Travelling in Vietnam with kids
Vietnam can be overwhelming for adults - and doubly so for kids![]()
The cities are frenetic, the markets full of strange sounds and smells, and the long journeys from north-south will test the patience of little ones – and big ones.
But there is much to enjoy in Vietnam with kids – the enchanting water puppet theatres, laid-back beach resorts and islands, friendly local communities and of course the trains, boats and cyclo rides.
Cycling, kayaking, hiking and snorkelling will keep energetic teenagers entertained, and there is an excellent balance of culture and nature, chaos and tranquillity, allowing families to plan the perfect, personalised itinerary.
Activities for families in Vietnam
We certainly don’t recommend a trip to any of Vietnam’s zoos or animal parks unless you want distressed children on your hands, but you can get up close to several species of endangered langur in Cuc Phuong’s Primate Rescue Centre. The centre runs a successful breeding programme, and also supports carnivore and pangolin conservation programmes. Ethical, educational – and fun.
The Mekong Delta is a wonderful world for children to discover. Travelling by car, minibus or boat, the delta has plenty of opportunities to explore floating markets on small wooden sampans, see how coconut sweets are made, trek out to traditional villages and meet the people whose lives depend on this immense river.
If you’re worried about navigating the metropolises of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi with kids, try laid-back Hoi An – whose name means “peaceful meeting place”. It’s small and beautiful with little traffic. There are plenty of cycling options outside the town – and the beach is just a short hop away.
Family holidays to Vietnam
A 2-week, escorted Vietnam family tour, from north to south
From
£1590
13 days
ex flights
North to South Vietnam family holiday
A great family trip from one end of Vietnam to the other
From
£1419 to £1495
11 days
ex flights
Vietnam 14 day family tour
A fun-filled family adventure to explore vibrant Vietnam.
From
£1895
13 days
ex flights
Vietnam family holiday with teenagers
Experience adventure the active way on this family trip
From
£873 to £1075
9 days
ex flights
Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam family holiday
Experience culture, nature in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam
From
US $2188
16 days
ex flights
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Travelling in Vietnam with kids
Vo Thi Bich Ha, from our supplier Haivenu, is Vietnamese and has travelled in the country with her two young children. She shares her tips on travelling in Vietnam with kids:
“I wouldn’t advise travelling with toddlers because the facilities are not very child friendly. It’s nothing like what you’re used to in England – the toilets are difficult with a young child, the restaurants and museums don’t have changing tables and other facilities. But kids from eight upwards who like to explore will love Vietnam. They can ride a pony in Sapa, go rafting down the river, paddle a large basket boat, make decorative lanterns from silk in Hoi An. You can also learn to make spring rolls, salads, noodles... the children go out to the markets with a guide to get the ingredients and come back to cook and eat them.”
Lesley Schofield, from our partner All Points East, has young children and has travelled with them extensively in Southeast Asia. Here’s her advice on visiting Vietnam with kids:
"The Mekong Delta’s really nice for children. There’s an awful lot of travel on boats rather than minibuses. And other than the big boats that take you from one country to the next, most of them are quite small boats that meander round the backwaters of the delta. They’ll just carry one family or one group, so that’s a really nice thing because the kids aren’t cooped up inside a minibus getting bored.”
More Vietnam articles
Vietnam is a long, narrow country, with monsoons and heatwaves shifting north to south.
How to explore the Mekong Delta, travel by train, and have an unforgettable Southeast Asian holiday.
This long and diverse country hugs the entire east coast of Southeast Asia, stretching over 1,600km from north to south.
It is within the kitchens, the markets and on the streets that you'll uncover Vietnam's soul.
Discover the highlights as you follow the coast from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City...
Away from the cities, life in the tribal villages flows, as it always has, without the trappings of the modern world.
There's a lot of world history in Vietnam, and it's not just the story of its war with the United States that's worth telling.
A great opportunity to compare and contrast landscapes, the food and the cultural heritage...
Junk boats in Halong Bay, motorbikes in Hue and dragon boats on the Perfume River...
For if you're wondering where the best beaches are, and what to do if you're hassled by street vendors...
Understand local attitudes, taboos and laws, and discover the best places to go to enjoy the country in full.
Read about pollution in Halong Bay, and fair treatment for Hoi An's tailors...
For more on all the types of holiday you could have in Vietnam, you need look no further than our guides.
