How many days do you need in Vietnam?

This itinerary covers 8 days in Vietnam, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Vietnam?

Plan your perfect 8 days trip to Vietnam. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

8-Day Family-Friendly Relaxation Itinerary in Vietnam

Day 1: Discover Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your Vietnamese adventure with a hearty bowl of Pho at this famous local spot, loved by both locals and tourists alike.

VND 50,000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, taking in the beautiful scenery and the iconic Turtle Tower, a perfect place for family pictures.

Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Koto

Savor a delightful lunch at Koto, where your meal helps support street kids and underprivileged youth through hospitality training.

VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Gain insight into Vietnam’s diverse cultures with engaging exhibits and serene outdoor spaces—great for exploring as a family.

VND 40,000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Evening Water Puppet Show

Enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show, a fascinating cultural experience that the kids will love filled with storytelling and music.

VND 60,000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Indulge in Cha Ca, a delicious fish dish while enjoying the cozy atmosphere of this family-friendly restaurant.

VND 200,000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Hanoi

Day 2: Adventure in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a day filled with adventure and exploration.

Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Transfer to Ninh Binh

Travel to Ninh Binh, known for its stunning limestone landscapes and rice paddies.

VND 1,500,000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Boat Ride in Tam Coc

Relax on a peaceful boat ride through Tam Coc, where you’ll sail past breathtaking scenery and limestone caves.

VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bánh Tràng Ninh Binh

Enjoy local delicacies, including Bánh Tràng, at a family-friendly eatery with a view of the rice fields.

VND 100,000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Mua Cave

Climb the steps at Mua Cave for spectacular panoramic views of the countryside—an adventure for both parents and kids!

VND 100,000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your hotel in Ninh Binh and relax.

Included in accommodation., 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Thuy Anh Restaurant

Dine on Vietnamese comfort food with family-friendly options and a great atmosphere.

VND 120,000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Ninh Binh

Day 3: Cruise Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a lovely breakfast at your hotel before checking out and heading to Halong Bay.

Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Halong Bay

Embark on a scenic drive to Halong Bay, the world heritage site, known for its emerald waters and limestone islands.

VND 2,000,000, 3 hours

11:00AM

Board Cruise Ship

Get settled into your cabin and prepare for relaxation aboard a cruise of stunning Halong Bay.

Varies by cruise package., 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch on Cruise

Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch, featuring fresh seafood and local dishes, as you take in the views from the deck.

Included in cruise package., 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Visit one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Halong Bay—a memory your family will treasure.

Included in cruise package., 2 hours

4:30PM

Relaxing on the Deck

Unwind on the deck of the cruise ship, swimming or enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner on Cruise

Join your family for dinner aboard the cruise, enjoying more exquisite local dishes as you watch the sunset over the bay.

Included in cruise package., 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Halong Bay

Day 4: Heritage of Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast on Cruise

Enjoy breakfast on the cruise with stunning views of Halong Bay while sailing back to the harbor.

Included in cruise package., 1 hour

9:00AM

Return to Harbor

Disembark from the cruise and head back to the car for the transfer to the airport.

VND 2,000,000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch in Hoi An

Arrive in Hoi An and enjoy lunch at Morning Glory, known for its authentic Vietnamese dishes that all family members can enjoy.

VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Take a leisurely walk through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, where you can shop for souvenirs or relax at a café.

Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Lantern Making Workshop

Engage with a local artisan in a lantern-making workshop, creating something memorable to take back home.

VND 200,000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Cargo Club

End your day with delicious western and Vietnamese fusion dishes at Cargo Club on the waterfront.

VND 180,000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Hoi An

Day 5: Coastal Da Nang

Da Nang, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café 43

Kick off your day with a delicious breakfast overlooking the city at this well-reviewed café.

VND 100,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore the Marble Mountains, where you can hike, take pictures, and possibly cave-explore—all ages will find joy here.

VND 40,000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mi Quang Ba Mua

Taste the local specialty Mi Quang, a flavorful noodle dish that makes for a perfect family lunch.

VND 80,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at My Khe Beach

Spend a leisurely afternoon at My Khe Beach, where the kids can play in the water while adults unwind.

Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Thao Vy Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood at Thao Vy Restaurant, known for its warm hospitality and kid-friendly menu.

VND 250,000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Da Nang

Day 6: Vibrancy of Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Da Nang before transferring to the airport.

Included., 1 hour

9:30AM

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Take a short domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Approx VND 1,500,000 per family., 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, check into your hotel, and get settled in.

Included in accommodation., 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Pho Hoa

Delight in some of the best Pho in Ho Chi Minh City at the iconic Pho Hoa.

VND 70,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the War Remnants Museum

Learn about Vietnam's history in an engaging way, with displays that are educational for the entire family.

VND 40,000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Take a Cyclo Tour

Experience the city in a fun way by taking a cyclo tour around popular landmarks in a relaxed and safe manner.

Approx VND 250,000 for family., 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Savor traditional Vietnamese dishes in a charming setting, with a menu that caters to both adults and kids.

VND 200,000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 7: Mekong Delta Exploration

Mekong Delta, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before a day of adventure in the Mekong Delta.

Included., 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Mekong Delta

Travel to the Mekong Delta region, famous for its lush landscapes and waterways.

VND 1,200,000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Boat Trip on the Mekong River

Take a scenic boat trip along the rivers and visit small islands—embracing local life and enjoying fruit tastings.

VND 150,000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Homestay

Dine on home-cooked meals prepared at a friendly local homestay, a great cultural experience for the family.

Included in the tour., 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Local Markets

Explore vibrant local markets where you can shop for unique souvenirs and enjoy the local atmosphere.

Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Travel back to Ho Chi Minh city after a day full of exploration.

VND 1,200,000, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Nha Hang Ngon

Dine at a popular eatery known for a variety of Vietnamese cuisines, suitable for both kids and adults.

VND 180,000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Mekong Delta

Day 8: Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a farewell breakfast at your hotel, reminiscing about your lovely trip through Vietnam.

Included., 1 hour

10:00AM

Leisure Time in the City

Spend your last morning exploring nearby parks or shopping for last-minute gifts.

Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tan Son Nhat Airport

Grab a quick lunch at the airport before your flight home.

VND 120,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Departure

Time to head home, filled with wonderful memories from your family trip to Vietnam.

N/A, N/A

Find Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Step 1 Outline Preview:

8-Day Family-Friendly Relaxation Itinerary in Vietnam

Day 1: Discover Hanoi

9:00AM

10:30AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

4:30PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Adventure in Ninh Binh

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

6:30PM

Day 3: Cruise Halong Bay

7:00AM

8:00AM

11:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

4:30PM

7:00PM

Day 4: Heritage of Hoi An

7:00AM

9:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:30PM

8:00PM

Day 5: Coastal Da Nang

8:00AM

9:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Vibrancy of Ho Chi Minh City

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

4:30PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Mekong Delta Exploration

7:00AM

8:30AM

10:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

4:00PM

6:30PM

Day 8: Departure

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

More About Vietnam

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