Itinerary for 3 day trip to Vietnam

Vietnam is a fantastic destination for families, especially if you love food. With your itinerary starting in Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh City, you’re in for a treat! Here’s a fun and family-friendly 3-day itinerary that will let you soak in the culture, enjoy delicious food, and create wonderful memories together.

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

Morning:

Breakfast at a Local Eatery: Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast. Try Phở (Vietnamese noodle soup) at a local spot like . The kids will love slurping up the noodles!
: After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll around . It’s a beautiful spot for a family walk, and you can visit the on an island in the lake.

Midday:

Lunch at a Street Food Market: Head to and explore the street food scene. Try Bánh Mì (Vietnamese sandwich) and Nem Rán (spring rolls). Don’t forget to grab some fresh fruit smoothies for a refreshing treat!

Afternoon:

Water Puppet Show: After lunch, take the kids to see a traditional Water Puppet Show at the . It’s a unique cultural experience that’s entertaining for all ages.
Explore the : Spend some time wandering through the bustling streets of the . You can shop for souvenirs and try some local snacks like (Vietnamese pizza).

Evening:

Dinner at a Family-Friendly Restaurant: Enjoy dinner at , famous for its grilled fish. The kids can help with the cooking at the table, which is always a hit!
Night Market: If you’re up for it, explore the (open on weekends) for some evening fun and more food options.

Day 2: Day Trip

Early Morning:

Travel to : Start your day early with a drive to (about 2.5 hours from Hanoi). You can book a family-friendly day cruise that includes activities suitable for kids.

Midday:

Cruise and Lunch: Enjoy a scenic cruise through the stunning limestone karsts. Most cruises offer a delicious seafood lunch on board, and there are usually kid-friendly options available.

Afternoon:

Kayaking or Swimming: Depending on the cruise, you might have the chance to kayak or swim in the bay. It’s a great way for the family to bond and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Evening:

Return to Hanoi: Head back to Hanoi in the late afternoon.
Dinner at a Local Restaurant: Try Bún Chả (grilled pork with noodles) at , made famous by Anthony Bourdain and Barack Obama!

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City Adventure

Morning:

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City: Take a morning flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (about 1.5 hours).
Breakfast at a Local Café: Once you arrive, grab breakfast at a local café. Try Bánh Mì or Xôi (sticky rice) for a delicious start.

Midday:

Visit the : This museum is educational and offers insights into Vietnam’s history. It’s a good opportunity for the family to learn together.
Lunch at : Head to for lunch. You can sample various Vietnamese dishes like Cơm Tấm (broken rice) and Gỏi Cuốn (spring rolls).

Afternoon:

Explore the City: Visit the and the . These are beautiful spots for family photos!
Take a Cyclo Tour: Hop on a cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi) for a fun ride around the city. The kids will love it!

Evening:

Dinner at a Rooftop Restaurant: Treat yourselves to dinner at a rooftop restaurant like Sky Deck at Bitexco Tower. Enjoy the stunning views of the city skyline while savoring delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
Evening Stroll: If time permits, take a stroll along the . It’s lively in the evenings, with street performers and food stalls.