12-Day Cultural and Nature-Focused Family Itinerary in Northern and Central Vietnam

Day 1: Explore Hanoi Heritage

Hanoi, Vietnam on October 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Enjoy traditional northern Vietnamese pho at this popular local spot, perfect for starting your cultural journey.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

A serene urban lake with the iconic temple offering insight into local culture and legends.
VND30000, 1h

11:00am

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam through comprehensive exhibits and traditional artifacts.
VND40000, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor Cha Ca, a classic Hanoi dish featuring grilled turmeric fish, unique to the city.
VND150000, 1h

3:00pm

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Stroll through the bustling streets rich with history, art, and colonial architecture, ideal for family exploration.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Sample the famous Hanoi dish Bun Cha, loved by locals and celebrities alike.
VND120000, 1h
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on October 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Hanoi

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing to Ha Long Bay.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Ha Long Bay

Private transfer by comfortable vehicle, approximately 3.5 hours drive from Hanoi.
VND1500000 approx., 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch on Ha Long Bay Cruise

Embark on a scenic junk boat cruise with a delicious seafood lunch amid limestone karsts.
USD60 per person, 2h

2:00pm

Explore Caves and Floating Villages

Visit Sung Sot Cave and a traditional floating fishing village to experience local life and natural wonders.
Included in cruise, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Transfer back to Hanoi for overnight stay.
Included, 3h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at Home Hanoi Restaurant

Enjoy elegant Vietnamese cuisine in a refined setting, perfect for family dining.
VND300000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Scenic Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on October 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Hanoi

Fuel up before transfer to Ninh Binh.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Ninh Binh

Approximately 2 hours by private car to Ninh Binh, famous for striking karst landscapes.
VND700000 approx., 2h

10:15am

Boat Ride at Tam Coc

Gentle rowboat ride along the river through rice paddies and caves, highlighting natural beauty and peaceful scenery, perfect for older travelers.
VND150000, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Nhà Hàng Chookie's Restaurant

Sample local specialties in a comfortable setting offering authentic Vietnamese flavors.
VND120000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore this historic pagoda set within caves, combining cultural heritage and stunning views.
VND20000, 1h

4:00pm

Check-in and Relax at Tam Coc Garden Resort

Enjoy the peaceful resort with garden views, ideal for family relaxation.
Varies, Rest of day

7:00pm

Dinner at resort restaurant

Dine on fresh local ingredients with beautiful garden ambiance.
Included or Varies, 1h
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Day 4: Historical Hue

Hue, Vietnam on October 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at resort

Relax with a leisurely breakfast before transfer.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Hanoi Airport

Transfer back to Hanoi then flight to Hue, approximately 1 hour flight.
Included transfer and flight approx. USD100, 4h (including transfer time and flight)

1:00pm

Lunch at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Enjoy traditional royal cuisine in a setting reflecting Hue's imperial heritage.
VND250000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit The Imperial City (Citadel)

Discover Hue's vast complex of palaces, temples, and walls that embody Vietnam’s imperial past.
VND150000, 2h

5:00pm

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visit the iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hanh Restaurant

Savor flavorful Hue specialties like Bun Bo Hue in a relaxed atmosphere.
VND120000, 1h
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Day 5: Hue & Countryside

Hue, Vietnam on October 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day refreshed with a hotel buffet breakfast.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Boat Ride on Perfume River

Relax on a scenic boat ride visiting tombs, including Khai Dinh’s Tomb, to appreciate artful architecture.
VND200000, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Parfum Restaurant

Experience classic Vietnamese dishes infused with royal influences.
VND200000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities

Explore artifacts and costumes from the Nguyen dynasty enhancing understanding of local culture.
VND120000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Leisure at hotel or nearby gardens

Time for rest or casual walk nearby, suitable for travelers seeking calm.
Free, Rest of afternoon

7:00pm

Dinner at Ancient Kitchen Restaurant

Dine on innovative dishes inspired by Hue's traditional recipes, perfect for family sharing.
VND250000, 1h
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Day 6: Cultural Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on October 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before transfer to Hoi An.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Hoi An (Approx 3 hours)

Scenic road journey south to charming Hoi An, rich in history and art.
Private transfer approx. VND1500000, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Morning Glory Restaurant

Taste authentic central Vietnamese cuisine in the heart of the old town.
VND200000, 1h

2:00pm

Hoi An Old Town Exploration

Wander the UNESCO-listed old town with lantern-lit streets, historic houses, and artisan shops.
Entry fee VND120000, 2h

4:30pm

Visit to Hoi An Museum of History and Culture

Discover local heritage and traditional art through diverse exhibits.
VND15000, 1h

6:00pm

Lantern Festival (if aligned with full moon) or Dinner at Bali Vegetarian

Enjoy unique cultural festival or delightful vegetarian dinner in a cozy atmosphere.
VND150000, 1h
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Day 7: Hoi An Art & Relaxation

Hoi An, Vietnam on October 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Relaxed breakfast to start the day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit to Cam Pho Village Pottery Workshop

Watch artisans craft traditional pottery and try making your own as a family activity.
VND50000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Mango Mango

Enjoy creative dishes with river views showcasing fusion Vietnamese cuisine.
VND250000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit to Hoi An Silk Village

Observe the silk weaving process and Vietnamese textiles, a core cultural art form.
VND70000, 1h

3:30pm

Free time for shopping or relaxing at riverside cafes

Explore local crafts or unwind and enjoy the view.
Free, Rest of day

7:00pm

Dinner at Cargo Club

Dine on elegant cuisine with riverside ambiance, well-suited for families.
VND300000, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Return to Hanoi

Hoi An to Hanoi, Vietnam on October 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before morning transfer.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Transfer to Da Nang Airport

Short drive to airport for flight to Hanoi.
Taxi approx. VND200000, 45m

11:00am

Flight to Hanoi

Approximate flight duration is 1 hour 20 minutes.
USD100 approx., 1h20m

1:00pm

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Enjoy Vietnamese fusion dishes at this charitable restaurant supporting youth.
VND250000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit to Fine Arts Museum

Explore Vietnamese art from ancient to contemporary periods in a beautiful colonial building.
VND40000, 2h

5:00pm

Rest and leisure at hotel

Afternoon off to relax or enjoy hotel amenities.
Included, Rest of day

7:30pm

Dinner at La Terrasse Du Metropole

Dine in a French colonial style setting offering classy international and Vietnamese fusion dishes.
VND400000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Day Trip to Bat Trang Village

Near Hanoi, Vietnam on October 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start fresh with breakfast before the day trip.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Bat Trang Pottery Village

Explore centuries-old pottery making traditions, investigate art studios and shops, and participate in pottery making.
Free entry, activity fee approx. VND70000, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bat Trang local restaurant

Taste homemade Vietnamese dishes in a village setting.
VND100000, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Drive back to the city and rest.
Included, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda and West Lake

Enjoy the oldest pagoda in Hanoi and scenic lakeside walk.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Savor diverse regional Vietnamese dishes in a lively outdoor setting perfect for families.
VND200000, 1h
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Day 10: Cultural Immersion in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on October 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a generous buffet breakfast.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Learn about Vietnam's history through this significant landmark nicknamed 'Hanoi Hilton'.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral

Admire neo-gothic architecture symbolizing French influence in Hanoi.
Free, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Duong’s Restaurant

Enjoy northern Vietnamese specialties known for authentic flavors and family-friendly environment.
VND150000, 1h

2:00pm

Water Puppet Theater Show

Experience traditional Vietnamese puppetry, a unique art form depicting village life and legends (shows run 3pm and 5pm).
VND100000, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural

Walk along the world’s largest ceramic mosaic stretching several kilometers, showcasing art and history.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Green Tangerine

Delight in French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a charming colonial villa.
VND350000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Relax and Departure

Hanoi, Vietnam on October 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Hanoi, relaxing at your hotel.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Leisurely Shopping in Old Quarter

Pick up souvenirs, local crafts, and traditional art pieces in the bustling markets and boutiques.
Varies, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pho Thin

Savor one last bowl of authentic Hanoi pho, a perfect farewell meal.
VND60000, 1h

1:30pm

Hotel check-out and transfer to airport

Departure preparations and transport to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight home.
Included, Varies depending on flight schedule
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