5 Incredible Places to Visit in Vietnam with Kids

Are you planning a Vietnam family vacation? If so, you’re in luck! This beautiful country is full of exciting places that your kids will love. From lovely beaches and vibrant cities to ancient temples and natural wonders, there are many wonderful attractions for your family trip.

Halong Bay

The stunning Halong Bay is a must-visit destination for any family vacation in Vietnam and is one of the most iconic spots in all of Southeast Asia. This gorgeous bay is made up of hundreds of limestone islands, all surrounded by emerald waters. There are plenty of guided tours available, from boat cruises around the bay to kayaking trips through the craggy caves. The kids will love exploring this magical landscape!

Our 5 best activities for families in Halong Bay:

1.Boat Cruises:

Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise around the bay, taking in the breathtaking views of the shimmering water and towering limestone islands. You can spend 2 days and 1 night sailing around the beautiful bays. There is a whole range of available cruises and ones specifically for families. While on the cruise, there is a range of activities to keep everyone occupied like cooking classes, squid fishing and happy hour for parents. Your kids will love trying to spot all the amazing marine life and scenery as you sail through this amazing UNESCO world heritage site.

2.Kayaking in HaLong Bay:

Head out on a kayak adventure through surreal caves, to get close to the amazing limestone formations. You can undertake this kind of adventure either in the morning from a cruise or take out your own. The areas you paddle in are safe but it’s great to get up close to the water. The kids will be enthralled by the incredible scenery, and you’ll love that they can learn about nature as they explore.

3.Hiking in Ha Long Bay:

Take a hike around the stunning HaLong Bay area, with trails through forests, up mountains and along beaches There are ample trails for all levels of fitness, so your kids won’t be bored by the walk. You can explore hidden coves and ancient temples as you traverse this stunning region. Plus, there will be plenty of stops to take in the breathtaking views! Your kids will love discovering new places and learning about the local wildlife.

4.Snorkeling and Scuba Diving:

Explore the crystal-clear waters of Ha Long Bay with some snorkeling or scuba diving trips. Get a unique perspective of the region as you go underwater and spot exotic fish, beautiful coral reefs, and all sorts of fascinating sea life that is someof the best in Northern Vietnam. Kids will love this activity, as they get to see things from an entirely different point of view. This is a great way for your kids to learn about marine conservation and appreciate the beauty of our planet.

5. Visiting Cat Ba island

Explore the largest island in Halong Bay, Cat Ba. You can take a boat trip to the island and experience the unique culture of this place. There are plenty of activities for families including visiting beautiful beaches, trekking in the rainforest, and exploring ancient monuments. Kids will especially love Cat Ba National Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife including monkeys, lizards and birds. There are plenty of activities for your family, from rock climbing and kayaking to beach-hopping and visiting local attractions. The kids will love exploring the beautiful Cat Ba island!

Click here to see more of the best experiences in Ha Long Bay and add them to your wishlist.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City has it all—from fantastic restaurants and lively nightlife to incredible shopping opportunities and historical sights. The city’s history is fascinating and educational for children, especially if you take them on a guided tour or visit some of the museums around the town.

Our 5 Best Activities for Families in Ho Chi Minh City:

1. street food tours:

There’s no better way to explore a new city than taking a walking street food tour. These guided tours take you around Ho Chi Minh City, giving you an insight into Vietnamese culture as you sample traditional cuisine. Kids will love all the delicious snacks and it’s a great opportunity for them to try something new. You have the safe bets of Bahn Mi (sandwich) and chuoi chien (fried banana) as well as soups and other dishes they may not have tried before, allowing all the family to discover the local flavors of each area. Plus, the market stalls are full of vibrant colors and bustling sounds, which will make for an unforgettable experience. If you or your kids have any allergies, special dietary requirements arrangements can easily be made to ensure your family have a great time.

2.Cu Chi Tunnels:

Head out of the city and explore the incredible Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of passages used during the Vietnam War. Kids will love crawling through the tunnels and learning about this remarkable engineering feat. Vietnam’s Cu Chi Tunnels are a great way to introduce them to history while they have fun.

3.Go Shopping in Ben Thanh Market:

Revel in the bustling atmosphere of Ben Thanh market and explore the colorful stalls selling everything from traditional handicrafts to snacks and souvenirs. Your kids will love hunting for bargains. Ben Thanh market is a great way to introduce them to Vietnamese cuisine, culture and shopping.

4. Take the Saigon River Cruise:

Hop on a boat and enjoy a leisurely cruise down the Saigon river. Your family will get to see amazing sights of the city skyline, lush countryside, and vibrant villages along the way. The Saigon River cruise can take up to 2 hours, and there are plenty of stops for sightseeing and refreshments.

5.Visit Dam Sen Water Park:

Whether you have young kids or older ones, take a break from sightseeing and head to Dam Sen Water Park for some fun in the sun. Your kids will love the huge range of rides, slides and pools in this bustling water park. You can also visit the adjacent amusement park for even more exciting rides and activities! The whole family is guaranteed to have a blast here. It should be noted that the water park gets particularly busy on weekends, so if possible, try to go during the week and you will have almost the whole park to yourselves.

Click here to see more of the best experiences in Ho Chi Minh City and add them to your wishlist.

Hoi An Ancient Town

This charming old town located in central Vietnam is an absolute must-see when visiting Vietnam with kids. It’s full of colorful buildings, cobbled streets, and quaint markets that are perfect for exploring on foot or by bicycle. Plus, the amazing food here is sure to be a hit with the whole family! Hoi An offers many learning activities such as cooking and market tours as well as lantern making which are great for experiences for your family.

Our 5 Best Activities in Hoi An for families:

1.Spinning coconut boat ride in Hoi An:

This is a great family activity that your kids will love! A coconut boat ride takes you around the Thu Bon River, and you can even stop on one of the islands along the way. Once at a designated spot, the boatsman takes the oars and spins the boat around quickly like being on a spinning tea cup ride at a theme park, which young kids absolutely love. Along with learning about local history and culture, kids get to see how real-life fishermen use their basket boats. It’s a unique experience that they won’t forget.

2.Take a Cooking Class:

Learn how to cook delicious local dishes with a cooking class from one of Hoi An’s many expert chefs, and then enjoy your creations together as a family! This practical experience will help your kids learn more about Vietnamese culture and cuisine. Hoi An cooking classes usually include a local market tour to see what goes into the dishes you’ll make. It’s super fun for your children to explore and is definitely a highlight of any trip to central Vietnam.

3.Go cycling:

Hoi An and central Vietnam in general is a great place to explore on two wheels as there is much less traffic than other cities in Vietnam. Rent bicycles and take your family around the small winding streets of the old town, stopping off at local attractions along the way. Your family can also cycle around the countryside, which is great for getting out of town for a moment. Whether you explore the streets of old town or the countryside, renting bicycles will bring fun-filled entertainment for you and your family.

4.Take a Lantern Boat Ride:

Let your family experience the beauty of Hoi An by taking a lantern boat ride down the Thu Bon River. The entire scene is illuminated with hundreds of colorful paper lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere for your kids. Looking up you will be surrounded by the beautiful colours and architecture of Hoi An as you float down the river. Your kids will also have the opportunity to light a small lantern and let it sail away!

5.Lantern Making Class:

Let your kids learn the history of Hoi An through a lantern-making class. Not only will it be fun for them to make their own lantern, but they’ll also get to learn about the centuries-old tradition of lantern making in this part of Vietnam. They might even take home a beautiful souvenir from the class as a keepsake! It’s a great experience for your family to share and one that your kids will remember forever.

Click here to see more of the best experiences in Hoi An and add them to your wishlist.

Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc island is a stunning tropical paradise with plenty of activities for families. Activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking are all available here, as well as fantastic seafood restaurants and beautiful beaches. It’s the perfect place to relax on a beach holiday and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. With a quick 50-minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City, it’s the perfect place to get away.

Our 5 Best Activities in Phu Quoc for families:

1. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving:

Take your family out on the water and explore the vibrant coral reefs of Phu Quoc. Kids will love learning about the fascinating creatures that live under the sea, and snorkeling or scuba diving together is a great bonding experience.

2.Visit Aquatopia Water park:

Aquatopia Water Park is one of the best water parks in all of Vietnam. Located on an island off the south of Phu Quoc it is only accessible either by boat or the world’s longest island crossing cable car, an insane 8km long with amazing view. The water park is the perfect place to cool off and have some fun with your family. There are slides for all ages, a lazy river, an artificial beach and even a surf simulator!

3.Explore Sao Beach:

Sao Beach is one of Phu Quoc’s most beautiful sights and its white sand, clear blue waters and palm trees make it the perfect place for chilling out with the family. Kids can swim in the sea while parents relax on the beach or enjoy a massage at one of Sao’s world-famous spas.

4.Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc:

Take your kids on an adventure to discover the wild animals of Vietnam at Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc! This safari park is home to over 500 species of animals, including elephants, lions and tigers. Kids will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of these animals, as well as take fun rides like the safari train or gondola.

5. Water sports on Phu Quoc Beach:

Phu Quoc Beach is the perfect location for a range of exciting water sports. Kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, parasailing, and banana boat rides are all on offer here! The sea is exceptionally calm in Phu Quoc and doesn’t get deep too quickly, so it is easy to keep an eye on your family while you lounge on the shore!

Click here to see more of the best experiences in Phu Quoc and add them to your wishlist.

Sapa 

Vietnam’s mountainous northern region is home to stunning landscapes that will leave you speechless. Here you can take your kids on a trek through lush rice paddies or explore cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush forests – all while taking in breathtaking views along the way! This place really is a jewel of Northern Vietnam.

Our 5 Best Activities in Sapa for families:

1. Trekking:

Take your family on a trek through rice paddies and terraced fields in the beautiful hills of Sapa. The views here are some of the best in all of Southeast Asia. There are incredible sweeping views over beautiful green valleys. It truly is a wonder to behold. Kids will love exploring the unique landscapes, learning about local culture, and witnessing rural life firsthand.

2.Visit Local Villages:

Sapa is home to many small hill tribe villages, each with their own unique culture and traditions. Take a guided tour of the region to learn more about the history and customs of these fascinating people, or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll through the local markets. This kind of exposure to different cultures is a great way for older kids to understand more about the world and can learn about these different cultures in a practical and participative way.

3.Explore Fansipan Mountain:

Venture up Fansipan mountain for breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, or take a cable car to the summit for even more breathtaking sights. The peak is the highest point in Southeast Asia and the views are absolutely spectacular. There is a giant buddha statue located at the top and as there is a cable car to the top, it is very kid friendly.

4. Night Market:

Explore Sapa’s vibrant night market, where you can find a variety of traditional food items, handmade crafts and clothing. Kids will love trying the local delicacies and discovering unique souvenirs to take home with them!

5.Take a Vietnamese Cooking Class:

Learn how to cook some of Vietnam’s extraordinary cuisine at the end of your stay, everyone in your family will be an expert chef! For a more immersive experience, take part in a cooking class and learn about local ingredients, traditional recipes and regional specialities.

Click here to see more of the best experiences in Sapa and add them to your wishlist.

By visiting these five amazing destinations across North and South Vietnam, your family can experience all sides of this vibrant country and create lasting memories together! So what are you waiting for? Now is the perfect time to plan your family vacation in Vietnam! Happy travels!

Discover Your Vietnam is a personalised travel agency that will help you to explore the best of what this captivating country has to offer. Take in the stunning scenery, enjoy tasty cuisine, and experience unique cultural attractions with our team of experts by your side. We arrange to these iconic destinations and love working with families to design the trip of a lifetime. We can choose family-friendly hotels in Vietnam with a kids club and ensure that all excursions and activities are tailored to you.

If you want to get in touch with the Discover Your Vietnam team, head to our contact page.

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