Best Places To Visit In Vietnam For Families

There are many places to visit in Vietnam for families, Vietnam is a family-friendly destination. A trip to Vietnam is not just a beach holiday but also helps them know a different country with its own history and culture…

We understand that a trip with children will be different with a trip for a couple and a group of friends. Since you have children you realize that you had so much time before that you didn’t know, you wish there are 48 hours a day not 24.

We already have some sample family Vietnam tours specifically designed for a family to save you time and make sure that you have a break from busy working days and take care of children, it is time for you to relax, have a cocktail and watch your children are having a good time doing their own things.

What to do in Hanoi for families

Hanoi’s Old Quarter offers a maze of ancient temples, food stalls and street kitchens. These rambling streets of the Old Quarter date back as far as the 14th century. The best way to see Hanoi’s Old Quarter is on a cyclo ride, a relaxing and exciting way of travel. A cyclo is bicycle with a shade cloth over the front ridden by a local with a comfortable seat for passengers – A must-try with children in Vietnam.

The Old Quarter streets, 36 of them, were named after the merchandise that was traded there from the 15th century onwards. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a must-visit for lovers of history where the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh now lies. However, due to its popularity we highly recommend planning ahead and be prepared for possible long queues at peak times, and remember to dress appropriately (no shorts, sleeveless shirts or short skirts) as this is one of Hanoi’s most visited attractions and has opening hours that vary.

At Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of the city, join the locals for a morning stroll. Afterwards, explore the postcard-pretty Temple of Literature ( Vietnam’s first university). Continue your explorations by visiting several of Hanoi’s other historical and cultural landmarks including One Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi Opera House, and the Water Puppet Theatre, where puppeteers using wooden puppets re-enact scenes from village life. Located at Hoan Kiem Lake, this entertaining water display is also close to the site of many locals regular Tai Chi routines and Turtle Tower.

Ha Long Bay

This exquisite UNESCO world heritage limestone bay, with over 1600 island and islets is not to be missed on a trip to Vietnam and exploring its other-worldly beauty is a fantastic way to make some great family memories. There are many family-friendly cruises that operate in the bay which offer activities such as kayaking, swimming, cave visit and cooking classes, or even karaoke for your little superstars. We recommend to spend 2 nights on Halong Bay Cruise for a full experience.

A small cruise will be recommended rather than a big cruise if you are travelling with toddlers because they may run around a lot and you don’t want to worry about chasing them.

There are thousands of limestone islands sit within this bay in the Gulf of Tonkin, eroded into jagged pinnacles by wind and water action over millennia.

There are plenty of caves in the bay that can be entered including the Hang Sung Sot, with three mammoth caverns, and the Hang Dao Go, with stalagmites and stalactites. The highlight is simply cruising and soaking up the changing scenery of pinnacles as you pass by.

What to do in Pu Luong for families

Pu Luong shows off the spectacular yellow rice paddies in October and is the closest area to Hanoi to find it and is a stunning place. It is a somewhere to experience local homestays, or to relax in mid-ranged resorts. It has an atmosphere of world-class beauty that has somehow managed to avoid the masses of travellers… for now. Ethnic Thai people made this enchanting valley their home long ago. Pu Luong’s slow pace is a striking contrast to life in the capital city of Hanoi, just a few short hours away.

Endless mountains and pristine jungle are just two good reasons to visit, but here are several ways you can make the most of your time here, and within only 2-3 days, visitors can thoroughly enjoy all the beauty of Pu Luong.

What to do in Ho Chi Minh City for families

Ho Chi Minh City is the bustling economic heart of Vietnam and is formerly known as Saigon. The city brings old and new together with wondrous monuments. Ho Chi Minh City is a good starting point for your Vietnam family trip as many flights fly direct from Australia’s major cities to Tan Son Nhat international airport. 

District 1 is home to many of Ho Chi Minh’s colonial landmarks including the Reunification Palace, the Saigon Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Jade Emperor Pagoda. While in this vicinity, make a pit stop at Ben Thanh Market for a bite to eat or purchase some souvenirs in an authentic Vietnamese setting. 

Exploring history is also a must when travelling to Vietnam, and a short drive to the outer fringes of Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi Tunnels provides a very interactive way for kids to learn about times gone by, and even possibly shoot a firearm. The 121km (75 miles) network of tunnels were used by Viet Cong (VC) soldiers during the Vietnam War as hiding spots, communication and supply routes and even living quarters. A must-visit with your children.

Today, two sections of the tunnel network which have been enlarged is open to visitors, but beware, they are not reccomended for the claustrophobic. The tunnels are very dark and very small and can get very hot during summer months, and although there are no age restrictions for exploring them, the littlies might prefer to sit this one out and take photos in the entrance of the tunnel instead.

The Cu Chi War History Museum is also close by and provides an interesting overview of the tunnels – This is a top destination recommendation.

Afterwards, visit the War Remnants Museum to delve deeper into Vietnam’s past. Parts of this museums upper level can be confronting and upsetting, but there’s many other interesting things for the family to see and do here, including playing with some airplanes and tanks etc.

Head to the Cai Be Floating Market for a truly unique family experience. The markets are spread across boats on the Tien River and are stocked with fresh produce daily. The markets are approx. just two hours from Ho Chi Minh City. 

A great way to sample the best of Ho Chi Minh City’s fresh, vibrant cuisine is by doing a street food tour. Vietnam’s famous crispy banh mi rolls packed with pork and pâté are Ho Chi Minh’s signature dish. For those with older boys and girls, a Vespa food tour is also a great experience, a must-try and enjoyable way to see the city.

What to do in Nha Trang for families

Ask for a beach recommendation from any Vietnamese person and they’ll likely recommend Nha Trang – pronounced Nha Chang.

Nha Trang is likened to Australia’s Gold Coast or Miami, long beaches, restaurants, bars, hotels, and resorts plus ample things on offer for families of all ages.

Stay in one of the secluded beach resorts and avoid the busy city. Laze the day away on the white sandy shores or take a boat tour and hop between the small tropical islands scattered around. 

As well as being home to some of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches, Nha Trang offers several theme parks which are of high-quality standards. There’s Vinpearl Land, accessible by a 3km long cable car or speed boat if heights are not your thing, or if you fancy something a little more unique, the 100 Egg spa theme park makes for a memorable day, or just do both and don’t miss out. A must-try for your children, people often say it’s Vietnamese Disneyland.

If lazy relaxing and fun beach days and snorkelling are your family’s thing, Nha Trang is for you.

Take a day trip and visit Hon Lao Island, home to the largest monkey population in Vietnam, or the peaceful Ba Ho Waterfalls, another family favourite is to veg out on Tran Phu Beach with day tours available from Nha Trang city. 

What to do in Phu Quoc for families

Phu Quoc holds universal appeal due to its fine white sands and sparkling waters. Honeymooners and families are mainly attracted to this peaceful island and its many luxurious resorts. 

There are plenty of island tours including the infamous coconut prison, where captured Viet Cong soldiers were held, as well as snorkelling and fishing, If you’re looking for a good time, albeit slightly cheesy in a fun way, Vinpearl Land is a fun day out for the family; this VP land park is home to Vietnam’s largest zoo, plus many shows and a plethora of wacky water rides for everyone.

As one of Vietnam’s unknown and yet best-kept secrets, the idyllic Phu Quoc Island sits just off the coast of Cambodia, west of Vietnam. Its turquoise waters and bone-white snowy sand will thrill beachgoers. And nature lovers will be enticed by its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. 

A trip to VinWonders Phu Quoc is a must for thrill seekers for its fun-themed water park which includes a 120metre high speed slide.  And another winner for families is Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc with 150 species of free-range animals.

After all the excitement of water rides and wildlife safaris, a visit to Dinh Cau Rock at sunset will round your visit nicely. Its home to a beautiful Buddhist shrine and brightly coloured lighthouse and local fishermen prays here before embarking on the seas, it is as rich in culture as it is picturesque.

What to do in Da Nang for families

Da Nang is much calmer and less overwhelming than the metropolises of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi even though it’s still considered one of Vietnam’s major cities. Da Nang beach is where the US troops first landed, its pristine beaches which, now thankfully is perfect for a spot of family relaxation, while stunning views of the entire city are available from Son Tra mountain. 

If the kids are too young you can take a car or you can hike it if you’re up for some adventurous bonding time. The two theme parks to visit are: Ba Na Hills, a faux French village which is often referred to as ‘Vietnamese Disneyland which is also home to Golden Bridge, Vietnam’s famous hand bridge and Asia Park, home of the famous Sun Wheel.

What to do in Hoi An for families

A stunning sleepy ancient town with pedestrianised streets filled with loving couples holding hands, and families making long last memories, this picturesque lantern-adorned city is almost impossible not to fall in love with. A long-installed ban on motorbikes and vehicles in the Old Town means you can wander the lantern-strewn streets with ease and comfort.

The UNESCO World Heritage Listed area is an impressive fusion of architecture from the Chinese, Japanese and European influences. The beautiful Japanese-style bridge in the town centre dates to the 18th century and is a photo favourite with tourists.

This UNESCO-listed ancient town oozes charm and warmth, particularly when they’re covered with bright pink bougainvillea flowers in the summer months. Hoi An is a perfect place for your children, there are many activities for them to experience, they can enjoy banana boat rides, cooking classes and lantern-making and there’s the option to cycle through the rice fields, take a kayak tour down the river, or to be a farmer for 1 day hence why Hoi An is a top honeymoon and family destination.

The monthly lantern festival sees thousands of enchanting lights unleashed on the river and is a wonderful sight, that’s if you’re lucky enough to be in the city on a full moon. 

Make sure to sample some fresh bánh mì at the markets too or enjoy one of the many street food stalls along the river and Hoi An’s Central Market, or simply pop into one of the many tea houses for a treat. 

Venture outside the city and visit the island of Cam Kim and enjoy a traffic-free meander through the rural landscapes. In Hoi An the romanticism of Old Town combined with the sweeping rice fields makes Hoi An for an excellent addition to any itinerary.

What to do in Hue for families

Is there a better place to delve into Vietnam’s tangled history than in Hue? 

This is a small city sitting right in the middle of the country’s coastline. The motto of your stay in Hue will be explore, eat, repeat. Nesting on the banks of the Perfume River, this bustling city offers no shortage of landmarks. The Imperial City and the walled citadel for history buffs is non-negotiable. Sprawling across 520 hectares the former imperial capital is a site to behold. 

Transport back in time once you step through its elaborate gates and you’ll be surrounded by fortified stone walls and the remains of the emperor’s residence, temples and palaces. 

Take a visit to Hue’s vibrant open-air markets, where a chaotic and colourful mix of produce, flowers, clothing, crafts, street food and souvenirs await. Tu Duc, Minh Mang and Khai Dinh tombs also lie along the river and are home to unique history and architecture. Schedule some time out between sights for some of Hue’s culinary experiences, starting at Dong Ba Market for some local snacks. 

After refuelling, if serenity is what you are chasing then explore Tu Hieu Monastery then the Thien My Pagoda which has seven storeys dedicated to a Buddha that appeared in a human form.

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Written and shared by Youin Travel Team