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Holiday in Vietnam with Kids in 2025 – Things you need to know

Travel to Vietnam with Kids

Vietnam is quickly becoming a popular family travel destination in Southeast Asia. With its stunning natural landscapes, fascinating culture and cuisine, and overall great value, Vietnam offers an amazing opportunity to travel with children. Here is an in-depth guide on everything you need to know for a memorable family trip to Vietnam in 2025.

Getting Around Vietnam with Kids

Vietnam has a variety of transportation options to help you get around with little ones in tow. Here are some of the best ways to travel around Vietnam with kids:

Domestic Flights

  • Flying between major cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City can save time and prevent long drives
  • Airlines like Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways offer family-friendly amenities
  • Be sure to book bassinets and kids meals in advance when booking tickets

Private Transfers

  • Pre-arranged private cars or vans allow door-to-door airport transfers with car seats
  • Stops can be scheduled along the way for food, bathroom breaks, or sightseeing
  • Private transfers reduce stress and allow families to set their own pace

Trains

  • Overnight trains like the Reunification Express offer cabin beds for family groups
  • Pack food and snacks, as dining cars may have limited kid-friendly options
  • Schedule longer layovers to accommodate naps, mealtimes, and delays

Where to Stay in Vietnam with Kids

Finding suitable lodging is key for a successful family trip. Here are the best places to stay in Vietnam when traveling with kids:

Child-Friendly Hotels

Major cities have international chains like Somerset, Oakwood, and Melia with kids clubs, playrooms, pools, and baby equipment rentals. Some top picks include:

  • Hanoi: Somerset Grand Hanoi, Apricot Hotel
  • Hoi An: Palm Garden Resort, Hoi An Ancient House Village Resort
  • Nha Trang: Mia Resort, Diamond Bay Resort & Spa
  • Ho Chi Minh City: Somerset Ho Chi Minh City, Shangri-La Hotel

Holiday Apartments/Homestays

  • Self-catering apartments like Luxury Halong Bay Apartments allow families to settle in and maintain routines
  • Homestays and B&Bs like Vietnamese Homestay give a local cultural experience
  • Choose places with homey amenities like kitchens, washing machines, and space to spread out

Beach Resorts

Coastal destinations like Danang, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang have kid-centric resorts with waterslides, kids clubs, splash pads and endless facilities, such as:

  • Fusion Maia Resort (Danang)
  • La Veranda Resort (Phu Quoc)
  • Mango Bay Resort (Phu Quoc)

Kid-Friendly Food in Vietnam

While Vietnamese food can be spicy, these flavorful kid-pleasers should be on your family eating itinerary:

Pho

  • A bowl of pho with thinly sliced beef or chicken and rice noodles make an excellent (and fun!) meal for kids.
  • Ask for a separate plate of bean sprouts, basil leaves, lime wedges for them to add themselves.

Banh Mi

  • These baguette sandwiches stuffed with vegetables, ham, cheese or meat patties satisfy kids’ sandwiches cravings.
  • Head to Banh Mi 25 in Hoi An for seriously good versions.

Spring & Summer Rolls

  • Vietnamese spring and summer rolls with tender shrimp, pork, noodles or veggies wrapped in rice paper or green leaves are fresh and full of flavor for young appetites.

Tropical Fruit

Exotic tropical fruit like mangosteen, rambutan, dragon fruit and more available at local markets, street stalls or even hotel breakfast buffets give kids a fun, healthy snack.

Is Vietnam Safe for Kids?

  • Vietnam is very safe for families traveling with children. Violent crime is extremely rare, especially against foreigners.
  • Health risks are also low if proper precautions regarding food, water and hygiene are taken.
  • Vehicle safety standards may not match western countries so always properly restrain children in cars, bikes or boats. Traffic accidents pose the highest safety risk.
  • Monitor air quality in major cities like Hanoi where seasonal smog or pollution can aggravate respiratory issues.

So with some common sense precautions regarding traffic, food and supervised play, Vietnam’s welcoming culture makes it an incredibly warm, safe place for kids.

Best Places to Visit in Vietnam with Kids

Hanoi

  • Water Puppet Shows: Mesmerizing traditional water puppet performances at Thang Long Theatre
  • Old Quarter exploration: Wander bustling narrow lanes trying street food specialties
  • Hoa Lo “Hanoi Hilton” Prison: Learn about Vietnam’s complex history at this thought-provoking site

Halong Bay

  • Boat cruises: Sail among 3000 scenic limestone islands in the calm emerald bay
  • Beaches & caves: Swim, kayak, or hike to caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites
  • Cooking classes: Engaging cooking demos and hands-on classes for kids 8+ years

Sapa

  • Hilltribe villages: Stay overnight in a traditional village with hospitable ethnic minority families
  • Nature walks: Hike through rice terraces and villages with dramatic mountain views
  • Local handicrafts: Watch the hilltribe people make beautiful textiles, jewelry from silversmiths

Hoi An

  • Cooking classes: Make and enjoy Vietnamese dishes like summer rolls at Red Bridge School
  • Pottery crafting: Create custom bowls, vases or souvenirs at pottery workshops
  • Beaches: Lounge, build sandcastles, or splash in the surf at An Bang or Cua Dai beach

Da Nang

  • Ba Na Hills: Ride the cable car up to this French-style hill station with gardens and Amusement Park
  • Beaches: Enjoy white sand beaches like My Khe with gentle waves perfect for swimming
  • Marble Mountains: Climb steps on this cluster of 5 marble & limestone peaks filled with Buddhist shrines

Hue

  • Imperial Citadel: Explore the enormous walled palace complex which was once Vietnam’s royal capital
  • Dragon boat rides: Paddle down Perfume River on these colorful traditional boats
  • Royal tombs: Take a cycling tour to elaborate mausoleums of former emperors surrounded by lovely gardens

Nha Trang

  • Vinpearl Land: This extensive amusement and water park on Hon Tre Island offers rollercoasters, games, wave pools and more
  • Snorkeling: Spot colorful fish and coral reefs in the turquoise waters
  • DIY mud baths: Cover yourselves in mineral-rich mud for some silly family fun

Ho Chi Minh City

  • Cu Chi Tunnels: Crawl through the 125-mile long narrow tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the war
  • Water parks: Dai The Gioi Water Park or Dam Sen Water Parks provide family aquatic fun
  • Notre Dame Cathedral: Gawk at the impressive French architecture in the city center

Mekong Delta

  • Cai Be floating market: See boats overflowing with tropical fruit and flowers jostling to sell their wares
  • Village homestays: Immerse yourselves in laid-back local life in the lush river delta
  • Row boat rides: Paddle through lush green waterways and stop on islands for fresh coconuts

Phu Quoc Island

  • Snorkeling & beaches: Swim with reef fish or simply relax on powdery beaches like Sao Beach or Ong Lang
  • Coconut candy factories: Watch candies being produced and sample the sweet, chewy treats
  • Vinpearl Phu Quoc: This resort area offers an enormous waterpark, arcade games, luxury hotel stays and more for families

Best Things to do in Vietnam with Kids

  • Stay at a Homestay: Opting for a homestay rather than hotel allows more cultural immersion. Kids can play with the hosts’ children, help cook meals, and learn about local lifestyles.
  • Make Your Own Souvenirs: Let kids create their own keepsakes via silk lantern making in Hoi An, embroidery classes in Sapa, or stuffed animal making from traditional fabrics.
  • Explore Markets & Try Street Foods: Wandering through bustling markets trying snacks like grilled meat skewers, fresh fruit, sweet sticky rice gives kids insight into Vietnamese food culture.
  • Learn Traditional Handicrafts: Making pottery in Hoi An, weaving fishing baskets in Mekong villages or creating Vietnamese hats are hands-on activities kids love.
  • Interact with Animals: Butterfly Parks, Cham Island’s endangered Red-shanked Douc langurs, and Koto Milkbar’s resident bunnies give kids memorable animal encounters to cherish.

What Not to Do in Vietnam with Kids

While Vietnam is highly suitable for kids, a few precautions will ensure smoother family travels:

  • Avoid Over Scheduling: Packing too many places into a short trip will lead to tired, grumpy children. Slow down and don’t try to overdo sightseeing.
  • Skip Late Night Dining With Little Ones: Vietnamese dinnertime starts later, around 8pm. This may be too late for young kids who need earlier bedtimes.
  • Don’t Rent Motorbikes Or Scooters: While motorbikes seem convenient, the chaotic traffic makes them extremely dangerous for inexperienced families to navigate. Opt for taxis or Tuk Tuks instead.
  • Don’t Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels with Very Young Kids: While fascinating, these narrow, confined tunnel complexes recreating wartime conditions may frighten toddlers or preschoolers. Often kids need to be at least 6 years or older to fully appreciate and handle Cu Chi Tunnels.

What to Bring to Vietnam with Kids

Packing well ensures your family trip to Vietnam goes smoothly:

  • Car Seat: If renting a van or car, bringing your own car seat ensures proper safety restraints for children too small for adult seatbelts
  • Travel Stroller: Vietnam’s bumpy sidewalks and crowded streets make strollers a must for napping toddlers when exploring cities.
  • Soft Child Carrier: Baby wearing with a front pack or backpack carrier lets parents keep infants close while navigating attractions.
  • Motion Sickness Medicine: Vietnam’s winding roads can cause nausea for those prone to carsickness or seasickness. Medications can prevent problems.
  • Sun Protection: The tropical sun is strong. Pack rashguard swim shirts, sun hats, quality sunscreen and sunglasses to prevent burns.

Conclusion

With tantalizing food, rich culture, breathtaking scenery from verdant rice paddies to dazzling white sand beaches plus endless opportunities for fun, Vietnam makes an unforgettable destination for family holidays.

By choosing child-friendly accommodations, traveling at a leisurely pace with flexible schedules, sticking to kid-approved dining and activities, 2025 is an ideal year to discover this incredible country with your little explorers by your side.