3 day itinerary for Vietnam

Itinerary

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 Phở Bát Đàn. The kids will love slurping up the noodles!
• Hoan Kiem Lake: After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. It’s a beautiful spot for a family walk, and you can visit the Ngoc Son Temple on an island in the lake.

Midday:

• Lunch at a Street Food Market: Head to Old Quarter 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 Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. It’s a unique cultural experience that’s entertaining for all ages.
• Explore the Old Quarter: Spend some time wandering through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter. You can shop for souvenirs and try some local snacks like Bánh Tráng Nướng (Vietnamese pizza).

Evening:

• Dinner at a Family-Friendly Restaurant: Enjoy dinner at Cha Ca La Vong, 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 Hanoi Night Market (open on weekends) for some evening fun and more food options.

## Day 2: Halong Bay Day Trip

Early Morning:

• Travel to Halong Bay: Start your day early with a drive to Halong Bay (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 Bún Chả Hương Liên, 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 War Remnants Museum: This museum is educational and offers insights into Vietnam’s history. It’s a good opportunity for the family to learn together.
• Lunch at Ben Thanh Market: Head to Ben Thanh Market for lunch. You can sample various Vietnamese dishes like Cơm Tấm (broken rice) and Gỏi Cuốn (spring rolls).

Afternoon:

• Explore the City: Visit the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and the Central Post Office. 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 Nguyen Hue Walking Street. It’s lively in the evenings, with street performers and food stalls.

Tips for Traveling with Family:

• Always keep some snacks and water handy, especially for the kids.
• Use sunscreen and stay hydrated, as it can get quite hot.
• Consider using Grab (a ride-hailing app) for convenient transportation.

I hope this itinerary helps you have an amazing family adventure in Vietnam! Enjoy the food, culture, and beautiful sights! 🌏🍜✨