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The Perfect 10-Day Vietnam Itinerary for Families

Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City

Last Updated: October 2025
The Perfect 10-Day Vietnam Itinerary for Families

⚡ Quick Answer: 10-Day Vietnam Family Itinerary

This 10-day Vietnam itinerary covers the TOP family destinations: Hanoi (2 days) → Halong Bay overnight cruise (2 days) → Hoi An (3 days) → Ho Chi Minh City (2 days) + Cu Chi Tunnels. Perfect balance of history (War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels), culture (Old Towns, temples, cooking classes), and scenery (Halong Bay, beaches). Costs $4,800-6,800 for family of 4. Best ages: 8+ (appreciates war history). 10 days is MINIMUM — 12-14 days ideal if possible.

Route highlights:

🗺️ Why This 10-Day Route Works for Families

Vietnam is LONG — 1,000+ miles from Hanoi (north) to Ho Chi Minh City (south). This itinerary hits the TOP family-friendly highlights without constant rushing.

What Makes This Itinerary Ideal:

📍 Your 10-Day Route at a Glance

Days Destination Highlights Nights
1-2 Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, temples, street food, water puppets 2 nights
3-4 Halong Bay 1-night/2-day cruise (limestone karsts, kayaking, cave exploring) 1 night (on boat)
4 (eve) Hanoi Return from cruise, fly next morning 1 night
5-7 Hoi An Old Town, cooking class, bike tour, An Bang Beach, lanterns 3 nights
8-9 Ho Chi Minh City War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ben Thanh Market 2 nights
TOTAL 9 nights, 10 days

Flight Route: Fly into Hanoi (HAN) → Fly Hanoi→Da Nang (DAD) on Day 5 morning → Fly Da Nang→HCMC (SGN) on Day 8 → Fly home from HCMC on Day 10.

What This Itinerary Skips (And Why):

UPGRADE to 12-14 days? Add: Sapa (3 days), Hue (1 day stopover), or Mekong Delta (2 days).

💰 Total 10-Day Trip Cost: $4,800-6,800 (Family of 4)

Category Budget Tier Mid-Range Tier Luxury Tier
Flights (International) $2,000-2,500 $2,200-3,000 $3,500-5,000
Accommodation (9 nights) $450-630 $900-1,350 $1,800-3,600
Food (10 days) $300-400 $500-750 $1,000-1,500
Activities & Tours $600-800 $900-1,200 $1,500-2,200
Transportation (Domestic) $350-500 $450-650 $700-1,000
Miscellaneous $200-300 $350-500 $600-900
TOTAL $3,900-5,130 $5,300-7,450 $9,100-14,200

RECOMMENDED for most families: Mid-Range Tier ($5,300-7,450). Gets you comfortable hotels with pools, guided tours, 1-night Halong cruise, and stress-free logistics — crucial with kids.

Hoi An Ancient Town Vietnam at night with colorful lanterns reflecting on river, family vacation destination

Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels

📅 Day-by-Day Itinerary: 10 Days in Vietnam

DAY 1 Arrive Hanoi — Old Quarter Orientation

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive Hanoi (Noi Bai International Airport)

  • Land anytime Day 1. Most US flights arrive late afternoon/evening (14-18 hour flights + time zones).
  • Airport to Old Quarter: 45 min. Options: Grab taxi ($10-15), pre-booked private transfer ($20-30), or airport bus ($2/person).
  • Check into hotel. Old Quarter location = walkable to everything. Hotel recommendations: Lenid Hotel Hoang Ngoc ($110-140/night mid-range), Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa ($120-160).

Evening: Old Quarter First Impressions

  • 5:00pm: Rest/shower after long flight. Kids need downtime.
  • 6:30pm: Walk to Hoan Kiem Lake (5-10 min from most Old Quarter hotels). Watch sunset, see Turtle Tower, people-watch. Families picnic here, kids play — great vibe.
  • 7:30pm: First Vietnamese dinner. Try pho at Pho Gia Truyen (iconic spot, $3-5/bowl) or banh cuon (steamed rice rolls) at Banh Cuon Gia Truyen.
  • 8:30pm: Walk around Old Quarter streets. SENSORY OVERLOAD (good way): motorbikes, street vendors, lanterns. Kids' jaws will drop.
  • 9:00pm: Early bed. Jet lag is REAL. Tomorrow is full day.

Cost Today: Transport $10-30, dinner $15-25. Total: $25-55.

💡 Day 1 Pro Tips

  • Don't over-plan Day 1: Jet lag + long flight = kids exhausted. Light evening walk is enough.
  • Download Grab app before arrival: Vietnam's Uber. Essential for taxis.
  • Exchange $100-200 USD at airport for initial cash needs: Taxis, tips, snacks. ATMs better rates but airport convenient for first night.
  • Crossing streets in Hanoi = TERRIFYING first time: Walk slow and steady, motorbikes flow around you. Don't stop suddenly.

DAY 2 Hanoi Cultural Deep Dive

Morning: Temple Circuit + History

  • 8:00am: Hotel breakfast. Vietnamese hotels have great buffets: pho, banh mi, fruit, eggs.
  • 9:30am: Temple of Literature (Van Mieu). Vietnam's first university (1070 AD). Beautiful courtyards, ponds, historic stone tablets. Kids enjoy feeding turtles. 1.5 hours. Cost: $2/person admission.
  • 11:30am: Grab to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex ($5 ride). See Uncle Ho's preserved body (eerie but culturally significant). Solemn experience — dress modestly. Adjacent: Presidential Palace, Ho's stilt house, One Pillar Pagoda. 1.5 hours. Cost: FREE (mausoleum), $2-3 for museums.

Lunch: Street Food Adventure

  • 1:00pm: Bun Cha lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien (Obama ate here with Anthony Bourdain in 2016!). Grilled pork patties + rice noodles + herbs. DELICIOUS. $5-8/person. Kids love the DIY dipping.

Afternoon: Cyclo Ride + French Quarter

  • 2:30pm: Cyclo ride through Old Quarter (45-60 min). Rickshaw-style bikes. Driver pedals, you sightsee. MUST-DO Hanoi experience. Negotiate price before: $8-12/cyclo ($32-48 for 4 cyclos, family of 4). Book through hotel for safer rates.
  • 4:00pm: Walk French Quarter: Opera House (stunning architecture), Metropole Hotel (colonial grandeur), St. Joseph's Cathedral (neo-Gothic, resembles Notre-Dame).
  • 5:00pm: Coffee break at Cafe Pho Co (hidden cafe overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake). Egg coffee = Hanoi specialty ($2-4). Kids can have fruit smoothies.

Evening: Water Puppet Show + Dinner

  • 6:30pm: Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre. 1,000-year-old Vietnamese art form. Puppets perform on water, live traditional music. 50 minutes. Kids LOVE this. Book tickets ahead online. Cost: $6-10/person.
  • 8:00pm: Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long (cha ca = turmeric fish with dill, Hanoi specialty) or return to Old Quarter for banh mi ($1.50-3) + fresh spring rolls.
  • 9:30pm: Pack for Halong Bay. Cruise pickup is early tomorrow (7:30-8:30am depending on operator).

Cost Today: Temples $10, lunch $25, cyclo $35-50, coffee/snacks $15, water puppets $30, dinner $25-40, transport $15-25. Total: $155-195.

⚠️ Hanoi Traffic Safety Warning

Hanoi has 5+ MILLION motorbikes. Traffic is CHAOS. Hold kids' hands ALWAYS when crossing streets. Stay together. Motorbikes drive on sidewalks (yes, really). Watch for xe om (motorbike taxis) zipping past. The city is safe crime-wise but traffic anxiety is real.

DAY 3-4 Halong Bay Overnight Cruise — HIGHLIGHT 🌟

Day 3 Morning: Cruise Departure

  • 7:30-8:30am: Hotel pickup. Halong Bay cruise companies pick up from Old Quarter hotels. 3.5-4 hour drive to Halong City (170km east of Hanoi).
  • 11:30am-12:00pm: Arrive cruise port. Board your junk boat (traditional wooden ships).
  • 12:30pm: Welcome drink + check into cabin. Cabin types: Budget cruises = shared bathrooms. Mid-range = private bathrooms, AC, windows. Luxury = balconies, bathtubs.

Day 3 Afternoon: Cruising Among Limestone Karsts

  • 1:00pm: Lunch on boat (included). Multi-course Vietnamese seafood: spring rolls, grilled fish, stir-fry, fresh fruit. Kids get chicken/rice options.
  • 2:30pm: Kayaking or bamboo boat ride through limestone grottoes. Calm waters, guide leads. Kids 6+ can kayak (with adult). 1 hour. MAGICAL.
  • 4:00pm: Cave exploration (Sung Sot Cave / Surprising Cave). Massive caverns with stalactites. 200+ stairs (manageable for kids 6+). 45 min visit.
  • 5:30pm: Return to boat. Free time: swim off boat (floating deck), relax on sundeck, kids play board games.

Day 3 Evening: Sunset + Onboard Activities

  • 6:30pm: Sunset viewing from top deck. THE reason you do overnight cruise. Limestone karsts silhouetted against orange sky = STUNNING. Bring camera.
  • 7:30pm: Dinner on boat (included). 4-5 course meal: seafood hotpot, grilled prawns, stir-fry veggies, fried rice, dessert.
  • 9:00pm: Onboard activities: Squid fishing (kids love this — spotlights, nets, catching small squid), movies, karaoke, or stargazing. Most families do squid fishing then early bed.
  • 10:00pm: Sleep on boat. Gentle rocking = great sleep (or motion sickness for sensitive kids — bring Dramamine).

Day 4 Morning: Sunrise + More Exploring

  • 6:00am: Sunrise tai chi on deck (optional). Peaceful. Most families sleep in — you're on vacation!
  • 7:00am: Breakfast on boat (included). Pho, eggs, fruit, coffee, juice.
  • 8:00am: Visit floating fishing village OR second cave/island exploration (varies by cruise). Learn how locals live on water. Kids fascinated by floating houses, fish farms.
  • 10:00am: Return to boat. Check out of cabin.
  • 11:00am: Brunch on boat while cruising back to port.
  • 12:00pm: Disembark. Board shuttle bus back to Hanoi.
  • 4:00-4:30pm: Drop-off at Hanoi hotel (same Old Quarter hotel — book 3 nights total: Day 1, 2, and 4).

Day 4 Evening: Rest in Hanoi

  • 5:00pm: Rest at hotel. Shower off salt water.
  • 7:00pm: Casual dinner near hotel. Try banh xeo (sizzling crepes) or bun bo nam bo (beef noodle salad).
  • 8:30pm: Pack for Da Nang/Hoi An. Flight tomorrow morning. Early bed.

Cost Days 3-4: Halong Bay cruise $400-800 (family of 4, 1-night/2-day mid-range cruise). Transport included. Total: $400-800.

"The Halong Bay overnight cruise was THE highlight of our Vietnam trip — maybe our entire year. Watching sunset from the boat with limestone karsts everywhere while my kids (9 and 11) squid-fished next to us... I get emotional just remembering it. Worth every penny of the $680 we spent."

— Parent of 2, Denver, 12-day Vietnam trip 2024

💡 Halong Bay Cruise Tips

  • Book 1-night/2-day cruise (not day cruise): Sunset/sunrise make it worth it. Day cruises rush everything.
  • Mid-range operators: Paradise Cruises ($150-250/person), Orchid Cruises ($120-200/person), Indochina Junk ($130-220/person). Check TripAdvisor reviews.
  • Budget $100-200/person (family of 4 = $400-800): Cheaper cruises ($50-80/person) are overcrowded + poor food.
  • Bring motion sickness meds: Waters usually calm but kids sensitive to rocking.
  • Pack light for cruise: Small bag for 1 night. Leave main luggage at Hanoi hotel (they store for free).

DAY 5 Fly to Da Nang → Transfer to Hoi An

Morning: Hanoi to Da Nang Flight

  • 6:00am: Wake up, hotel breakfast.
  • 7:00am: Grab to Hanoi airport (30 min, $10-15).
  • 9:00-11:00am: Flight Hanoi (HAN) → Da Nang (DAD). 1 hour 20 min. Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways. Cost: $50-100/person ($200-400 family of 4). Book 1-2 months ahead.
  • 11:00am: Land Da Nang. Grab bags.

Midday: Da Nang to Hoi An Transfer

  • 11:30am: Da Nang → Hoi An (30km south, 45 min drive). Options: Grab taxi ($12-18), pre-booked private transfer ($20-30), or arrange with Hoi An hotel.
  • 12:30pm: Check into Hoi An hotel. Hotel location tip: Stay 1-2km outside Old Town (40% cheaper, free bikes, quieter). Recommendations: Hoi An Trails Resort ($120-160/night), Little Riverside Hoi An ($100-140).

Afternoon: Hoi An First Look + Beach

  • 1:00pm: Lunch at hotel or nearby com ga (chicken rice) spot ($3-5/person).
  • 2:30pm: Bike to An Bang Beach (3-4km from most hotels, 15 min ride). Most Hoi An hotels provide FREE bikes — use them! Beach chairs $3-5, coconuts $1.50, swim. Beach quality: 7/10 (nice but not world-class).
  • 5:00pm: Bike back to hotel. Shower, rest.

Evening: Hoi An Old Town Lantern Magic

  • 6:30pm: Bike to Hoi An Old Town (10-15 min from most hotels). Park bikes (free or 5,000 VND = $0.25).
  • 7:00pm: Dinner at Old Town restaurant. Try cao lau (Hoi An noodle specialty — ONLY made in Hoi An using local well water), white rose dumplings, or banh bao vac. Restaurants: Morning Glory ($8-12/person), Madam Khanh Banh Mi ($2-3 banh mi).
  • 8:00pm: Walk Old Town under lanterns. THIS is why Hoi An is magical. Entire Old Town lit by thousands of silk lanterns. Yellow glow, reflection on Thu Bon River, kids release floating lanterns ($0.50 each). STUNNING. 1-2 hours wandering.
  • 9:30pm: Bike back to hotel. Old Town fills with tourists 7-9pm — leaving at 9:30pm avoids crowds on ride home.

Cost Today: Flight $200-400, transport $25-45, lunch $15-20, beach $15-25, dinner $35-50, lanterns $5-10. Total: $295-550.

💡 Hoi An Bike Tips

  • Bikes = BEST Hoi An transport: Old Town is pedestrian/bike only (cars banned). Hotels provide free bikes, use them constantly.
  • Bike seats for younger kids: Most hotels have kids' bikes or bikes with kid seats. Ask when booking.
  • Traffic is MUCH calmer than Hanoi: Hoi An feels safe for biking. Wide bike lanes, slower pace.
  • Lock bikes when parking: Theft is rare but lock them anyway (hotels provide locks).

DAY 6 Hoi An Cooking Class + Old Town Deep Dive

Morning: Cooking Class (MUST-DO)

  • 8:00am: Cooking class pickup from hotel. Most classes start 8:30-9am. Duration: 4-5 hours. We recommend: Red Bridge Cooking School ($35/person), Tra Que Cooking Class ($30/person), or Green Bamboo Cooking School ($32/person).
  • 8:30am: Market tour. Guide takes you through Hoi An market. See ingredients: fresh herbs, fish, vegetables. Taste fruit samples. Kids love the chaos + colors.
  • 9:30am: Boat ride to cooking school (many schools are riverside or in gardens — scenic).
  • 10:00am-12:30pm: COOK! Make 3-4 dishes: spring rolls, cao lau, white rose dumplings, banh xeo. Hands-on. Kids 8+ can fully participate (6-7 can help with safe tasks). Eat what you cook.
  • 12:30pm: Return to hotel. You've eaten lunch (your cooking!).

Afternoon: Rest + Old Town Exploration

  • 1:30pm: Rest at hotel. Cooking class is fun but tiring in heat.
  • 3:30pm: Bike to Old Town. Get Old Town ticket ($5-6/person, kids under 10 free) — covers 5 historic sites. Visit: Japanese Covered Bridge (iconic 400-year-old bridge), Tan Ky Old House (merchant family home), Quan Cong Temple, Assembly Halls. 2 hours wandering.
  • 5:30pm: Tailor shopping (if interested). Hoi An = tailor capital. Custom clothes made in 24 hours. Dresses $30-80, suits $100-200. Kids' clothes too. Popular: Bebe Tailor, Yaly Couture. NOT necessary but fun splurge.

Evening: Riverside Dinner + Lantern Release

  • 7:00pm: Dinner at riverside restaurant. Try banh bao vac (white rose dumplings), grilled fish, Vietnamese BBQ. Restaurants: Mango Rooms ($10-15/person), Cargo Club ($12-18/person).
  • 8:30pm: Release floating lanterns on Thu Bon River ($0.50-1 each). Make a wish, light candle, set on river. Kids LOVE this. Hundreds of glowing lanterns float by. Iconic Hoi An moment.
  • 9:00pm: Walk/bike back. Ice cream stop at Old Town shops ($1-2/scoop).

Cost Today: Cooking class $120-140 (family of 4), Old Town tickets $15-20, tailor (optional) $0-300, dinner $40-70, lanterns $5-10, snacks $10. Total: $190-550.

"The Hoi An cooking class was my kids' (10 and 12) favorite activity in Vietnam — they still make spring rolls at home 6 months later! They loved the market tour, boat ride, and actually COOKING. We did Red Bridge School ($140 total) and it was worth every cent."

— Parent of 2, Boston, 10-day Vietnam trip 2024

DAY 7 Hoi An Countryside Bike Tour + Beach Day

Morning: Countryside Bike Tour

  • 8:00am: Countryside bike tour pickup. We recommend: Heaven & Earth Bikes (half-day $20-25/person, full-day $35-45/person). Family-friendly guides, well-maintained bikes, kid bikes/seats available.
  • 8:30am-12:30pm: Bike through rice paddies, villages, farms. See water buffalo, meet local families, visit organic farms, ride across bamboo bridges, learn about rice farming. Stops every 20-30 min (not exhausting). Kids 6+ can bike full tour. AUTHENTIC Vietnam experience — no tourist crowds, just countryside life.
  • 12:30pm: Return to hotel. Shower off dust/sweat.

Afternoon: Beach Relaxation

  • 1:30pm: Lunch at hotel or nearby com tam (broken rice) spot ($3-5/person).
  • 2:30pm: Bike to An Bang Beach (or Cua Dai Beach — both 3-4km). Rent beach chairs ($3-5), swim, build sandcastles, coconuts ($1.50), fruit smoothies ($2-3). 3 hours pure relaxation after busy morning.
  • 5:30pm: Bike back to hotel.

Evening: Chill Night

  • 6:30pm: Simple dinner near hotel. Com ga, pho, banh mi — local spots $3-5/person. Or hotel restaurant if kids are tired.
  • 7:30pm: Pool time at hotel, pack for Ho Chi Minh City (flying tomorrow), early bed. You've had 3 full Hoi An days — kids need rest before HCMC.

Cost Today: Bike tour $80-100 (family of 4), lunch $15-20, beach $15-25, dinner $15-30. Total: $125-175.

💡 Hoi An Pacing Tip

Day 7 is intentionally LIGHTER (half-day tour + beach vs full-day activities). By Day 7, kids (and parents!) need a break. Hoi An's charm is its CHILL VIBE. Don't over-schedule. Enjoy slow mornings, bike rides, beach time. This isn't Bangkok or Hanoi chaos — embrace the pace.

DAY 8 Fly to Ho Chi Minh City → War Remnants Museum

Morning: Hoi An to HCMC Flight

  • 7:00am: Hotel breakfast, check out.
  • 8:00am: Grab/transfer to Da Nang airport (45 min, $12-18).
  • 10:00am-12:00pm: Flight Da Nang (DAD) → Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). 1 hour 15 min. Cost: $50-100/person ($200-400 family of 4).
  • 12:00pm: Land HCMC. Grab bags.
  • 12:30pm: Grab to District 1 hotel (30-40 min, $10-18). District 1 = central, walkable. Recommendations: Liberty Central Saigon Riverside ($130-170/night), Bong Sen Hotel Saigon ($70-90/night budget).

Afternoon: War Remnants Museum (Prepare Kids)

  • 1:30pm: Check in, lunch near hotel. Try banh mi at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa ($2-3, famous spot) or com tam at local restaurant.
  • 2:30pm: TALK TO KIDS before museum. War Remnants Museum is GRAPHIC. Photos of Agent Orange victims, war atrocities, napalm damage. Educational but HEAVY. Best ages: 10+. Ages 8-9: prepare them ("we'll see difficult photos of war"). Under 8: skip this museum.
  • 3:00pm: War Remnants Museum (15 min walk from most District 1 hotels, or $2 Grab). 1.5-2 hours. Outside: US tanks, helicopters, planes. Inside: 3 floors of Vietnam War history from Vietnamese perspective. Sobering. Important history lesson. Cost: $2-3/person. Audio guide $5 (worth it for context).
  • 5:00pm: Leave museum. DEBRIEF with kids. Answer questions. Many families grab ice cream after (emotional cooldown).

Evening: HCMC Night Walk

  • 6:30pm: Walk to Nguyen Hue Walking Street (pedestrian boulevard). Street performers, LED lights, people-watching. Kids can run around (rare in Vietnam!).
  • 7:30pm: Dinner at Pho 2000 (Bill Clinton ate here in 2000 — photo on wall). Good pho, tourist-friendly. $5-8/person. Or try bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup, Central Vietnam style).
  • 8:30pm: Walk past Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office (both French colonial architecture, lit up at night, beautiful). 15 min walk.
  • 9:00pm: Return to hotel. Rest. Tomorrow = Cu Chi Tunnels (early start).

Cost Today: Flight $200-400, transport $25-40, lunch $15-20, museum $15-20, dinner $25-35, snacks $10. Total: $290-525.

⚠️ War Remnants Museum: Parental Guidance Strongly Advised

This museum does NOT sugarcoat the Vietnam War. You will see:

  • Photos of children injured by napalm (including famous "Napalm Girl" photo)
  • Agent Orange birth defects (graphic medical photos + preserved specimens)
  • Torture devices used by both sides
  • Mass grave documentation

Ages 12+: Handle this maturely, important historical education. Ages 8-11: Use discretion, skip graphic rooms if needed. Under 8: Skip entirely, visit Saigon Zoo or Reunification Palace instead.

DAY 9 Cu Chi Tunnels Day Trip — HIGHLIGHT 🌟

Morning: Cu Chi Tunnels

  • 7:30am: Hotel pickup for Cu Chi Tunnels tour. Book private tour ($80-150 for family) or group tour ($15-30/person). Private recommended with kids (guide tailors experience, flexible pacing). Duration: 6-7 hours round-trip.
  • 8:00am-9:30am: Drive to Cu Chi (70km northwest of HCMC, 1.5 hours). Rural scenery, rice paddies.
  • 9:30am: Arrive Cu Chi Tunnels (Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc site — both good).
  • 9:45am-12:00pm: EXPLORE.
    • Intro video (20 min): History of tunnels (250km underground network used by Viet Cong during war).
    • See booby traps: Spike pits, bamboo traps (recreations, not real — but shows war tactics).
    • CRAWL through tunnels (highlight!): Short sections widened for tourists (20-100m crawls). Tight, dark, HOT. Kids LOVE this (adults often panic — claustrophobia real). You can exit anytime via side shafts.
    • See underground kitchens, sleeping quarters, meeting rooms: How Viet Cong lived underground for YEARS.
    • Shooting range (optional, extra cost): Fire AK-47 or M16 ($1-2/bullet, minimum 10 bullets). Controversial — some families skip, others find it educational. Ages 12+ only.
  • 12:00pm: Lunch included (group tours) or at nearby restaurant (private tours). Tapioca (cassava) = what Viet Cong ate in tunnels. Try it.

Afternoon: Return to HCMC + Rest

  • 1:00pm: Drive back to HCMC.
  • 2:30pm: Drop-off at hotel. SHOWER. You'll be covered in red dirt from tunnels.
  • 3:30pm: Pool time or rest. Cu Chi is physically tiring (crawling, heat, walking).

Evening: Farewell Dinner

  • 6:30pm: Fancy farewell dinner. You've eaten street food for 9 days — splurge! Options:
    • Anan Saigon: Modern Vietnamese, $15-25/person, hipster vibe
    • Propaganda Bistro: Vietnamese fusion, $12-20/person, cool 1960s propaganda poster decor
    • Cuc Gach Quan: Traditional Vietnamese, $10-18/person, villa setting
  • 8:30pm: Dessert at The Workshop (artisan coffee, $3-6) or ice cream at Kudo (Vietnamese flavors: durian, coconut, black sesame).
  • 9:30pm: Return to hotel. Pack for departure tomorrow.

Cost Today: Cu Chi tour $60-150 (depending on private vs group), lunch $15-25 (if not included), dinner $50-100, dessert $15-25. Total: $140-300.

"Cu Chi Tunnels was our 13-year-old son's TOP Vietnam experience. Crawling through the actual tunnels (so tight! so hot!) made the war REAL for him in a way no textbook ever could. Our 9-year-old daughter loved it too but got scared in the longest tunnel section and exited early (totally fine). Absolutely worth the trip."

— Parent of 2, Seattle, 10-day Vietnam trip 2024

DAY 10 Ben Thanh Market → Depart Vietnam

Morning: Last-Minute Shopping

  • 8:00am: Hotel breakfast. Check out (leave luggage at hotel front desk if afternoon flight).
  • 9:00am: Ben Thanh Market (10 min walk from most District 1 hotels). HUGE indoor market. Souvenirs, coffee, snacks, clothes, knock-off goods. NEGOTIATE prices (start at 50% of asking price). 1.5-2 hours. Buy:
    • Vietnamese coffee ($5-15/bag, try Trung Nguyen or Highlands brands)
    • Dried fruit (mango, dragon fruit — $3-8/bag)
    • Silk scarves ($5-15)
    • Lacquerware bowls ($10-30)
    • Conical hats ($2-5 — kids love these)
  • 11:00am: Return to hotel. Grab luggage.

Midday/Afternoon: Depart

  • 12:00pm: Final Vietnamese lunch. Pho one last time? Banh mi? Com tam? Your choice. $15-30 for family.
  • 1:30pm: Grab to airport (30-45 min, $10-18). Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN).
  • 2:30pm+: Fly home. Most US flights depart HCMC evening/night (arrive US same day or next day depending on route).

Cost Today: Shopping $50-150, lunch $15-30, transport to airport $10-18. Total: $75-198.

💡 Airport & Departure Tips

  • Arrive 3 hours early for international flights: HCMC airport gets VERY crowded.
  • Double-check visa requirements: US citizens get 90-day e-visa ($25, apply online 3+ days before arrival). Some nationalities get visa-free 15-45 days.
  • Declare items at customs: Anything over $300 value (jewelry, electronics bought in Vietnam) should be declared.
  • Keep Vietnamese Dong for tips: But spend most before airport (exchange rates poor at airport).

🎒 What to Pack: Vietnam Family Packing List

Essentials for Vietnam Climate (Hot + Humid Year-Round)

Clothing:

  • Lightweight, breathable fabrics: Cotton, linen, moisture-wicking. Vietnam = HOT (80-95°F year-round).
  • 7-8 outfits per person: You'll sweat through clothes daily. Hotels have laundry (cheap: $1-2/item).
  • Long pants/skirts for temples: Shoulders + knees must be covered. Bring 1-2 modest outfits per person.
  • Swimsuits (2 per person): Halong Bay, Hoi An beaches, hotel pools.
  • Rain jacket or poncho: If traveling May-Oct (rainy season). Sudden downpours common.
  • Light sweater for kids: Air-con in restaurants/buses can be FREEZING (Vietnam loves AC at 65°F).

Footwear:

  • Comfortable walking sandals: You'll walk 5-8 miles/day. Teva, Chaco, Keens work great.
  • Closed-toe shoes for Cu Chi Tunnels: Sandals get muddy/uncomfortable crawling.
  • Flip-flops: Hotels, showers, beach.

Health & Safety:

  • Sunscreen SPF 50+: Equator sun is BRUTAL. Reapply every 2 hours.
  • Insect repellent (DEET 30%+): Mosquitoes carry dengue fever (no malaria in cities but present in rural areas).
  • Hand sanitizer: Street food vendors don't have sinks. Use before eating.
  • Basic first aid: Band-aids, antibiotic ointment, pain reliever, anti-diarrheal (Imodium), motion sickness meds.
  • Prescription meds + copies: Bring 2-week supply + copy of prescriptions.

Electronics:

  • Vietnam uses Type A, C, D plugs (same as US Type A works): Bring adapters if using European/UK devices.
  • Portable charger: Long days sightseeing = dead phone by evening.
  • Camera: Phone cameras fine but Halong Bay sunset deserves a real camera.

Vietnam-Specific Items:

  • Reusable water bottles: Hotels have filtered water dispensers. Saves buying bottled water ($1-2 × 20/day = $200+ trip cost).
  • Day pack/backpack: For day trips, water, snacks, sunscreen.
  • Ziploc bags: Protect phone/electronics during Halong Bay kayaking or rain.
  • Wet wipes: Bathrooms don't always have toilet paper (especially street food stalls).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 10 days enough for Vietnam?

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10 days is the MINIMUM to see Vietnam's highlights (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, HCMC) without feeling rushed. You'll hit the major family-friendly spots BUT skip destinations like Sapa, Hue, Phu Quoc, Mekong Delta. IDEAL: 12-14 days adds breathing room + 1-2 more destinations. Under 10 days? Cut HCMC or do Hanoi→Halong→Hoi An only.

What's the best time of year for this itinerary?

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October-December = BEST (dry season in north + central, comfortable temps). February-May = GOOD (central Vietnam perfect, north warming up). Avoid July-August (extreme heat 95-100°F, high humidity). Vietnam has 3 climate zones so "best time" varies by region — but Oct-Dec works well for THIS specific route.

Can I do this itinerary with kids under 8?

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POSSIBLE but challenging. Kids under 8 struggle with: (1) Long flight (14-18 hours), (2) War history content (boring/scary), (3) Chaotic traffic/noise, (4) Less English than Thailand. Ages 8-10 = sweet spot for this itinerary. Under 8? Consider Thailand instead (easier infrastructure, better beaches).

Should I book tours in advance or in Vietnam?

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Book in advance: Halong Bay cruise, cooking classes, flights. These sell out or prices spike last-minute. Book in Vietnam: Cu Chi Tunnels, bike tours, museum visits. Hotels can arrange for same/better price, more flexibility. Use Klook or GetYourGuide for advance bookings (often 10-20% cheaper than booking via hotel concierge).

Is this itinerary safe for families?

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YES. Vietnam is VERY safe crime-wise (low theft, low violent crime). The challenges are: (1) Traffic (chaotic but manageable), (2) Food safety (stick to busy vendors, avoid raw vegetables), (3) Scams (taxi overcharges, tourist traps — use Grab, research ahead). Hold kids' hands near roads, use common sense, and you'll be fine.

How much Vietnamese should I learn?

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MINIMAL Vietnamese needed. Learn: "Xin chào" (hello), "Cảm ơn" (thank you), "Bao nhiêu?" (how much?). English is common in tourist areas (Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoi An, HCMC District 1) — hotels, restaurants, tour guides all speak English. Rural areas + older generations speak less English. Google Translate app works well (download Vietnamese offline).

Do I need vaccines for Vietnam?

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NO required vaccines BUT recommended: Hepatitis A (food/water), Typhoid (food/water), Tetanus (up-to-date), Japanese Encephalitis (if traveling rural areas May-Oct). Consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel. Malaria risk is LOW in cities (none in Hanoi/HCMC/Hoi An) but present in rural/jungle areas — take anti-malarial meds if doing Sapa or Mekong Delta.

Can I drink tap water in Vietnam?

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NO. Drink bottled or filtered water only. Hotels provide free filtered water (refill bottles). Avoid ice in street food (made from tap water). Restaurants in tourist areas use filtered ice — usually safe but ask. Brushing teeth with tap water = fine (just don't swallow).

What if my kids are picky eaters?

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Vietnamese food is LESS spicy than Thai (easier for picky eaters). Options: (1) Pho = basically chicken noodle soup (every kid likes this), (2) Fried rice (com chien), (3) Banh mi with just meat (skip veggies), (4) Spring rolls (fresh or fried), (5) Western food available (pizza, burgers, pasta in tourist areas). You'll be fine — Vietnam is more kid-friendly food-wise than you think.

✅ Final Tips: Making Your 10-Day Vietnam Trip Perfect

  1. Don't over-schedule. This itinerary has 1-2 major activities per day + free time. Resist urge to cram more. Kids need downtime, you need flexibility for weather/moods/exhaustion.
  2. Embrace the chaos. Vietnam is LOUD, BUSY, CHAOTIC — especially Hanoi and HCMC. Traffic will stress you out. Motorbikes will terrify you. Street vendors will hassle you. That's Vietnam. Breathe, laugh, go with it. The chaos becomes part of the adventure.
  3. Stay central in each city. Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoi An near Old Town (1-2km), HCMC District 1. Saves transport time/cost, walkable to restaurants, easier with kids.
  4. Eat street food fearlessly (with precautions). Choose busy vendors (high turnover = fresh food), hot/cooked dishes, avoid raw vegetables. Our kids ate street food 1-2 meals/day for 10 days with ZERO stomach issues. It's safe if you're smart.
  5. Splurge on Halong Bay overnight cruise. Don't cheap out ($50-80/person budget cruises). Mid-range ($100-200/person) delivers WAY better experience: smaller groups, better food, nicer cabins, sunset/sunrise. Worth every penny.
  6. Prepare kids for war history. Cu Chi Tunnels + War Remnants Museum are HEAVY. Talk beforehand, debrief after, answer questions honestly. This is educational but emotionally challenging — especially for 8-10 year olds.

"We followed this exact itinerary for our first Vietnam trip (kids 9 and 12) and it was PERFECT. Hit all the highlights, never felt rushed, costs came in at $6,200 (mid-range tier). Halong Bay cruise = incredible, Hoi An = magical, Cu Chi Tunnels = unforgettable. Vietnam exceeded our expectations — we're already planning to return and add Sapa + Mekong Delta."

— Parent of 2, Austin, 10-day Vietnam trip November 2024

Ready to book your Vietnam family adventure? Use this day-by-day itinerary as your blueprint. Vietnam's history, culture, food, and scenery will blow your family away — at 20-30% less cost than Thailand.

Data Sources & Methodology

This itinerary is based on comprehensive research and real family travel experiences:

Prices and availability are subject to change. We recommend verifying current rates when booking. Last verified: October 2025.

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