Visiting Vietnam with kids: a complete guide

Safe, affordable and stacked with family-friendly experiences — from enjoying beaches and watching water puppet shows, to cycling rice terraces and enjoying river boat trips — visiting Vietnam can be a truly unforgettable vacation destination, not least if you read our guide to visiting Vietnam with kids. Covering when to visit, how to get around, and some of the best things to do in Vietnam with kids, here we also share a suggested 7-day, family-friendly Vietnam itinerary to kickstart your trip-planning process.

The best times to visit Vietnam with kids

With three distinct weather regions — North, Central and South — choosing the best time the visit Vietnam depends on where you want to go. Here’s an overview to help you make up your mind.

October to April: best overall time to visit Vietnam

Offering drier weather and pleasant temperatures (68°F to 86°F/20°C to 30°C), visiting Vietnam between October and April offers the best overall balance of conditions.

That is to say, this period is suitable for enjoying the broadest range of experiences, from outdoor activities and sightseeing in the likes of Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, to blissing out on beaches.

Just note that December to February is peak season, so book flights and hotels early, and don’t expect to have top attractions to yourselves!

May to August: Good for beaches, but hot and humid

If you like it hot, Vietnam’s May-August summer season is a good time to enjoy the beaches of Central and Northern Vietnam.

Be aware, though, that temperatures hit highs of 86°F to 104°F/30°C to 40°C, and it’s very humid, especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Sudden heavy rain showers are also a feature of this period.

September to early-October least favorable time

September and early October are best avoided, as you can expect heavy rains and storms, especially in Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Danang), flooding risks in Hanoi and Hoi An, and Halong Bay cruises can be canceled due to bad weather.

If you must visit in this period, Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc) experience less rain.

Staying safe and healthy in Vietnam

Though safe and very welcoming of children, here are some tips to make your visit to Vietnam with kids all the safer.

Medical care 

Vietnam has excellent private hospitals in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang, but always have travel insurance as treatment can be very expensive.

It’s also a good idea to bring essential medicines from home, and to pack a first aid kit.

Note that you dial 115 for ambulance services.

Food and water safety

Only drink bottled or filtered water, and avoid tap water, even for brushing teeth and washing fruit.

Also avoid raw seafood and unpeeled fruits from street vendors, and pack rehydration salts in case any of you come down with food-related stomach issues.

Be wise about mosquitoes and heat

Wear long sleeves and light clothing in jungle and rural areas, and use mosquito repellent (DEET or Picaridin) — Dengue fever is present in Vietnam.

Also apply plenty of sunscreen (SPF 50+), especially on beaches or when exploring outdoors, and bring a small portable fan to help kids keep cool.

How to get around Vietnam with kids

When it comes to getting around Vietnam with kids, planning is key. The country is long, and there are considerable distances between top attractions, which means domestic flights might be an essential part of your trip.

Here’s a run-down of how to get around Vietnam with kids.

Domestic flights

Vietnam is over 1600km from north to south, making domestic flights the best option for families traveling between major destinations.

Useful routes include Hanoi to Da Nang (1 hr 20 min), Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (1 hr 30 min), Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc island (1 hr), and Hanoi to Nha Trang (1 hr 50 min).

Trains 

Vietnam’s handy Reunification Express Train runs from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping in Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and more. 

While it’s a fun and scenic option, train rides can feel long and slow for families with young kids.

That said, a few routes to keep in mind are Hanoi to Sapa (8-9 hours on an overnight train), and Hanoi to Da Nang — a scenic 16-hour ride that takes in the Hai Van Pass and coastline.

If you’re considering the train option, book “soft sleeper” cabins (4-bed private rooms) for comfort, and bring plenty of snacks, baby wipes, hand sanitizer and entertainment.

Buses 

Vietnam has a good network of very affordable long-distance buses, but they can be uncomfortable for young children. 

As a result, they’re best used for shorter routes.

Private car with driver 

Hiring a private car with a driver is the safest and most comfortable way to explore Vietnam, especially for families with toddlers, strollers, or lots of luggage.

Consider this option for day trips (e.g. Hue to Hoi An, and Hanoi to Ninh Binh), and when exploring rural areas like the Mekong Delta.

How to get around cities

Vietnamese cities have a mix of transport options — some are more family-friendly than others. Read on for an overview of how to get around cities with kids. 

Walking

Walking is best when exploring the likes of Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoi An Ancient Town (this has pedestrian-only streets), and Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 —  a top spot for sightseeing and street food.

Always hold kids' hands tightly in busy areas, and when crossing roads (motorbikes don’t always stop), and use pedestrian bridges where available — crossing Vietnamese streets can be very tricky.

Grab — Vietnam’s Uber

Safe and reliable, with no haggling over fares, Grab services are available in all major cities.

Taxis 

Vietnam has many taxis, but some overcharge tourists, so only use reputable companies like Mai Linh Taxi (green cars) and Vinasun Taxi (white cars).

Insist on using the meter to avoid scams, carry small cash bills (some drivers claim they have no change), and ask your hotel to call a taxi for you rather than jumping into one on the street.

Bike rental

In places like Hoi An (think rice fields and peaceful villages) and Ninh Binh, bikes are a great way to get around rural spots on a fun family cycling trip. They're not recommended in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, where traffic is incredibly chaotic.

Cyclo rides 

Cyclo (three-wheeled bicycle taxis) are a fun, slow-paced way to explore Hue’s Imperial City and Hanoi’s Old Quarter. 

Be sure to agree on the price before getting in, or book a trip through your hotel.

10 tips for traveling to Vietnam with kids

 Here are our top ten tips for traveling to Vietnam with kids.

1. Take time to find child-friendly accommodation

While lots of Vietnam accommodation is of the family-friendly variety — e.g. resorts and hotels with pools — be sure to check exactly what facilities places have before booking. That is to say, assume nothing!

For example, depending on your personal requirements, you might want to check whether cribs and high chairs are provided, and if places have play areas and offer babysitting services.

2. Pack for different weather conditions

Here’s an pithy overview of what to pack when visiting different areas of Vietnam with kids.

• North Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa): it’s a lot cooler here in winter, so bring layers for everyone.
• Central Vietnam (Hoi An, foodie hotpot Danang, Hue): this region is warm and sunny most of the year, so think lightweight clothing and lots of sunscreen.
• South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta): these areas are hot and humid year-round, but bring rain ponchos and some quick-dry clothes for unexpected rain showers.

3. Pack smart for babies and toddlers 

Smaller towns in Vietnam can be lacking in baby supplies, so you should bring essentials like diapers and baby wipes, baby formula and food pouches.

Also note that even lightweight strollers can be a pain in places like Hoi An or Hanoi’s Old Quarter, so you might want to bring a baby carrier.

4. Be prepared for the bathroom situation 

Public bathrooms in Vietnam are not always kept clean and stocked, so bring tissues and hand sanitizer.

As squat toilets are common in rural areas, you might want to get kids to practice before your trip!

5. Be road and transport smart

We covered some of this above, but always, always hold kids’ hands when crossing roads, and use pedestrian bridges where available.

Avoid motorbike taxis with kids, and if you decide to rent bikes, make sure helmets are provided and fit properly.

6. Focus on child-friendly food

While Vietnamese food is delicious, some dishes may be too spicy or unfamiliar for kids, especially picky eaters.

Among the most child-friendly Vietnamese foods, we recommend Pho (mild noodle soup), Banh Mi (a soft baguette sandwich), Com Ga (chicken rice), and spring rolls.

Say “không cay” (no spice) if your kids don’t like spicy food.

7. Avoid the midday heat

As Vietnam can be very hot and humid, especially in summer, you should plan sightseeing activities early (before 10am) or for after 4pm.

It’s also a good idea to take midday breaks at a pool or indoor café, and hydrate often — fresh coconut water is a delicious option.

8. Keep kids entertained with hands-on experiences

From fun, cultural water puppet shows in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, to lantern-making workshops in Hoi An, and cooking classes all over, including a few interactive experiences in your itinerary is a great way to keep kids entertained.

if your kids are creative, give them a travel journal to record what they've done in words or pictures.

9. Stay safe during adventure activities

Always double-check age and safety requirements before booking activities like hikes, ziplining, water-sports and boat trips, and do your research to choose reputable companies. 

Note that Halong Bay cruises should have proper life jackets for kids, and if you’re trekking on Sapa, choose easy routes, and bring good walking shoes.

10. Mix adventure and relaxation — don’t over-pack your itinerary 

In between enjoying the likes of cruising Halong Bay, cycling the rice fields of Hoi An, or sliding down sand dunes in Mui Ne, be sure to include more sedate activities in your itinerary, whether that’s relaxing on beaches, or soaking up scenery in Dalat’s lakeview cafés.

Trying to do too much will result in tired kids, and tired kids = cranky kids!

Ahead of your trip, ask your kids to pick the things they most want to do in Vietnam, so you can come up with a well-paced itinerary that keeps everyone happy. Use the suggestions below to start that conversation. 

Things to do in Vietnam with kids

By no means exhaustive — there are simply too many amazing family-friendly experiences to cover here! — read to find out about some of the best things to do in Vietnam with kids

Best places for wildlife and outdoor adventures 

• Cuc Phuong National Park: located near Ninh Binh (2 hours from Hanoi), head here to see langurs, turtles and colorful butterflies along child-friendly jungle trails.
• Mekong Delta: do-able on a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta boat trips through rice fields and mangrove forests give kids the chance to see water buffalo and tropical birds as well as floating markets and coconut candy factories.
• Halong Bay: the best way to experience the magic of Haloing Bay is to take a cruise and stay overnight on your boat. After kayaking, swimming and exploring hidden caves around the giant limestone islands by day, you can dine under gleaming stars by night.
• Cable Car to Ba Na Hills: located near Da Nang, kids will love riding the world’s longest cable car to the top of a mountain, where they can walk the Golden Bridge (the iconic “hand bridge”), and enjoy the Fantasy Park amusement complex.
• Mui Ne sand dunes: here kids can slide down dunes on boards, or ride an off-road jeep through the desert, depending on their age.

Best cultural experiences

• Make your own lanterns in Hoi An: an easy and fun craft activity for all ages, family-run workshops teach kids about history of Hoi An’s famous lanterns, and they get to keep their colorful creations.
• Watch a water puppet show: head to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to see colorful puppet characters dancing on water. No need to understand Vietnamese — the storytelling is entirely visual.
• Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels: located near Ho Chi Minh City, these underground passages, with hidden entrances and secret escape routes, teach kids about Vietnam’s history in fun and thrilling fashion.

Best beach areas for families

In good news, many of the best beaches in Vietnam are family-friendly, with the following destinations coming especially recommended. 

• Phu Quoc island: with soft, white sand and calm, warm water (no big waves!) Phu Quoc is perfect for the youngest of kids, with great snorkelling for older kids.
• Nha Trang: located in Central Vietnam, Nha Trang is popular as a family-friendly beach destination, thanks to VinWonders Water Park, family-friendly beaches with lifeguards, and a bounty of island-hopping boat trips.

Vietnam itinerary with kids

Blending cultural experiences, adventures in nature, relaxing beach days, and good old-fashioned fun, this suggested 7-day Vietnam itinerary covers a range of remarkable landscapes and family-friendly attractions without feeling too rushed.

Looking for a longer trip? See our 10 days in Vietnam itinerary and our 14 days in Vietnam itinerary.

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, explore the Old Quarter

After arriving in Hanoi, check into a family-friendly hotel (read up on where to stay in Hanoi) and explore the historic Old Quarter after you've rested up a little.

To save little legs from tiring, take a fun cyclo ride through the colorful streets, and make a stop at Hoan Kiem Lake, where kids can watch turtles and walk on the iconic red bridge.

Perhaps stop off for fresh coconut water and Vietnamese ice cream (Kem Trang Tien) ahead of enjoying a traditional water puppet show — kids will delight in seeing dragons and other characters magically dancing on water.

Day 2: Halong Bay cruise and overnight boat stay

On the morning of day two, the UNESCO-designated wonders of Halong Bay await.

We suggest arranging your 2.5-3-hour transfer as part of a family-friendly cruise tour that includes an overnight stay on a boat. Prefer to do things independently? Read up on how to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay.

Whichever way you get here, on arrival, spend the afternoon marveling at the bay's otherworldly landscape (dramatic limestone peaks rising from emerald waters), with most boat trips revealing hidden caves, and including stop-offs to kayak or snorkel. 

You could look to book an experience that also includes a stop at a floating fishing village. 

That night, you and your family will enjoy a sunset dinner on deck, with some tours offering Vietnamese cooking classes and night-time fishing.

Day 3: Explore Halong Bay, transfer to Hoi An

On the morning of day three, you’ll have chance to see more of Halong Bay after breakfast — perhaps you’ll get to explore another secret cave, for example — before enjoying a leisurely cruise back to the dock.

On returning to Hanoi, it’s time to fly to Da Nang — Vietnam’s new foodie-hotspot, and gateway to charming Ho An.

After a 1 hour 20-minute flight, you’ll touch down in Da Nang airport. From here, takes around 30 minutes to reach Da Nang (we suggest pre-booking a private transfer through your accommodation).

After checking in, rest up for as long as you need — it has, after all, been a busy day! — before strolling Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets ahead of dining in a riverside restaurant.

Keen to feature Hoi An in your own Vietnam itinerary? Read more on how many days you need in Hoi An

Day 4: Explore Hoi An before hitting the beach

Spend the morning of day four discovering Hoi An Ancient Town — another UNESCO Site treasure. 

Highlights here include the seeing the Japanese Bridge, visiting a couple of colorful markets and exploring the riverside area.

Talking of which, taking a boat ride on the Thu Bon river is a wonderful way to see the city.

Come the afternoon, take a break from sightseeing by heading to An Bang Beach to swim and chill.

That evening, enjoy another lantern lit evening stroll, this time shopping for souvenirs and stopping off to try street food. Banh xeo crispy pancakes are likely to go down a treat!

Day 5: Head to the Ba Na Hills 

The Ba Na Hills are your day five destination. Located in the mountains west of Da Nang, this is big on natural beauty and child-pleasing attractions.

While there are regular bus services from the city, it’s best to book a tour or private transfer for ease and speed. We also recommend bringing light jackets as it’s cooler around these scenic parts. 

On arrival, take a trip up Vietnam’s longest cable car and walk the iconic Golden Bridge — a striking pedestrian bridge held up by two giant stone hands.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the French Village — a charming mini-town of cobbled streets, colorful buildings, fountains, and costumed performers — before spending a couple of hours in the Fantasy Park amusement park.

If your kids are older, they might enjoy the Alpine Coaster tide that winds through the hills.

Come the late afternoon, ride the cable car back down and return to Hoi An.

Day 6: Fly to Phu Quoc for blissful beach time

A shift in scenery and pace is in store on day six when you’ll fly to Phu Quoc (1.5 hrs from Da Nang) to spend a couple of days by the beach.

A popular vacation destination for all kinds of travelers, look out for beachfront resorts that have a kids’ pool and playground. 

Spend the afternoon by the beach (or pool) ahead of dining on fresh seafood right by a beach. Some eateries around these parts offer night-time fire dancing performances.

Day 7: Visit VinWonders or Vinpearl Safari before departing

On day seven, you might just want to more savor beach time ahead of departing Vietnam.

Alternatively, you could visit VinWonders, Vietnam’s biggest theme park, or Vinpearl Safari, Vietnam’s largest wildlife park.

Come the afternoon, fly Back to Ho Chi Minh ready for your flight home.

Inspired to take a trip to Vietnam with your kids? Read our guide how to plan a trip to Vietnam — it’s packed with personal tips — and take inspiration from our suggested Vietnam itineraries.

You could also contact our local Vietnam travel experts to have them curate your perfect family vacation for any duration.