Vietnam is a beautiful country with rich history, culture and nature that makes it an ideal destination for a family vacation. With proper planning, you can have a smooth and memorable trip in Vietnam with kids and seniors. Here is a suggested 10-day itinerary for the best family tour of Vietnam:
Who Should Go On A Vietnam Family Tour
- Families with kids above 5 years old who can appreciate and enjoy the activities. Vietnam does require a lot of walking and exploring ancient sites which younger kids may find tiring or boring.
- Families who wish to experience Vietnamese history, culture, cuisine and natural beauty at a relaxed pace over 10 days instead of rushing from place to place.
- Families who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, boating in addition to sightseeing. There are ample opportunities built into this itinerary.
- Families traveling during Vietnam’s dry months from December to April when the weather is cooler and more pleasant for outdoor activities.
How To Plan The Best Vietnam Family Holiday
- Focus on major highlights in each area: With just 10 days, pick the top things to see and do in each place like Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An instead of trying to cram in too much. Quality over quantity.
- Include cultural experiences: Learning about traditional arts, architecture, food etc is a great way for kids to gain an appreciation of Vietnam. Hands-on activities make it even more memorable.
- Balance activities for all ages: Add a mix of historic sites, boat rides, easy hikes, crafts classes etc so everyone has something they enjoy each day. Know when to take a break!
- Stay centrally: Choose hotels in the heart of districts so you can walk around and explore after returning from day trips. Easy access to restaurants and attractions is key.
- Pack light: Only carry essentials in a backpack since you will be switching cities. Laundry services are inexpensive in Vietnam.
- Look into family rooms: Opt for connected rooms or suites where available so the whole family can stay together comfortably.
- Book activities in advance: For Halong cruise, Hoi An basket boat ride, Cuc Phuong national park etc to ensure availability.
Best Vietnam Family Tour Itinerary: 10 Days in Vietnam
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
– Arrive in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam.
– Explore the vibrant Old Quarter with its narrow streets, bustling markets, and traditional architecture.
– Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.
– Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
– Take a guided tour of Hanoi’s top attractions, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and One Pillar Pagoda.
– Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university.
– Explore the Museum of Ethnology to learn about the country’s diverse ethnic groups.
Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise
– Travel to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
– Embark on a cruise and marvel at the breathtaking limestone karsts and emerald waters.
– Enjoy activities like kayaking, swimming, and visiting hidden caves.
– Overnight on the cruise with dinner and entertainment.
Day 4: Halong Bay – Hoi An
– Wake up early to catch the mesmerizing sunrise over Halong Bay.
– Continue exploring the stunning landscapes.
– Disembark from the cruise and transfer to Hanoi airport for a flight to Danang.
– Arrive in Hoi An and relax at your hotel.
Day 5: Hoi An Ancient Town
– Explore the enchanting ancient town of Hoi An.
– Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, and the vibrant local market.
– Enjoy a boat ride along the Thu Bon River.
– Try your hand at lantern making in one of the traditional workshops.
Day 6: Hoi An Countryside
– Take a bicycle tour to explore the peaceful countryside surrounding Hoi An.
– Visit local villages, rice paddies, and learn about traditional farming practices.
– Enjoy a cooking class and savor the flavors of authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Day 7: Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City
– Fly from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon).
– Explore the bustling city and its iconic landmarks, like the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office.
– Visit the War Remnants Museum to delve into Vietnam’s history.
Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta
– Embark on a full-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War.
– Explore the tunnels and learn about their historical significance.
– Continue to the Mekong Delta and take a boat trip on the intricate waterways.
– Experience the local life and sample tropical fruits.
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City Exploration
– Visit the famous Ben Thanh Market for a shopping spree.
– Explore Chinatown, known as Cho Lon, and admire the beautiful temples.
– Take a stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
– Indulge in delicious local street food for dinner.
Day 10: Departure
– Spend the morning at leisure, perhaps doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
– Transfer to the airport for your departure flight, taking unforgettable memories of Vietnam with you.
Pros of a Vietnam Family Holiday
- Get an enriching, educational experience together as a family
- Well suited for multi-generational families with varying interests
- Good value trip offering history, culture, activities and beaches
- Chance to try fun new experiences like junk boat rides and cave explorations
- Experience incredible natural scenery from mountain to sea
- Sample world-famous Vietnamese cuisine like pho, banh mi, spring rolls
- Warm and friendly local culture welcoming to families
- Easy transfers between locations and hassle-free travel
- Gain memories to cherish for a lifetime!
Cons of a Vietnam Family Vacation
- Language barrier can pose some challenges though English is spoken at hotels.
- Need to take some long bus rides between cities if not flying.
- Junior suites to fit families are harder to find so need planning.
- Health risks like food poisoning, mosquitoes, heat need caution.
- Major attractions get crowded so may need to wait in long queues sometimes.
- Activities like boat rides, hikes may not appeal to very young kids.
Alternatives to Consider
- North to South Vietnam: Hanoi – Halong – Hue – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City
- Angkor Wat extension: Add Siem Reap to visit incredible Angkor temples
- Beach extension: Extend by a few days in Nha Trang, Danang or Phu Quoc islands
- Slow pace: Spread out the itinerary over 2 weeks instead of 10 days
- Luang Prabang: Swap out Sapa for the laidback Luang Prabang in Laos
- Seasonal activities: Time your travel for Tet lunar new year festivities
Step-By-Step Guide To Planning A Vietnam Family Trip
- Pick travel dates keeping weather, school breaks, events etc in mind
- Decide on destinations you want to cover in North, Central and South Vietnam
- Book accommodations with family rooms at centrally located hotels
- Block flights between cities; consider open-jaw flights to avoid backtracking
- Research top kid-friendly activities in each destination and book in advance
- Arrange airport transfers and transportation between cities like train, bus or domestic flights
- Get recommended vaccinations done beforehand
- Purchase travel insurance with medical coverage for the whole family
- Pack medications, first-aid, snacks and essentials you will need
- Exchange currency and inform bank/credit card companies of international travel
- Learn some common Vietnamese phrases for interactions during your trip
- Check visa requirements – many countries get Vietnam e-Visa online but good to verify
Useful Tips For An Amazing Vietnam Family Adventure
- Have each child pack their own backpack so they can be responsible for their belongings.
- Get kid-sized masks and hand sanitizer for each to promote safety and hygiene.
- Pack foldable water bottles, sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellent and meds.
- Bring some favorite snacks, small toys, books and tablets for entertainment.
- Have a meeting spot discussed in case anyone gets separated from the group.
- Take a plastic poncho or raincoat in case of sudden monsoon downpours.
- Alternate so one parent can sometimes take a break while the other supervises.
- Let the kids pick one special daily activity like crafts, food tour, hiking trail.
- Stay at hotels that offer perks like kids’ clubs, pools, special meals.
- Try to book ground floor rooms for easier access, adjoining rooms where possible.
- Look up real-time crowd data to time your arrival at major attractions.
- Interact with locals – kids are great ice breakers to meet new people!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Vietnam with kids?
The best time for families is during the dry season from December to April when temperatures are cooler and rain is unlikely. February to April is peak season.
What are the top 5 places to visit in Vietnam with kids?
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town, Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta are among the top kid-friendly destinations in Vietnam.
What is there to do in Vietnam with teenagers who get bored easily?
Teens can stay engaged with activities like trekking, electric cart city tours, zip lining, swimming, attending cultural shows, cooking classes, river cruising and more.
What are the main health and safety precautions to take when traveling in Vietnam with children?
Use masks, hand sanitizer, water filters regularly. Carry meds for diarrhea, nausea, fever, allergies etc. Avoid stray animals. Take taxis at night. Stick to bottled water and freshly cooked food.
What are the best ways to get around in Vietnam with family?
Domestic flights, private transfers, and trains are the most convenient and comfortable transportation options for families. For shorter distances, grab taxis or ride apps.
Conclusion
With serene beaches, verdant jungles, vibrant cities and delectable cuisine, Vietnam offers an unforgettable family holiday. Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City deliver rich culture, stunning scenery and fun activities for all ages. With some smart planning around the weather, logistics and pace, your Vietnam family holiday is guaranteed to provide cherished memories. Enjoy every minute in this beautiful country!
