Family Vacations in Vietnam: Best Destinations and Activities

When to travel to Vietnam with children?

The weather in Vietnam can be divided by major region: north, center, and south.

In Hanoi and the north, the period from May to October is hot and humid with heavy rainfall. From November to April it is cooler and drier. In the mountains of the north, December and January can be particularly cold.

Central Vietnam experiences warm and dry weather between January and August when temperatures can reach the mid-30s°C; while high levels of rainfall can occur in September, October, and November.

Southern Vietnam is generally dry and warm from November to April, and warm and humid between May and October, with the heaviest rainfall in June, July, and August.

The best periods to visit all of Vietnam with your children are: between October and November, or between March and April.

Where to travel with your family in Vietnam?

But where should you go on family vacation in Vietnam? Plan your visit by consulting our list of the best places to visit from north to south.

Sapa

The verdant countryside of the rice paddies surrounding Sapa, lined with the jagged peaks of the Hoang Lien Mountains (often still known by their French colonial-era name of the Tonkinese Alps), hosts the most beautiful rural views in Vietnam.

The deep valleys here host a diverse mix of the country’s ethnic minorities. While the hills surprise with their terraced rice paddies and are dominated by the country’s highest peak, Fansipan Mountain.

Hiking paradise

It is the premier hiking destination in Vietnam. Here parents and children have a multitude of options to walk near tiny villages and admire breathtaking mountain views. Sapa is a former French mountain station and now a lively and constantly growing tourist hub that contrasts sharply with the serene countryside surrounding it.

We chose to tell you about Sapa in this article dedicated to family stays in Vietnam because it is the most accessible site for small and large alike. However, there are other magnificent places to enjoy the mountain scenery.

Consult this article on Vietnam’s rice paddies to find the most beautiful rice paddies in Vietnam.

Halong Bay

The karst seascape of Halong Bay includes some of the most captivating coastal landscapes in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thousands of limestone islands are found in this gulf of Tonkin bay, eroded into jagged pinnacles by the action of wind and water over millennia.

It is a premier cruising territory. Opt for at least an overnight visit to see the iconic views of Halong Bay; your family and children will retain an indelible memory of the trip.

Activities are not lacking: Swimming, kayaking, cave exploration… For most people, however, the highlight is simply sailing among the sugar loaves and soaking in the magnificently changing landscape.

Halong Bay is a vast area with several possible bay entry points: Halong, Lan Ha, or Bai Tu Long.

To learn more, consult our account of cruising in Bai Tu Long bay

Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, and it is an ideal place to introduce the country. This ancient city seems to resist time and preserves its traditional way of life. Bringing your children to Hanoi is a precious opportunity for the whole family to discover the history and culture alongside friendly people in this lively city.

In the center of Hanoi is the legendary Hoan Kiem Lake, ideal for strolling or watching street performers with numerous family dining spots around the lake. Not far away, the Old Quarter of Hanoi and its 36 Guild Streets is a maze of colors, sounds, and scents. Perfect for a walking tour. Watch the displays in front of shops and on stalls, sample street food, and find tiny alleyways to explore—children will love it.

A water puppet show, a traditional Vietnamese art form, would be an excellent cultural experience for children. The art of puppetry originates in the rice paddies of the country’s north. On the museum side, the Ethnology Museum is ideal for all ages. It provides an excellent overview of all minority groups in Vietnam.

In central Hanoi, the Temple of Literature is an oasis of peace, a magnificent place symbolizing education in Vietnam.

There are also numerous children’s centers or indoor play areas for kids. Furthermore, parents can take their children to the Bat Trang Ceramic Village to discover ceramic-making techniques.

To learn more: Hanoi Guide

Cat Ba Island

A small island just off the northwest coast in the middle of the famous Halong Bay, Cat Ba is one of our favorite places in Vietnam. It is an ideal starting point for visiting the Lan Ha Bay, equally beautiful as Halong Bay but still less known.

It is not, however, about playing Robinson Crusoe or conversely going to an overly crowded beach resort. Cat Ba is a bit of everything, and that is what gives it its charm. You have to leave the noisy city of Hanoi, two hours by road or highway, a boat shuttle, a small winding road… and here we are at Cat Ba, the largest island in Halong Bay!
On the waterfront restaurants, hotels, and small boutiques seem to contemplate the open sea and the harbor. Walking from one to another is a true pleasure.

At mealtime a choice of every kind of formula and different settings are offered to us, always authentic and for all tastes.

Streets perpendicular to the waterfront offer the same pleasures. Nearby beaches with golden sand nestle in rocky settings—a true dream for swimmers!

A walk allows you to discover, at the cost of a 177-meter climb on a pleasant road, a military fort set up for the defense of the island and the country. It is also possible to venture into the heart of the island for a hike in the national park and penetrate subtropical vegetation!

The development of tourism activity does not seem to disturb the serenity of the inhabitants, and it is a peaceful welcome that delights walkers and visitors.

To learn more: The beautiful island of Cat Ba

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Located in Quang Binh Province in north-central Vietnam, it is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam for caving. The Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, classified as a World Heritage Site, is a spectacular karst mountain formation shaped like a honeycomb with enormous caverns. They host superb displays of stalactites and stalagmites. The most popular destination in the park is the “Paradise Cave,” which extends 31 kilometers underground.

The yawning caverns are truly spectacular. Tu Lan Cave is a “wet cave,” and a visit here includes bathing in the river within cave systems. The other most popular excursion is the Phong Nha caves, where the interior is accessible by boat. You can access Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park from Son Trach.

Ninh Binh

Unofficially known as “Halong Bay on land,” Ninh Binh Province is a serene rural area composed of rice paddies and magnificent limestone mountains. There is much to explore, particularly caves visited by small traditional boats called “Sampan.” Cuc Phuong National Park and the temples beside the mountain of Bich Dong Pagoda offer beautiful walking or cycling opportunities.

You can also climb the approximately 400 steps of Hang Mua Mountain, which offers breathtaking views of the region. Otherwise, a boat ride on the Tam Coc River is an excellent way to enjoy its natural beauty without tiring little legs!

To learn more: Halong Bay on land, the beauty of Ninh Binh

Ba Be National Park

The peaceful Ba Be National Park is absolutely magnificent with the three lakes of Ba Be interconnected at its heart, bordered by mountain peaks and densely forested valleys.

Most visitors come here for peaceful hiking by boat or kayak on the lake and explore caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites in the surrounding areas, but for the more active, there are also excellent hikes and trekking in the hills between villages of ethnic minorities.

It is one of the most peaceful places in Vietnam, and travelers spending the night here sleep in a traditional stilt house along the shores of the lake, allowing for a simple rural life experience.

To learn more: Ba Be Natural Park

Hoi An

A UNESCO World Heritage City, Hoi An is an ideal place to relax with family. This charming ancient town with its pristine beaches and delicious cuisine is enjoyed by all. There is a wide range of activities for the whole family, such as cycling, cooking classes, strolling through the night market, or relaxing on the beach.

Walking through the heart of the old town is a remarkable experience in itself. One of the must-see sites is the Japanese covered bridge. It was built in the 1590s by a Japanese community and is guarded by a pair of monkey statues and another pair of dog statues. Why monkeys and dogs? An old tale says it is because they started building in the year of the monkey and finished in the year of the dog.

A cruise along the Thu Bon River is an opportunity for children to see river life and fishermen at work.

It is also worth returning to the old town in the evening, as this city is known as the city of lights with its illuminated lanterns throughout the city.

To learn more: the ancient town of Hoi An

My Son

Here is an interesting cultural option for your family vacations in Vietnam. It is an excursion that you plan during your stay in Hoi An. This archaeological site is surrounded by mountains covered with lush jungle. My Son is a ruined temple-city dating to the 4th century. This ancient Hindu religious center was still heavily used between the 7th and 10th centuries and fell into decline and complete abandonment only in the 13th century.

There are approximately 20 temple structures still standing here, all built of brick or sandstone blocks and showing interesting influences from various Asian empires, including Indian and Malay. Note that the temples of Group B are the oldest, while Group A once contained the most important monument on the site but was deliberately destroyed by American forces during the Vietnam War.

A good museum on the site hosts numerous details about the Champa Kingdom.

To learn more: The sanctuary of My Son

Nha Trang

Ask any Vietnamese person to recommend a beach and they will probably suggest Nha Trang. Avoid the busy city and stay in one of the isolated beach resorts. You can relax all day on white sand beaches or take a boat excursion and jump between the small tropical islands scattered about. In addition to hosting some of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, Nha Trang offers several theme parks. In addition to mineral mud baths, there is an adventure zone where families can participate in recreational activities or enjoy a peaceful picnic.

It is worth noting that Nha Trang was the city dear to the heart of Alexandre Yersin, discoverer of the plague vaccine. A museum is dedicated to him in the city.

Consult our full article on the incredible story of this man.

To learn more about Nha Trang

Dalat

Located in the central Vietnam highlands, Dalat’s temperate climate ensures a pleasant stay throughout the year. This quiet town is surrounded by natural beauties, particularly sites like the picturesque Prenn Falls and the great Valley of Love.

The destination for young Vietnamese newlyweds

This unique combination is a great draw for tourists—particularly young couples. Dalat is known as the honeymoon capital of Vietnam. It is also an ideal place for your family vacations in Vietnam. The town center itself looks quite urban and has undergone much development, but the surroundings still retain charming European character with picturesque cafes and small boutiques. The landscape outside the main city is equally fascinating with pine forests, rolling hilltops, and still lakes. The more rural areas boast fabulous flower gardens, renowned coffee plantations, and patchwork agricultural lands. The cool climate and vast countryside make Dalat an ideal place to practice outdoor sports, particularly hiking.

To learn more: Dalat

Mekong Delta

There are names of places that are like well-known songs, encountered, imprinted on our memories….

The Mekong Delta is undoubtedly one of those. We “recognize” it. If you are fortunate enough to approach Ho Chi Minh City by plane and can contemplate from the window a part of the Delta, you are impressed by the veritable canvas of meanders and silver threads of the countless waterways that compose the picture on the ground.

Life along the water in the delta

Arriving at the dock (an hour’s drive from Ho Chi Minh City), take one of these canvas-roofed taxi boats (it can get hot!) that will make its way among the vendor boats selling country products—a true palette of fresh produce and colors. We are in another world. On the water and with the movement of your boat, the scenes become fluid, a lightness that renders the atmosphere peaceful. Boats loaded with all sorts of products, floating houses with laundry drying in the sun, and always serene and smiling activity.

Its complicated history, its rich traditions, its wholesome cuisine, and its friendly people—who tell fascinating and often dramatic stories of life in Vietnam, from past to present—make it a highly cultural journey. Cycling, kayaking, hiking, and diving will entertain energetic teenagers, and there is an excellent balance between culture and nature and tranquility.

Here is a video shot by us to immerse you in the Mekong Delta:

To learn more about the Mekong Delta

Phu Quoc Island

The fine white sand and sparkling waters of Phu Quoc have universal appeal. This peaceful island attracts mainly young couples and families, and hosts numerous luxury resorts. There are numerous excursions on the island offering snorkeling and fishing, as well as visits to pearl farms and the infamous coconut prison where captured Viet Cong were detained.

If you are seeking a good time of fun, “Vinpearl Land” promises an entertaining day; the park features Vietnam’s largest zoo, as well as shows and a plethora of extravagant water rides.

here is our complete information on Phu Quoc

Cu Chi Tunnels

An absolutely fascinating experience for all travelers that you can integrate into your family vacations in Vietnam. The visit is not only reserved for those interested in modern military history of Vietnam. The Cu Chi Tunnels are a vast tunnel network that, during the war, extended over 250 kilometers, allowing VC troops to operate and communicate in the areas around Ho Chi Minh City.

Two short sections of the network can be visited with a guide who will lead you through tight and unlit passages, which are certainly not for people who suffer from claustrophobia. You literally crawl on your hands and knees and in some places. You can access the tunnels at Ben Dinh village (the most popular choice) or at Ben Duoc village.

Ho Chi Minh City

For lovers of big cities, no visit to Vietnam is truly complete without a visit to Ho Chi Minh City. The streets are a senseless jumble of motorbikes and cars; the restaurant and cafe scene is incredibly cosmopolitan, and shopping is the most diverse in the country.

In its center is Dong Khoi, a relatively small central district and easily accessible, which hosts most of the city’s tourist sites. Here you will find the HCMC Museum, with a brilliant collection of objects that weave together the history of the city, and the grand Notre-Dame Cathedral, built in the late 19th century.

It is an ideal place to end your stay in Vietnam and shop for souvenirs.

Here in detail the city of Ho Chi Minh.

Vietnam Map, must-see sites

What budget for a family vacation in Vietnam?

Vietnam is one of the least expensive destinations in Asia and even in the world! Here accommodation, transportation, and food are truly less expensive than in France.

It is difficult to generalize, but it is reasonable to say that between 30 and 40 euros per day and per person, it is possible to accommodate and eat in Vietnam. So for a family and with reasonable comfort, counting transportation and activities, you can imagine a budget between 80 and 150 euros per person per day. This is truly an extrapolation since it depends naturally on numerous parameters.

We recommend that you give us your wishes via our dedicated form and we will give you an accurate quote: ask for a custom travel quote.

What to pack?

Clothing and accessories to bring with or without children do not vary enormously. Of course we insist on even more important items such as sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, hiking shoes…

what is important especially to anticipate is clothing depending on the region and the time period when you leave. You will know everything by consulting our section on Vietnam luggage and clothing.

Our best itineraries for family vacations in Vietnam