Family-Friendly 5-Day Vietnam Adventure: Hanoi, Halong Bay & Ninh Binh

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kafeville

Start your day with a delicious Vietnamese-style breakfast including egg coffee and banh mi, set in a family-friendly café with a cosy atmosphere.
VND100000, 1h

9:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, a central spot beloved by locals and families alike, and visit Ngoc Son Temple situated on a little island.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Water Puppet Theatre

Experience the traditional Vietnamese water puppetry, a captivating cultural show for all ages, showcasing folklore and village life.
VND100000, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Savour the iconic Hanoi dish bun cha, grilled pork with noodles, at the famous restaurant where even President Obama dined.
VND150000, 1h

2:30pm

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Explore diverse Vietnamese cultures through interactive exhibits and outdoor traditional houses ideal for family exploration. Open from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h

5:00pm

Stroll Old Quarter

Wander the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, full of shops and street food vendors perfect for light family snacking and souvenirs.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a wide selection of local dishes in a spacious, family-friendly setting, great for tasting authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Cultural Delights

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Dinh

Try a traditional Vietnamese breakfast including pho or rice porridge in a friendly local café with a relaxed vibe.
VND90000, 1h

9:00am

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

See the resting place of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader, explore the surrounding gardens and President Ho’s stilt house. Opens 8:00am to 11:00am.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam’s first university and beautiful traditional architecture, a perfect educational attraction for families.
VND30000, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Green Tangerine

Enjoy delicious French-Vietnamese dishes in a charming colonial villa – a great spot for a relaxed family lunch.
VND250000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Vietnam Fine Arts Museum

Explore rich Vietnamese art and sculpture with engaging exhibits suitable for older children and adults alike. Open 8:30am – 5:30pm.
VND40000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Relax at West Lake

Enjoy the lake views and perhaps rent bicycles or pedal boats, a fun and relaxing activity for the family.
VND60000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Home Vietnamese Restaurant

Dine on authentic Vietnamese home-style dishes in a cosy setting suitable for families.
VND200000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Hanoi

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before a scenic drive to Halong Bay.
Included in hotel stay, 1h

8:00am

Transfer to Halong Bay

Travel by private vehicle or shuttle to Halong Bay, approximately 3.5 hours drive from Hanoi for a smooth family journey.
VND1200000, 3h30m

12:00pm

Board Halong Bay Overnight Cruise

Settle in for a relaxing and family-friendly cruise through stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters, with lunch on board.
USD150 per person approximately, 3h

3:00pm

Explore Caves & Activities

Join guided visits to caves or kayak in calm bays; the cruise typically offers safe adventures suitable for kids.
Included, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner on board

Enjoy a Vietnamese seafood dinner prepared fresh on board while watching sunset views.
Included, 1h30m
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Day 4: Ninh Binh Nature

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast on cruise

Start your day with a fresh breakfast served on the cruise deck with beautiful bay views.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Return transfer to Hanoi, then to Ninh Binh

Disembark the cruise and travel to Ninh Binh, the 'Halong Bay on land', about 2.5 hours from Hanoi.
VND1500000, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Orchid Restaurant

Enjoy Vietnamese traditional food using local ingredients in a serene setting nearby Trang An.
VND180000, 1h

2:30pm

Boat tour at Trang An Grottoes

Take a relaxing boat ride through limestone caves and lush scenery, a gentle adventure ideal for children. Open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
VND200000, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

Explore Vietnam’s largest Buddhist complex with impressive architecture and peaceful grounds to walk around.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at local family restaurant

Dine on freshly prepared regional dishes in a welcoming atmosphere perfect for families.
VND150000, 1h
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Day 5: Final Hanoi Day

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Ninh Binh

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your accommodation before heading back to Hanoi.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Transfer back to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi for your final day of leisure and shopping.
VND700000, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Little Hanoi

Experience a fusion of traditional and contemporary Vietnamese cuisine in a stylish, family-friendly environment.
VND200000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Shopping at Dong Xuan Market

Browse stalls full of souvenirs, clothes and local products to take home, great for a last adventure with the family.
Free to browse, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at hotel or nearby park

Unwind before your departure, maybe visit a local park for some outdoor time with the kids.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at KOTO Restaurant

Enjoy your final dinner at this social enterprise restaurant offering great Vietnamese dishes and supporting youth training.
VND250000, 1h30m
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