Vietnam itinerary 10 days family – Explore southern and central Vietnam with kids

Day 1: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City

Begin your family adventure in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Upon arrival, check in to a centrally located hotel with family-friendly amenities and rest after your flight. In the evening, take a gentle walk along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, where children can enjoy fountains and public art while adults soak in the vibrant city vibe.

Day 2: Discover Ho Chi Minh City’s highlights

Start your day at the War Remnants Museum, which provides an insightful yet sensitive look at Vietnam’s history. For younger children, the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens offer a more relaxed atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and the Ben Thanh Market to introduce your family to local snacks and handicrafts.

If your children are adventurous eaters, try a Vietnamese food tour by cyclo or motorbike (with child-safe options). Street food in Saigon is both exciting and surprisingly kid-friendly, with dishes like banh mi, rice pancakes, and grilled corn.

Day 3: Day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels

Take a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, about 1.5 hours from the city. The site gives visitors a glimpse into Vietnam’s wartime past with well-preserved tunnels and displays. Older children and teens usually find this site fascinating. Guides provide engaging stories and even allow visitors to crawl through short sections of tunnel (optional).

In the afternoon, return to the city and unwind at your hotel. Consider a rooftop dinner overlooking the Saigon skyline—many restaurants offer both Vietnamese and Western options for children.

Day 4: Explore the Mekong Delta (Ben Tre)

Leave the city behind and head to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s lush “rice bowl.” The drive to Ben Tre takes around two hours. Families love this peaceful countryside experience—board a small boat to cruise along coconut-lined canals, visit a brick kiln, and stop at a coconut candy workshop. The gentle boat ride is ideal for kids, and the hands-on activities keep everyone engaged.

Enjoy lunch in a riverside garden restaurant before heading to your homestay or eco-lodge. The slow pace of life in the delta is a refreshing change that families often find grounding and relaxing.

Day 5: Return to Ho Chi Minh City and fly to Da Lat

After breakfast in the Mekong, return to Ho Chi Minh City and catch a short domestic flight to Da Lat, the jewel of the central highlands. With its cooler temperatures, pine forests, and flower gardens, Da Lat feels like a different world from the lowlands.

Upon arrival, stroll around Xuan Huong Lake or visit a local café. Many accommodations here offer family villas with fireplaces and garden views—perfect for unwinding after a busy few days.

Day 6: Adventure in Da Lat’s cool climate

Da Lat is one of Vietnam’s most family-friendly destinations. Start your morning at the Crazy House, an imaginative, fairytale-like structure that will fascinate kids. Then visit Datanla Waterfall, where you can take a thrilling alpine coaster ride down the hill (with safety harnesses and parent-child tandem seats).

In the afternoon, ride the cable car to Truc Lam Pagoda and enjoy panoramic views. For animal lovers, the Puppy Farm or Zoodoo Zoo are great stops. End your day with a hot chocolate in Da Lat’s night market, browsing souvenirs and tasting street food like sweet potato cakes and avocado ice cream.

Day 7: Travel to Nha Trang and relax by the beach

Drive about 3.5 hours to Nha Trang, a coastal city known for its sandy beaches and family resorts. Check into a beachfront hotel or resort that offers pools, kids’ clubs, and activities.

Spend the afternoon at the beach building sandcastles, swimming, or simply relaxing under the palm trees. For dinner, seafood restaurants along Tran Phu Street often have kids’ menus and stunning views.

Day 8: Water fun at VinWonders Nha Trang

Dedicate this day to VinWonders Nha Trang, a family-friendly theme park on Hon Tre Island. It includes a water park, aquarium, roller coasters, and cultural shows. To get there, take the cable car over the sea—an exciting adventure in itself.

The park is designed for all ages, with shaded areas, lockers, food courts, and stroller rentals. It’s a full-day outing that guarantees excitement and smiles from your little ones to your teens.

Day 9: Island-hopping or mud bathing

For a more relaxing day, choose a half-day island-hopping tour to nearby islets like Hon Mun or Hon Tam, where kids can snorkel in shallow waters or enjoy boat rides. Alternatively, treat the family to a traditional Vietnamese mud bath and hot spring experience—fun, therapeutic, and surprisingly popular with children!

Return to your hotel in the afternoon and spend your final night in Nha Trang enjoying a beachside dinner with lantern-lit views.

Day 10: Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Cam Ranh International Airport for your departure flight. Depending on your schedule, you may have time for one last stroll along the beach or a quick souvenir run.

This itinerary ends with relaxed family bonding by the sea—an ideal way to wrap up your 10-day adventure in Vietnam.

Why this itinerary is great for families

This southern and central route offers a slower, tropical alternative to the popular north-to-central itinerary. Travel distances are manageable, weather is warmer year-round, and each destination brings a fresh experience—from city culture and village life to mountains and coast.

The itinerary avoids too many flights and long journeys, making it suitable for children of all ages. It also includes built-in downtime, which is crucial when traveling with young kids.

Family travel tips

• Weather: Pack light clothing, hats, and sunblock—especially for the coast. Da Lat can be chilly in the evenings, so bring a jacket.

• Transport: Arrange private transfers with child seats or use local taxis with reliable apps like Grab.

• Accommodation: Book family suites or connecting rooms in advance. Many resorts offer amenities like baby cribs and kids’ clubs.

• Food: Vietnamese cuisine is flavorful but not too spicy. Rice, noodles, grilled meats, and tropical fruits are kid-friendly staples.