Family vacation in Vietnam: Best Vietnam Itineraries with Kids

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.

Is Vietnam a good place to travel with kids?

Yes, Vietnam offers a wide range of family-friendly attractions that cater to all ages and interests. From culture, fun activities, and adventures, to participating in hands-on experiences and also considered as a safe country for travelers.

Vietnam has a variety of accommodations that cater to families, with options available for every budget and preference. Many resorts in Vietnam offer kids’ clubs, swimming pools, and family-friendly activities to keep children entertained while parents relax. You can also experience Vietnamese hospitality by staying in a homestay, where your family can learn about local customs and traditions firsthand.

Additionally, Vietnam is generally a safe destination, with warm and welcoming locals who adore children. You can expect to receive assistance and kindness from locals while traveling with your kids and it will be a lifetime journey.

Best things to do in Vietnam with kids

Vietnam is a captivating destination that offers a plethora of unforgettable experiences for families traveling with kids. From exploring ancient temples to cruising through scenic landscapes, Vietnam has something to delight every member of the family. Here are some must-try experiences that will make your family vacation in Vietnam truly unforgettable:

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.

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.

Opportunities for Cultural Immersion

Introduce your kids to the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with a cooking class or a visit to a local market.

Cooking Classes: Hoi An is famous for its delicious cuisine, and many cooking schools offer classes specifically designed for families. Your kids can get hands-on experience making dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients while learning about the importance of food in Vietnamese culture.

Local Markets: Wander through 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.

Best Places to Visit in Vietnam with Family

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 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 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 HoaRiver 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. 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.

Family and Kid-Friendly Vietnam Tours and Holidays

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.

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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.

How many days is enough?

Whether you have a month or just a week or two, we still have an itinerary to suit your interests and time frame. If you want to explore beyond Vietnam, here are some suggested Vietnam and Cambodia family tours that cater to different interests and durations:

These are sample inspirational tours, you can contact us to customize your journey. We will get back to you within 24 hours!