Family-Friendly One-Week Vietnam Itinerary in September: Exploring Culture, Nature, and Cuisine

Day 1: Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kafeville

Start with a family-friendly breakfast at Kafeville, known for its kid-friendly menu and local coffee specialties. The relaxed atmosphere is great for families.

VND120000, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Old Quarter

Explore the vibrant streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, filled with shops, cultural sites, and street food. The bustling environment is stimulating and entertaining for children.

Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy traditional Bun Cha, a famous Hanoi dish, in a family-friendly restaurant praised for its authenticity and mild flavours suitable for kids.

VND150000, 1h

1:30pm

Water Puppet Theatre

Catch the traditional Water Puppet show, a unique Vietnamese cultural experience that's fun and engaging for young children.

VND120000 per adult, VND60000 per child, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around the tranquil lake with playgrounds nearby for the child to enjoy, offering a chance to relax after sightseeing.

Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Green Tangerine

Dine at this restaurant offering delicious Vietnamese cuisine in a beautiful historic setting, with options that cater well to families.

VND350000, 1.5h

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Day 2: Cultural Day

Hanoi, Vietnam on September 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Note Coffee

Enjoy a quiet morning with simple and refreshing breakfast options alongside views of the Old Quarter, with space for the child to explore safely.

VND50000, 1h

9:00am

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Complex

Explore the significant historical site with large open spaces good for children; visitors must follow respectful dress codes and visiting hours (8am-11am, closed Mondays and Fridays).

Free, 1.5h

11:00am

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam’s first university featuring peaceful gardens and ancient architecture, a calm place for family exploration.

VND30000, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Quan An Ngon

Sample a variety of Vietnamese street food in a comfortable environment, perfect for trying different tastes that accommodate children.

VND180000, 1h

2:00pm

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about the diverse cultures of Vietnam through interactive exhibits and outdoor displays suitable for kids. Open 8am–5:30pm, closed Mondays.

VND40000, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Home Vietnamese Restaurant

Enjoy authentic home-style Vietnamese meals ideal for families looking for mild yet flavourful dishes.

VND250000, 1.5h

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Day 3: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on September 3, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Take a 3.5 to 4-hour private transfer or shuttle to Ha Long Bay for a comfortable journey with a child.

VND1200000, 4h

11:30am

Lunch on Cruise

Board a family-friendly day cruise offering seafood and Vietnamese cuisine with scenic views of the bay’s limestone karsts.

VND1500000 per adult, VND750000 per child, 1h

12:30pm

Explore Ha Long Bay

Enjoy easy kayaking, a cave visit like Sung Sot Cave, and simply relaxing on the boat, with safety equipment for kids provided.

Included in cruise price, 4h

5:00pm

Return to Hanoi or Overnight Stay

Return to Hanoi by road or opt for an overnight cruise experience (advance booking needed). For this itinerary, return to Hanoi with arrival around 9pm suitable for rest.

Included in transfer, 4h

7:00pm

Dinner in Hanoi

If arriving back early enough, a casual dinner at Pho Bat Dan is recommended for authentic Pho, quick and child-friendly.

VND80000, 1h

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Day 4: Travel to Hue

Hue, Vietnam on September 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Hanoi to prepare for the day of travel.

Included, 1h

9:00am

Flight Hanoi to Hue

Fly from Hanoi to Hue (about 1 hour 20 mins), suitable for families to save transit time.

VND1500000 (round trip per adult approx.), 2h with airport transit

12:00pm

Lunch at Ancient Hue Restaurant

Try elegant Hue royal cuisine in a peaceful atmosphere familiar to families with children.

VND280000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Imperial City

Explore the vast Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO site, with open spaces suitable for wandering and learning about history. Open 7:30am - 5:30pm.

VND150000, 2h

4:00pm

Relax by Perfume River

Take a gentle boat ride on the Perfume River, safe and enjoyable for the child and family during late afternoon.

VND300000, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Les Jardins de La Carambole

Enjoy French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine with a family-friendly setting in central Hue.

VND450000, 1.5h

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Day 5: Hue to Hoi An

Hoi An, Vietnam on September 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Hue

Start with a breakfast buffet at the hotel to fuel the day.

Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass

Take a scenic 3-hour drive from Hue to Hoi An through Hai Van Pass, witnessing spectacular coastal views and stops for photos and rest.

VND1200000 private transfer, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch in Hoi An at Mango Mango

Dine at this popular spot offering a mix of Vietnamese and western dishes with a welcoming atmosphere for families.

VND350000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Ancient Town

Wander through Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its colourful lanterns and friendly shops, stroller friendly and engaging for kids.

VND120000 per adult, children under 6 free, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at An Bang Beach

Spend late afternoon on the gentle sands of An Bang Beach, perfect for children to play and adults to unwind.

Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Bale Well

Taste authentic Hoi An specialties in a casual environment with dishes made to suit younger palates as well.

VND250000, 1.5h

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Day 6: Hoi An Leisure

Hoi An, Vietnam on September 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Espresso Station

Enjoy a strong coffee and light breakfast options in this cosy cafe with a relaxed vibe.

VND70000, 1h

9:00am

Hoi An Cooking Class

Participate in a family-friendly cooking class suitable for children, learning to make simple Vietnamese dishes; classes typically run 3-4 hours and require advance booking.

VND1000000 per adult, children half price, 3h