Family-Friendly Vietnam Itinerary

What to expect on this itinerary
Step into a world of water that is presented by Vietnam’s enchanting highlights on this luxurious, 7-day family adventure. Southern Vietnam boasts a collection of geographical phenomena and culture-drenched landmarks across its beautifully diverse landscape. Many of these highlights are aquatic by nature, such as chestnut rivers that cascade over archaic rock formations, curved bays that are bordered by jade, and century-old temples that honor spiritual gods of water. From the open seas to gentle streams, you will escape the busy crowds in Southern Vietnam.
Customizable Itinerary
Ho Chi Minh City – The Water Goddess
Once you land and clear customs, you will meet your private transfer and cruise across the cityscape toward your luxurious accommodation. In the lobby, a guide will be waiting to lead you on an educational exploration of the city’s highlights. During your tour, you will weave through the cityscape and venture to Thien Hau Temple. The elaborate, spiritual complex is the sacred heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown. Your tour may continue to a selection of must-visit locations, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and War Remnants Museum, but where you venture will be entirely up to you and your family.
What's Included:
Ho Chi Minh City – Uncover Spectacles and Culture
Phan Thiet – Sand-Boarding and Dramatic Slopes
Phan Thiet – Trek through Time
Vinh Hy Bay – Sensational Sights and Flavors
Vinh Hy Bay – Wallow in Water Sports
Cam Ranh – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Indulge in a tour of the fabled Thien Hau Temple of Ho Chi Minh City to uncover Vietnam’s fascinating blend of spiritual influences
- Voyage across the iconic Mekong Delta on a guided speed boat tour to Ben Tre, which is a charming riverside village that is teeming with cultural intrigue
- Witness a celebrated Water Puppet Show that will share insight into Vietnam’s traditional performing arts while dazzling in its vivid display
- Hurtle across the sienna sands of Phan Thiet’s Red Sand Dunes on an enthralling sand-boarding expedition
- Trek through the soothing waters of Fairy Stream to encounter its unique rock formations and coconut palm landscape
- Soar to the summit of Ta Cu Mountain on a cable-car to reveal the unbridled panoramic spectacles that make up the greater Phan Thiet landscape
- Wallow in the aquatic allure of the venerated Vinh Hy Bay and enjoy an abundance of water sports for a new perspective of the bay
Detailed Description
Decadent in its contemporary design and elegantly adorned in traditional Vietnamese furnishings, your grand suite in Ho Chi Minh City will embody luxury and charm in addition to providing you with spectacular views of the cityscape. You will call this home for a few nights, and every detail will breathe opulence. From the repose of your room, you will be submerged in the unique atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City on a guided tour to iconic landmarks. Your first destination will be Thien Hau Temple, and along your way, you will pass by markets brimming with enthusiastic visitors and fragrant street food.
Thien Hau Temple is an elaborately crafted spiritual pagoda that honors the ancient Chinese water goddess, Mazu. The curved roof is colorfully decorated, and intricately carved statues decorate the altar, while burning incense blankets the walkways. A peaceful ambiance will radiate from the temple, and you will delight in the tranquility as you learn more about Vietnam’s ancient customs. You will continue your educational expedition to more significant destinations, which will be selected specifically for their prominent value to the Vietnamese people.
The following day, you will be led out of the city along the Mekong Delta in a private speed boat. You will cruise down narrow canals that are fringed by mighty mangroves and onto the weaving tributaries, where you will explore traditional riverside life. In the modest town of Ben Tre, locals will welcome you with friendly smiles to their charming homes that are located within an intriguing landscape. Beyond witnessing timeless, cultural crafts, you will marvel at the stunning destination while being wowed by the Mekong’s unspoiled majesty.
Your voyage will continue along the coastline toward the humble fishing village of Phan Thiet. Time moves slowly in this endearing town because, in this city, warm-natured locals embrace the few foreigners who travel here. The Red Sand Dunes of Phan Thiet will be a spectacle to behold, and your family will delight in thrilling activities on the rolling slopes. From sand-boarding down the staggering peaks to dune-buggying over the velvety sand, a day on the dunes will provide you with breathtaking adventures and photos. When you wake up the following morning, you will yearn to discover more, and your knowledgeable tour guide will ensure that you do. You will then arrive at the gentle Fairy Stream, which is a chocolate-colored river that showcases stark topographic contrasts on both sides of its gentle stream. Both dune cliffs and luscious greenery embellish the surrounding terrain, creating a unique environmental display that you will adore and appreciate. A short cable-car ride up Ta Cu Mountain will then reveal the sprawling vistas of the greater Phan Thiet from a summit well above the rest.
Your final overnight destination will be Vinh Hy Bay, which is an idyllic crescent headland that is nestled off the beaten path on Vietnam’s coastline. You will venture down to the sea to experience all that it has to offer. There is a wealth of opportunity to experience in this aquatic destination, such as snorkeling, viewing vivid marine life, kayaking alongside forested rock formations, soaring across the water’s surface on a catamaran, and windsurfing. You will continue to Cam Ranh on your final morning, where you will delve into the delightful flavors of Vietnam’s famed cuisine before being whisked away to Ho Chi Minh City for your flight home.
Starting Price
$1,700 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.
Verified Traveler Reviews
Based on 73 reviews
Zicasso’s travel agency worked patiently with us over several months to organize a perfect four-country tour through Indochina, doing exactly what we asked, including a Khmer cooking class with a local chef.
We were met on arrival in each county by an experienced English-speaking guide who was well-versed in the history, geography, and culture of each location, and they were just delightful people too. They took us to rural villages and through urban mazes to get a close look at the daily life of the citizens. We chatted with farmers in the field and had meals in local homes. Our agency booked amazing hotels for each stop, from an eco-lodge in the mountains of Vietnam to a spectacular seaside resort in Thailand.
We had contact names and numbers for agency representatives in each country. They were incredibly responsive, even after hours, when we had a small medical issue. They gave us a completely seamless experience from arrival to departure, with no wasted time. Vacation time is very precious, so we prefer to work with professionals who know the area intimately and take the time to understand our objectives rather than pushing a canned itinerary.
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Zicasso's tour company did a fabulous job arranging our 10-night trip to Vietnam.
We visited Vietnam from south to north, starting in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and the Mekong River, then to Hội An and Huế, and finally to Hanoi and Hạ Long Bay.
At each location, the travel company provided us with very knowledgeable local guides who taught us the history and the culture of the area, which was our main ask.
The guides and our coordinator were professional and fun, and we enjoyed our time with the guides as much as we enjoyed the beautiful country.
The coordinator even met us at our hotel in Hanoi to make sure we were well taken care of.
We would use this travel company in the future.
Thank you.
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Zicasso's travel specialist did an excellent job in planning our trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, and was extremely attentive in helping us prepare for the trip and after we arrived. The cruise from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia was superb.
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We traveled to Vietnam and Cambodia from May 8 to 22, 2025. This was my fifth trip through Zicasso. As expected, the itinerary was excellent and exactly what we were looking for. I did double my budget from what I initially sent to Zicasso.
All of the lodging selections were outstanding. Along with the tours of the Ho Chi Minh complex, Hue Imperial City, the Angkor Wat complex, and numerous other temples and pagodas, we experienced a cable car ride to a mountain summit, a walk through an ethnic village, a water puppet show, a Cambodian circus, a Vietnamese cooking class, an evening lantern boat ride in Hoi An, and dinner in one of the top 50 restaurants in Asia. The water puppets are an ancient Vietnamese art (11th century) and the show was extraordinary.
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Our trip to Vietnam was nothing short of exceptional, and it stands out as one of the most well-organized and enjoyable travel experiences we’ve ever had. From start to finish, every detail was thoughtfully arranged, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty, culture, and history of the country without any stress or logistical concerns.
The journey began in Hanoi, where we were immediately impressed by the seamless airport pick-up and smooth transfer to our hotel. The accommodation was ideally located—comfortable, clean, and perfectly situated for exploring the Old Quarter. Guided tours were expertly paced, balancing iconic highlights with quieter moments that let us absorb the rhythm of daily life. Our guide was knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about Vietnam’s history and culture.
From Hanoi, we traveled to Ha Long Bay, and this portion of the trip was truly unforgettable. Transportation was punctual and comfortable, and boarding the cruise was effortless. The overnight cruise itself exceeded expectations: elegant cabins, excellent service, and breathtaking views of the limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. Activities such as kayaking and cave visits were well coordinated, never rushed, and thoughtfully timed to avoid crowds. Meals on board were outstanding and added to the overall sense of luxury and relaxation.
Next, we ventured to Ninh Binh, often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” and it was a highlight of the itinerary. The scenic drive was smooth and our accommodations offered a peaceful retreat surrounded by dramatic landscapes. Boat rides through the rice paddies and towering cliffs were serene and magical. Again, the logistics were flawless—clear schedules, attentive guides, and effortless transitions between activities.
Our journey continued south to Hue and Hoi An, with flights and transfers handled seamlessly. In Hue, the historical sites were presented in a way that made Vietnam’s imperial past come alive. The hotel was elegant and restful, perfectly complementing the city’s reflective atmosphere. Hoi An, with its lantern-lit streets and charming architecture, was a dream. The accommodation here was particularly memorable—beautifully designed, centrally located, and paired with exceptional service. Tailoring experiences, cycling excursions, and free time were all balanced perfectly.
What truly set this trip apart was the level of organization. Every transfer, hotel check-in, tour, and meal arrangement was smooth and stress-free. We never once had to worry about timing, transportation, or communication. The attention to detail and professionalism of the tour arrangements allowed us to focus entirely on enjoying Vietnam’s incredible scenery, cuisine, and culture.
In summary, this Vietnam trip—from Hanoi and Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh, Hue, and Hoi An—was flawlessly executed. Exceptional planning, seamless transport, high-quality accommodations, and attentive guides made it an outstanding travel experience. We would wholeheartedly recommend this itinerary to anyone seeking a comprehensive, comfortable, and deeply rewarding journey through Vietnam.
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Zicasso’s travel partner curated the perfect trip to Vietnam and Cambodia for me! We provided a wish list of itinerary items and they went above and beyond with exceptional tour guides, accommodations, and local transportation. I especially appreciated that the travel specialist checked in with us on each leg to ensure things were going smoothly.
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