
Adventures in Vietnam: A 7-Day Family Journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City with 1-Year-old Toddler
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
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Duration: Late evening arrival
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Activities:
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Arrived at Hanoi airport with e-visa, but processed as Visa on Arrival (VOA).
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After multiple requests, passports were stamped.
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Headed to the apartment in the Old Quarter area.
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Accommodation: Apartment in Old Quarter, Hanoi
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Cost: Accommodation cost varies
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
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Duration: Full day
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Activities:
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Enjoyed a city tour with a hop-on-hop-off bus.
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Visited Hoa Lo Prison, Hoan Kiem Lake, Northern Gate Church, Hanoi Post Office, Quan Thanh Temple, and Tran Quoc Pagoda.
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Accommodation: Apartment in Old Quarter, Hanoi
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Cost:
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Hop-on-hop-off bus: Approximately 300,000 VND per person
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Meals: Budget around 500,000 VND per person for the day
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Day 3: Ha Long Bay Cruise
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Duration: Full day
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Activities:
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Left at 8:30 am for Ha Long Bay cruise with Maya Cruise.
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Cruise included all meals.
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Accommodation: Overnight on the cruise
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Cost:
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Cruise: 14,500 INR for the family
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Transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay: 3,500 INR
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Day 4: Return to Hanoi
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Duration: Half day
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Activities:
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Left Ha Long Bay at 12 pm and returned to Hanoi.
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Checked in to the apartment at 3 pm.
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Spent the remaining day at leisure and shopping.
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Visited Hanoi Train Street and a museum.
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Accommodation: Apartment in Old Quarter, Hanoi
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Cost:
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Shopping and Meals: Budget around 700,000 VND per person for the day
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Day 5: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
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Duration: Full day
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Activities:
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Took a 7:45 am flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.
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Checked in to Apartment 56 at 11 am.
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The apartment featured an infinity pool on the 24th floor.
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Visited War Remnants Museum and Trin Pagoda using Grab.
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Accommodation: Apartment 56, Ho Chi Minh City
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Cost:
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Flight: Approximately 1,500,000 VND per person
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City Tour: Budget around 600,000 VND per person for transportation and entry fees
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Meals: Budget around 500,000 VND per person for the day
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Day 6: Mekong Delta Tour
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Duration: Full day
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Activities:
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Started at 8 am for the Mekong Delta tour.
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Experienced village life, saw five islands, and visited a coconut chocolate factory.
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Accommodation: Apartment 56, Ho Chi Minh City
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Cost:
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Mekong Delta Tour: Approximately 1,200,000 VND per person
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Meals: Budget around 500,000 VND per person for the day
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Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City Tour and Departure
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Duration: Full day
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Activities:
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Decided on a self-guided city tour.
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Visited China Town and local markets.
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Departed for India the same night.
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Cost:
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City Tour: Budget around 500,000 VND per person for transportation and entry fees
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Shopping and Meals: Budget around 500,000 VND per person for the day
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Estimated Total Cost per Person:
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Accommodation: Hanoi 2 nights (5000 INR), Ha long Bay 1 night - full on board package (14500 INR), Ho Chi Minh 2 nights (6000 INR)
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Food: Approximately 300 INR per meal
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Attractions & Activities: Approximately 10000 INR
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VISA : 3000 INR PP
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Flights : 30000 INR PP
Notes:
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Language Barrier: English speaking is a major issue.
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Food: Missed Indian food, especially in Hanoi.
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Must-Try: Egg coffee in Hanoi.
Travel Tips with a 1-Year-Old:
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Pack Essentials: Bring plenty of diapers, wipes, baby food, snacks, and a change of clothes.
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Stroller or Baby Carrier: A lightweight stroller or baby carrier can be very helpful for sightseeing.
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Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adjust plans as needed for naps and feeding times.
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Entertainment: Pack toys, books, or a tablet with baby-friendly apps to keep your child entertained during long flights or transfers.
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Health and Safety: Bring a basic first-aid kit and any necessary medications. Ensure you have a copy of your child's health records.
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Comfort Items: Bring your child's favorite blanket or stuffed toy to help them feel secure and comfortable.
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Breaks and Downtime: Schedule regular breaks and downtime to avoid overstimulation and ensure your child has time to rest.
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Research Facilities: Know the location of nearby hospitals, pharmacies, and baby-friendly facilities in case of emergencies.
This detailed itinerary provides an exciting and informative plan for your 7-day Vietnam trip, ensuring you make the most of your time in Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Ho Chi Minh City, while also considering the needs of traveling with a 1-year-old.