Dreaming of a family adventure filled with vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, delicious food, and welcoming smiles? Thinking of Vietnam with kids might seem adventurous, perhaps even a little daunting, but trust us – it's one of the most rewarding destinations for families! From bustling cities to tranquil bays and lush countryside, Vietnam offers an incredible diversity of experiences that will captivate travellers of all ages.
This guide is designed to show you just how amazing Vietnam for families can be. We'll explore exciting kid-friendly activities across the country and share essential family travel tips to help you plan a smooth, fun, and unforgettable journey.
Vietnam is packed with experiences that children will love. Here are some highlights by region:
Water Puppet Show: A unique and captivating traditional art form that mesmerizes kids (and adults!) with colourful puppets dancing on water.
Hoan Kiem Lake & Old Quarter: Enjoy a walk around the legendary lake (especially traffic-free on weekends!), cross the red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, and take a fun cyclo ride through the bustling Old Quarter's narrow streets.
Museum of Ethnology: Offers fascinating insights into Vietnam's diverse ethnic groups, with excellent outdoor exhibits including traditional houses kids can explore.
Overnight Cruise: Choose a family-friendly cruise! Gliding amidst the limestone karsts is magical. Activities like kayaking in calm lagoons (age/skill permitting), swimming in emerald waters, and exploring amazing caves like Sung Sot (Surprise Cave) are fantastic family adventures.
Easy Treks: Wander through breathtaking terraced rice fields. Choose routes suitable for little legs and enjoy meeting friendly locals in ethnic minority villages (remember to be respectful).
Fansipan Cable Car: For older kids (and adults!), the ride to the "Roof of Indochina" offers spectacular views on a clear day.
Imperial City: Explore the vast, historic citadel – plenty of space for kids to roam while learning a bit of history.
Perfume River Boat Trip: A relaxing way to see the city and visit the Thien Mu Pagoda.
My Khe Beach: Enjoy sun, sand, and sea on this long, beautiful beach.
Marble Mountains: Climb steps, explore caves, and enjoy views from these five limestone hills.
Sun World Ba Na Hills (Optional): Famous for the Golden Bridge, this mountaintop resort complex also has theme park elements that might appeal to some families (be prepared for crowds).
Ancient Town Charm: Wander the enchanting, lantern-lit streets (especially beautiful and less busy early morning or evening).
Cycling Adventures: Rent bikes and pedal through picturesque rice paddies and countryside surrounding the town.
Workshops: Engage in fun, hands-on activities like lantern making or a family cooking class.
An Bang Beach: Relax and play at this popular nearby beach.
Cu Chi Tunnels: A fascinating (though sobering) history lesson best suited for older children who can understand the context. Consider a boat trip arrival to avoid some traffic.
Water Parks: Escape the heat at Dam Sen or Suoi Tien theme parks.
AO Show: A stunning cultural performance blending acrobatics, dance, and music.
Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens: A classic family-friendly outing.
Boat Trips: Essential! Explore the winding canals, visit fruit orchards, and see local industries like coconut candy making (especially around Ben Tre, where we are!).
Cycling: Gentle cycling along quiet village paths is a great way to see local life up close.
Beautiful Beaches: Relax on Sao Beach or Long Beach, known for calm waters.
VinWonders & Vinpearl Safari: Large-scale amusement park and zoo offering a full day (or more!) of entertainment.
Boat Trips & Snorkeling: Explore nearby islands and underwater life (best in the dry season).
Travelling Vietnam with kids is easier with a little planning. Here are our top tips:
Go Slow & Be Flexible: Don't try to cram too much in. Build in downtime, pool time, or just quiet time at a cafe. Kids need breaks, and flexibility makes for happier travellers.
Accommodation: Look for family rooms, interconnecting rooms, or apartments. Hotels with swimming pools are a big hit! Homestays can offer wonderful cultural immersion. Book at least your first night in each location in advance.
Flights: Best for long distances (e.g., Hanoi to Da Nang). Book ahead.
Trains: Overnight sleeper trains (e.g., Hanoi to Hue/Da Nang) can be a fun adventure. Book cabins in advance.
Private Car/Van: Offers maximum flexibility and comfort for families, especially for regional travel.
Grab App: Widely available in cities for convenient car or motorbike taxi rides.
Strollers vs. Carriers: Pavements can be uneven or obstructed. A baby/toddler carrier is often more practical than a stroller in busy cities or historical sites.
Kid-Friendly Options: Plain rice (cơm), noodles (phở, bún), Banh Mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich), grilled meats (thịt nướng), and fresh fruit are readily available and usually enjoyed by kids.
Introduce Gently: Let kids try local flavours, but have familiar backups. Pho Ga (chicken noodle soup) or Com Tam (broken rice with grilled pork) are often winners.
Street Food: Choose stalls that are busy (high turnover) and where food is cooked fresh in front of you. If unsure, stick to restaurants.
Hydration: Drink only bottled or boiled water. Coconut water (served in the coconut!) is a fun and hydrating treat.
Doctor Consult: See your doctor 4-6 weeks before departure regarding recommended vaccinations and travel health advice.
Pack Smart: Bring a basic first-aid kit, kids' pain/fever reliever, antiseptic wipes, plasters, mosquito repellent (DEET-based recommended), high-SPF sunscreen, and hats.
Road Safety: Traffic can be chaotic! Hold hands tightly, look carefully before crossing, and consider carriers for toddlers near busy roads.
Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance covering health emergencies is essential.
Packing Essentials: Lightweight clothing (layers are good), comfortable walking shoes, rain gear (especially May-Oct), swimwear, favourite small toy/book, essential medications, wipes/diapers (you can buy locally, but bring initial supply/preferred brand).
Embrace the Culture: Vietnamese people adore children – expect lots of friendly attention! Teach kids basic greetings ("Xin chào" - hello, "Cảm ơn" - thank you). Be mindful of temple etiquette (cover shoulders/knees).
Vietnam is a destination that engages all the senses and creates lasting family memories. From the wonder of Ha Long Bay to the charm of Hoi An and the vibrancy of the Mekong Delta, it's an adventure your family will talk about for years to come.
Let us help you craft the perfect Vietnam family holiday! Explore our family-friendly Vietnam tours designed with kids in mind, or contact us for a tailor-made itinerary that suits your family's interests and pace. Let's start planning!
