If you’ve ever assumed that Ho Chi Minh City with kids (still sometimes called Saigon) would be too hectic, think again. I went in expecting chaos – I left absolutely smitten. From the tree-lined boulevards of District 1 to the buzzing markets and peaceful temples, this city offers a great mix of culture, history, and fun for families.
It’s one of Southeast Asia’s easiest cities to visit with children: safe, more stroller-friendly than most, and brimming with things to see, eat, and do. Whether you’re exploring for a couple of days or staying a week, here’s how to make the most of Ho Chi Minh with kids.
Top things to do in Ho Chi Minh with kids
Take a walking tour of District 1
District 1 is the city’s historic heart, and many of its major attractions are within easy walking distance – including the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Opera House. Wide pavements in this district make it manageable with a stroller, and you’ll find plenty of cafés and snack stops along the way.
Keep your eyes peeled for wedding photo shoots in front of the colonial buildings – the kids will love spotting the fancy dresses.
Visit the War Remnants Museum
This powerful museum is both sobering and educational. While some displays on chemical warfare are best skipped with young children, the outdoor section filled with planes and tanks is fascinating. There’s also a small playroom for little ones and a café on-site serving amazing cookies-and-cream smoothies.
We met the man in the photo below, selling books in the grounds of the museum. I purchased The Girl in the Picture, which I recommend you read for a different perspective on the Vietnam War. The man in the picture below lost a leg and the lower portion of both his arms in a bomb leftover from the war.
Shop at Ben Thanh Markets
Bustling, colourful, and full of souvenirs – Ben Thanh Market is an experience in itself. Kids will love exploring the maze of stalls, which sell everything from fruit and fans to t-shirts and trinkets. Bring small notes, practise your haggling skills, and pick up a handheld fan to beat the heat.
Watch a water puppet show
For over 1,000 years, the Vietnamese have performed these unique puppet shows on water stages. Even without understanding the language, the lively music and brightly painted puppets are mesmerising. You can book tickets to the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre in District 1 – it’s family-friendly and short enough to hold kids’ attention.
Take a motorbike or cyclo tour
If you’re brave enough, hop on a motorbike (younger kids sit between you and the driver) or go for a slower-paced cyclo ride. These tours weave through markets, temples, and alleyways – a fun and authentic way to see the city. Speeds are slow and helmets are provided.
Visit the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens
One of Asia’s oldest zoos, this green oasis opened in 1865 and is home to more than 100 animals. The Saigon Zoo grounds also include botanical gardens, making it perfect for a day out. There are shady paths, playgrounds, and plenty of ice-cream stalls for cooling off.
Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels
About an hour’s drive from the city, the Cu Chi Tunnels are one of Vietnam’s most famous attractions. Families can explore parts of the vast underground network used during the Vietnam War. The tunnels have been widened for tourists, but younger kids may still find them dark and claustrophobic – bring a small torch to help them through the tunnels.
Take a Mekong Delta day trip
If you’ve got time for a day trip, don’t miss the Mekong Delta. Cruising along palm-fringed canals, visiting fruit farms, and meeting locals gives kids a glimpse of life outside the city. Most tours include lunch and a private boat ride – it’s a great way to break up your urban adventure.
Enjoy treats at local cafes
Ho Chi Minh City is café heaven. Try The Workshop, L’Usine, or Running Bean for great coffee and smoothies. Or indulge in something sweet – my kids still talk about the “monkey bread” we devoured while people-watching from a glass-fronted café.
Catch a show at the Saigon Opera House
The A O show at the Saigon Opera House (built by the French in 1898) combines acrobatics, humour, live music, and creative use of bamboo to tell a story that shows the contrasts of Vietnam. It’s just an hour long – perfect for kids – and the performances are world-class. Arrive early to admire the French colonial building before showtime.
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh with kids
The best area to stay for families is District 1, where most attractions, restaurants, and museums are within walking distance or a short taxi ride. We stayed at The Hotel Grand Saigon. The rooms were comfortable, the breakfast buffet was huge, and the pool was a lifesaver after hot days exploring.
Other family favourites include:
- Amanaki Saigon Boutique Hotel – Boutique, mid-range with great service.
- Hotel Majestic Saigon – Classic five-star stay with river views.
- Elios Hotel – Budget-friendly with a rooftop bar.
If you prefer something quieter, District 3 offers local vibes but is still close to major sights.
Booking tips for families
- Flights: Most international flights land in Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport). Check Trip.com or Skyscanner for deals.
- Transport: Taxis are affordable, and Grab (the local ride-share app) is safe and convenient.
- Food: Street food is delicious and cheap. Try Pho24 for an easy intro to pho with kids.
- Tours: Viator has family-friendly day tours for the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta.
FAQ: Ho Chi Minh with kids
District 1 is the most convenient, offering easy access to main attractions and plenty of family-friendly hotels. District 3 is a quieter alternative close to the action.
Yes! The city is considered safe, with friendly locals and low violent crime. Just use normal city precautions like keeping valuables secure and crossing roads carefully.
Surprisingly, sort of – at least in District 1, where pavements are wide and relatively smooth. Bring a lightweight stroller if you plan to walk a lot.
The dry season runs from December to April, with warm weather and minimal rain – ideal for sightseeing and day trips.
Absolutely. Many cafés and restaurants offer Western-style options and high chairs. Vietnamese cuisine is generally mild and easy to adapt for kids.
Three to four days is perfect to see the highlights, with one extra day if you plan to do the Mekong Delta or Cu Chi Tunnels.
Final thoughts on Ho Chi Minh with kids
Ho Chi Minh City is a beautiful mix of old-world charm and youthful energy – and it’s surprisingly easy to enjoy with kids in tow. Between the puppet shows, street food, and history lessons, it’s a destination your family will talk about long after you’ve returned home.
This article contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
Where to next?
📌 Save this article to Pinterest so you’ll have it handy when planning your own trip.
Let me know what you think!