10 Days Vietnam Family Itinerary
This 10-day itinerary explores Vietnam's highlights, from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay, the charming ancient town of Hoi An, and the modern energy of Ho Chi Minh City. It balances cultural immersion with relaxation and kid-friendly activities, ensuring a memorable family adventure.
Duration
10 days
Budget
$1000-2000
Best Time
Vietnam's long, thin shape means weather varies by region
Activities
43
Daily Avg
$150/day
Cities
Vietnam (3d), Da Nang (3d), Ho Chi Minh City (4d)
Pace
Moderate
Vietnam offers a captivating blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, stunning natural landscapes, and delicious cuisine, making it an ideal destination for families. Its affordability and diverse activities cater to all ages, ensuring a memorable and enriching travel experience.
Your itinerary covers 9 of 10 must-have experiences
Vibrant Street Food & Markets
Day 10: Souvenir Shopping at Ben Thanh Market
Ancient Temples & Pagodas
Day 2: Temple of Literature
Scenic Boat Cruises & Waterways
Day 3: Embark on Ha Long Bay Cruise
Historical War Sites & Museums
Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnels Tour
Charming Ancient Towns & Old Quarters
Day 5: Explore Hoi An Ancient Town
Stunning Beaches & Islands
Day 6: An Bang Beach
Rooftop Bars & Nightlife
e.g., EON51 Heli Bar (Ho Chi Minh City), Lighthouse Sky Bar (Hoi An)
Cave Explorations & National Parks
Day 1: Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) & Transfer to Hotel
Traditional Cooking Classes
Day 6: Hoi An Cooking Class
Iconic Architectural Landmarks
Day 2: Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
Vietnamese cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, influenced by French colonialism and regional specialties. Fresh herbs, rice, noodles, and fish sauce are staples, creating dishes that are both light and satisfying. Be prepared for a culinary adventure that tantalizes your taste buds!
Must-Try Dishes
Vietnam's national dish, a flavorful noodle soup typically made with beef (pho bo) or chicken (pho ga). The broth is simmered for hours with spices, and the soup is garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime.
📍 Street food stalls, local restaurants (quan an)
A Vietnamese sandwich on a crispy baguette, filled with various meats (pork, pate, sausage), pickled vegetables, cilantro, chili, and mayonnaise. A delicious and portable meal.
📍 Street food vendors, banh mi shops
Translucent rice paper rolls filled with vermicelli noodles, shrimp, pork, fresh herbs, and vegetables. Served with a peanut dipping sauce or hoisin sauce.
📍 Restaurants, street food stalls
Grilled pork patties served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce. A Hanoi specialty.
📍 Hanoi, specifically Bun Cha restaurants
Food Neighborhoods
Street food paradise
Modern and traditional Vietnamese cuisine
Local specialties like Cao Lau and White Rose dumplings
Imperial cuisine and local dishes
Vegetarian options are available, often using tofu and vegetables. Look for 'Chay' (vegetarian) signs. Vegan options may be more limited; inquire about ingredients. Halal food is not widely available, but some restaurants in larger cities cater to Muslim travelers. Specify any allergies clearly as cross-contamination can occur.
Use chopsticks for most dishes. It's polite to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat. Don't stick your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl, as it resembles incense offerings for the dead. It is generally acceptable to slurp noodles and lift your bowl to your mouth.
Tet
Tet Nguyen DanVietnamese Lunar New Year with family gatherings, fireworks, and flower markets.
Note: Book 1-2 months ahead
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) & Transfer to Hotel at Old Quarter, Hanoi$15-25
2:00 PM - Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) & Transfer to Hotel
Take a pre-booked airport transfer or a Grab car to your hotel in the Old Quarter. Settle in and freshen up after your flight.
- 🚶Walk around the Old Quarter from your hotel.FREE
4:00 PM - Wander through the Old Quarter
Explore the narrow streets, browse the shops, and soak in the atmosphere. Be mindful of traffic and keep children close. Stroller accessibility is limited due to narrow sidewalks.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from your location in the Old Quarter to Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.$5-10 per person
6:00 PM - Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
A traditional Vietnamese art form that's entertaining for all ages. Book tickets in advance, especially during peak season. Shows are about 1 hour long. Suitable for all ages.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre to Quan An Ngon.$10-20
7:30 PM - Dinner at Quan An Ngon
A popular restaurant serving a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes in a courtyard setting. Good for families with picky eaters. Offers high chairs.
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Hoan Kiem District (Old Quarter)
Central location, close to attractions, restaurants, and shops.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Vietnam's long, thin shape means weather varies by region. Generally, spring (February-April) and autumn (August-October) offer the most pleasant weather nationwide, with moderate temperatures and less rain. The North (Hanoi, Halong Bay) has cool, dry winters (Oct-Apr) and hot, wet summers (May-Sep). Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang) experiences dry weather from January to August and a rainy season from September to December. The South (HCMC, Mekong Delta) is hot year-round with a dry season (Dec-May) and a wet season (Jun-Nov). Avoid the Tet Lunar New Year (late Jan/early Feb) if you want to avoid crowds and higher prices, as many local businesses close.
The weather is generally warm and humid with moderate rainfall. Temperatures are comfortable for exploring, and the humidity can be high, especially in coastal areas.
This itinerary is best suited for the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) to avoid extreme heat, rain, or cold, and to experience pleasant weather throughout the country.
Tet (Lunar New Year) can cause closures and higher prices. Check for local holidays before you travel.
Getting Around
Motorbikes dominate; growing ride-hailing adoption
Use Grab for safe, metered rides. Negotiate prices for cyclos before riding.
Travel
$300-500 (Flights & Intercity Transport)Accommodation
$300-500Food
$200-400Activities
$200-400Embrace street food and local eateries! You can find delicious, authentic meals for a few dollars. Avoid tourist-centric restaurants for everyday dining.
Use local buses or Grab for transport rather than private taxis. For intercity travel, consider overnight trains (sleeper class) which save on accommodation costs.
Invest in a high-quality Halong Bay cruise (2-3 days). Cheaper options can be overcrowded and less enjoyable. A reputable cruise offers better service and experience.
Consider a cooking class to learn about Vietnamese cuisine. It's a fun, immersive cultural experience and you get to enjoy your creations.
Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases like 'Xin chào' (hello), 'Cám ơn' (thank you), and numbers. Locals appreciate the effort.
Seek out 'Bia Hoi' (fresh beer) establishments, especially in Hanoi. This extremely cheap, locally brewed beer is a quintessential Vietnamese experience.
- **Visa Requirements**: Check your visa requirements well in advance. Many nationalities need a visa for Vietnam, which can be obtained online (e-visa) or via an embassy.
- **Crossing Streets**: Traffic, especially scooters, can be overwhelming. Walk slowly and predictably, making eye contact with drivers. They will often flow around you.
- **Bargaining**: Haggling is common in markets and non-metered taxis. Always agree on a price before services, and don't be afraid to walk away if the price isn't fair.
- **Respect Local Customs**: Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas (shoulders and knees covered). Remove your shoes before entering homes or religious sites.
- **Small Denominations**: Carry small Vietnamese Dong (VND) notes for street food, local shops, and taxis, as vendors may not always have change for large bills.
- **Stay Hydrated**: Vietnam is hot and humid. Drink plenty of bottled water (tap water is not safe to drink). Consider electrolyte packets.
- **Use Ride-Hailing Apps**: For taxis and motorbike taxis, use Grab to ensure fair pricing and avoid potential scams with meter tampering.
- **Scam Awareness**: Be wary of common tourist scams like overly friendly 'students' practicing English, aggressive street vendors, or unsolicited shoe-shiners.
- 1Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton, linen) for hot and humid weather.
- 2A light rain jacket or compact umbrella, especially during the rainy season or unexpected showers.
- 3Comfortable walking shoes or sandals that are easy to take on and off for temples.
- 4Sunscreen (high SPF), a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses for intense sun protection.
- 5Insect repellent, particularly if visiting rural areas or during dawn/dusk.
- 6A universal travel adapter (Type A, C, G are common, Type C is widespread).
- 7Basic first-aid kit with pain relievers, band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and anti-diarrhea medication.
- 8A reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste and stay hydrated (refill stations often available).
- 9A scarf or sarong for temple visits (to cover shoulders/knees) and sun protection.
- 10Small daypack for daily excursions to carry water, camera, and essentials.
Visa (if required)
At least 1-2 months in advance to avoid last-minute stress. E-visas typically take 3 working days but allow more time.
International Flights
3-6 months in advance for best prices, especially during peak travel seasons.
Accommodation (first few nights or peak season)
1-3 months ahead, particularly for popular cities like Hanoi, Hoi An, HCMC, or during festivals like Tet.
Halong Bay Cruise
2-3 months in advance for reputable companies and specific itineraries, as popular tours sell out.
Domestic Flights/Train Tickets
1-2 months ahead for popular routes (e.g., Hanoi-HCMC, Da Nang-HCMC) to secure preferred times and prices.
Travel Insurance
Immediately after booking your first major travel component (flights/accommodation) to cover unexpected cancellations.
Airport Transfer
Can be arranged upon arrival or pre-booked online for convenience and to avoid taxi touts, especially for late arrivals.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo website or app
📍 Viettel stores, airport kiosks, convenience stores
📍 Mobifone stores, airport kiosks, convenience stores
📍 Online rental platforms, some airport rental services
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, especially in tourist areas. Connection speeds can vary. Some public areas may also offer free WiFi.
Useful Apps
Consider buying a local SIM card for reliable and affordable data. Check data roaming charges with your home provider, as they can be expensive. Download offline maps before you arrive. Power banks are useful for keeping your devices charged on long days of exploring.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two round pins (Europlug)
220V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
5–10% at upscale restaurants; not expected at street food
Round up to the nearest 10,000 VND
20,000–50,000 VND per bag for porters
Tipping is not traditional but increasingly appreciated in tourist areas.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Vietnam is generally a safe country for tourists. Be aware of petty theft, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution when crossing roads due to heavy traffic.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
113
115
114
Limited English — ask hotel for help calling
Payments
Cash is king, especially outside major cities
Accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, and malls
Limited; cash and card are more common
Carry Vietnamese dong in small denominations. USD accepted at some tourist spots.
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How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit Vietnam is during the spring (February to April) or autumn (August to October) for pleasant weather throughout the country. These months offer moderate temperatures and less rain, making it ideal for exploring different regions.
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