Top 13 things to do in Vietnam with kids

Vietnam is a young and dynamic country that has become an increasingly popular destination for family adventures. With its stunning landscapes, friendly people, rich culture, and well-developed infrastructure, traveling through Vietnam with kids is both easy and rewarding.

With a variety of activities suitable for all ages, Vietnam promises an enriching journey filled with laughter and discovery. Let’s join Hanoi Voyages to discover the most exciting experiences in Vietnam with kids and make your family trip truly unforgettable.

Is Vietnam safe for families?

Many parents planning a trip to Southeast Asia often wonder: Is Vietnam safe for families?

YES. Vietnam is one of the safest and most welcoming countries in Asia for travelers with children. Locals are known for their kindness and hospitality, and they often go out of their way to help families with kids.

Why Vietnam is safe and comfortable for family travel:

• Low crime rate: Petty theft can occur in busy tourist areas, but serious crime against tourists is extremely rare.

• Friendly and family-oriented culture: Vietnamese people adore children - don’t be surprised if locals greet or play with your kids in markets or parks.

• Good healthcare access: Major cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City have international hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff.

• Reliable transportation: Domestic flights, trains, and private transfers are modern and safe, making travel between destinations easy and comfortable.

• Family-friendly accommodation: From homestays to luxury resorts, many places provide spacious rooms, kids’ clubs, and swimming pools.

Discover top 13 things to do in Vietnam with kids

With friendly locals, safe environments, and a wide range of kid-friendly experiences, traveling in Vietnam with kids is both fun and educational. From traditional shows and street food to hands-on workshops and scenic cruises, here are the top 13 best things to do in Vietnam with family.

Cyclo tour in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Start your family trip with a one-hour cyclo ride around Hanoi. It’s a fun and relaxing way for children to discover:

• The charming colonial quarter with tree-lined boulevards and French-style buildings.

• The iconic Hoan Kiem Lake and its legendary Ngoc Son Temple located on a tiny island.

• The bustling Old Quarter, famous for its 36 streets, each specializing in traditional crafts like silk, silver, or spices.

Children will be fascinated by the mix of bicycles, scooters, and vendors calling out their goods - a perfect first glimpse of daily life in Vietnam.

Watch a Water Puppet Show

A must-see cultural performance when visiting Vietnam with kids! This traditional art form dates back to the 11th century and brings legends and rural life to life through puppets dancing on water. The live traditional music and humorous storytelling will keep the whole family entertained.

Highlights:

• 45–60 minutes of lively storytelling and traditional music.

• Easy to understand even without knowing Vietnamese.

• Best-known theaters: Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (Hanoi) and Golden Dragon Theatre (Ho Chi Minh City).

Discover Vietnamese street food

Vietnam’s street food scene is world-famous and exploring it with kids is a sensory adventure! Many dishes are mild, fresh, and perfectly suited to young taste buds.

Family favorites to try:

• Pho (noodle soup): mild, fragrant, and comforting.

• Banh mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich): perfect for picky eaters.

• Fresh spring rolls: healthy and fun to roll together in cooking classes.

• Che: a sweet dessert drink with jelly, beans, and coconut milk.

For more delicious food, you can read: Family trip to Vietnam: 9 traditional dishes not to be missed

Stay with a local family in the Northern highlands

If you want to show your children the “real Vietnam,” spend a night in a homestay in the mountains of Sapa or Mai Chau.

You’ll sleep in a stilt house, eat home-cooked meals, and share stories with your host family. The accommodations are simple but clean, and your visit directly supports local communities.

Children will learn how people in ethnic minority villages live close to nature and might even help roll their own Vietnamese spring rolls for dinner!

Boat trip in Tam Coc - Ninh Binh

Known for its limestone peaks and lush rice fields, Tam Coc is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Vietnam.

Hop on a small rowing boat, often paddled by women using their feet, and enjoy a 2-hour ride along the Ngo Dong River. You’ll pass through three natural caves, calm waters, and stunning karst scenery featured in the film Indochine. It’s peaceful, scenic, and safe - perfect for families.

Overnight cruise in Halong Bay

Sailing through Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an unforgettable experience for all ages. On board a traditional wooden junk boat, families can enjoy:

• Comfortable cabins with ocean views.

• Kayaking, swimming, or exploring hidden caves.

• Learning the legend of the dragons who created the bay.

At night, enjoy dinner under the stars - truly one of the most magical experiences in Vietnam with kids.

Lantern-making workshop in Hoi An

The ancient town of Hoi An is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam with family. Kids can unleash their creativity in a lantern-making workshop, crafting their own colorful souvenir. As evening falls, stroll along the lantern-lit streets for a magical family moment.

Why it’s fun for kids:

• Simple, safe craft activity suitable for ages 5+.

• Encourages creativity and patience.

• Beautiful result to bring home as a keepsake.

Learn more: Hoi An lantern making: A unique family activity

Ride a bamboo basket boat in Cam Thanh Village

Just a short trip from Hoi An, Cam Thanh Coconut Village offers a playful outdoor experience. Locals will take your family on a spin in their round basket boats, originally used by fishermen.

Fun experiences include:

• Spinning the boat for a laugh (optional but thrilling!).

• Watching locals perform crab-fishing demonstrations.

• Learning about the eco-system of coconut forests.

Visit an incense-making village in Hue

For families exploring Vietnam with kids, a stop at an incense-making village in Hue offers a wonderful blend of color, culture, and creativity. Just a short drive from the city center, Thuy Xuan Village is famous for its handmade incense and picturesque displays that captivate every visitor. 

Rows of vibrant incense sticks in red, yellow, and purple brighten the entire village, making it one of the best places to visit in Vietnam with family.

Why families love it:

• Children can watch local artisans skillfully roll incense sticks by hand.

• The whole family can try making incense together, creating a fun, hands-on memory to take home.

• The colorful incense displays make beautiful backdrops for family photos.

Kayaking on the Thu Bon River

For active families, kayaking on the Thu Bon River is both relaxing and adventurous. Paddle through quiet waters surrounded by palm trees, fishing nets, and rural villages.

Family-friendly options:

• Guided tours with life jackets and safety support.

• Combine with a visit to Bay Mau Coconut Forest.

• Great way to explore Hoi An’s countryside from a new angle.

Visit the Taboo Bamboo Workshop

This unique workshop in Cam Thanh introduces families to sustainable design using bamboo. Founder Mr. Tan teaches visitors how everyday items are made from this eco-friendly material.

Activities for families:

• Build small bamboo toys or mini furniture.

• Learn about bamboo’s role in Vietnamese culture.

• Promote environmental awareness through creativity.

Join a Vietnamese cooking class

Cooking together is one of the best bonding activities in Vietnam with kids. Many cooking schools in Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City cater to families.

What’s included:

• Visit to a local market to choose ingredients.

• Guided cooking of 2–3 traditional dishes.

• Fun, hands-on experience for children.

Relax on Vietnam’s best family beaches

End your Vietnam journey with a few days of sun and sand. The country offers numerous safe, clean, and beautiful beaches ideal for families.

Top beach destinations:

• Da Nang: Calm waters, modern resorts, and kids’ clubs.

• Nha Trang: Long sandy beach with water parks and boat tours.

• Phu Quoc Island: Crystal-clear water, snorkeling, and family-friendly resorts.

Vietnam itinerary with kids: Our hand-picked tour

Planning a Vietnam itinerary with kids can be both exciting and rewarding. Vietnam is a country full of vibrant culture, delicious food, and warm hospitality - all of which make it one of the most family-friendly destinations in Asia.

At Hanoi Voyages, we understand that traveling with children means finding the right balance between discovery and comfort. That’s why our Vietnam family tours are crafted to include engaging activities, safe transportation, and flexible pacing for all ages.

Here’s our recommended Vietnam itinerary with kids, blending cultural highlights, outdoor adventures, and relaxing family time across the country.

	Vietnam family tour 10 days Explore the best of southern Vietnam with visits to Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and the paradise island of Phu Quoc.
	Northern and Central Vietnam family tour 15 days A meaningful family tour across Vietnam blending cultural heritage sites, light trekking, traditional crafts and scenic cruising in Bai Tu Long Bay
	Vietnam family tour 18 days Discover UNESCO sites and the stunning Pu Luong Reserve. Enjoy a diverse adventure that's perfect for all ages

Essential travel tips for visiting Vietnam with kids

Planning a trip to Vietnam with kids is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have as a family. With its stunning scenery, rich culture, and welcoming people, Vietnam for families offers a perfect mix of adventure, education, and relaxation. To ensure your journey goes smoothly, here are the most important travel tips before exploring the best places to visit in Vietnam with family.

What to pack 

Packing smart makes traveling with children much easier. Since the climate varies by region, focus on light, versatile clothing and essential health items.

• Light, breathable clothes for tropical weather; a light jacket for cool evenings in the north.

• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals for temple visits or beach days.

• Rain gear (foldable umbrellas or ponchos) - especially during the rainy season.

• Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and hats to protect kids from the sun.

• Basic medicine and travel first-aid kit (including motion sickness tablets and hand sanitizer).

• Snacks, water bottles, and travel games for long rides or flights.

Getting around Vietnam safely

Transportation in Vietnam is improving rapidly, with safe and comfortable options for families. Depending on your itinerary, you can mix different modes of transport to make the journey fun for kids.

• Domestic flights: Fast and reliable for long distances (e.g., Hanoi – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City).

• Reunification express train: Scenic routes between major cities - a great adventure for kids.

• Private car with driver: Ideal for families; flexible, air-conditioned, and safe for countryside or day trips.

• Cyclo or bicycle rides: Fun ways to explore short distances in Hanoi, Hue, or Hoi An.

Best time to visit Vietnam with kids

Vietnam’s long, narrow shape means it has diverse weather from north to south - so timing your trip is key.

Regional weather guide:

• Northern Vietnam: Cool and dry from October to April; warm and rainy in summer (May–September).

• Central Vietnam: Warm year-round, but heavy rain and typhoons may occur from September to November.

• Southern Vietnam: Dry and sunny from November to April; wet season from May to October, but still good for sightseeing.

Overall best months:

• February to April and September to November are the most pleasant months to travel across the country, with mild temperatures and less rain.

Family tip: If you’re traveling with young children, avoid the peak summer heat (June–August) in central Vietnam and pack lightweight, breathable clothes.

Exploring Vietnam with kids is a journey filled with color, culture, and connection. With its warm-hearted people, fascinating traditions, and breathtaking landscapes, Vietnam for families is not just a destination - it’s an adventure that inspires curiosity and togetherness. If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Vietnam with family and want a seamless, worry-free experience, let Hanoi Voyages help you plan the perfect itinerary. 

Start planning your family adventure with Hanoi Voyages today and create memories that will last a lifetime!