Guides & Tips

The Best 10-Day Vietnam Itinerary for Families with Kids

ngocdiem

3 min. to read

Vietnam with its captivating blend of ancient traditions, vibrant cities, and breathtaking natural beauty, offers an unforgettable adventure for families traveling with children. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the tranquil rice paddies of Hoi An and the emerald waters of Halong Bay, this 10-day Vietnam family itinerary is meticulously crafted to ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and enriching experience for every member of your family. We’ve balanced cultural exploration with kid-friendly activities in Hanoi and beyond, ensuring there’s something to spark joy in everyone, no matter their age.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Look: 10-Day Vietnam Family Adventure

Feature	Details
Duration	10 Days
Best For	Families with children of all ages, looking for a mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation.
Pace	Moderate, with enough downtime to avoid over-scheduling and ensure family friendly Vietnam travel.
Highlights	Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Halong Bay cruise, Hoi An’s ancient town, Cooking class.

2. Your Detailed 10-Day Vietnam Itinerary for Families

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi & Old Quarter Charm

Welcome to Hanoi! Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), you’ll be greeted by our friendly representative and transferred to your family-friendly hotel in Hanoi. After settling in, the afternoon is dedicated to exploring the enchanting Hanoi Old Quarter. This maze of narrow streets, each traditionally specializing in a particular trade, is a feast for the senses, vibrant with sounds, sights, and smells.

Kid-Friendly Activities:

📍 Cyclo Ride: A fun and safe way for kids to experience the bustling streets without getting tired. They’ll love waving at locals and feeling the breeze.
📍 Water Puppet Show: A traditional Vietnamese art form that mesmerizes children with its intricate puppets, vibrant storytelling, and live traditional music. It’s a truly unique cultural experience.
📍 Hoan Kiem Lake: Take a leisurely stroll around the lake. Kids will enjoy watching locals exercise, playing shuttlecock, or simply relaxing. Don’t miss the picturesque Turtle Tower in the middle of the lake.

Insider Tip: For a quick and easy snack that kids will love, look out for “Banh Mi” (Vietnamese baguette sandwiches) stalls. They’re delicious, affordable, and widely available. Opt for simple fillings like grilled pork or egg if your kids are picky eaters.

Accommodation Suggestion (Hanoi):

📍 Budget: The Hanoian Hotel (well-located near the Old Quarter, offers comfortable family rooms, and helpful staff).
📍 Mid-Range: La Sinfonia del Rey Hotel & Spa (excellent service, spacious family suites, and often includes breakfast).
📍 Luxury: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (an iconic, historical hotel with a fantastic swimming pool, perfect for kids to unwind after a day of sightseeing).

Explore: Is 10 Days Enough for Vietnam? How Many Days in Vietnam Is Ideal for Your Trip?

Day 2: Hanoi’s Cultural Gems & Kid-Friendly Fun

Today, delve deeper into Hanoi’s rich history and culture. Start with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex (exterior view for kids, unless they are older and interested in the history and can be respectful of the solemn atmosphere), followed by the nearby One Pillar Pagoda, a unique and easily accessible Buddhist temple.

Kid-Friendly Activities:

📍 Temple of Literature: Vietnam’s first national university. Kids can run around the spacious courtyards, admire the ancient architecture, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere away from the city bustle.
📍 Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: This is a must-visit for families! It features outdoor traditional houses from various ethnic groups, where kids can climb, explore, and learn about different cultures firsthand. There’s also an indoor exhibit with interactive displays and often cultural performances. This is one of the best places in Vietnam for families to truly engage with local traditions.
📍 Street Food Tour (Kid-Friendly): Opt for a guided food tour that focuses on popular and safe dishes like Pho (noodle soup), fresh spring rolls, and various sweet treats. This is a great way for children to discover what to eat in Vietnam for kids in a fun, guided environment. Many tours are customizable to dietary needs or preferences.

Day 3: Halong Bay – A Magical Cruise

Prepare for one of the most breathtaking experiences of your Vietnam with kids adventure: a journey to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Halong City (approx. 2.5-3 hours via the new highway). Upon arrival, board your luxurious cruise ship.

Is Halong Bay safe for toddlers? Yes, reputable cruises prioritize safety with life vests for all ages (including infants), secure railings, and experienced crew members. Always supervise young children closely, especially on deck and during activities. Choose a cruise with good reviews regarding family safety.

Activities on board:

📍 Kayaking/Sampan Boat: Explore the serene emerald waters, hidden caves, and secluded lagoons. Most cruises offer life jackets for children of all sizes, and a sampan boat ride with a local rower is a gentler option for very young ones.
📍 Swimming: Weather permitting, enjoy a refreshing dip in the calm, warm waters of the bay.
📍 Cooking Demonstration: Learn to make traditional Vietnamese spring rolls or other local dishes. Kids often love helping out with mixing ingredients and rolling the spring rolls.
📍 Squid Fishing: A fun and relaxing evening activity on deck under the stars. It’s often more about the experience than the catch!

Accommodation: Overnight on a traditional junk boat. This is an incredible experience, sleeping right on the water amidst the karsts.

Day 4: Halong Bay Serenity & Return to Hanoi

Wake up to the serene beauty of Halong Bay, with the stunning limestone karsts reflecting in the calm waters. Enjoy a light breakfast while cruising through more spectacular scenery. You’ll visit a final cave or a secluded beach before disembarking and returning to Hanoi.

Insider Tip: Many cruises offer morning Tai Chi sessions on the sundeck – a gentle and beautiful way to start the day. Even young children can enjoy mimicking the slow, flowing movements, and it’s a peaceful way to absorb the morning tranquility of the bay.

Travel: Return to Hanoi by late afternoon. Enjoy a relaxed evening, perhaps with a final stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake or a casual dinner.

Day 5: Flight to Da Nang & Hoi An Ancient Town

After breakfast, transfer to Hanoi airport for a short and convenient flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you directly to Hoi An (approx. 45 minutes drive), a charming ancient town that feels like stepping back in time. Check into your family resorts in Hoi An and spend the afternoon exploring the enchanting Ancient Town, another UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European influences.

Kid-Friendly Activities:

📍 Lantern Making Class: A popular and highly engaging activity where kids (and adults!) can create their own colorful silk lanterns. It’s a wonderful souvenir to take home.
📍 Boat Ride on Thu Bon River: A peaceful way to see the town from a different perspective, especially magical at sunset when thousands of lanterns illuminate the river. You can also release floating lanterns for good luck.
📍 Cycling: Hoi An is remarkably flat and relatively car-free in the Ancient Town, making it ideal for cycling. Rent bikes and explore the charming streets, or venture out to the peaceful rice paddies and surrounding villages.

Accommodation Suggestion (Hoi An):

📍 Budget: Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel & Spa (good location, features a nice pool, and offers connecting rooms for families).
📍 Mid-Range: Little Riverside. A Luxury Hotel & Spa (beautiful river views, excellent pool, and provides free bicycles for guests).
📍 Luxury: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An (stunning beachfront location, exceptional kids’ club with a wide range of activities, and spacious villas).

Day 6: Hoi An – Beach Day & Rural Life

Today offers a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural immersion, showcasing the diverse appeal of Hoi An for families.

Morning: Head to An Bang Beach, just a short drive or bike ride from the town. It’s a beautiful, clean beach with soft sand and calm waters, perfect for families.

📍 Beach Activities: Build sandcastles, swim in the gentle waves, or simply relax under the sun. Many beachside restaurants offer loungers, umbrellas, and fresh seafood.

Afternoon: Experience rural Vietnamese life with a fun coconut boat ride in the water palm forest of Cam Thanh.

📍 Basket Boat Ride: Kids will absolutely love spinning in the round basket boats while local rowers entertain with traditional singing and “crab fishing” demonstrations using simple nets.
📍 Rice Paddy Cycling: Continue your cycling adventure through the verdant rice fields surrounding Hoi An. This offers a glimpse into local farming life and provides picturesque photo opportunities.

Day 7: Cooking Class & Departure to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning: Participate in a family-friendly cooking class in Hoi An. You’ll then learn to prepare several classic Vietnamese dishes, such as spring rolls, pho, or banh xeo. This is a fantastic way to engage older children and even younger ones in the culinary culture, and they get to enjoy the fruits of their labor for lunch!

Afternoon: After a delicious lunch, transfer to Da Nang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the vibrant southern metropolis. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening, perhaps a light dinner at a local restaurant or hotel.

Accommodation Suggestion (Ho Chi Minh City):

📍 Budget: The Common Room Project (a well-regarded hostel with private family rooms, great communal areas, and a lively vibe that older kids might appreciate).
📍 Mid-Range: Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint (features a fantastic rooftop pool with city views, a central location, and comfortable family rooms).
📍 Luxury: Park Hyatt Saigon (prime location near major attractions, a beautiful resort-style pool, and exceptional service, ideal for a comfortable stay).

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City – History & Modernity

Explore the historical and modern facets of Ho Chi Minh City today, combining important landmarks with activities suitable for children.

Morning: Visit the War Remnants Museum (may be intense for very young children due to graphic content; consider visiting the Independence Palace instead for younger ones). Then, explore the stunning French colonial architecture of the Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office.

Afternoon:

📍 Reunification Palace (Independence Palace): Kids might find the underground bunkers, the war rooms, and the preserved 1960s decor interesting. It offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s recent history.
📍 Ben Thanh Market: A bustling market where you can practice your bargaining skills for souvenirs, clothing, and local snacks. Be aware it can be crowded, so keep a close eye on children.
📍 Saigon Skydeck (Bitexco Financial Tower): For a fantastic panoramic view of the city from above. Kids will love spotting famous landmarks and the winding Saigon River from this impressive skyscraper. This is one of the best places in Vietnam for families to get a sense of the city’s scale.

Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels & Farm Visit / Water Park Fun

Embark on a half-day excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground network used by Vietnamese soldiers during the war. This offers a powerful historical lesson.

Activities at Cu Chi:

📍 Explore Tunnels: Older children (and adults) can crawl through some of the widened sections of the tunnels, experiencing firsthand the conditions soldiers faced.
📍 Shooting Range (Optional): Available for older teens and adults, offering a unique but optional experience.
📍 Ben Duoc Temple: A serene temple located near the tunnels, offering a moment of quiet reflection.

Insider Tip: Instead of just the tunnels, consider combining the Cu Chi Tunnels trip with a visit to a local fruit orchard or a traditional rice paper making village. Many tours offer this combination, providing a more diverse experience for families. Alternatively, for families seeking more active fun in the afternoon, consider a visit to Dam Sen Water Park or Suoi Tien Cultural Theme Park in Ho Chi Minh City. These parks offer a range of slides, pools, and rides suitable for all ages, providing a refreshing break from historical sites. This is a great option for Vietnam travel with children tips if you need a break from traditional sightseeing.

Day 10: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy a final Vietnamese breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or a final stroll. Our representative will transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) for your departure, carrying with you unforgettable memories of your 10 day Vietnam family itinerary.

Explore: How Long Should You Spend in Vietnam? A Complete Guide to Planning Your Ideal Trip Duration

3. Estimated Cost for Your 10-Day Family Trip to Vietnam

This estimated budget covers mid-range accommodations, transfers, activities, and food. Costs can vary significantly based on your travel style, chosen accommodations, and dining preferences.

Category	Estimated Cost (USD) per Person
International Flights	$800 – $1500 (Round Trip)
Domestic Flights (2)	$100 – $200
Accommodation	$400 – $800 (Mid-range, based on sharing rooms)
Activities & Tours	$250 – $450
Food & Drink	$150 – $300
Transportation (Local)	$50 – $100
Miscellaneous	$50 – $100
Total Estimated Cost (Excluding International Flights)	$1000 – $1900 per person

Please note: These are general estimates and subject to change based on seasonality, booking in advance, and personal spending habits.

4. Best Time to Visit Vietnam for Families

The best time to visit Vietnam for a family trip largely depends on the regions you plan to explore. For this 10-day Vietnam family itinerary covering the North and South, the shoulder seasons generally offer the most comfortable weather:

📍 Spring (March – April): Generally warm and pleasant across all regions, with less rain. This is an excellent time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
📍 Autumn (September – November): Similar to spring, with mild temperatures and lower humidity, making it ideal for travel.
📍 Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay): Avoid June to August due to hot, humid weather and heavy rainfall. December to February can be quite cool.
📍 Central Vietnam (Hoi An): Avoid October to December due to typhoon season and heavy flooding.
📍 Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City): Generally warm year-round. The dry season is from December to April, and the wet season from May to November (showers are usually short and heavy).

̀5. FAQ

1. What are the best places to include in a Vietnam itinerary for families?

Top family-friendly destinations include Hanoi (culture + parks), Ha Long Bay (cruises), Hoi An (lantern town + beach), Da Nang (amusement parks), and Ho Chi Minh City (museums + food tours).

2. Is Vietnam safe and suitable for kids?

Yes, Vietnam is generally safe and welcoming for children. With good infrastructure, friendly locals, and a wide variety of activities, it’s a great destination for families with kids of all ages.

3. How should I plan a family-friendly itinerary in Vietnam?

Keep travel times short, mix cultural sights with fun activities, and allow for rest days. It’s best to balance city tours with nature, beach time, and interactive experiences like cooking classes or boat rides.

6. Conclusion

This 10-day Vietnam family itinerary is designed to provide your family with a diverse and enriching experience, blending cultural immersion, historical insights, and plenty of fun activities that cater to all ages. From the ancient charm of Hanoi and the majestic beauty of Halong Bay to the serene allure of Hoi An and the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam offers a unique adventure at every turn. Of course, every family is different — with its own travel styles, interests, and needs. The itinerary above is just a sample to inspire your journey and help you decide how long to spend in Vietnam for your ideal trip. Our team is here to help you customize the perfect trip that fits your preferences and makes the most of your time in Vietnam.