Vietnam

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A guide to family holidays in Vietnam

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Vietnam is a memorable and captivating destination for all the right reasons, perfect for families looking for adventure, culture, and stunning natural landscapes. A Vietnam family holiday offers a bit of everything—from bustling cities and ancient temples to serene beaches and lush countryside. Whether your family is riding bicycles through rice paddies, exploring historic landmarks, or enjoying a cooking class, Vietnam delivers unforgettable experiences for all ages. Add to that the delicious cuisine and warm hospitality, and it’s no wonder Vietnam is becoming a favourite family travel destination.

Facts about Vietnam

• Capital: Hanoi
• Population: Approximately 99 million
• Official language: Vietnamese
• Time zone: Indochina Time (UTC+7)
• Landmass: 331,212 square kilometers
• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
• Emergency numbers: Police: 113, Ambulance: 115, Fire: 114
• Religion: Predominantly Buddhism, with Confucianism and Catholicism also practised
• Electricity: 220V AC; two-prong round and flat plugs are common
• Wi-Fi: Widely available for free in most city hotels, cafes, and restaurants

Things to do on your Vietnam family holidays

Vietnam is packed with activities that will engage and entertain the whole family on your holiday.

• Hanoi: Explore the Old Quarter, watch a water puppet show, and visit Hoan Kiem Lake. For more inspiration, read our article on things to do in Hanoi with kids.
• Hoi An: Wander through lantern-lit streets, try a family cooking class, or cycle through the countryside. Read our spotlight on Hoi An article for more inspiration.
• Halong Bay: Take a boat cruise through the iconic limestone karsts.
• Ho Chi Minh City: There is plenty to do in Saigon but for a glimpse of history, visit the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels. For more information, read our article on things to do in Ho Chi Minh City with kids.
• Da Nang: Relax on My Khe Beach or explore the Marble Mountains.
• Phu Quoc Island: Waterfalls, swimming, amusement parks, cable cars, markets and more. Read our best things to do on Phu Quoc Island for more inspiration.

Inspiration for your Vietnam family holidays:

Family-friendly accommodation in Vietnam

Children will be welcome virtually everywhere on your Vietnam family holiday, and as a result, accommodation for families can be found everywhere, regardless of whether you’re travelling on a budget or you’ve decided to splurge a bit. Those of you wishing to splurge will find Vietnam quite reasonable when it comes to accommodation.

Our top picks:

• Hanoi: Little Hanoi Deluxe Hotel – a family suite in the Old Quarter within walking distance of Hoan Kiem Lake.
• Ho Chi Minh City: Hotel Grand Saigon – an upmarket international hotel with a pool and an amazing breakfast buffet.
• Hoi An: Hoi An Beach Resort – an upmarket hotel nestled between the beach and river with outstanding customer service.
• Phu Quoc Island: Long Beach resort – an upmarket hotel with traditional and modern rooms in a quiet beachside location.

Accommodation inspiration for your Vietnam family holiday:

Best time to visit Vietnam for a family holiday

Vietnam’s long and narrow geography means the weather varies depending on the region.

• Spring (March–April): Pleasant temperatures and blooming flowers make this an ideal time to visit both northern and southern Vietnam.
• Summer (May–August): Great for beach holidays in places like Nha Trang or Da Nang, though central regions may experience typhoons.
• Autumn (September–November): Cooler weather, fewer tourists, and picturesque scenery, especially in Hanoi and Halong Bay.
• Winter (December–February): Northern Vietnam can get chilly, but the south remains warm and sunny, perfect for exploring Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.

Family-friendly events and festivals:

• Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): A magical time for families, with vibrant parades and traditional food.
• Hoi An Lantern Festival (monthly): A visually stunning event where the town glows with colourful lanterns.

Getting to Vietnam and getting around on your family holiday

Getting there:

Vietnam is well-connected to Australia, with direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to major cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar, and Qantas operate these routes. Search for a great deal on flights at either Flight Centre or Sky Scanner.

Getting around Vietnam with kids:

• Domestic flights: Quick and efficient for long distances.
• Trains: Trains connect Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with some great stops in between. If you’re up for an adventure, many people choose to overnight on the sleeper train. Book your train here.
• Buses: Affordable and widespread, with different classes of seats available. Book your bus in Vietnam here.
• Private cars and taxis: Convenient for families, with apps like Grab offering easy booking.
• Airport transfers: Arriving at the airport to a pre-booked airport transfer is always a winner when travelling with kids.
• Cycling: Great in quieter areas like Hoi An.
• Walking: Many attractions in cities are within walking distance.

Tips for travelling on your Vietnam family holiday:

• Vietnam’s footpaths are unsuitable for strollers, so it’s much easier to use a child carrier.
• Use Grab or book private cars for stress-free travel.
• Always carry bottled water and snacks for longer journeys.

Dining with kids in Vietnam

Children are welcome everywhere; however, if you’re travelling with little ones, don’t expect everywhere to have a high chair or facilities for younger kids. The cuisine in Vietnam is divine and wallet-friendly, and it’s usually not hard to find a few things on the menu to satisfy your fussy eater if you have one.

• Kid-friendly dishes:
  • Pho: Mild beef or chicken noodle soup.
  • Banh Mi: Vietnamese sandwiches with fresh ingredients and simple fillings.
  • Spring Rolls: Fresh or fried, these are always a hit and come in more ‘flavours’ than you ever thought possible.
• Food Markets: Take the family to Hoi An’s night market or Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City for tasty treats.
• Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and allergy-friendly options are increasingly available.

Itineraries and day trips for your family holidays in Vietnam

1-day in Hanoi:

• Morning: Walk around Hanoi’s Old Quarter and visit Hoan Kiem Lake.
• Afternoon: Explore the Temple of Literature.
• Evening: Watch a traditional water puppet show.

3-days in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Day 1: Explore Ho Chi Minh City’s markets and War Remnants Museum.
• Day 2: Day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
• Day 3: Head to the Mekong Delta for a boat tour.

7-day itinerary:

• Days 1–2: Hanoi (Old Quarter, museums).
• Days 3–4: Halong Bay cruise.
• Days 5–7: Hoi An (cooking class, countryside bike ride).

14-day itinerary:

• Days 1–4: Hanoi (Old Quarter, museums).
• Days 4–5: Halong Bay cruise.
• Days 6–9: Hoi An (cooking class, countryside bike ride).
• Days 9-12: Phu Quoc Island (beaches, snorkelling, markets).
• Days 12-14: Ho Chi Minh City (markets, museums, day trip)

Day trips:

• From Hanoi: Halong Bay or Ninh Binh.
• From Ho Chi Minh City: Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels.

Budgeting for your trip

Once you arrive in Vietnam for your family holiday, you’ll find that accommodation and food are great value for money compared to some other destinations. If you’re looking for luxury at a reasonable price, Vietnam family holidays will be right up your alley.

Cost-saving tips:

• Eat at local restaurants or street food stalls.
• Use overnight sleeper trains or buses for longer distances.
• Book accommodation and activities in advance for discounts.
• Most museums and historical sites have low entry fees or free admission for kids.

Additional resources

Family holidays in Vietnam combine culture, adventure, and relaxation into one memorable trip. From exploring ancient streets in Hoi An to cruising Halong Bay, every moment offers something new and exciting.

• Visit Vietnam Tourism for official travel information.
• Explore Klook to book your activities and tours for your Vietnam family holidays.
• Check out Smart Traveller for up-to-date visa requirements and travel information.

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