Le Cong
Vietnam is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history, making it a great destination for families traveling with kids. However, traveling with kids can sometimes be challenging. Here are some tips to make your trip to Vietnam with kids more enjoyable:
Traveler Advice
Plan and Research Ahead
Before traveling to Vietnam, make sure to do your research and plan ahead. This will help you to be prepared for any situation that may arise. You may want to research the best family-friendly activities, restaurants, and accommodations.
Bring Appropriate Gear
Be sure to pack appropriate gear for your trip. This may include a baby carrier, stroller, and car seat. Also, make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, insect repellent, and any medication that your child may need.
Explore the Outdoors
Vietnam is known for its beautiful natural scenery, and there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy with your kids. Some popular activities include hiking, biking, and kayaking.
Try Local Food
Vietnamese cuisine is delicious, and there are plenty of options that your kids are sure to enjoy. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as pho, banh mi, and spring rolls.
Learn About the Local Culture
Vietnam has a rich culture and history, and there are many opportunities for your kids to learn about it. Some great places to visit include the historic city of Hanoi, the peaceful countryside of Ninh Binh, the mountainous area Sapa and Ha Giang, or the beachside Cat Ba and Ha Long Bay.
Traveling with kids in Vietnam can be a wonderful experience. By planning ahead, bringing appropriate gear, exploring the outdoors, trying local food, and learning about the local culture, you can ensure that your trip is enjoyable for the whole family.
Keep in mind: Vietnam with baby or toddler
Vietnam is not the ideal country to travel with a baby or toddler, but it is certainly possible. In the big cities, you have to take into account the chaotic traffic. You can get diapers and powdered milk in the supermarkets. Incidentally, Vietnamese are very fond of babies, toddlers, and small children and will therefore receive you with great pleasure.
Vietnam can be a bit challenging to travel with a baby or toddler but don’t worry, it’s definitely doable. Just keep in mind that the traffic in big cities can be a bit chaotic, so be careful. You can find diapers and powdered milk in the supermarkets, so you won’t have to worry about running out. Also, the Vietnamese absolutely adore babies, toddlers, and young children, so you’ll be sure to receive a warm welcome wherever you go.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam with Kids
When planning your trip to Vietnam, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s a pretty big country. So, if you’re looking for the best time to visit Vietnam based on the weather, it really depends on where you’re going. In the northern part of the country, like in Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Sapa, Ha Giang the best times to visit are March to May and September to November. This way, you can avoid the summer heat and the winter rains. If you’re heading down south to places like Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, and the Mekong Delta, the dry season is from December to May, with generally pleasant temperatures. Finally, for cities in central Vietnam, like Hoi An and Hue, it’s best to visit from February to June. Hope this helps you plan your trip!
Safety and health in Vietnam with kids
When traveling with kids in Vietnam, there are a few safety and health considerations to keep in mind. First, traffic can be chaotic, so be careful when crossing busy streets. When it comes to food and drink, use common sense and ask for recommendations at your hotel to avoid any issues. Don’t drink tap water, but ice is generally safe in restaurants and bars. Pharmacies in larger cities are usually well-stocked, but it can be difficult to find medicines in smaller towns. It’s a good idea to bring enough of your special medicines with you, in their original packaging, or ask your doctor for a prescription. Malaria occurs all along the coast of Vietnam, and dengue fever is also common, so use anti-mosquito repellents with DEET. While there are no mandatory vaccinations for Vietnam, a few are recommended, such as DTP and hepatitis A. Finally, keep your valuables close by and be on the lookout for scams by people trying to sell you a product or service on the street.
Best destinations in Vietnam with kids
1. Ha Giang
Ha Giang is a beautiful mountainous area in northern Vietnam that is becoming increasingly popular with travelers. There are many things to do in Ha Giang with kids, including exploring the stunning scenery, trekking to remote villages, and learning about the local culture. Some popular activities in Ha Giang include visiting the Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark, taking a motorcycle tour of the area, and visiting the Lung Cu Flag Tower. Keep in mind that the roads in Ha Giang can be quite narrow and winding, so make sure to take appropriate precautions if you’re traveling with kids.
2. Cat Ba Islands
Cat Ba Island is a perfect destination for families traveling with kids. You can take a boat trip to explore the natural beauty of the island. There are also many other activities to enjoy, such as kayaking, swimming, and hiking. The island has a lot of family-friendly hotels and resorts, as well as restaurants with kid-friendly menus. You can also take a day trip to the nearby Monkey Island, where you can see monkeys up close and feed them. Don’t forget to visit the Cat Ba National Park, where you can see the diverse flora and fauna of the island.
3. Hanoi
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, with a population of 10 million people and about 6 million scooters, making it a bustling city. With its long history, there are many educational opportunities for children.
One recommended activity is to enjoy a traditional water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet. You can also take a street food tour, go shopping in the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, savor bowls of Pho by Hoan Kiem Lake, or simply take your kids to the most beautiful park in Hanoi, Thong Nhat Park, where you can find lots of local kids playing.
4. Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is a great place to visit with kids, especially if you’re looking to explore Vietnam’s natural beauty. The area is known for its stunning limestone karsts and beautiful rivers, and there are plenty of outdoor activities that you can enjoy with your family. Some popular things to do in Ninh Binh include hiking, biking, and taking a boat tour of the area’s many caves and grottoes. You can also visit the Cuc Phuong National Park, which is home to a wide range of wildlife and plant species.
5. Hue
Hue is a great destination to visit with kids. The city has a rich history, and there are plenty of educational opportunities for children. Some popular things to do in Hue include:
- Visit the Imperial City, which was the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945
- Explore the Thien Mu Pagoda, which is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hue
- Take a boat ride on the Perfume River
- Visit the Dong Ba Market, which is a great place to try local street food and shop for souvenirs
6. Da Nang
Da Nang is a great place to visit with kids, as there are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Some popular things to do in Da Nang include visiting the Ba Na Hills, exploring the Marble Mountains, and relaxing on the beach. You can also take a day trip to the nearby ancient town of Hoi An, which is known for its lantern-lit streets and beautiful architecture.
7. Hoi An
Hoi An is a great place to visit with kids, as there are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Some popular things to do in Hoi An include:
- Take a stroll through the ancient town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Old House of Tan Ky, and the Quan Cong Temple
- Visit the Hoi An Night Market, which is filled with food vendors, souvenir shops, and street performers
- Take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River and watch the sunset
- Visit the nearby My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features ancient Hindu temples and ruins
- Take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes
- Relax on the beach at An Bang or Cua Dai
8. Da Lat
Da Lat is a great destination for families traveling with kids. The city is located in the central highlands of Vietnam and is known for its beautiful natural scenery and cool weather. Some popular things to do in Da Lat with kids include visiting the Valley of Love, exploring the Crazy House, and taking a cable car ride to Truc Lam Pagoda. You can also visit the Xuan Huong Lake, which is a great place to have a picnic or go for a boat ride. There are also plenty of family-friendly hotels and restaurants in Da Lat, so you’re sure to have a great time.
9. Dak Lak
Dak Lak is a beautiful province in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam, known for its coffee plantations and scenic landscapes. It’s a great place to explore the outdoors and experience local culture. Some popular activities include visiting waterfalls, trekking in the forests, seeing the elephants, and learning about the local ethnic minority groups. While traveling with kids in Dak Lak, be sure to bring appropriate gear for outdoor activities and pack plenty of sunscreens, insect repellent, and any necessary medication.
10. Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling city with plenty of things to see and do with kids. Here are some tips for traveling to Ho Chi Minh City with kids:
- Visit the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, which is the largest zoo in Vietnam and has over 1,000 animals
- Take a tour of the city on a cyclo, which is a traditional Vietnamese bicycle taxi
- Visit the War Remnants Museum, which has exhibits on the Vietnam War and is a great opportunity for children to learn about history
- Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, which were used during the Vietnam War and offer an educational experience for kids
- Check out the Bitexco Financial Tower, which has an observation deck with views of the city
- Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta to see the floating markets and experience local life
- Visit the Dam Sen Water Park or the Suoi Tien Cultural Amusement Park for a fun day out with the kids
11. Mekong Delta
Experience local life by staying in a homestay. Take part in numerous organized boat trips to visit floating markets, and local coconut factories, and take a small rowboat through the narrow canals hidden between palm trees. You can also opt to take bike rides or a leisurely cruise that takes you everywhere.
Here are some ideas to explore Mekong Delta with your kids:
- Cruise through small canals
- Explore floating markets
- Bird watching
- Visit orchards
- Sightseeing: Giant Buddha Temple (An Giang) and Khmer Pothisomron Temple (Can Tho).
- Cultural event: Listening to Southern Folk Songs (Don ca tai tu)
We hope that you have a memorable time with your kids. This experience will be unforgettable for both you and your children. Hanoi is a great place to start your trip in Vietnam, from Hanoi you can easily travel to Sapa, Ha Giang, and Ninh Binh by bus or private car.
What are the BEST tours in Hanoi for families?
Hanoi French Quarter
Kids get very excited about ice cream in between. Additionally, there is a nice coffee shop in the French Quarter where you can learn about its history while kids can ask lots of questions. With its big streets, the French Quarter is a great choice for families with children.
Hanoi Food Tour or Hanoi Vegan Food Walking Tour
A pleasant walk with our knowledgeable local guide can be a great experience for kids while in Hanoi. Consider booking either the Kids Friendly Hanoi Old Quarter Tour or if your family loves food, joining our Hanoi Food Tour or Hanoi Vegan Food Walking Tour is the best option. We are confident that it will be a delightful treat for the whole family.
Is Vietnam safe to travel for kids?
Vietnam is a safe and welcoming destination for families of all ages. With a low crime rate and friendly locals, you can be sure that your family will feel safe during a holiday here. There is a wide variety of kid-friendly attractions in Vietnam, and many activities suited to different age groups.
Is Ho Chi Minh City safe for kids?
Vietnam has a very friendly and warm culture, and Vietnamese people are very hospitable to families. We absolutely loved traveling around Vietnam with our kids. Vietnam is a relatively easy place for family travel.
Is Hanoi safe for children?
Hanoi is one of the most thrilling places to visit with kids. There are many things to do in Hanoi with kids, places to see, and cultural experiences to enjoy as a family. This makes it a very family-friendly destination to visit.
Is it safe to take a toddler to Vietnam?
If you are traveling with a baby or toddler, you need to be particularly careful of the sun and heat. Vietnam can be hot depending on where and when you visit, so you will want to factor that into the types of activities that you do and the places that you visit.
If you need more information, this is definitely a great video to watch: Vietnam with Kids one-week itinerary from Parenting to Go
