Traveling with your kids is always not an easy task and many people find it challenging to design a Vietnam family vacation. Your kids may get bored by a classic itinerary with so many museums, temples, pagodas, etc. I bet you wish you would find this blog sooner as with the below suggestions, your work will be so much easier. Let’s check some destinations in Vietnam to choose the best places for your Vietnam family holidays this year.
Best things to do in Vietnam with kids
Vietnam is an amazing place for families with kids to visit. From seeing old temples to traveling through beautiful scenery, there’s so much to enjoy. Here is overview of some really fun things you should try on your family vacation in Vietnam:
1. Culture Learning & Hands-on experiences
If your family is in love with local learning and looking for fun activities, then Vietnam is for you:
Cooking Classes: You can sign up for a family-friendly cooking class in Hoi An, where you’ll all learn to make traditional dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients while learning about Vietnamese food culture.
Local Markets: Explore bustling local markets like Hanoi’s Dong Xuan Market or Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh Market, where you can sample exotic fruits, snacks, and street food treats.
Cycling: For an active adventure, it’s highly recommended to take a family bike tour through villages in Ninh Binh, Hoi An, or the Mekong Delta. You’ll get to interact with friendly local people and create unforgettable memories with your kids.
2. Cruising on Halong Bay
No trip to Vietnam is complete without a cruise on the iconic Halong Bay. Treat your family to a magical experience as you glide past limestone karsts and emerald waters aboard a traditional junk boat.
Kayaking: Let your kids paddle their way through hidden caves and tranquil lagoons on a kayaking excursion. They’ll love exploring the natural beauty of Halong Bay up close.
Swimming: Take a refreshing dip in the bay’s crystal-clear waters and enjoy some family bonding time amidst breathtaking scenery.
3. Exploring Ancient Temples
Vietnam is home to numerous ancient temples and pagodas that offer a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Hanoi’s Temple of Literature: Take your kids on a cultural journey through Vietnam’s history at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi. This well-preserved complex is dedicated to Confucius and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city streets.
My Son Sanctuary: Embark on an adventure to the My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Hoi An. Explore the ancient ruins of the Champa Kingdom and marvel at the intricate carvings and architecture.
Above are some main things you should do when visiting Vietnam with your kids. There are many more activities you can explore, and if you’re interested in unique experiences, feel free to get in touch with us. Just let our travel consultant know what you’re looking for, and we’ll quickly get back to you with a quote and proposal. As a reliable agency in Vietnam, we’re here to assist you in planning a trip that’s perfect for your family.
Best places to visit in Vietnam with family
For more detailed information and ideas for activities at each destination, here are the top family-friendly cities to visit in Vietnam.
Hanoi
You can explore Hanoi’s unique culture and rich history by starting with a half-day city tour and visiting the Ho Chi Minh Complex, One Pillar Pagoda, and The Temple of Literature. These cultural experiences are sure to spark your children’s curiosity and open their minds to a different world.
Hanoi is a foodie’s paradise, so street food is something you can’t miss. From slurping on bowls of Pho to munching on crispy Banh mi, etc.
Back to the Old Quarter and you should have a ride on an electric bus or motorbike through its narrow streets to immerse yourself in local life. The streets were named for their product or location and still bear such names nowadays.
Ninh Binh
If you have the time, take a two-hour drive from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Here you can try new experiences and explore the natural beauty of the area. Take a rowing boat to explore the picturesque waterways in Tam Coc ecological site or Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.
Riding bicycles through the countryside, tiny villages, serene rice paddies and interacting with local people is something that will make your trip memorable. You can sense their genuine friendliness and warm welcome, trust me. This is a wonderful chance to see everyday rural life.
In the afternoon, head to the Hang Mua area and climb the 500 steps to reach the best viewpoint in the area. The view is breathtaking, with mountains, rivers, and rice fields stretching out as far as your eye can see. It will quite a climb, but it will totally worth it!
Halong Bay
Halong is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam with kids. It is because such an excursion offers many interesting activities that all family members will enjoy together. Most of the children are keen on exploring the beautiful outdoors. So you and your kids will have the chance to discover amazing caves with a Halong Bay overnight cruise. You will be surprised at how attentive your kids are when they are hearing how the cave was formed.
Another fun part is kayaking. This activity is often voted as a highlight when your travel to Halong Bay that both the young and middle-aged people enjoy. If you are traveling in a big family with an elderly, the boat often offer rowing boat ride as an alternative. When night falls, the family can just chat on the sundeck to enjoy the sky on the sea or try squid fishing. On the second morning, some boats offer a trip to a local floating fishing village and you may teach your kids how the pearl is naturally created.
There is a wide range variety cruises types from luxury to budget cruises with different itineraries, so it’s better to read our blog about Halong travel guide to have an overview and choose the best one as your preference, or contact us and we will have you arrange it.
Pu Luong
For families seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Pu Luong is the perfect destination. This pristine nature reserve offers stunning landscapes, including terraced rice fields, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. Families can enjoy activities like trekking, cycling, and homestays with local ethnic minority communities.
* Hiking at Kho Muong Cave: Go hiking at Kho Muong Cave for an adventurous family experience. The scenery along the way is absolutely stunning, and you should visit this place at about 4pm to see the sunset.
* Swimming at Hieu Waterfall: Take a dip in the cool waters of Hieu waterfall. You can stop for a picnic lunch or simply relax and swim by the fall when trekking.
To fully experience Pu Luong, we recommend planning for at least a 2-day, 1-night trip. The journey begins with a shuttle bus from Hanoi, which takes just over 5 hours. You can then take a car to visit Ninh Binh and Halong Bay.
Sapa
Sapa is home to the Black H’mong people, and you should follow a small dirt track to visit their village called Lao Chai. As you walk, you will cross the Muong Hoa River and see the most amazing rice terraces hidden behind the morning mist.
In Ta Van, where the Dzay people live, there is something really fascinating to see. You can discover a collection of rock carvings that were so cool to explore.
Visit Fansipan – the highest peak in the Indochina mountains is a highlight that you should not miss. Normally, it takes one or two days to reach the top on foot, but you can take the three-rope cable car system instead. From the top of Fansipan, you can see Sapa, the Muong Hoa Valley, and the Hoang Lien National Forest from above.
Above are just some highlights, you can find more Sapa off the beaten track experiences in our blog to have a trip that match you most.
Hoian
Let’s move on to Hoi An next. This ancient town is my all-time favorite place. Spend a day leisurely cycling through the scenic countryside of Vietnam, away from the traffic, motor scooters, and city noise. This is one of the top-rated places in Vietnam for families, as there are a wide variety of experiences that your family can enjoy.
There is a very interesting experience for a family – Cooking Class. You board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River. Joining this class, you will have a chance to visit a busy local market, talk, and bargain with some local sellers as well as learn about unique ingredients that are often used in Vietnamese dishes. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the local lives along the river.
There are lots of unique things in Hoian awaiting you to explore from discovering how wooden river boats are made, to learning the secret of weaving the colorful straw “Hoi An” sleeping mats.
Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta offers families a unique opportunity to explore Vietnam’s lush countryside and vibrant river life. Your families can take boat trips through floating markets, cycle along scenic paths, and visit traditional villages. Don’t miss attractions like Cai Rang Floating Market, and Tra Su Cajuput Forest.
The next spot to visit is Tan Phong Island, where you can explore the village by biking or taking a walk to observe the local daily life. Interesting things to see include orchards, schools, churches, pagodas, and traditional houses.
On the way, you can make a few stops to see how they make rice net for spring rolls, sew coconut leaves for cottage roofs, and especially see how they weave the dried water hyacinth to make many products such as baskets, bags, hats, wallets, and shoes.
If you are looking for things to do and some suggested itinerary to plan your own trip, details are in this Mekong travel guide. From the bustling floating markets to the peaceful countryside, from delicious food to unique cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone.
Ho Chi Minh
My last stop is Saigon and the picked activity is exploring Saigon at night on Motorbikes. Such a tour often starts around 18:00 then you can combine it with your classic city tour/Cu Chi tunnels tour or even Mekong Delta day tour. The best thing about this activity is that you will be taken to interesting places that normally other tourists do not know.
The tour is safe for all age groups, as the drivers are regularly trained and tested. Children under 7 years of age may ride with you, while older children can ride with a local driver.
Phu Quoc
If your idea of a perfect Vietnam family vacation is all about relaxing in a luxury resort while your children amuse themselves on the beach, then Phu Quoc is for you. Whether you’re seeking relaxation by lounging on the charming beaches, exploring vibrant coral reefs through snorkeling and scuba diving, or immersing yourself in the rich local culture, Phu Quoc has something for everyone.
You can get to Phu Quoc Island by air or speedboat. If you choose to reach by air, you can take direct flights from major cities in Vietnam like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. Another type to reach this island is a combination of road and waterway. Overall, it depends on your itinerary and budget to choose transportation. You can visit this comprehensive travel guide to Phu Quoc to have an overview of things to do, and how to get there with details information about prices and routes.
How many days is enough?
For a family trip to Vietnam, the recommended length of stay can vary depending on your interests and travel plans, but here are some general guidelines and our suggested tour you can take as a reference:
– 12-14 days: This gives you time to explore the country highlights at a comfortable pace. This allows you to experience more of the cultural diversity and natural beauty of Vietnam.
>>> Vietnam Cultural Highlights 14 Days: This tour covers the best destinations from north to south Vietnam, offering a perfect view of the country’s culture, history, and cuisine, as well as its natural landscapes and daily life. Price from USD1,371/ person.
– 16-21 days: With this longer duration, you can include all the major destinations and have ample time for activities like hiking, cooking classes, or beach time. You can also venture into regions like Sapa, or add Nha Trang, or Da Lat to your itinerary.
>>> Grand Sensational Vietnam 20 Days: This itinerary covers the highlights but mixes with off-the-beaten-track and hands-on experiences from bustling cities, and mountainous areas to beautiful beaches, and much more. Price from USD1,907/ person.
If you want to explore beyond Vietnam, here are some suggested Vietnam and Cambodia family tours that cater to different interests and durations. You can take this Vietnam & Cambodia Family Holiday 15 Days as your trip idea since this is our best-seller tour.
When planning your trip, make sure to take into account the ages and interests of your kids. Many families have found that spending 2-3 weeks in Vietnam is the perfect amount of time to fully experience the country. If you’re still unsure which tour to pick or how to plan your trip, don’t hesitate to contact us for help in customizing your tour.
Is it worth choosing private Vietnam family tours?
It is important to have a rough itinerary in place while traveling, but it is also necessary to remain flexible and allow for some downtime. Traveling with children can be unpredictable, so it is essential to be ready to adjust the plans as needed and take breaks when necessary.
It is advised to make time for rest and relaxation, particularly after long days of sightseeing and exploration. You should opt for a private family tour that offers a more relaxed schedule and pace, which can prevent your children from getting overwhelmed or exhausted, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.
>>> Read our full family feedbacks on Trip Advisor
Tips to plan your travel with kids
Getting around with kids
Domestic Flights
If you plan to visit multiple destinations within Vietnam, domestic flights can be a time-efficient option, especially for long distances. Some common flight routes are Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh (or vice versa), Hanoi – Danang (or vice versa), Hanoi – Hue (or vice versa), Ho Chi Minh – Phu
Trains
Train travel can be a fun and scenic option, especially for older children who enjoy the journey. Some common train routes that travelers take most are Hanoi – Hue, Hue – Hoian or Hanoi – Sapa, providing a unique experience and saving on accommodation costs for longer trips.
Public Buses
Public buses are a common mode of transportation in Vietnam, but they may not be the most comfortable option for families with young children. Buses can be crowded and lack amenities such as seat belts or storage space for strollers.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are widely available in major cities. Ensure the safety of your children by using reputable taxi companies or ride-hailing apps. Always check that the driver uses a meter or agrees on a fixed price before starting the journey.
When is the best time for a family vacation to Vietnam?
Vietnam has a diverse climate and different regions experience varying weather patterns throughout the year. For families planning to visit Vietnam, the best time to go is from September to April, when the weather is not too hot, humid, or rainy. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Pu Luong, and Sapa) is best visited from March to April to avoid the summer heat. Autumn (September to November) typically brings mild and pleasant weather.
Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang) is ideal to visit from February to June when the weather is warm and dry. It’s best to avoid the rainy season, which usually occurs from November to January.
Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): The dry season from December to May is generally the ideal time to visit as the weather is sunny and rainfall is minimal.
Safety tips
Food and drink: You know your little honey well. And it is certain that you know what he or she always likes to eat: fried rice and/or French fries, right? Well, as Vietnam is awash with both fall-back foods, you do not need to worry. In fact, Vietnamese French fries may actually be a cut above the fries from home, served with a dipping bowl of sugar and butter. Let your little one judge how delicious it is.
Road safety: Vietnam is a safe country for children. However, there is one important point to know; traffic can be very chaotic. Motors, cars and trucks pass each other and there seem to be no real traffic rules.
Crossing busy streets seems dangerous, but the key is to walk at a steady pace and be predictable. Traffic continues to flow around you. Check out the locals for tips or follow them closely.
I hope that in this travel guide, you can find things you want to experience with your family in Vietnam and have ideas for your trip. All the tours above can be considered inspirational tours, you can click here or email [email protected] to share your travel preferences and get a quote from our travel consultants. We will get back to you within 12 hours!
