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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

  • Duration: Late evening arrival

  • Activities:

    • Arrived at Hanoi airport with e-visa, but processed as Visa on Arrival (VOA).

    • After multiple requests, passports were stamped.

    • Headed to the apartment in the Old Quarter area.

  • Accommodation: Apartment in Old Quarter, Hanoi

  • Cost: Accommodation cost varies

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

  • Duration: Full day

  • Activities:

    • Enjoyed a city tour with a hop-on-hop-off bus.

    • Visited Hoa Lo Prison, Hoan Kiem Lake, Northern Gate Church, Hanoi Post Office, Quan Thanh Temple, and Tran Quoc Pagoda.

  • Accommodation: Apartment in Old Quarter, Hanoi

  • Cost:

    • Hop-on-hop-off bus: Approximately 300,000 VND per person

    • Meals: Budget around 500,000 VND per person for the day

Day 3: Ha Long Bay Cruise

  • Duration: Full day

  • Activities:

    • Left at 8:30 am for Ha Long Bay cruise with Maya Cruise.

    • Cruise included all meals.

  • Accommodation: Overnight on the cruise

  • Cost:

    • Cruise: 14,500 INR for the family

    • Transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay: 3,500 INR

Day 4: Return to Hanoi

  • Duration: Half day

  • Activities:

    • Left Ha Long Bay at 12 pm and returned to Hanoi.

    • Checked in to the apartment at 3 pm.

    • Spent the remaining day at leisure and shopping.

    • Visited Hanoi Train Street and a museum.

  • Accommodation: Apartment in Old Quarter, Hanoi

  • Cost:

    • Shopping and Meals: Budget around 700,000 VND per person for the day

Day 5: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

  • Duration: Full day

  • Activities:

    • Took a 7:45 am flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.

    • Checked in to Apartment 56 at 11 am.

    • The apartment featured an infinity pool on the 24th floor.

    • Visited War Remnants Museum and Trin Pagoda using Grab.

  • Accommodation: Apartment 56, Ho Chi Minh City

  • Cost:

    • Flight: Approximately 1,500,000 VND per person

    • City Tour: Budget around 600,000 VND per person for transportation and entry fees

    • Meals: Budget around 500,000 VND per person for the day

Day 6: Mekong Delta Tour

  • Duration: Full day

  • Activities:

    • Started at 8 am for the Mekong Delta tour.

    • Experienced village life, saw five islands, and visited a coconut chocolate factory.

  • Accommodation: Apartment 56, Ho Chi Minh City

  • Cost:

    • Mekong Delta Tour: Approximately 1,200,000 VND per person

    • Meals: Budget around 500,000 VND per person for the day

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City Tour and Departure

  • Duration: Full day

  • Activities:

    • Decided on a self-guided city tour.

    • Visited China Town and local markets.

    • Departed for India the same night.

  • Cost:

    • City Tour: Budget around 500,000 VND per person for transportation and entry fees

    • Shopping and Meals: Budget around 500,000 VND per person for the day

 Estimated Total Cost per Person:

  • Accommodation: Hanoi 2 nights (5000 INR), Ha long Bay 1 night - full on board package (14500 INR), Ho Chi Minh 2 nights (6000 INR)

  • Food: Approximately 300 INR per meal

  • Attractions & Activities: Approximately 10000 INR

  • VISA : 3000 INR PP

  • Flights : 30000 INR PP 

Notes:

  • Language Barrier: English speaking is a major issue.

  • Food: Missed Indian food, especially in Hanoi.

  • Must-Try: Egg coffee in Hanoi.

Travel Tips with a 1-Year-Old:

  1. Pack Essentials: Bring plenty of diapers, wipes, baby food, snacks, and a change of clothes.

  2. Stroller or Baby Carrier: A lightweight stroller or baby carrier can be very helpful for sightseeing.

  3. Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adjust plans as needed for naps and feeding times.

  4. Entertainment: Pack toys, books, or a tablet with baby-friendly apps to keep your child entertained during long flights or transfers.

  5. Health and Safety: Bring a basic first-aid kit and any necessary medications. Ensure you have a copy of your child's health records.

  6. Comfort Items: Bring your child's favorite blanket or stuffed toy to help them feel secure and comfortable.

  7. Breaks and Downtime: Schedule regular breaks and downtime to avoid overstimulation and ensure your child has time to rest.

  8. 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.

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