This 7-day Vietnam itinerary for families is crafted for first-time visitors who want a taste of everything: bustling cities, quiet countryside, cultural heritage, and sandy beaches. The route balances activity and downtime, ensuring children stay engaged while parents enjoy the journey too.
Why Vietnam is great for families
Vietnam is incredibly welcoming to families. From kid-friendly accommodations and safe local cuisine to soft adventure activities and cultural experiences, it offers something for every traveler.
-
Easy travel logistics: Domestic flights are short and affordable.
-
Warm hospitality: Vietnamese people adore children, making families feel at home.
-
Diverse experiences: Mountains, rivers, beaches, cities, and rural landscapes all within reach.
-
Good value: Vietnam remains an affordable destination with excellent services.
This one-week itinerary is based on traveling from north to south, with efficient connections and family-focused highlights.
Day 1–2: Hanoi – Welcome to Vietnam
Start your family journey in Hanoi, the capital city full of charm, history, and vibrant street life. While Hanoi can feel fast-paced, families will find plenty of green spaces and quiet corners.
Morning: Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in the Old Quarter. Choose family-friendly accommodations with connecting rooms or spacious suites. After some rest, take a slow walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, where children can watch local life or feed the turtles.
Afternoon: Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, a fantastic place for kids to learn about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through life-sized traditional houses and interactive exhibits.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional water puppet show—a hit with children—and have dinner at a restaurant with kid-friendly Vietnamese dishes like grilled pork, fried rice, and pho.
Tip: For a more peaceful experience, avoid peak traffic hours and use electric carts to explore the Old Quarter.
Day 3–4: Ninh Binh – Rural landscapes and river fun
Skip Halong Bay for this short trip and head instead to Ninh Binh, just two hours south of Hanoi. This region, often called the “Halong Bay on land,” offers stunning limestone karsts, rivers, and rice paddies.
Morning: Drive from Hanoi to Trang An or Tam Coc, where you’ll board a traditional sampan boat. Kids love passing through low caves, watching ducks swim past, and spotting water buffalo along the banks.
Afternoon: Rent bicycles and explore quiet villages around the countryside. Alternatively, visit Mua Cave Viewpoint (with supervision for small children) for panoramic views over the rice fields.
Evening: Stay at a scenic eco-lodge or resort surrounded by nature. These accommodations are perfect for families who enjoy fresh air, space to roam, and quiet evenings.
Optional activity: Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda—the largest temple complex in Southeast Asia—with its giant Buddha statues and peaceful gardens.
Day 5: Fly to Da Nang – Coastal gateway and beach break
On Day 5, travel south by plane to Da Nang, a vibrant coastal city with clean beaches and family-friendly attractions. Direct flights from Hanoi to Da Nang take under 1.5 hours.
Afternoon: After checking in at your beachfront hotel, spend the rest of the day relaxing on My Khe Beach. The waves are gentle, and the beachfront resorts offer shaded loungers and child-safe pools.
Evening: Try a seafood dinner by the sea, or visit the Dragon Bridge and enjoy the fire-breathing show (on weekends), a fun and unique experience for the whole family.
Note: Da Nang offers a slower pace than Hanoi and is a great place to unwind halfway through your trip.
Day 6: Hoi An – Lanterns, culture, and countryside
Take a short 45-minute drive to Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most enchanting towns. Its car-free Old Town is ideal for families with young children.
Morning: Walk through Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kids love the colorful lanterns, street snacks, and old wooden houses. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, local temples, and traditional workshops.
Afternoon: Take a guided family-friendly cooking class or boat ride along the Thu Bon River, where kids can try paddling in a round bamboo boat.
Evening: Return in time to see the lanterns light up the town. You can also participate in a lantern-making workshop—a great souvenir and activity for the whole family.
Stay overnight in Hoi An at a boutique hotel or resort with a pool, many of which offer family rooms and kids’ play areas.
Day 7: Da Nang – Farewell by the sea
Use your final day to enjoy more beach time or explore a few remaining sights in Da Nang before your flight home.
Option 1 – Relaxation: Stay at the resort, swim, and enjoy a leisurely brunch by the sea.
Option 2 – Adventure: Head to Sun World Ba Na Hills, a mountaintop theme park featuring the famous Golden Bridge, funicular rides, gardens, and indoor attractions. It’s a full-day adventure great for kids of all ages.
Option 3 – Culture and nature: Visit the Marble Mountains, which offer small caves, pagodas, and panoramic views after a short climb.
Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Da Nang International Airport in the late afternoon or evening.
Helpful tips for family travel in Vietnam
-
Pack light but bring layers: Northern Vietnam can be cooler, especially in winter (Dec–Feb), while central Vietnam is warmer.
-
Use private transfers: These are affordable and more flexible for families than buses or taxis.
-
Choose hotels with pools: A mid-day swim break helps children unwind after sightseeing.
-
Try local food slowly: Introduce children to simple dishes like pho ga (chicken noodle soup), banh mi, or plain rice with grilled meat.
-
Protect from the sun: Bring hats, sunscreen, and reusable water bottles for hydration.
Is 7 days enough for a family trip to Vietnam?
While two weeks is ideal, 7 days in Vietnam is enough to explore diverse landscapes, culture, and beach time if you follow a well-planned route. This itinerary offers:
-
Three unique regions (North, Central, and Coast)
-
A mix of city, countryside, and seaside relaxation
-
Kid-friendly experiences tailored for all age groups
-
Efficient travel with minimal transit time
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teens, Vietnam can surprise and delight your family in just one week.
Final thoughts: A family trip to remember
This 7-day Vietnam itinerary for families combines education, excitement, and relaxation in a way that few destinations can. From rowing through rice paddies in Ninh Binh to lantern-lit nights in Hoi An and beach days in Da Nang, each experience builds lasting memories.
Vietnam is more than just a destination—it’s a place where families reconnect with each other and the world around them. With friendly locals, safe travel infrastructure, and unforgettable sights, it’s the perfect place for your next family adventure.
Ready to plan your one-week Vietnam family trip? Let us help design a custom itinerary that fits your family’s pace, preferences, and travel goals.
View trip map
