This 2-week Vietnam itinerary for families gives you everything you need to get the most out of your family travels in this amazing country.
Vietnam is one of my favourite countries in Asia and has a little bit of everything to make it the perfect country to spend a memorable family holiday.
The food is incredible, it has a great choice of family-friendly hotels and an abundance of culturally interesting activities to enjoy.
I’ve spent a lot of time in Vietnam over the years – week-long holidays, short weekend getaways, 2-day stopovers and a longer 3-week journey from north to south.
Based on all of this, I’ve put together this 2-week Vietnam itinerary so that you can get the most out of your family travels in this amazing country.
Insider Tip: Don’t underestimate the travel times in Vietnam. It looks like a small country but it takes a long time to get everywhere by train or bus. For this reason, in this itinerary, I have included flying between the major destinations. If you have longer, then by all means slow down and check out the trains and buses.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a booking or purchase using one of these links, we may receive a small commission – at absolutely no extra cost to you.
Table of Contents
Vietnam: North to South? Or South to North?
When planning your Vietnam itinerary, the first thing you need to decide is which direction to travel in. Vietnam is long and narrow, and so visitors usually travel in one direction: north to south or south to north.
Partly this will depend on the best flights you can get – whether it’s easier/cheaper to fly into Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
We have always travelled North to South, and so that is what this article is based on. If you decide to travel South to North, just reverse the itinerary 🙂
Insider tip: One advantage of travelling North to South is that you can continue your journey along the Mekong into Cambodia if you are planning to extend your Southeast Asia trip.
Day 1-3: Hanoi – A Perfect Start
Hanoi is where you’ll kick things off, and honestly, it’s one of my favourite cities in the world! It’s an assault on the senses with a cool mix of old-world charm and modern buzz.
Plus, the food scene is to die for!
Top things to do with the family:
You can read more in this article: Things to do in Hanoi with Kids
- Hanoi Street Food Tour – I highly recommend doing a street food tour when you first arrive in Vietnam. For me the food is one of the highlights and being shown around by a local and learning more about the local delicacies as soon as you arrive is a great way to kick things off.
- Old Quarter: explore this maze of streets where you can shop for souvenirs, try street food, and take in all the sights and sounds.
- Take a Cyclo Tour: the kids will love taking in the vibe from the comfort of a cyclo. It will weave you through the crowds and around the motorbikes to soak in the atmosphere without getting tired legs.
- Water Puppet Show: Watch the puppets dance on water, telling tales from Vietnamese folklore.
- Museum of Ethnology: Fabulous museum exploring the culture of the 54 ethnic groups that make up Vietnam’s population. A great spot for the kids to learn about the local culture.
Insider Tip: Grab some traditional egg coffee (or a kid-friendly coconut coffee) at one of the hidden cafes overlooking the lake!
Hanoi Hotel Recommendations
High-end:
- Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi – A luxurious, colonial-style hotel with a rich history. It offers a stunning pool and spacious rooms perfect for families.
- JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi – Modern and stylish, this hotel has large rooms and a kid-friendly indoor pool.
- InterContinental Hanoi Westlake – Located on the tranquil West Lake, it offers water views and villas with plenty of space for families.
Mid-range:
- Shining Central Hotel & Spa – Known for its friendly service, this boutique hotel offers interconnecting and family rooms and a cozy vibe.
- Bendecir Hotel & Spa – Great location with spacious family rooms and an onsite restaurant and bar. Clean, comfortable, and great value for families.
- JA Cosmo Hotel & Spa – Known for its friendly and helpful staff, this hotel offers family rooms and suites in a great location.
Day 4-5: Halong Bay – Magical Cruise Time
A 4-hour drive from Hanoi brings you to the stunning Halong Bay.
It’s one of the most famous destinations in Vietnam and often on people’s bucket lists. It has become pretty crowded over the years, but you definitely want to include it in your itinerary.
Insider Tip: Book an overnight boat trip in Halong Bay. Don’t try to do it in one day, especially with kids.
Make sure you do your research into the boat trip you choose. There are plenty to choose from and also plenty of variety when it comes to quality. You generally get what you pay for!
Most trips will take you to visit the ‘hidden cave’ and there is plenty of opportunity for swimming and kayaking.
How to get to from Hanoi to Halong Bay: Most tours will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi making this an easy, stress-free experience.
Cruise Options
Day 6-8: Sapa – Trekking Adventures
Many people skip Sapa, especially if they are rushed for time or would prefer to spend extra time chilling on the beach.
However, it’s a great option if you want to get out into the countryside and experience a different side of the country.
This northern getaway is famous for its terraced rice fields, ethnic minority villages, and cool mountain air. It’s great for families who love the outdoors but also for introducing the kids to a more local way of life.
You can organise treks and homestay experiences, which are a must if you are going to go all the way to Sapa. Don’t just stay in the town (it’s not that nice).
Join a tour so that you can explore properly, learn about the local ethnic minorities from a local, and stay in a homestay to experience rural life.
How to get from Hanoi to Sapa: Take the overnight train. This is a great option as it doesn’t cut into your travelling time, saves money on a hotel and is a great adventure for the kids! Another option is to book a luxury overnight Sleeper bus.
You can also organise a 2-day tour from Hanoi that will include your overnight transport to and from Sapa.
Insider Tip: You should be able to jump straight on the overnight train or bus when you get back from Halong Bay so that you don’t need to spend another day in Hanoi in between.
Sapa Tours
Sapa Hotel Recommendations
High-end:
- Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa – This top-notch resort blends French and local architecture, with family-friendly villas and mountain views.
- Topas Ecolodge – A unique, eco-luxury experience in the hills of Sapa with bungalows offering panoramic views.
- Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa Sapa – A beautiful resort with a kid-friendly pool and stunning mountain views.
Mid-range:
- Sapa Horizon Hotel – Comfortable, modern rooms with great service and close proximity to the town center.
- Sapa Relax Hotel & Spa – Great location close to the centre of town with stunning views. Family rooms available.
- Eden Boutique Hotel & Spa – Centrally located with a warm and welcoming staff. Family rooms available.
Day 9-12: Hoi An & Danang – A Coastal Getaway
A quick flight from Hanoi brings you to the colourful lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the long sandy beaches of Danang.
Hoi An and Danang are located just around a 30-minute drive from each other so choose one to base yourself in and you can explore the other from here.
Together they make up one of the most family-friendly destinations in Vietnam, with a laid-back vibe and plenty to see and do.
Must-do activities in Hoi An & Danang
You can read more in this article: Things to do in Hoi An with Kids
- Food Tour: Even if you’ve done a food tour in Hanoi, I still recommend doing another food tour in Hoi An! Food is very regional and your guide will help you find the best.
- Cooking class: There are family-friendly cooking classes where the kids can help make spring rolls and banh xeo.
- Chill at the Beach: You’ll find some of the country’s best beaches around here, so make the most of them!
- Countryside and Fishing Tour: great fun and educational for the kids. Includes cycling through the paddy fields and fun riding the basketboats.
- Marble Mountains: A quick stop to climb and explore caves filled with Buddhist shrines.
- Ba Na Hills: This fantasy-themed amusement park in the mountains has the famous golden bridge held by giant hands.
How to get to Hoi An/Danang from Hanoi: I would recommend taking a domestic flight to Danang. It’s the most relaxing way to get there and takes just around an hour and a half.
Hotel Recommendations in Hoi An & Danang
You can read more recommendations for Family-friendly hotels in Hoi An & Danang here.
High-end:
- Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai (Hoi An) – A luxurious beachfront resort with private villas, pools, and kid-friendly activities.
- Hyatt Regency (Danang) – Beachfront property with spacious rooms and apartments, kids club, huge swimming pool and choice of bars and restaurants.
- Anantara Hoi An Resort – This riverside resort offers a blend of cultural experiences and family-friendly facilities.
Mid-range:
- La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa – A fantastic, family-friendly resort with two pools, family suites, and free shuttles to the beach.
- Hoi An Riverside Villas & Apartments – Close to the Old Town with family rooms and a beautiful pool area for kids.
- Little Oasis – charming hotel on the outskirts of town. It offers two rooftop pools and an onsite restaurant.
Day 13-14: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Big City Fun
Fly down to bustling Ho Chi Minh City to end your trip.
This is where the energy really ramps up, It’s a big, busy modern city, but don’t worry – there’s plenty to keep the family entertained.
Family-friendly activities in Ho Chi Minh
Read more in our article Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City with Kids
- Cu Chi Tunnels: While not for very young kids, older ones will find this underground world fascinating. Read more about our experience Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels.
- War Remnants Museum: It’s intense, but important. Skip the more graphic exhibits if needed.
- Suoi Tien Amusement Park: A quirky, Buddhist-themed amusement park with water slides, animals, and a ton of attractions.
- Ben Thanh Market: Let the kids help pick out souvenirs for friends and family back home.
- Bitextco Financial Tower: Take in the view from the city’s highest viewing point.
Insider Tip: If you’re planning to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, try to get a tour that goes by speedboat. It’s a way more fun and relaxing way to get there.
How to get to Ho Chi Minh City from Hoi An/Danang: I would recommend taking a domestic flight from Danang. It’s the most relaxing way to get there and takes just around an hour and a half.
Ho Chi Minh City Hotel recommendations
High-end:
- Park Hyatt Saigon – A classic, luxury hotel with a central location, spacious family suites, and a beautiful pool area.
- Fusion Original Saigon Centre – Funky boutique hotel with swimming pool located in the heart of the city. The 2-bedroom executive apartment is perfect for families.
- The Reverie Saigon Residential Suites – Beautifully appointed one and two-bedroom suites with choice of restaurants and outdoor swimming pool.
Mid-range:
- Au Lac Legend Hotel – Modern, stylish hotel with a lovely swimming pool in a great location just a 10-minute walk from Ben Thanh Market. Family suite available.
- Sherwood Suites – Large modern apartment-style suites with kitchenettes. Families will love the onsite swimming pool and kids club.
- Orchids Saigon Hotel – warm and welcoming centrally located hotel with an indoor swimming pool and onsite restaurant and bar. Family suite available.