Stretching from Bangkok’s glittering temples to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the karst-studded waters of Ha Long Bay, Thailand and Vietnam reward slow travelers. Over 45 days, you’ll balance beach breaks with culture-rich cities, easy hikes with market rambles, and street food feasts with hands-on experiences—ideal for families seeking variety and value.

Thailand’s royal capital and southern islands serve up canal rides, tuk-tuk suppers, and clear-water snorkeling. Vietnam unfolds like a history book you can walk through: Hanoi’s Old Quarter and egg coffee, Hoi An’s craft heritage and nearby Marble Mountains, and Saigon’s energy framed by poignant wartime sites.

Practical notes: Check your passport’s validity and confirm current visa or e-visa rules for both countries before booking. Carry a mix of cash and cards (THB in Thailand, VND in Vietnam); local eSIMs are inexpensive. Expect hot, humid weather year-round with regional showers—pack light layers, sun protection, and good walking shoes for family-friendly hikes.

Bangkok

Bangkok dazzles with gilded temples, emerald canals, and an obsession with food. It’s also surprisingly family-friendly: boat rides, open-air markets, parks at sunrise, and air-conditioned museums when you need a cool break.

Top hits include the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho’s reclining Buddha, and a sunset ferry to Wat Arun. Beyond the classics, ride a long-tail boat through the khlongs, sample 15+ tastings on a guided food tour, and catch a river dinner cruise with live music.

Days 1–3: Temples, Canals, and Old Bangkok

• Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. Dress modestly; early mornings are quieter.
• Khlong (canal) ride through Thonburi’s stilted neighborhoods for a look at everyday riverside life.
• Explore Banglamphu’s old shophouses, amulet markets, and Rattanakosin museums; relax in Saranrom Park with the kids.

Recommended Viator activities:

Bangkok Highlights: Grand Palace & Three Famous Temples

Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride

Days 4–5: Night Markets and Foodie Bangkok

• Join a tuk-tuk food crawl after dark—kid-thrilling transport and an easy way to taste regional dishes.
• Maeklong Railway Market + Damnoen Saduak Floating Market day trip—touristy, but unforgettable for kids.

Recommended Viator activities:

Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk-Tuk Tour

Half-Day Railway Market and Floating Market Tour in Thailand

Days 6–7: Parks, Museums, and River Nights

• Morning walk at Lumphini Park; then Bangkok Art & Culture Centre for rotating, kid-friendly exhibits.
• Evening Chao Phraya dinner cruise (reserve a rooftop-table option) for skyline views and live music.

Recommended Viator activity:

The Newest Luxury 5-Star Bangkok Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise

Where to stay (family-friendly options across budgets):

• Iconic splurge with kid-approved pool: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
• Resort feel on the river, great for kids: Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
• Stylish budget/hostel hybrid with family rooms: Lub d Bangkok Siam or Lub d Bangkok Silom
• More choices: VRBO Bangkok | Hotels.com Bangkok

Eat & drink (kid-friendly picks):

• Breakfast: On Lok Yun (since 1933) for Thai-style toast and soft eggs; Gallery Drip Coffee for meticulously roasted beans near BACC.
• Lunch: Krua Apsorn (royal Thai recipes; order crab omelet and stir-fried lotus stems); Prachak Roasted Duck in Bang Rak for silky duck over rice.
• Dinner: Thipsamai for classic pad thai (go early); Baan Ice for southern Thai family dishes; Raan Jay Fai is legendary but queues are long for kids.
• Sweet stop: Mae Varee Mango Sticky Rice in Thonglor; After You Dessert Cafe for honey toast.

Travel: Fly Bangkok to Koh Samui (Morning of Day 8)

Fastest: 1h05 flight on Bangkok Airways, ~$70–150 per person. Search and book flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Value alternative: overnight train to Surat Thani (8–9h) + bus/ferry (3h), ~$30–50 total via Trip.com Trains.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui is tailor-made for families: soft-sand beaches with gentle surf, boat trips to “Pig Island,” easy rainforest walks to waterfalls, and night markets with fresh coconut ice cream.

Base near Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village for mellow vibes and beachside dinners, or Chaweng for more action. Spend your days snorkeling, ziplining over canopy, and hunting the island’s panoramic viewpoints.

Days 8–11: Beaches, Waterfalls, and “Pig Island”

• Beach-hop: Bophut (calm), Choeng Mon (shallow), and Lamai (wide sands).
• Easy hikes: Na Muang Waterfalls 1 & 2, Secret Buddha Garden’s mossy statues, and Overlap Stone lookout.
• Boat to Koh Madsum (Pig Island) for photos and shallow snorkeling—kids love it.

Recommended Viator activities:

Pig Island Tour by Speedboat with Snorkeling

Zipline by Hawk Adventure The Biggest & Longest in Koh Samui

Days 12–14: Markets and Family Downtime

• Fisherman’s Village Walking Street (Fri) for souvenirs and street eats; kids can try fresh roti or fruit shakes.
• Kayak or SUP on calm mornings; relax by the pool in the afternoon.

Where to stay:

• Beachfront value with pools: Samui Mermaid Resort
• Kid-friendly resort on Chaweng: Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui
• Social/budget with family rooms: Lub d Koh Samui Chaweng Beach
• High-end villas with kids’ club: Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
• More choices: VRBO Koh Samui | Hotels.com Koh Samui

Eat & drink:

• Breakfast: Fisherman’s House Cafe (Bophut) for top espresso and smoothie bowls; Sweet Sisters Cafe for wholesome island produce.
• Lunch: Khaw Glong Thai offers honest Thai classics; Sabienglae (Lamai) for seaside seafood.
• Dinner: Coco Tam’s (Bophut) for pizzas and beach beanbags (fire show some nights); Nuch’s Green Ta’lay for family-style Thai.

Travel: Koh Samui to Phuket (Morning of Day 15)

Most reliable: ferry to Donsak + bus to Phuket, ~6–7h, ~$25–40. Faster (but often with a connection): fly via Bangkok ~3.5–5h total, ~$120–220. Compare options on Kiwi.com and Trip.com. Note: limited seasonal direct flights may operate; check schedules.

Phuket

Phuket pairs show-stopping bays with easy family logistics—great roads, plentiful dining, and day trips to Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay. In Old Town, Sino-Portuguese facades shelter noodle shops and cool cafes; in the hills, giant Buddha views reward an easy hike.

Mix pool time with ethical elephant encounters, a luxury bay cruise, and a sunrise speedboat that beats the crowds.

Days 15–18: James Bond Bay, Old Town, and Elephant Sanctuary

• Old Town heritage streets: Thalang, Soi Romanee, and murals; stop for shaved ice or iced Thai tea.
• Ethical elephant morning (no riding) followed by a beach afternoon at Kata or Kamala.
• Phang Nga Bay cruise with kayaking through sea caves—flat water and dramatic karsts.

Recommended Viator activities:

A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Luxury Boat to James Bond Islands with Lunch and Sunset Dinner

Days 19–22: Phi Phi, Viewpoints, and Family Beach Days

• Sunrise speedboat to Phi Phi for clear snorkeling and empty bays; nap by the pool after.
• Walk up to Big Buddha or Karon Viewpoint for panoramic photos; stop for coconut ice cream.

Recommended Viator activity:

Luxury Small Group Phi Phi Sunrise from Phuket

Where to stay:

• Kid-favorite beachfront with slides: Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket
• Great value and social vibe near Patong: Lub d Phuket Patong
• Resort with kids’ club in Mai Khao: JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
• Calmer family beach: Sunwing Kamala Beach
• More choices: VRBO Phuket | Hotels.com Phuket

Eat & drink:

• Old Town staples: One Chun Cafe & Restaurant (spicy crab curry), Tu Kab Khao (southern Thai classics), and Ko Ang Seafood (market-fresh).
• Local legend: Mor Mu Dong for rustic pavilions over mangroves and family-style seafood.
• Cafes: The Feelsion Cafe (retro-industrial sweets) and Ryn Original for serious coffee.

Travel: Phuket to Hanoi (Morning of Day 23)

Nonstop seasonal flights ~3–3.5h or 1-stop via Bangkok ~4.5–6.5h, ~$90–220. Compare fares on Kiwi.com and Trip.com.

Hanoi

Hanoi blends lakes, leafy boulevards, and a labyrinthine Old Quarter where each street once specialized in a single craft. It’s a paradise for adventurous eaters and a gentle leap into Vietnam’s history.

Between egg coffee lessons, water-puppet shows, and cyclo rides around Hoan Kiem Lake, save days for Ninh Binh’s limestone valleys and a Ha Long Bay cruise.

Days 23–26: Old Quarter, Lakes, and Street Food

• Hoan Kiem Lake loop and Ngoc Son Temple; stroll the weekend night market when streets go pedestrian-only.
• West Lake bike ride; Tay Ho’s calmer cafes are great for families.
• Water puppet show and an evening Jeep food-and-culture tour.

Recommended Viator activity:

Hanoi Jeep Tour: Food, Culture and Fun by Vietnam Army Jeep

Days 27–28: Ha Long Bay Day Cruise or Overnight

• Family-friendly 5-star day cruise with buffet, cave visit, and optional jacuzzi deck; or choose a 2D1N for sunrise on the bay.

Recommended Viator activities (choose one):

BEST SELLER - Halong 5 Star Day Cruise: Buffet, Wine & Jacuzzi

Top Tier: All-Inclusive OVERNIGHT Halong Cruises - many options

Days 29–30: Ninh Binh (Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Mua Cave)

• Boat among rice paddies at Tam Coc and climb Mua Cave’s 500 steps for sweeping views—an achievable family “hike.”

Recommended Viator activities (family favorites):

Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi

Where to stay:

• Historic luxury: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
• Excellent midrange in Old Quarter: Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa
• Serviced apartments for families: Somerset Grand Hanoi
• Skyline views and pool: Lotte Hotel Hanoi
• More choices: VRBO Hanoi | Hotels.com Hanoi

Eat & drink:

• Breakfast: Pho Gia Truyen (Bat Dan) for northern-style pho; Banh Cuon Ba Hanh for steamed rice rolls.
• Coffee: Giang Cafe (home of egg coffee); The Note Coffee (kids love the colorful sticky notes).
• Lunch/Dinner: Bun Cha Huong Lien (grilled pork with noodles), Cha Ca Thang Long (dill fish hot plate), Home Hanoi for refined classics; dessert at Che Ba Thin.

Travel: Hanoi to Da Nang (for Hoi An) (Morning of Day 31)

Fly ~1h20, ~$35–90 on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Scenic train: 15–17h soft-sleeper, ~$30–60 via Trip.com Trains. Private car Da Nang Airport to Hoi An: 45–60 min, ~$15–25.

Hoi An

Hoi An’s Ancient Town glows with yellow shophouses, tailor ateliers, and night-time lanterns. Just beyond, rice paddies, beach clubs on An Bang, and day trips to Marble Mountains and Ba Na Hills keep families entertained.

Balance cooking classes and bicycle rides with beach afternoons; cap evenings with riverside walks and coconut ice cream.

Days 31–34: Ancient Town, Bicycles, and Beach

• Stroll the Japanese Covered Bridge and assembly halls; shops open late and streets are pedestrian most evenings.
• Cycle quiet lanes to Tra Que vegetable village; try a short family cooking class.
• Beach time at An Bang; rent loungers and order grilled prawns and fresh spring rolls.

Days 35–37: Marble Mountains and Ba Na Hills

• Climb Marble Mountains’ stairways and grottoes—bring water and take breaks in the shade.
• Ride the long cable car to Ba Na Hills to see the Golden Bridge (the “hands” bridge) with morning light and milder temps.

Recommended Viator activity:

Full Day Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills Small Group Tour

Where to stay:

• Beachfront value with gardens: Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa
• Riverside boutique: Anantara Hoi An Resort
• Old Town budget: Hoi An Dream City Hotel or social Tribee Bana Hostel
• Luxury splurge: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An
• More choices: VRBO Hoi An | Hotels.com Hoi An

Eat & drink:

• Breakfast: Banh Mi Phuong or Madam Khanh—The Banh Mi Queen; Hoi An Roastery for reliable coffee.
• Lunch: Cao Lau Ba Le (iconic noodle dish) and Morning Glory for central Vietnamese staples.
• Dinner: Bale Well (DIY skewers and pancakes) and seaside grills at An Bang (try Sea Sand & Sun for an easy beachfront table).
• Quiet treat: Reaching Out Tea House (deaf-staffed; tranquil for families).

Travel: Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (Morning of Day 38)

Flight ~1h30, ~$40–100 via Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Train: 16–18h soft-sleeper, ~$35–70 via Trip.com Trains.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Saigon hums with creative energy: French-era landmarks, an ever-evolving coffee scene, and markets stacked with tropical fruit. It’s also your springboard to the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta’s water world.

Spend mornings in museums or shaded parks, late afternoons in District 1’s cafes, and evenings tasting your way through alleyway kitchens.

Days 38–41: Landmarks and Street Food

• Notre-Dame Cathedral (under restoration at times), Central Post Office, Reunification Palace, and Book Street for kid-friendly browsing.
• Evening street food tour—safe, curated bites and fun for teens and adventurous kids.

Recommended Viator activities:

Ho Chi Minh City Private Half-Day Tour by U.S Army Jeep

Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour By Motorbike or Walking

Days 42–45: Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong

• Speedboat to Cu Chi for cooler morning temps and fewer crowds; kids learn how the tunnels functioned.
• Day trip to the Mekong Delta with sampan rides and fruit orchards—aim for small-group options.

Recommended Viator activities:

The History of Cu Chi Tunnels VIP Tour by Luxury Speed Boat

Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Small-Group Tour

Where to stay:

• Serviced apartments (pool, roomy suites): Sherwood Residence
• Polished midrange in District 1: Silverland Yen Hotel
• Luxe landmark: The Reverie Saigon
• Great value hostel for older kids/teens: The Common Room Project
• More choices: VRBO Ho Chi Minh City | Hotels.com Ho Chi Minh City

Eat & drink:

• Breakfast: Pho Hoa Pasteur (est. 1968) and Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (huge, porky banh mi).
• Coffee: The Workshop (3rd-wave roaster) and Shin Coffee (expert pour-overs).
• Lunch/Dinner: Com Tam Ba Ghien (broken rice with grilled pork), Bun Thit Nuong Chi Tuyen (marinated pork + herbs), Cuc Gach Quan (vegetable-forward family dishes), and Quan Ut Ut (BBQ fix for kids who want Western).

Arrival & Departure Flights

Inbound: Fly into Bangkok (BKK) to start—excellent fares and frequent schedules. Outbound: Depart from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). Search multi-city tickets on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Budget tips for a mid-range family (score ~50): Mix central midrange hotels with the occasional condo-style stay (kitchenette saves on snacks); use street markets and food courts at lunch; reserve tours with hotel pickup to reduce taxis. Domestic flights in both countries are typically under $100 when booked in advance.

Optional swaps: If your family craves more hiking, add a 2D1N Sapa trek from Hanoi (cooler temps, terraced valleys) by shifting one or two beach days; if you want extra beach time, extend Hoi An/An Bang or add a Phu Quoc side trip at the end (fly SGN–PQC–SGN).

Quick Reference: Affiliate Booking Links

• Flights: Trip.com Flights | Kiwi.com Flights
• Trains (Asia): Trip.com Trains

Across 45 days, you’ll sample Bangkok’s canals and night eats, island-hop from Samui and Phuket, drift through Ha Long’s karsts, bicycle ancient Hoi An, and finish amid Saigon’s cafés and markets. It’s a confident, family-first route that balances new flavors, gentle hikes, and beach downtime—memories built at an easy pace.