10-Day Family Adventure Through Vietnam: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 28, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast with a bowl of pho, rich in flavors, a great introduction to local cuisine.
VND50000, 1h

10:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the historic Ngoc Son Temple located on a small island in the lake.
VND30000, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Bun Cha, a Hanoi specialty of grilled pork served with noodles and herbs.
VND60000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander the lively streets filled with shops, street food vendors, and culture-rich buildings.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Delight in the famous Cha Ca, a turmeric marinated fish dish cooked at your table.
VND120000, 1h30m

Day 2: Cultural Day

Hanoi, Vietnam on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Note Coffee

Enjoy coffee and light Vietnamese breakfast surrounded by colorful sticky notes left by visitors.
VND40000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Explore the important political site including the mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at KOTO restaurant

Enjoy delicious Vietnamese meals at KOTO, a social enterprise restaurant helping disadvantaged youth.
VND100000, 1h

2:00pm

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam’s first university with beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Water Puppet Theater

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a fun cultural experience for family members of all ages.
VND100000, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Sample a variety of authentic Vietnamese street foods in a comfortable setting.
VND150000, 1h30m

Day 3: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Depart from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Travel approximately 3.5-4 hours by car to Ha Long Bay for a cruise departure.
VND1500000 per person for cruise, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch on Board Ha Long Bay Cruise

Enjoy fresh seafood lunch aboard a traditional junk boat while cruising the bay’s limestone karsts.
Included in cruise, 1h

1:00pm

Explore Ha Long Bay Caves and Islands

Visit Sung Sot Cave and swim or kayak in designated areas surrounded by scenic islets.
Included in cruise, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner on Cruise

Enjoy a delicious dinner on board while watching the sunset over the bay.
Included in cruise, 1h30m

8:00pm

Night Activities on Board

Relax with onboard activities such as squid fishing or simply enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Included in cruise, Varies

Day 4: Morning Cruise and Travel

Ha Long Bay to Hanoi, Vietnam on May 1, 2025

7:30am

Morning Tai Chi and Breakfast on Board

Start early with a Tai Chi session on deck followed by breakfast with a bay view.
Included in cruise, 1h

9:00am

Visit Titov Island

Stop at Titov Island for a short hike and optional swim on the beach.
Included in cruise, 2h

11:00am

Return to Ha Long Pier and Transfer to Hanoi

Disembark cruise and travel back to Hanoi by car.
Included in cruise, 4h

3:30pm

Check-in and Rest at Hotel in Hanoi

Rest and freshen up after travel.
Hotel dependent, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Home Vietnamese Restaurant

Enjoy elegant Vietnamese dishes with a cozy ambiance, perfect to unwind.
VND180000, 1h30m

Day 5: Travel to Central Vietnam

Hanoi to Hoi An, Vietnam on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before airport transfer.
Included in hotel, 1h

9:00am

Fly from Hanoi to Da Nang

Morning flight approx 1h30m to Da Nang, gateway to Hoi An.
USD50-100 per ticket, 1h30m

11:00am

Transfer to Hoi An

Drive 30-45 mins from Da Nang airport to charming Hoi An Ancient Town.
VND300000 taxi, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Savor authentic Central Vietnamese dishes in a beautiful setting in Hoi An.
VND120000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Visit historic sites like the Japanese Covered Bridge, Assembly Halls, and vibrant old streets.
VND120000 for heritage ticket, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Bale Well

Enjoy grilled meats and local specialties prepared at your table in this local favorite.
VND80000, 1h

Day 6: Cultural and Beach Day

Hoi An, Vietnam on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Rosie’s Cafe

Start your day with fresh, healthy breakfast options loved by families.
VND90000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village

Engage in farming activities and learn about local organic farming practices, fun for kids and adults.
Free or minimal fee for experience, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tra Que Village

Enjoy a traditional meal made from fresh village produce.
VND100000, 1h

2:00pm

Afternoon at An Bang Beach

Relax and play on the sandy beach with calm waters, ideal for families.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Mango Mango

Dine with views of the Thu Bon River, offering creative Vietnamese dishes.
VND150000, 1h30m

Day 7: Flight to South Vietnam

Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before your transfer.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Transfer to Da Nang Airport

Travel to airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
VND300000 taxi, 45m

11:00am

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Flight duration is about 1h30m; enjoy the views from the air.
USD50-100 per ticket, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pho 2000

Try the famous pho noodle soup, famously enjoyed by Bill Clinton in this popular local spot.
VND60000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit War Remnants Museum

Explore Vietnam's history and war effects in a family-appropriate setting with insightful exhibits.
VND40000, 2h

5:00pm

Check-in and Relax at Hotel

Rest after travel and get ready for evening activities.
Hotel dependent, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Secret Garden

Enjoy rooftop dining with authentic Vietnamese dishes in a garden setting.
VND150000, 1h30m

Day 8: City Tour and Markets

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at L'usine

A stylish café serving great coffee and breakfast options perfect for family.
VND90000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office

See the city's iconic French colonial architecture and historic post office building.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Shopping at Ben Thanh Market

Explore bustling market stalls selling souvenirs, clothes, and local food.
Free entry, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Banh Xeo 46A

Taste crispy Vietnamese pancakes stuffed with shrimp and pork, a local favorite in HCMC.
VND70000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda

Discover a beautiful Taoist temple rich in mythology and ornate carvings.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at Tao Dan Park

Unwind in this green park, perfect for children to play and relax.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan

Experience traditional southern Vietnamese cuisine in a rustic, cozy environment.
VND180000, 1h30m

Day 9: Mekong Delta Day Tour

Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta, Vietnam on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Pick up for Mekong Delta Tour

Start early for a full-day guided tour exploring the Mekong Delta's unique waterways and villages.
USD50-70 per person, 8h

8:30am

Boat Ride through Canals

Cruise small canals to see floating markets, fruit orchards, and local life close up.
Included in tour, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Local House

Enjoy a traditional Mekong Delta meal in a nearby village home setting.
Included in tour, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Handicraft Workshops and Coconut Candy Factory

Learn about local crafts and try making traditional sweets with the family.
Included, 2h

4:30pm

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Drive back to the city with memories and photos of the beautiful delta.
Included, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Wrap & Roll

Light and fresh Vietnamese wraps and rolls perfect for a relaxing evening.
VND100000, 1h

Day 10: Departure

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast with local and western options before checkout.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Relax and Last Minute Shopping

Spend remaining time packing or shopping for souvenirs nearby.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Transfer to Airport

Head to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight.
VND250000 taxi, 45m