On this week-long itinerary of southern Vietnam, parents and kids will be interested and entertained in historic Ho Chi Minh City and the nearby Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels. After a few days exploring this area, head to the island paradise of Phu Quoc, where you can relax, swim, and enjoy the sun.

Highlights

  • Cruise on the Mekong River
  • Learn about Vietnamese history at the Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Lounge on the tropical beaches of Phu Quoc Island
  • Go snorkeling and fishing in the Gulf of Thailand

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2 Family Trip to the Mekong Delta Ho Chi Minh City
Day 3 Cu Chi Tunnels Tour, Ho Chi Minh City for Families Ho Chi Minh City
Day 4 Fly to Phu Quoc Island Phu Quoc
Day 5 Snorkeling & Fishing Tour Phu Quoc
Day 6 Free Time on Phu Quoc Island Phu Quoc
Day 7 Fly to Ho Chi Minh City & Depart  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City

Welcome to Vietnam!

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest metropolis, formerly known as Saigon. A guide and driver will meet you at the airport for a transfer to your hotel. Depending on your time of arrival and how tired you and your kids are after the journey, there may be time for some fun, family-friendly activities. A visit to the Artinus 3D Art Museum will energize your kids—have fun taking pictures with the 3D art objects. 

Day 2: Family Trip to the Mekong Delta

Travel down the Mekong
Travel down the Mekong

After a good sleep, you'll embark on a trip to the Mekong Delta. Here, you can witness rural Vietnamese life at a relaxed pace and with plenty of family-friendly activities along the way. You'll head first to Ben Tre, where you'll board a boat at the Hung Vuong Pier and cruise down the Ben Tre River, one of the tributaries of the Mekong River, and through mangrove forests. Your kids will be fascinated by the lively activities they'll see, such as fishing and the coconut cargo boats that carry goods on the river.

Stop at a traditional brickworks to see how bricks are made by hand. Then continue by boat to My Long village, where you can walk to the hamlet to see how rice paper is made and eat some rice cakes. Moving on to Cai Son Canal, wind through the coconut palm-filled jungle and visit a coconut workshop to see how coconuts are processed. Travel down a small waterway and stop at a bee farm where you can try some fruits and honey tea and listen to local music. Visit the candy workshop, too. Walk a short way to visit the house of a farmer who makes sleep mats.

End with a cycle or tuk-tuk tour, depending on the ages and needs of your kids, through coconut groves and vegetable farms. Ride a row boat down a shady canal and stop for lunch at Green Garden, a riverside restaurant. Then, take a motorboat back to Hung Vuong Pier and transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels Tour, Ho Chi Minh City for Families

Learn about Vietnamese history at the Cu Chi Tunnels

Vietnam is rich in history, and today you and your kids can learn more about it first-hand. Start at the Cu Chi Tunnels. Your guide will give you an overview of the tunnels and their dramatic history as a network of underground tunnels built by Vietnamese fighters during the war for independence. The construction of this underground metropolis—which includes living rooms, kitchens, hospitals, weapon factories, storage facilities, and a command center—took years to complete. The network stretches over 155 miles (250 km). Adventurous kids will also get the chance to descend into the tunnels.

After lunch at a local restaurant, head back into Ho Chi Minh to take a tour around some of the city's grandest buildings, including the landmark Independence Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the historic Central Post Office, one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Finally, visit Ben Thanh Market, one of the largest markets in the city. Practice your bargaining skills while shopping for souvenirs, and pick up some treats for the whole family. The market is a fun place for your kids to experience local life and culture amid a fun, laid-back atmosphere.
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Day 4: Fly to Phu Quoc Island

Hit the beach at Phu Quoc

This morning you'll take a domestic flight to Phu Quoc Island, a Vietnamese Island in the Gulf of Thailand. After your arrival, your driver and tour guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach and enjoying the peace and beauty of this tropical island paradise.

In the evening, spend some quality family time together on a dinner cruise. Board your boat in Duong Dong Town, where you'll be welcomed with a complimentary soft drink. As you watch the sun go down, you'll cruise to a perfect spot to anchor. You and your kids could try your luck at squid fishing; if you've never done it before, the boat crew will teach you. If you catch anything, the crew will be delighted to prepare and cook it for you. Then enjoy a delicious dinner on board, with something to suit everyone's tastes.

Day 5: Snorkeling & Fishing Tour

Refresh with swimming and snorkeling

Explore the underwater world today on a snorkeling and fishing tour off the coast of Phu Quoc. Board a boat heading to Mong Tay Island or Gam Ghi Island to snorkel and swim. The mask, snorkel, and life jacket for your kids will be provided. Next, the boat will stop near the island to fish for about 30 minutes, so you can try your luck.

Lunch will be served on board while you and your family laze around in the tropical sun. After lunch, the afternoon program includes more snorkeling, exploring, swimming around the lagoons, strolling on the beach, or relaxing in the shade of coconut trees. At the end of the day, enjoy the breathtaking sunset views before returning to your hotel.

Day 6: Free Time on Phu Quoc

Enjoy free time on Phu Quoc

Today is yours to spend as you wish, enjoying the natural attractions of Phu Quoc Island with your family. Relax on the beach under the palms and have fun swimming and playing in the water. If your kids are older, they might like to go snorkeling from the shore.

If you feel like exploring beyond the beach, a great spot for families is the Vinpearl Land Amusement Park, with myriad fun activities for kids and adults. Take your swimwear along, as there's a waterpark there, too. If you and your kids are animal lovers, you could also visit Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc, where you will see various wild animals. Nature lovers will enjoy taking a picnic at Suoi Trang Waterfall, admiring the beauty of the forest and mountains, and hiking through the jungle.

Day 7: Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City, Depart

Goodbye Vietnam!

It's time to say goodbye to Phu Quoc and Vietnam! Depending on your departure time, there may be time for a last swim in the sea or a beach walk. You'll be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Phu Quoc Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, where you can connect to your departure flight. Safe travels!

More Great Vietnam Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your family trip to Vietnam? Check out these other Vietnam itineraries, explore different ways to spend a week in Vietnam with your family, or discover the best time to visit Vietnam.

 

A note on diacritical markings: In order to support the best technical experience and search functions, diacritical markings have been omitted from this article.

Map

Map of Family-Friendly Southern Vietnam - 7 Days
Map of Family-Friendly Southern Vietnam - 7 Days
Hien
Written by Hien Do, updated Jan 6, 2023