Family-Friendly 9-Day Vietnam Itinerary with a Toddler: Explore Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, and Ninh Binh

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 24, 2025

12:00PM

Check into Hotel

Arrive at your hotel and check in. It’s a good time for a quick refresh after traveling.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Enjoy the famous Cha Ca, a traditional Hanoi dish of grilled fish with turmeric and dill served with rice noodles.
CURRENCY200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple; it's a peaceful place for stroller-friendly walks.
CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter where you can find local shops and street vendors.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Old Street Restaurant

Savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy atmosphere, ideal for families.
CURRENCY300, 1 hour

Day 2: Hanoi Sightseeing

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Note Coffee

Enjoy a delightful breakfast with a view of Hoan Kiem Lake at this cozy café offering a variety of pastries and coffee.
CURRENCY100, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Visit this important historical site where the body of Ho Chi Minh lies in state; it's best visited in the morning.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

A great educational experience with exhibits showcasing Vietnam's diverse cultures, suitable for families.
CURRENCY150, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Madame Hien

Indulge in traditional Vietnamese dishes in a family-friendly environment, perfect for a relaxing lunch.
CURRENCY250, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam's first university surrounded by beautiful gardens; it's stroller-friendly and a pleasant visit.
CURRENCY300, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Hotel

Rest up and prepare for a leisurely evening; plenty of time to recharge before the next adventure.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Koto Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious meal while supporting a restaurant that trains disadvantaged youth in hospitality.
CURRENCY350, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Travel to Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam on April 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, fueling up for the journey ahead to Sapa.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Sapa by Train

Take the scenic train ride to Sapa, known for its beautiful rice terraces and ethnic minority cultures.
CURRENCY800, 10 hours (including transit)

7:30PM

Check into Sapa Hotel

Arrive in Sapa and check into your hotel. It is advisable to relax after a long day of traveling.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

8:30PM

Dinner at The Hill Station

Taste local dishes in a cozy restaurant offering a selection of fresh ingredients and beautiful views.
CURRENCY400, 1.5 hours

Day 4: Sapa Exploration

Sapa, Vietnam on April 27, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel that offers stunning mountain views.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Cat Cat Village

Explore this traditional village with beautiful landscapes and an opportunity to interact with the local people.
CURRENCY0, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Enjoy a simple and delicious meal at a local eatery, perfect for families and offering local flavors.
CURRENCY200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Marvel at Fansipan Mountain

Take the cable car to Fansipan, the highest mountain in Indochina, for stunning panoramic views; designed for families.
CURRENCY600, 4 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Viet Street Restaurant

Try traditional Vietnamese hotpot, a fun and interactive dining experience for families.
CURRENCY300, 1.5 hours

Day 5: Travel to Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on April 28, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, preparing for the journey to Ha Long Bay.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Ha Long Bay

Transfer by car to Ha Long Bay, famous for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands.
CURRENCY500, 3.5 hours

1:00PM

Check into Cruise

Arrive at your cruise to check in, where you will spend the next night; relax and explore the amenities.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

2:00PM

Lunch on Cruise

Enjoy a sumptuous lunch featuring a variety of Vietnamese cuisine onboard with a scenic view.
CURRENCY1000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Exploration of Ha Long Bay

Cruise through Ha Long Bay, exploring its stunning grottos and islands, offering a relaxing experience for families.
CURRENCY0, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner on Cruise

Indulge in a delicious dinner on-board featuring fresh seafood and local dishes.
CURRENCY1000, 2 hours

Day 6: Ha Long Bay Activities

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on April 29, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast on Cruise

Enjoy a breakfast with serene views before heading out to explore more of Ha Long Bay.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Kayaking or Swimming

Choose an option for kayaking in calmer areas or swimming, which can be family-friendly spots.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch on Cruise

Enjoy another delicious seafood lunch on the cruise, enjoying the view of the bay.
CURRENCY1000, 2 hours

2:00PM

Visit Sung Sot Cave

Explore these wondrous caves where you can learn about the unique geology of the area; stroller-friendly paths available.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Cruise

Head back to the cruise and relax with evening activities while enjoying the sunset over Ha Long Bay.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner on Cruise

Feast on a farewell dinner featuring local delicacies, created to offer a memorable experience.
CURRENCY1000, 2 hours

Day 7: Ninh Binh Exploration

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on April 30, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast on Cruise

Enjoy breakfast on the cruise as you navigate back to the harbor, taking in the last views of the bay.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Transfer to Ninh Binh

Travel from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh, known for its scenic landscapes and history.
CURRENCY600, 3.5 hours

12:30PM

Check into Hotel

Check into your hotel in Ninh Binh to rest before your afternoon explorations.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Bia Hoi 61

Savor local dishes with family-friendly options at this popular Ninh Binh venue.
CURRENCY200, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Tam Coc

Take a boat ride in Tam Coc through beautiful rice paddies and limestone mountains; it's suitable for families.
CURRENCY300, 2 hours

5:30PM

Explore Bich Dong Pagoda

Visit this ancient Buddhist pagoda located amidst a picturesque landscape, catering to families with gentle pathways.
CURRENCY50, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring local Ninh Binh dishes that are family-friendly.
CURRENCY250, 1.5 hours

Day 8: Ninh Binh Exploration

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on May 1, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a day of exploring Ninh Binh's natural wonders.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Take a boat tour through this UNESCO World Heritage site filled with stunning natural beauty, appropriate for children.
CURRENCY300, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Quang Hoa Restaurant

Dine at a popular local spot offering a variety of authentic dishes in a family-friendly environment.
CURRENCY250, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Explore the historic capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties; a stroller-friendly site with informative views.
CURRENCY200, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Hotel

Have some downtime at your hotel; ideal for families needing a break before dinner.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Local Eatery

Enjoy your last dinner in Ninh Binh featuring traditional Vietnamese meals in a family-friendly setting.
CURRENCY200, 1.5 hours

Day 9: Return to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 2, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a light breakfast before heading back to Hanoi for your departure.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Transfer back to Hanoi

Travel back from Ninh Binh to Hanoi, giving yourself ample time before your flight.
CURRENCY600, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Shopping at Local Market

Spend some time shopping for souvenirs in Hanoi’s local markets – perfect for picking up gifts.
CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Koto Restaurant

Have one last meal at this notable restaurant known for its quality dishes and supporting community endeavors.
CURRENCY300, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Depart for Airport

Departure to the airport for your flight back to Chennai.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour