket for multiple sites), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mango Mango

Enjoy a relaxing lunch with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.
On foot from Ancient Town.
USD5, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Japanese Covered Bridge

Take a short walk to the famed Japanese Covered Bridge, a must-see in Hoi An.
On foot.
FREE, 30 mins
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Day 11: Day at Da Nang

Da Nang, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Enjoy breakfast before heading to Da Nang.
On-site
Included, 30 mins

9:00AM

Bus to Da Nang

Take a quick bus ride to Da Nang, famous for its beaches and the Marble Mountains.
Book a bus from your hostel (~1 hour).
USD2, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Marble Mountains

Wander the beautiful Marble Mountains, with caves, pagodas, and panoramic views.
Local transportation (~30 mins).
USD5, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Banh Mi Hai Ma

Taste some of the best banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) in Da Nang.
Local transportation (~30 mins).
USD3, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at My Khe Beach

Enjoy some downtime at beautiful My Khe Beach, perfect for swimming or sunbathing.
Taxi ride (~15 mins).
FREE, 1.5 hours
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Day 12: Travel to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Pack your bags and enjoy a final breakfast at the Hoi An hostel.
On-site
Included, 30 mins

9:00AM

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Hop on a quick flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's bustling economic hub.
Book flight (~1 hour flight time).
USD25, 2 hours

11:30AM

Check-in at Ho Chi Minh City Hostel

Arrive, check-in, and refresh yourself for the adventure ahead.
Taxi from airport (~30 mins).
USD20, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Ben Thanh Market

Explore the local flavors at Ben Thanh Market, known for its delicious food stalls.
Taxi to the market (~15 mins).
USD4, 1 hour
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Day 13: Mekong Delta Exploration

Mekong Delta, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hostel in Ho Chi Minh City.
On-site
Included, 30 mins

9:00AM

Day Tour to Mekong Delta

Join a group tour to explore the lush jungles and rivers of the Mekong Delta, with boat rides and local crafts.
Book a tour online or at your hostel.
USD30, 6 hours (including travel time)
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Day 14: Final Day in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Hoa

Enjoy one last bowl of authentic Pho before you leave Vietnam.
Short walk from the hostel.
USD3, 1 hour

9:30AM

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Experience the historic Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about their significance during the Vietnam War.
Join a tour departing from your hostel.
USD6, 4 hours

2:00PM

Relax at a local café

Spend your afternoon reflecting on your journey over Vietnamese coffee.
Choose a café nearby.
USD2, 1 hour

3:00PM

End of Adventure

As you wrap up your incredible 14-day journey through Vietnam, prepare for your next adventure.
Return to hostel, prepare for departure.
FREE, 30 mins
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