Vietnam with kids
Vietnam With Kids: How to Plan a Family Trip to Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the most rewarding countries in Southeast Asia for families. The food is extraordinary, the landscapes shift from limestone karsts to rice terraces to white sand beaches, and the cost of a luxury trip here is a fraction of what you would spend in Japan or Europe. Plan 10 to 14 days with at least two or three regions to feel the range of this country.
Vietnam is the country that changes how families think about travel. The food is the best in Southeast Asia and I will argue that with anyone. Pho for breakfast, banh mi for lunch, fresh spring rolls that cost almost nothing, and your kids will eat better here than they do at home.
The geography is staggering. Ha Long Bay in the north with its limestone karsts. Hoi An in the center with its lantern lit old town and beaches. The Mekong Delta in the south with floating markets and sampan boats through mangrove channels. Every region feels like a different country.
Vietnam is also one of the best value luxury destinations in the world right now. Five star resorts, private tours, cooking classes, and overnight cruises all cost dramatically less than comparable experiences elsewhere. Families who book Vietnam always ask me what took them so long.
When to go
Vietnam on a US school calendar
- 1December through February
Best for central and south Vietnam
Dry season in Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and Da Nang and Hoi An from mid January. The north (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa) is cool and can be drizzly. Lines up with US winter break. This is the most popular window for families.
- 2March through May
Shoulder season across the country
Warming up everywhere. Central Vietnam beaches are excellent. The north gets warmer and clearer. Spring break works well for a central and south itinerary. Fewer crowds than the winter window.
- 3June through August
Summer break window
Hot and humid across the country. Central coast (Da Nang, Hoi An) is in its dry, sunny season and this is actually the best beach window. The north has afternoon rain but Ha Long Bay cruises run fine. The south has daily rain but it passes quickly.
- 4September through November
Typhoon risk in central Vietnam
Central Vietnam gets its heaviest rain and occasional typhoons from September through November. Not the window for Hoi An or Da Nang. The north and south are transitioning out of the wet season and can work for a trip that skips the coast.
Where to go
North, central, or south, then add from there
Most families start in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and work their way through two or three regions. Domestic flights are cheap and connect the country quickly. The central coast (Da Nang and Hoi An) is the sweet spot for families who want culture, beaches, and incredible food in one stop.
Da Nang
Beautiful beaches, the Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hills with its Golden Bridge, and the base for day trips to Hoi An. Three to four days. The beach resorts here are outstanding value.
Hoi An
UNESCO old town with hundreds of lanterns, cooking classes, custom tailoring, boat rides on the Thu Bon River, and An Bang Beach. Two to three days. This is the town families fall in love with.
Where to sleep
Rooms for a family of 4 or 5
Vietnam has some of the best value luxury hotels in the world. International brands and Vietnamese boutique properties are both excellent. Family suites and interconnecting rooms are widely available.
| Option | Sleeps | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Beach resort | 4 to 6 | Da Nang and Hoi An have stunning beachfront resorts. Four Seasons The Nam Hai, InterContinental, and Hyatt Regency are family favorites. Rates are a fraction of comparable resorts in Thailand or Bali |
| Boutique hotel | 2 to 4 | Hoi An’s old town has beautifully designed boutique hotels with pools and breakfast included. Smaller rooms but incredible atmosphere and staff who remember your kids’ names |
| Cruise cabin | 2 to 4 | Ha Long Bay overnight cruises range from budget junks to luxury vessels. Family cabins and connecting rooms are available on the better boats. Two nights is ideal |
| City hotel | 4 to 6 | Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have excellent international chains with family suites, pools, and kids’ clubs. Sofitel, Park Hyatt, and Intercontinental are solid picks |
Getting around
Flights, distances, and what to know
- No direct flights from the US. Connect through Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, or a Middle Eastern hub. Total travel time is 16 to 22 hours depending on the connection
- Domestic flights are cheap and frequent. Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and Bamboo Airways connect Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City in about 90 minutes
- US citizens need a visa. An e-visa is available online and takes a few business days. Apply before your trip. Valid for up to 90 days
- The Vietnamese dong means everything is affordable. A bowl of pho costs about a dollar. A private car and driver for a full day is 40 to 60 dollars. Five star hotel rooms start under 200 dollars a night
- Hire a private driver for day trips and transfers. Traffic in Vietnamese cities is intense and crossing the street is an experience all by itself. Do not rent a car
- English is spoken in tourist areas but not as widely as in Thailand or Malaysia. Your hotel and tour guides will speak English. Having a translation app helps in local markets and restaurants
- Vietnam is safe for families. Petty theft (bag snatching, pickpocketing) exists in cities so keep bags close, but violent crime against tourists is very rare
Before you go
The boring stuff, sorted
“Vietnam is the trip that makes families rethink what travel can be. The food is the best I have had anywhere in the world, and I say that having eaten my way through 60 countries. The value is unreal. And the kids? They come home different. More curious, more confident, more willing to try things. That is the trip.”
Nicole Damiano, ASTA Verified Travel Advisor · Certified Family Travel Advisor with FG Luxury Travel. Former social studies teacher, mom of three, 60+ countries.
Plan your trip with meThinking about Vietnam?
Tell me who is coming and roughly when, and I will put together the route that makes sense for your family.
Start planningQuick answers
How many days do you need in Vietnam with kids?
10 to 14 days for a first trip. That gives you time for two or three regions. A shorter trip of 7 days works if you focus on central Vietnam (Da Nang and Hoi An) with a quick stop in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Is Vietnam safe for families?
Yes. Vietnam is one of the safer countries in Southeast Asia. Violent crime against tourists is very rare. Watch for petty theft in cities (keep bags close) and be careful crossing streets. The biggest adjustment is the traffic, not the safety.
Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes. US citizens need a visa. The easiest option is an e-visa, which you apply for online before your trip. It takes a few business days to process and is valid for up to 90 days.
What is the best time of year to visit Vietnam with kids?
December through February for central and south Vietnam. June through August for the central coast beaches (Da Nang and Hoi An are in their dry season). Vietnam stretches over 1,000 miles north to south, so the weather varies by region. Check the specific destinations in your route.
Is Vietnam expensive?
No. Vietnam is one of the best value destinations in Asia. Street food costs a dollar or two per dish. A private car and driver for a full day is 40 to 60 dollars. Luxury resorts start under 200 dollars a night. Families can travel in style here for a fraction of what comparable trips cost elsewhere.
What do kids eat in Vietnam?
Pho (noodle soup), banh mi (baguette sandwiches), fresh spring rolls, fried rice, grilled meats on sticks, and tropical fruit everywhere. Vietnamese food is fresh, flavorful, and not heavily spiced. Most kids take to it quickly, especially the pho and banh mi.
Can you drink the water in Vietnam?
No. Drink bottled water, which is cheap and available everywhere. Hotels provide complimentary bottles. Ice in tourist restaurants is made from purified water and is safe. Avoid tap water for brushing teeth in budget accommodations.
Keep planning: Da Nang guide, Hoi An guide, international travel with kids, step by step.
Nicole Damiano, ASTA Verified Travel Advisor · Certified Family Travel Advisor with FG Luxury Travel. Adventures We Seek is my travel blog and planning resource. Trips are booked through Favorite Grampy Travels. Prices, fees and rules last checked October 2026 and change often.
Family trip plans
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