8-Day Family Adventure in Vietnam: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 1, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with authentic Pho at Pho Gia Truyen, known for its delicious beef noodle soup, a true Vietnamese staple.
USD5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Take a tranquil walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, a beautiful spot to relax and explore the Turtle Tower.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the vibrant streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, featuring traditional shops, cafes, and street food stalls.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Ta

Savor Bun Cha, a Hanoi specialty of grilled pork and noodles, at Bun Cha Ta, a local favorite.
USD8, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Learn about Vietnam's history at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the revered leader's body is kept.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, home to stunning architecture and serene gardens.
USD2, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Nha Hang Ngon

Enjoy a variety of Vietnamese dishes at Nha Hang Ngon, a popular restaurant that offers a wide selection of traditional meals.
USD15, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Day Trip to Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on June 2, 2025

7:00AM

Depart for Ha Long Bay

Leave early for a scenic drive to Ha Long Bay, known for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands.
USD30 (for round trip transport), 3.5 hours

10:30AM

Cruise the Bay

Get aboard a traditional junk boat to cruise around Ha Long Bay, taking in stunning views and visiting caves.
USD50, 4 hours

3:00PM

Lunch on the Boat

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch served on the boat as you glide through the breathtaking waters.
Included in cruise, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Hanoi

Head back to Hanoi to conclude your memorable day on the bay.
Included in transport, 3.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Try Cha Ca, a unique dish of grilled fish with turmeric, served with vermicelli noodles at this popular local eatery.
USD12, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Flight to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 3, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Note Coffee

Enjoy a scenic coffee and a light breakfast in this charming café adorned with beautiful notes from visitors worldwide.
USD6, 1 hour

9:30AM

Free Time in Hanoi

Take the morning to explore anything you missed in Hanoi, perhaps revisit the Old Quarter for souvenirs.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Try another local favorite before your flight: Cha Ca – the legendary fish dish in Hanoi.
USD10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Flight to Da Nang

Catch a flight from Hanoi to Da Nang, which is about an hour long.
USD50 (per person), 1 hour

3:00PM

Transfer to Hoi An

After arriving, take a 30-minute drive to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its well-preserved ancient town.
USD20 (for car transfer), 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Stroll through the charming streets of Hoi An, known for its historic buildings and vibrant lanterns.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Morning Glory

Savor Hoi An's local cuisine at Morning Glory, where you can enjoy fresh ingredients and traditional dishes.
USD15, 1.5 hours

Day 4: Cultural Experiences

Hoi An, Vietnam on June 4, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for the day.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Participate in a Cooking Class

Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes, a fun experience for the whole family.
USD35 per person, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cargo Club

Enjoy a riverside lunch at Cargo Club, known for its delicious fusion dishes and stunning views.
USD10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge

See Hoi An's iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a beautiful and historic structure with a fascinating backstory.
USD1, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend a leisurely afternoon at An Bang Beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the coastline.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Fisherman

Experience a beachside dinner at The Fisherman, known for its fresh seafood and local specialties.
USD20, 1.5 hours

Day 5: Travel to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 5, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy another delightful breakfast at your hotel to start your journey.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Transfer to Da Nang Airport

Make your way to the Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
USD20 (for car transfer), 1 hour

11:00AM

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Take a short flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, lasting about an hour.
USD50 (per person), 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Pho 2000

Dine at Pho 2000, known for serving some of the best pho in Ho Chi Minh City, enjoyed by former President Bill Clinton.
USD8, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the War Remnants Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam's tumultuous history at the War Remnants Museum, a must-visit for understanding the country's past.
USD3, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Dive into the bustling atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market, a great place for local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Taste traditional Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy setting at Cuc Gach Quan, emphasizing fresh and local ingredients.
USD20, 1.5 hours

Day 6: City Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 6, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Vintage Emporium

Start your day with breakfast in a charming café, offering an array of options in a unique, vintage setting.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Reunification Palace

Explore the historic Reunification Palace, which served as the presidential palace of the Republic of Vietnam.
USD2, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

See the iconic Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, an impressive French-colonial structure in the heart of the city.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa

Don't miss out on trying a Banh Mi from Huynh Hoa, touted as one of the best in the city.
USD5, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda

Experience the serene Jade Emperor Pagoda, known for its intricate carvings and tranquil gardens.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Pham Ngu Lao Street

Wander through Pham Ngu Lao Street, lined with shops, bars, and restaurants – a hub of city life.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Secret Garden

Enjoy Vietnamese meals with stunning views at Secret Garden, located on a rooftop with a cozy vibe.
USD18, 1.5 hours

Day 7: Relax and Last-Minute Shopping

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 7, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at La Fiesta

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at La Fiesta, offering a mix of Vietnamese and Western dishes.
USD8, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore local parks

Visit Tao Dan Park or Le Van Tam Park for a leisurely morning walk, immersing in local life.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Savor a variety of local dishes at Quan An Ngon, known for its street food-style dining experience in a comfortable setting.
USD12, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Last-Minute Shopping at Vincom Center

Head to Vincom Center for last-minute shopping, with various shops and brands to choose from.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Propaganda Bistro

Enjoy a modern twist on traditional Vietnamese food at Propaganda Bistro, known for its vibrant decor.
USD15, 1.5 hours

Day 8: Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June 8, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Vietnam at your hotel before checking out.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Head to the airport for your departure flight, taking with you wonderful memories of Vietnam.
USD10 (for car transfer), 30 minutes