10 Days in Vietnam - 3 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Vietnam Highlights: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An & Ho Chi Minh City

This classic itinerary is perfect for families visiting Vietnam for the first time. It's suited to kids of all ages with family-friendly activities in popular spots, including an interactive street food tour in Hanoi, a traditional fishing experience and a basket boat ride in Hoi An, and a mesmerizing acrobatic performance at the Saigon Opera House in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Embark on a Hanoi food tour, and find each family member's favorite dish. Sample local specialties from the Thanh Ha Market stalls, taste noodle dishes such as pho sot vang (noodle soup with pork and herbs) at Dong Xuan Market, then end with dessert in the Old Quarter. On Day 2, attend a water puppet show where the kids can meet the performer and try their hand at puppetry. Head for Ha Long Bay on Day 3, and enjoy an overnight aboard a boat and two days of cruising and swimming. A cave tour is sure to be a hit with the kids, and the majestic limestone rock formations in the bay make a beautiful backdrop for family photos. 

Fly to Da Nang, then transfer to Hoi An, where you'll cycle through the countryside, encourage the kids to try traditional fishing with a local fisherman, float down the river in a bamboo basket boat, craft your own souvenir in a lantern-making class, and enjoy free time at the beach. Fly to Ho Chi Minh City on Day 8 and take a cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi) tour, then watch the "bamboo circus" acrobatics at the Saigon Opera House. On your final day, the kids will enjoy exploring the underground passages while learning the history of Cu Chi Tunnels before souvenir shopping at Ben Thanh Market. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Southern Vietnam Family Adventure

With a Mekong Delta cruise and a few days in the islands, this southern Vietnam adventure is ideal for outdoorsy and beach-loving families. Families with little ones will especially love the kid-friendly activities that include a candy-making workshop on the Mekong, strawberry picking in Da Lat, a cooking class in Ho Chi Minh City, and a waterpark visit on Vinpearl Island.

Take a cyclo tour to Ben Thanh Market, where you can slurp pho (noodle soup) and shop for souvenirs. Cruise the Mekong River on Day 2 and experience rural life; kids will enjoy a candy-making workshop en route and a stop to see how coconuts are processed on Cai Son Canal. Then fly to Da Lat on Day 3 and let the kids pick their own berries at a strawberry garden before hitting the night market to sample street food. Check out the old trains at the Da Lat Railway Station, then visit Robin Hill, where you can take a cable car to Truc Lam Monastery and capture a family photo with a panoramic view.

Head for Nha Trang, and explore the coastal town via cyclo before sitting down to a seafood dinner. Go island hopping around Nha Trang Bay, with stops that include snorkeling at Mieu Island and fishing near Hon Tre Island. Little ones will love taking a cable car to the Vinpearl Island water park on Day 7, or the whole family can enjoy a day at the beach. Fly to Ho Chi Minh City on Day 8, and marvel at the acrobatics of a "bamboo circus" at the Saigon Opera House. On your final day, engage the whole family in a hands-on activity: shop with a chef, then take a cooking class and feast on a four-course meal. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Luxury Family Tour of Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi 

Families looking for an elevated visit to some of Vietnam's most popular spots will love the private tours on this luxury itinerary. Kids will have a chance to meet a puppet maker in Hanoi, learn from their guide how to barter in the markets of Ho Chi Minh City, and get a kayak lesson on beautiful Ha Long Bay.

Enjoy a night out at the Saigon Opera House on arrival in Ho Chi Minh City; children of all ages will be amazed by the acrobatics of the "bamboo circus" performance. Take a private city tour on Day 2 with stops at Notre-Dame Cathedral and the bustling Ben Thanh Market, where the kids can try bartering for souvenirs and sample street food from the stalls. Then, end the evening with a sunset dinner cruise on the Saigon River. Fly to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An, where you'll taste your way around town and learn about the culture and history of this area on a culinary tour with a local food specialist. 

On your last day in Hoi An, bike around town, take a dip in the sea and let the kids choose fabric for a tailor-made outfit. Fly to Hanoi on Day 6 and take the family for Trang Tien Ice Cream in the Old Quarter. Tour the sites, including the Presidential Palace, then take a walk around the Lake of the Restored Sword, followed by a private water puppet show where kids can interact with the performer. End your Vietnam adventure on a high note with two days on UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, where you can swim, kayak, and create memories together with the picturesque limestone cliffs as your backdrop. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Vietnam Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Vietnam? Check out these other 10-day Vietnam itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and family-friendly tours to hit the highlights. 

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