7-Day Family-Friendly Foodie Itinerary in Vietnam

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

10:00AM

Check-in at hotel

Start your journey by checking into a family-friendly hotel in the Old Quarter, such as the Hanoi Emerald Waters Hotel.
Travel from airport to hotel via taxi.
USD100, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Ta

Enjoy a delightful lunch of the local specialty, Bun Cha, where grilled pork is served with rice noodles and fresh herbs.
Take a short taxi ride to Bun Cha Ta.
USD30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, great for relaxation and a little playground for the kids.
Walk from Bun Cha Ta to Hoan Kiem Lake.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Ngoc Son Temple

Visit the Ngoc Son Temple located on an island in the lake, learning about local legends and admiring the architecture.
Walk to Ngoc Son Temple.
USD2, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor the iconic Cha Ca, fish marinated with turmeric and served with herbs and rice noodles.
Take a short taxi from Hoan Kiem Lake to Cha Ca Thang Long.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

A hearty breakfast featuring local dishes to fuel your day in Hanoi.
Enjoy at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay your respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and explore the beautiful surrounding gardens.
Take a taxi to the mausoleum.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Koto Restaurant

Enjoy your lunch at Koto, a social enterprise restaurant that serves delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
Take a taxi from the mausoleum to Koto.
USD35, 1 hour

2:00PM

Water Puppet Show

Experience a traditional Water Puppet Show, a unique Vietnamese cultural performance that uses puppetry in water.
Travel back to Hoan Kiem Lake area.
USD5, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the streets of the Old Quarter, soaking in local culture and shopping for souvenirs.
Walk or take a short taxi if needed.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Street Food Tour

Join a local street food tour to sample various delicious dishes and learn about Vietnamese culinary traditions.
Meet your guide at a central location.
USD50, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Halong Bay Adventure

Halong Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before heading to Halong Bay.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Halong Bay

Travel to the stunning Halong Bay, known for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands.
Private van transfer to Halong Bay.
USD100, 3 hours

11:00AM

Board a Cruise

Board a cruise ship for a family-friendly tour around the bay, with activities like kayaking and swimming.
Board the cruise at the Halong Bay marina.
USD150, 15 hours (full day)

1:00PM

Lunch on the Cruise

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch onboard while surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Served by the cruise staff.
Included in cruise cost, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner on the Cruise

Another delightful meal featuring local seafood and other Vietnamese specialities.
Served by the cruise staff.
Included in cruise cost, 1 hour

8:30PM

Evening Activities

Enjoy evening fun including a cooking class or squid fishing on board.
Activities will be outlined by the cruise staff.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Day in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast on the Cruise

Start your day with breakfast on board before returning to shore.
Served by the cruise staff.
Included in cruise cost, 1 hour

9:00AM

Return to Hanoi

Return to Hanoi and take a flight to Hoi An.
Transfer to airport and fly to Danang, then transfer to Hoi An.
USD150, 4 hours total

1:00PM

Lunch at Morning Glory

Dine at Morning Glory to try local dishes like cao lau and banh xeo.
Walk to Morning Glory from your accommodation.
USD40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Take a Lantern-Making Workshop

Participate in a lantern-making workshop, a traditional craft of Hoi An that the whole family can enjoy.
Arranged by the workshop venue.
USD60, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Wander through the charming streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, known for its well-preserved architecture.
Walk around Hoi An Ancient Town.
USD5, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Secret Garden

Enjoy a relaxing dinner in a beautiful garden setting, sampling more local specialties.
Walk from Ancient Town to Secret Garden.
USD50, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Relax in Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel with a variety of options, both local and Western.
At your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit An Bang Beach

Unwind at An Bang Beach, where the family can enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.
Take a taxi to An Bang Beach.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Beachfront Lunch at Soul Kitchen

Savor fresh seafood and local dishes while enjoying views of the ocean.
Walk to Soul Kitchen from the beach.
USD45, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Bike around Hoi An Countryside

Rent bikes to explore the lush countryside surrounding Hoi An, with beautiful rice fields and villages.
Arrange bike rentals in Hoi An.
USD10, 3 hours

5:30PM

Relax at Hoai River

Enjoy a peaceful evening by the Hoai River, watching the sun set and lanterns illuminate the water.
Walk from your bike rental return location.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Fisherman's Wife

Dine at The Fisherman's Wife, famous for its excellent seafood and local dishes served in a charming setting.
Taxi from Hoai River to restaurant.
USD50, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Travel to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Hoi An at your hotel.
At your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling heart of Vietnam.
Transfer to the airport from your hotel.
USD100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pho 2000

Dine at the famous Pho 2000, where you can enjoy a bowl of the best pho in the city.
Walk from the airport to Pho 2000.
USD30, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Wander through Ben Thanh Market, sampling local snacks and shopping for souvenirs.
Short taxi ride from Pho 2000.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Learn about Vietnam's history and the war through exhibits at the War Remnants Museum.
Taxi from Ben Thanh Market.
USD2, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Savor a range of delicious, made-from-scratch Vietnamese dishes in a rustic environment.
Taxi from the museum to the restaurant.
USD50, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before another exciting day in Ho Chi Minh City.
At your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

Visit the beautiful Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, an iconic landmark in the city.
Walk from your hotel.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit the Central Post Office

Next door is the stunning Central Post Office, showcasing French colonial architecture.
Walk from the basilica.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Lunch Lady

Experience a variety of delicious noodle soups at The Lunch Lady, known for her culinary skills.
Take a taxi from the Post Office.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Cu Chi Tunnels

Dive into history by visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels, learning about their significance during the war.
Take a guided tour, transportation provided.
USD30, 4 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Fine Vietnamese Dining

Enjoy a memorable farewell dinner at a fine restaurant, featuring a modern take on Vietnamese cuisine.
Take a taxi back to the city center for your dinner.
USD70, 2 hours
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