The Perfect 5-Day Northern Vietnam Itinerary with Little Kids and Babies
There’s a stillness in northern Vietnam you feel as soon as the city starts thinning out. It’s thanks to the rice paddies, karst peaks, and river curves. For families, it’s an incredible region to explore. The adventures are soft, the scenery spectacular, and the people were so kind with our son.
We recently spent four days there: two nights in Hanoi, a private day trip to Ninh Binh, and 3 days and 2 nights sailing Bai Tu Long Bay with Indochina Junk. Below is how I’d structure it and what to expect.
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival, Checking into Capella Hanoi
After a long travel day, arriving at Capella Hanoi felt like stepping into another world. The hotel is pure art, designed by Bill Bensley (a favorite of ours who also designed Capella Ubud and Intercontinental Khao Yai) and inspired by opera. Every detail feels theatrical and playful, from hand-painted murals to velvet chaise lounges. Yet despite all the grandeur, it never felt stuffy.
The staff greeted us by name, offered juice for our son, and whisked our luggage away before we’d even noticed. We stayed in a suite (that we got upgraded to thanks to booking through our travel agency, more on that below) with floor-to-ceiling windows and a marble bathroom with a soaking tub that quickly became mommy’s favorite “pool.”
Capella’s service was exceptional, with little touches like stacking turtles, bathroom stools, and potty seats ç for him, thoughtful restaurant recommendations for us, and endless patience as he toddled around the grand lobby making friends with everyone.
That evening we wandered to Hoan Kiem Lake to stretch our legs, watching families gather as the sun set and the city began to glow. Dinner back at Backstage, the hotel’s whimsical restaurant, was a highlight with beautifully plated Vietnamese dishes served with warmth.
Booking Tip: Get Extra Perks with Muse Bespoke Escapes
When you book Capella Hanoi through our agency, Muse Bespoke Escapes, you’ll enjoy exclusive VIP perks at no extra cost:
💰 USD 100 hotel credit to spend on dining or spa treatments
🏨 Complimentary room upgrade on arrival when available
⏰ Early check-in and late checkout whenever possible
As a preferred luxury partner, we’re able to offer these added benefits at the same nightly rate you’d pay directly, giving you all the perks of a VIP guest experience without any extra cost.
Day 2: Ninh Binh by Jeep and Rowboat
Ninh Binh is often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” and the name fits. Imagine dramatic limestone cliffs rising from rice fields and tranquil rivers winding between temples and caves.
We booked a private day trip from Hanoi with an air-conditioned van for comfort, which was key with a toddler schedule, and an optional open-air jeep once we arrived in the countryside. The jeep was a hit, wind in our hair, the scent of rice fields, our little one choosing that moment for a nap.
(Note if you’re not comfortable with the Jeep it’s not a must on the tour. The rest of the ride is in an air conditioned van you can use a car seat in provided it works with lap belts – we didn’t come across many top and seat tethers on our trip).
Our guide was incredible with him, showing him koi fish and pointing out water buffalo as we drove through backroads.
The highlight was a private rowboat ride down the Trang An river, where local women skillfully row with their feet. Drifting through caves and under karst cliffs was magical. It was calm, though super hot and sunny, so bring an umbrella and a portable fan.
After a fresh Vietnamese lunch, we stopped by Bich Dong Pagoda before heading back to Hanoi. The day was full, but because everything was private, we could adjust the pace whenever needed, which is a must when traveling with young kids.
Day 3: Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay
The next morning, we said goodbye to Capella’s warm team and headed east toward the coast.
We boarded our Indochina Junk cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay (read my full review), the quieter, less crowded cousin of Ha Long Bay. From the moment we stepped aboard, the staff went above and beyond to make us feel at home. They helped with every transfer, and made sure we had everything we needed in our cabin, which was huge by cruise standards, with a deep bathtub, panoramic windows, and plenty of deck space for him to run circles in delight (they also offer a family room and connecting rooms).
Meals were multi-course feasts with fragrant seafood, crisp spring rolls, and always keeping allergies in mind for our son. Between meals we paddled in kayaks through hidden lagoons, lounged on deck while he splashed in the shallow pool, and explored limestone caves that looked straight out of a dream.
Day 4: Village Life and a Night on the Bay
Our second day cruising brought us to a floating fishermen’s village, where locals still live entirely on the water. We boarded a bamboo boat to float between houses painted bright blues and greens.
Later we had a BBQ lunch on a private beach, with sea caves and crystal clear waters. It was one of those pinch-me travel moments, barefoot, happy, surrounded by kindness.
In the afternoon we had the option to paddle through more of the bay, peaceful, mirror-still water and limestone towers reflecting in the sea. Every crew member seemed to remember our son’s name, brought him fruit at breakfast, and treated him like family.
Why Northern Vietnam Works So Well for Families
What surprised me most was how easy everything felt. Transfers were smooth, guides were flexible, and every single person we met, from hotel concierges to local boat rowers, treated our son with so much love. Like many other destinations we’ve loved in Asia from Thailand to Bali, Japan, Singapore, and Cambodia, locals are never too busy to stop and smile at a baby or little kid.
The pace of this itinerary is perfect for little travelers. Two city nights to acclimate, a scenic countryside day that’s active but not overwhelming, and a slow, luxurious few days on the water to unwind.
If you’re dreaming of an introduction to Vietnam that feels deeply cultural yet comfortable for families, Northern Vietnam delivers with Capella’s refined service, Ninh Binh’s gentle adventure, and Bai Tu Long’s pure serenity all rolled into one unforgettable journey.
*Thanks, Indochina Junk, for hosting us. All feelings about the gorgeous cruise are my own. You will never see a positive review on here for an experience we didn’t love.
