Budget 9 Day Family Itinerary in Vietnam: Explore, Eat & Enjoy Affordably
Vietnam is an incredible destination for families seeking both adventure and affordability. With its rich culture, diverse landscapes, friendly locals, and wallet-friendly prices, it’s the perfect place to explore with children in tow. Whether you’re navigating the bustling streets of Hanoi, sailing through Ha Long Bay, or soaking in the charm of Hoi An, this budget 9 day family itinerary in Vietnam will help you experience the country’s highlights without breaking the bank.
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi – Gateway to the North
Kick off your budget 9 day family itinerary in Vietnam in Hanoi, the capital city teeming with culture and energy.
Budget tips:
Take a local taxi or Grab from the airport (~200,000 VND).
Stay in a family-friendly budget hotel or guesthouse in the Old Quarter (500,000–800,000 VND/night).
Family activities:
Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake.
Watch the Thang Long Water Puppet Show (kids love this!).
Grab local street food: Bánh mì and phở are tasty, filling, and cheap.
Day 2: Hanoi – Explore Like a Local
Budget 9 day family itinerary in Vietnam continues with deeper exploration of Hanoi.
Must-see (and mostly free):
Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Presidential Palace area.
Train Street (visit during safe hours with kids).
Eat:
Enjoy a family meal of bun cha for ~40,000 VND per person.
Extra tip:
Use buses or walk—many attractions are close together.
Day 3: Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise – Budget Style
Travel to Ha Long Bay (approx. 3.5 hours by bus). While cruises can be pricey, there are budget options that offer a quality overnight family experience.
Affordable options:
Book a 2-star or 3-star cruise with family cabins (~1.5–2 million VND per person, including meals).
Family highlights:
Kayaking
Swimming
Visiting Surprise Cave
Cooking classes onboard
Tip:
Book directly with reputable providers or local agencies to avoid commissions.
Day 4: Return to Hanoi & Flight to Da Nang
Return to Hanoi around noon. Catch a domestic flight to Da Nang (~1–1.5 million VND per person with budget airlines).
Budget tips:
Book early and fly midweek for cheaper fares.
Stay in Da Nang near My Khe Beach or city center (~600,000 VND per night).
Relaxing activities:
Sunset at the beach.
Night market visit for affordable dinner and souvenirs.
Day 5: Da Nang & Ba Na Hills (Optional Splurge)
While Ba Na Hills is a bit of a splurge (~750,000 VND/person), it’s a magical day for kids with its French village, Golden Bridge, and amusement park.
Budget alternative:
Explore Marble Mountains (entry ~40,000 VND).
Take the kids to the beach or a riverside park.
Evening:
Enjoy seafood or local dishes like mi Quang at street eateries.
Day 6: Hoi An – Culture, Lanterns, and Charm
Just 40 minutes from Da Nang by taxi or bus (~100,000 VND), Hoi An is a must in your budget 9 day family itinerary in Vietnam.
Stay:
Homestays or budget hotels near the Old Town (500,000–700,000 VND).
Activities:
Walk the lantern-lit streets at night.
Rent bicycles (~30,000 VND/day) and explore rice fields or An Bang Beach.
Join a low-cost lantern-making class (~100,000 VND).
Eat:
Cao lầu, white rose dumplings, and fresh fruit smoothies.
Day 7: Hoi An – More Fun for the Family
Spend another day enjoying Hoi An’s slow pace.
Family activities:
Take a coconut boat ride in Cam Thanh village (affordable and fun for kids).
Visit local markets for souvenirs and snacks.
Try a cooking class designed for families (some under 400,000 VND/person).
Tip:
Most homestays provide free bikes and discounts on tours.
Day 8: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Catch a budget flight to Ho Chi Minh City (~1.5 hours).
Stay:
District 1 offers convenience and budget hotels (600,000–900,000 VND/night for family rooms).
Explore:
Ben Thanh Market
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Saigon Central Post Office
Walk Nguyen Hue pedestrian street
Food budget tip:
Street food portions are generous and affordable—try cơm tấm or bánh xèo.
Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels or Relax Before Departure
End your budget 9 day family itinerary in Vietnam with a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels (~150,000–250,000 VND/person for entrance and transport).
Alternative for younger kids:
Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden
Snow Town (indoor snow playground)
Departure:
Head to Tan Son Nhat Airport via Grab (150,000–200,000 VND depending on location).
Total Estimated Budget for a Family of 4 (in VND)
Category | Cost (VND) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Accommodation | 7,000,000 | Budget hotels/homestays |
Flights (3 domestic) | 15,000,000 | Early booking with budget airlines |
Food & Snacks | 5,000,000 | Street food/local eateries |
Transport (local) | 3,000,000 | Buses, Grab, taxis, etc. |
Attractions & tours | 7,000,000 | Cruise, classes, Ba Na Hills, etc. |
Total | 37,000,000 (~$1,450) | For 4 people, 9 days |
Final Tips for Your Budget 9 Day Family Itinerary in Vietnam
Pack light to avoid airline baggage fees.
Stay flexible—Vietnam is full of hidden gems, and local recommendations often lead to the best experiences.
Use apps like Grab, Google Translate, and Maps.me for ease of travel.
Engage with locals—they’re friendly and often eager to help families with kids.
With proper planning, your budget 9 day family itinerary in Vietnam can be not just affordable, but also rich in culture, joy, and unforgettable memories. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An and the vibrant energy of Saigon, Vietnam offers an enriching family experience at unbeatable value.
