A gentle-paced journey through Vietnam with shorter journeys, and plenty of downtime.

Day 1–3: Hanoi
Begin in the lively capital, Hanoi, where families can settle into a hotel in the Old Quarter. Kids will love a ride in a cyclo (rickshaw) through the bustling streets and a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, where they can spot turtles and watch street performers. A visit to the Water Puppet Theatre makes for a fun cultural introduction, with colourful characters and live music. Families can also join a cooking class adapted for children or take a guided market walk where little ones can “spot” unusual fruits and snacks. Early evenings are best spent in the Old Quarter, with easy restaurants serving pho and spring rolls.

Day 4–5: Halong Bay (2 hr drive + 2 hr boat transfer)
Travel to the coast for an overnight cruise in Halong Bay or the quieter Bai Tu Long Bay. Board a family-friendly junk boat and sail among dramatic limestone islands. The pace here is slow, with options to kayak in calm lagoons, swim from the boat, or visit caves. On board, kids enjoy squid fishing in the evening or simply watching the world drift by. Parents can relax knowing activities are soft and safe, while the novelty of sleeping on a boat is always a hit with children.

Day 6–9: Hoi An (1.5 hr flight Hanoi → Da Nang + 45 min drive)
Fly south to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most family-friendly stops. Days here are flexible: explore the lantern-lit streets of the old town, take part in a lantern-making workshop, or ride bikes gently through rice fields with a guide (child seats and trailers available). Families can also enjoy boat rides on the river or relax on Cua Dai or An Bang beach, both just outside town. Evenings are magical, with colourful lanterns, food markets, and relaxed cafés.

Day 10–12: Da Nang Beach Stay (30 min drive from Hoi An)
End your trip with downtime on the coast near Da Nang. Resorts here have wide sandy beaches, large pools, and kids’ clubs.. Families can take short trips to the Marble Mountains for gentle climbing and cave temples, or ride the Ba Na Hills cable car, one of the longest in the world, where children will love the famous Golden Bridge held up by giant stone hands. Parents can unwind knowing the final days are all about rest and play.

Day 13: Departure
Fly home from Da Nang via Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Depending on flight times, enjoy a final swim or a relaxed seaside breakfast before departure.

An adventure-filled journey through Vietnam that balances culture, outdoor activities, and city life with a touch of relaxation at the end.

Day 1–2: Hanoi
Arrive in Vietnam’s capital and dive straight into its lively energy. Teens will enjoy exploring the maze-like Old Quarter, either on foot or by cyclo (rickshaw). A street food tour introduces the city’s flavours — from banh mi to egg coffee — while a cooking class lets the whole family get hands-on. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum or the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, for cultural depth. In the evenings, wander night markets or take in a traditional Water Puppet Show.

Day 3–5: Sapa (overnight train or 5 hr drive)
Travel north into the mountains around Sapa, famous for its rice terraces and hill tribe culture. Families can trek with local guides through villages of the Hmong and Red Dao people, staying in a simple homestay for a night or two to experience rural life up close. For those who prefer more comfort, base yourself in Sapa town and take day hikes. Teens often love the sense of achievement from trekking, as well as meeting local families. The cooler climate is also a refreshing change after Hanoi.

Day 6–7: Halong Bay (transfer via Hanoi, then 2 hr drive + 2 hr boat)
Return south for an overnight cruise in Halong Bay (or less touristy Bai Tu Long Bay). Here, teens can kayak into caves, swim off the boat, and explore hidden lagoons. In the evenings, try squid fishing or simply stargaze from the deck. The landscapes are dramatic and memorable, making this a highlight for adventurous families.

Day 8–10: Hoi An (1.5 hr flight Hanoi → Da Nang + 45 min drive)
Fly south to the lantern-lit town of Hoi An, where adventure and culture combine. Take a bike ride through rice paddies, try paddleboarding on the river, or join a cooking class. Families can also explore the old town’s markets and tailors, or head to An Bang Beach for downtime. Evenings in Hoi An are buzzing with night markets and lantern-lit streets.

Day 11–13: Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta (1.5 hr flight)
End in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), where energy runs high. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, with sections adapted for visitors who want a taste of history without crawling through the tightest passages. Teens will enjoy an evening Vespa tour, zipping between food stalls and live music cafés. Spend a day in the Mekong Delta, boating between islands, cycling through coconut groves, and tasting local specialties like honey tea and coconut candy. The combination of hands-on experiences and adventure makes this a fitting finale.

Day 14: Departure
Fly home from Ho Chi Minh City, or extend your stay with a few days at Phu Quoc Island, where snorkelling, diving, and lively night markets appeal to teens and parents alike.

A balanced journey through Vietnam that blends city buzz, adventures, cultural highlights, and downtime — designed to keep children, tweens, teens, and parents happy all at once.

Day 1–3: Hanoi
Begin your adventure in Hanoi, where families can settle into the Old Quarter. Take a fun cyclo (rickshaw) ride through the maze of streets, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, and enjoy the colourful Water Puppet Theatre. For food-loving families, join a street food tour where dishes can be adapted for little ones, or take a cooking class to learn how to roll fresh spring rolls together. Older children might enjoy visiting the Temple of Literature, while younger ones can explore local markets with a guide who brings them to life through stories and simple games.

Day 4–5: Halong Bay (2 hr drive + 2 hr boat transfer)
Travel east for an overnight cruise in Halong Bay or quieter Bai Tu Long Bay. Families can kayak in calm lagoons, swim from the boat, and visit caves filled with stalactites. Kids will love trying squid fishing in the evening, while parents can relax on deck. The novelty of sleeping on a boat, combined with the dramatic scenery, makes this a highlight for all ages.

Day 6–8: Hoi An (1.5 hr flight Hanoi → Da Nang + 45 min drive)
Fly south to Hoi An, where there’s something for everyone. Younger kids can join a lantern-making workshop or splash at the beach, while teens can cycle through rice paddies, try paddleboarding on the river, or browse the buzzing night markets. Parents will enjoy the old town’s food scene, cafés, and riverside charm. Evenings are particularly magical, with colourful lanterns strung across the streets and the gentle bustle of the night markets.

Day 9–11: Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta (1.5 hr flight)
End in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Visit Ben Thanh Market and the Reunification Palace, where curious kids can explore grand rooms and bunkers. Families can take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, which have shorter, family-friendly sections to explore, or head to the Mekong Delta for boat rides, coconut candy-making, and gentle cycling through small villages. Older children may enjoy an evening Vespa or Jeep food tour, while younger ones can relax with a simple river cruise.

Day 12: Departure
Fly home from Ho Chi Minh City. For families who prefer more downtime at the end, add an optional beach extension in Phu Quoc or Mui Ne, both offering sandy beaches, pools, and water activities.

For families who want to step beyond the classic highlights, this journey explores Vietnam’s rural landscapes, ethnic cultures, and quieter beaches — while keeping travel times manageable for children.

Day 1–2: Hanoi
Arrive in the capital and spend two nights exploring its lively streets. Take a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, and catch a performance at the Water Puppet Theatre. Families can also join a cooking class or a guided street food walk, with dishes tailored to younger palates. A half-day trip to nearby Bat Trang pottery village lets kids try making their own ceramics — a hands-on way to start the trip.

Day 3–5: Ha Giang (5–6 hr drive from Hanoi)
Travel north into the spectacular mountains of Ha Giang, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful but least-visited regions. Families can stay in small eco-lodges or village homestays, where kids will love meeting local Hmong and Tay families. Days are filled with gentle treks, scenic drives along the Dong Van Karst Plateau, and village visits, with older children enjoying the sense of adventure and remoteness. Evenings are spent sharing home-cooked meals, a cultural experience in itself.

Day 6–7: Ba Be Lake (4 hr drive)
Continue to Ba Be National Park, where limestone peaks surround a vast freshwater lake. Families can take a boat trip or kayak across the calm waters, explore caves, and cycle between small villages. Staying in a homestay by the lake offers a chance to unplug, with simple comforts and plenty of outdoor play for kids. Nature-loving families will appreciate the slower pace after Ha Giang’s mountain drives.

Day 8–9: Hanoi (6 hr drive from Ba Be)
Return to Hanoi for a night to break the journey. Families can revisit favourite spots in the Old Quarter or relax in a hotel with a pool. This also allows time to catch a short domestic flight south the following day without stress.

Day 10–12: Quy Nhon (1 hr flight from Hanoi)
Fly to the coastal town of Quy Nhon, a quiet alternative to Vietnam’s busier beaches. Resorts here are family-friendly but low-key, with long sandy beaches and plenty of space to unwind. Families can take a day trip to Cham towers, visit fishing villages, or simply relax by the pool. Teens may enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding, while younger children can play safely on the beach. Evenings are laid-back, with beach barbecues and fresh seafood.

Day 13: Departure
Fly from Quy Nhon to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to connect with your onward international flight.

For inquisitive families who love history, culture, and hands-on learning, with a route that combines Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 1–3: Hanoi
Begin in the capital, where children can discover Vietnam’s history and traditions in an interactive way. Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which brings ethnic culture to life with life-size houses and artefacts. Families can also join a cooking class or take a guided walk through the Old Quarter, turning street food into a delicious history lesson. Evenings can be spent at the Water Puppet Theatre, where folklore is performed through music and puppetry.

Day 4–6: Hue (1 hr flight from Hanoi)
Fly south to Hue, the former imperial capital. Explore the vast Imperial Citadel, where kids can wander through palaces, gates, and hidden gardens. A dragon boat ride along the Perfume River takes you to the Thien Mu Pagoda, while day trips include exploring ornate emperors’ tombs. Families can also try a traditional craft workshop, such as making paper flowers or kites — both famous in Hue. Teens may appreciate the historical depth, while younger children enjoy the colourful temples and interactive activities.

Day 7–9: Hoi An (3 hr drive from Hue via Hai Van Pass)
Travel along the scenic Hai Van Pass to Hoi An. Families can join a lantern-making class, cycle through rice paddies, or visit a local farming village to learn how rice is grown. The old town offers a rich cultural mix of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese heritage, while nearby An Bang Beach is perfect for downtime. Evening markets lit by lanterns provide a magical family atmosphere.

Day 10–12: Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta (1.5 hr flight)
End your journey in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), where modern energy meets historic depth. Visit the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum (more suitable for older children and teens), and the lively Ben Thanh Market. Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta, where hands-on activities include coconut candy-making, visiting fruit orchards, and boating between small islands. 

Day 13: Departure
Fly home from Ho Chi Minh City. Families with more time can extend with a few extra nights on Phu Quoc Island, combining history and culture with snorkelling and beach downtime.