9 day itinerary for Vietnam

Itinerary

Vietnam is a beautiful country with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food, making it a fantastic destination for a family trip. Traveling with a baby can be a bit challenging, but with a well-planned itinerary, you can have a wonderful time. Here’s a 9-day itinerary that balances sightseeing, relaxation, and baby-friendly activities.

## Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

• Morning: Arrive in Hanoi. Depending on your flight time, settle into your hotel. Choose a family-friendly hotel with amenities for babies, like cribs and high chairs.
• Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. It’s a flat, easy walk, and the scenery is lovely. You can stop for a coffee or a fresh coconut at one of the lakeside cafes.
• Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at a local restaurant. Try some pho or bun cha, and don’t forget to ask for baby-friendly options!

## Day 2: Explore Hanoi

• Morning: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex. The grounds are spacious, and you can take turns visiting the mausoleum while one parent stays with the baby in the stroller.
• Afternoon: Head to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. It’s very family-friendly, with lots of outdoor space for your little one to explore.
• Evening: Have dinner in the Old Quarter. The streets are vibrant, and you can find plenty of street food vendors. Just be cautious about the spice levels!

## Day 3: Day Trip to Ninh Binh

• Morning: Take a private car to Ninh Binh (about 2 hours). This way, you can stop as needed for the baby.
• Afternoon: Visit Tam Coc for a boat ride through the stunning limestone karsts. The boat ride is gentle and should be suitable for your baby.
• Evening: Return to Hanoi and have a relaxing dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.

## Day 4: Travel to Halong Bay

• Morning: Depart for Halong Bay (about 4 hours by car). Opt for a cruise that is family-friendly and offers baby amenities.
• Afternoon: Check into your cruise and enjoy a leisurely lunch on board. Spend the afternoon exploring the bay, visiting caves, or just relaxing on the deck.
• Evening: Enjoy a family dinner on the cruise. Many cruises offer special meals for children.

## Day 5: Halong Bay

• Morning: Continue your cruise with activities like kayaking or visiting a floating village. If you prefer, you can stay on the boat and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Relax on the boat or participate in a cooking class that’s suitable for families.
• Evening: Enjoy another lovely dinner on board. After dinner, you can take a stroll on the deck and enjoy the stars.

## Day 6: Return to Hanoi and Fly to Da Nang

• Morning: Have breakfast on the cruise and enjoy the last views of Halong Bay before heading back to Hanoi.
• Afternoon: Fly from Hanoi to Da Nang (about 1.5 hours). Once you arrive, check into a family-friendly hotel in Da Nang.
• Evening: Relax at the hotel or take a short walk along My Khe Beach. Enjoy a beachside dinner.

## Day 7: Explore Hoi An

• Morning: Take a short drive to Hoi An (about 30 minutes). Explore the Ancient Town, which is pedestrian-friendly and stroller-accessible.
• Afternoon: Visit a tailor shop for custom clothing (many places are baby-friendly). Enjoy lunch at a riverside café.
• Evening: Experience the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An. Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant and try some local specialties like cao lau.

## Day 8: Relax in Da Nang

• Morning: Spend a relaxing morning at the beach. Many resorts have baby-friendly facilities, so you can enjoy some sun and sand.
• Afternoon: Visit the Marble Mountains. There are some easy trails and beautiful views. You can take turns exploring while the other stays with the baby.
• Evening: Have a farewell dinner in Da Nang, perhaps at a restaurant with a view of the Dragon Bridge.

## Day 9: Departure

• Morning: Depending on your flight time, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some last-minute shopping or beach time.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure. Make sure to leave with plenty of time to accommodate any baby-related needs!

Tips for Traveling with a Baby:

• Transportation: Consider hiring private cars for longer trips to ensure comfort and flexibility.
• Accommodations: Look for hotels that provide baby amenities like cribs and high chairs.
• Pacing: Keep your itinerary flexible. Allow for downtime and be ready to adjust plans based on your baby’s needs.
• Essentials: Pack a baby carrier for places where strollers might be difficult to navigate.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan a memorable family trip to Vietnam! Enjoy the beautiful sights, delicious food, and the wonderful experiences that await you! Safe travels! 🌏✈️