Vietnam blends layered history with bright street life and calm countryside. From Hanoi’s leafy boulevards and colonial heritage to Hoi An’s riverside lantern glow, the country feels tailor-made for families who want culture with gentle adventure. Boat rides in Ninh Binh’s limestone valleys and Hoi An’s river are perfect for a three-year-old’s sense of wonder.

Expect fragrant pho, fresh spring rolls, and tropical fruit shakes everywhere. Indian vegetarian restaurants are easy to find in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Hoi An, and most local eateries can prepare veg-friendly versions on request. Pack light layers, sunhats, mosquito repellent, and a compact stroller; sidewalks can be uneven but manageable in tourist areas.

For Indians, Vietnam’s e-visa is available online (apply at least a week in advance). From Muscat, 1-stop flights via Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur are common; total journey time is usually 9–14 hours. Vietnam uses the Vietnamese dong (VND); cash is handy for small vendors, though cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants.

How to get there (Muscat → Vietnam): Search 1-stop family-friendly connections on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Typical round-trip fares Muscat–Hanoi/Da Nang are ~US$450–750 per adult in economy (sales can be lower), flight time 9–14 hours including transit.

Hanoi

Hanoi is Vietnam’s soulful capital—tree-lined boulevards, French villas, and a tight-knit Old Quarter where each street still hints at its guild past. Around Hoan Kiem Lake, mornings are for tai chi and evenings for puppet shows and lakeside walks—great with little ones.

• Top sights: Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Complex, West Lake, Hanoi Train Street (view safely from licensed cafés).
• With kids: Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, shaded parks around the lake, Times City’s VinKE & Aquarium for a rainy-hour backup.
• Where to eat (veg-friendly options): Namaste Hanoi (classic North/South Indian), Dalcheeni (West Lake; upscale Indian, highchairs), Pizza 4P’s (house-made cheese, kid-pleaser), The Note Coffee (sticker-covered café by the lake).

Stay: Family rooms and central bases near the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. Compare options on VRBO (Hanoi) or Hotels.com (Hanoi).

Getting in/out: Noi Bai Airport to Old Quarter takes ~40–60 minutes by taxi or ride-hail. For flights, search on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Da Nang

Da Nang is Vietnam’s easygoing beach city—broad sands, good coffee, and quick access to the Marble Mountains and Ba Na Hills. It’s an ideal base for flights and day trips, with smooth roads and child-friendly taxis.

• Top sights: My Khe Beach, Marble Mountains (elevators help with kids), Dragon Bridge (weekend fire/water show ~9pm), 43 Factory Coffee Roaster for serious beans and airy space.
• Dining (veg / Indian): Maharaja Indian Restaurant (reliable veg options), Omar’s Namaste (Da Nang), Tandoor Da Nang; local: Mi Quang Ba Mua (ask for veg Mi Quang), Banh Xeo Ba Duong (crispy pancakes).

Stay: Beachside hotels with pools are perfect for nap breaks. Browse VRBO (Da Nang) or Hotels.com (Da Nang).

Hoi An

Hoi An feels like a storybook after sunset—lanterns flutter over the Thu Bon River, and tailor shops hum. By day, cycle (or stroll) past yellow-washed shophouses; by afternoon, relax at An Bang Beach. Short boat rides here are gentle and perfect for a toddler.

• Top sights: Ancient Town assembly halls, Japanese Bridge, night market, Cam Thanh coconut village (basket boat ride), An Bang Beach.
• Dining: Morning Glory (heritage recipes, highchairs), Reaching Out Tea House (quiet sensory-friendly experience), Banh Mi Phuong (famous sandwiches—ask for veg), Ganesh Hoi An and Baba’s Kitchen (great Indian menus).

Stay: For families, riverside boutiques or beach resorts with kids’ pools. Compare on VRBO (Hoi An) or Hotels.com (Hoi An).

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, Lake Strolls & Puppet Show

Afternoon: Arrive Hanoi. Check into your Old Quarter hotel and stretch your legs around Hoan Kiem Lake. Pop into The Note Coffee for juices or a coconut coffee; kids love the stickers and balcony views.

Evening: Watch the Thang Long Water Puppet Show (45–50 minutes; book early; ~US$5–10). Dinner at Namaste Hanoi (North/South Indian classics; kid-friendly) or Pizza 4P’s (quick comfort food after travel). Early night to reset.

Day 2: Hanoi Highlights at a Toddler Pace

Morning: Breakfast pho (ask for mild broth) or banh cuon (steamed rice rolls). Visit the Temple of Literature—shaded courtyards are stroller-friendly. Continue to the Ho Chi Minh Complex (museums closed Mondays/Friday afternoons; wide paths for prams).

Afternoon: Head to West Lake for a relaxed lunch at Dalcheeni (Indian; lakeside) and a lakeside stroll. If it rains, Times City’s VinKE & Aquarium is an easy indoor backup.

Evening: Explore the Old Quarter’s shop streets: silk on Hang Gai, toys and lanterns along the night market (Fri–Sun). Dine at a simple vegetarian joint (e.g., a “chay” restaurant) or return to the lake area for Indian comfort food.

Day 3: Ninh Binh Day Trip – Trang An Boat Caves

Morning: 2–2.5-hour drive to Trang An (private car ~US$90–120 round-trip; ask hotel). The 2–3 hour sampan ride drifts through caves and karst scenery; boats provide life jackets (children’s sizes available). Tickets ~250,000 VND per adult; kids often discounted by height.

Afternoon: Simple countryside lunch (fried rice, tofu with tomato, morning glory greens) or pre-pack snacks for the little one. Stop at Bich Dong Pagoda for a brief photo break rather than steep climbs. Return to Hanoi by late afternoon.

Evening: Gentle walk around the lake. Try Bun Cha Ta (grilled pork; veg sides available) or a vegetarian eatery; finish with coconut ice cream.

Day 4: Fly to Da Nang, Marble Mountains & Hoi An Lanterns

Morning: Fly Hanoi → Da Nang (1h20; fares often US$35–90). Search options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Private transfer Da Nang Airport → Hoi An (~45–60 min; US$15–25).

Afternoon: En route, stop at the Marble Mountains. Use the lift to the viewpoints; short walks to pagodas are manageable with a carrier. Check in at your Hoi An hotel and rest.

Evening: Explore Hoi An Ancient Town. Take a 20-minute lantern boat ride (about 150,000–200,000 VND for the boat; calm waters). Dinner at Morning Glory (heritage recipes; highchairs) or Ganesh Hoi An for familiar Indian flavors.

Day 5: Hoi An Old Town, Basket Boats & Beach Time

Morning: Visit a few Ancient Town ticketed sights (assembly halls, traditional homes). Stop at Reaching Out Tea House for a serene break. If you’d like a quick souvenir tailored, consult a reputable tailor for a simple piece.

Afternoon: Head to Cam Thanh Coconut Village for a short basket boat spin (15–30 minutes; fun and tame). Continue to An Bang Beach for sand play and fresh coconuts. Beach loungers make nap breaks easy.

Evening: Browse the night market for lanterns and crafts. Dinner at Baba’s Kitchen (great veg menu) or local rice/noodle shops (ask for “chay”—vegetarian). Early bedtime after a beach day.

Day 6: Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge, Fly Home

Morning: Check out and store bags with your hotel. Day trip to Ba Na Hills (cable car + Golden Bridge hands). Tickets ~850,000–900,000 VND adult; discounted for kids by height; under ~1m often free. Go early to avoid crowds and midday heat; strollers work in most areas.

Afternoon: Return to Da Nang for your departure. The airport is ~45–60 minutes from Hoi An. Search flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. If you’re flying within Vietnam later instead, Trip.com also lists regional trains in Asia: Trip.com Trains (note: Hanoi–Da Nang by rail is scenic but long at 15–17 hours).

Evening: If you have extra time before your flight, a last beach walk at My Khe or coffee at 43 Factory Coffee in Da Nang is a calm farewell.

Estimated family budget (mid-range): US$150–250/day excluding international flights, including private transfers, simple tours, meals at a mix of local and Indian restaurants, and a comfy family room.

Practical family tips: Carry a compact stroller, foldable sunshade, and quick-dry clothing. Most restaurants provide highchairs; ask for mild spice. Car seats aren’t standard in taxis—if needed, bring a travel seat. Keep small bills for markets and boats.

Optional: Short Add‑Ons in Muscat (Before/After Your Vietnam Flight)

If you have a long layover or an extra day at home before you go, these Muscat activities suit families and align with your love for sightseeing and boating:

• Half-Day Private Muscat City Tour - Top Landmarks in Just 4 Hours

  

  Explore the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Mutrah Corniche, and the souq in a comfortable, kid-friendly half-day.
• Snorkeling at Dimaniyat Islands and Dolphin Watching

  

  A relaxed boat outing with a chance to spot dolphins; little ones can enjoy the ride and beaches while adults take turns snorkeling.

Where to book stays: For every city on this trip, compare family rooms and apartments on VRBO and Hotels.com: - Hanoi (VRBO) | Hanoi (Hotels.com)
- Da Nang (VRBO) | Da Nang (Hotels.com)
- Hoi An (VRBO) | Hotels.com (Hoi An)

In six days you’ll taste Hanoi’s heritage, float through Ninh Binh’s caves, feel sand between your toes in Da Nang, and watch Hoi An’s river sparkle with lanterns. It’s a balanced, family-first Vietnam itinerary with sightseeing, shopping, beach time, and memorable boat rides—without wearing out little legs.