With coastline and mountains, urban adventure and rural discoveries, Vietnam is a perfect family holiday destination. Here are our top 10 tips for things to do in Vietnam with kids.
1. Homestay
There’s no better way to teach your children about different cultures than by staying with a Vietnamese family for a night. As a Vietnamese-run company, Mr Linh’s Adventures has lots of opportunities for homestays, whether it’s with an ethnic tribe in the mountains or by a lake in a National Park.
2. Stay on a boat
For children who are keen swimmers, going on a traditional junk cruise trip in Halong Bay offers the perfect adventure. Stay overnight on the boat and spend days cruising around the UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are plenty of opportunities to go snorkelling and discover idyllic island beaches too. The kids might even recognise Halong Bay from the movies – as films including King Kong: Skull Island were filmed there.
3. Take a cyclo ride
Exploring on foot with children can be tricky after a while, especially when those little legs get tired. Instead, take a cyclo ride in any of Vietnam’s urban centres. It offers a traditional Vietnamese experience while sightseeing from the comfort of a seat.
4. Dam Sen Waterpark
A trip to Vietnam with kids isn’t complete without visiting the Dam Sen Waterpark near Ho Chi Minh City. Loved by local and international families alike, it’s a real treat for children of all ages.
5. Bamboo basket boat
Another adventurous water activity perfect for older children is to go in a traditional Vietnamese boat. Usually made of bamboo and round in shape, local fishermen use them to do their daily fishing. There are multiple rivers and waterways across Vietnam where it’s possible to set off in a traditional boat.
6. Festivals
Visit Vietnam during one of the country’s famous festivals to give children a cultural experience like no other. Whether it’s the largest Vietnamese festival of Tet (the Lunar New Year), the Perfume Festival or the Hoi An Lantern Festival, the colours and celebrations will be memorable for the whole family.
7. Explore tunnels
Visiting the Cu Chi tunnels that run in a vast underground network near Ho Chi Minh City is as interesting for children as it is for adults. Used extensively during wartime in Vietnam, it’s an insight into Vietnam’s relatively recent history. The children will learn a thing or two about it while enjoying the adventure of exploring underground.
8. Beach time
Who doesn’t love some time at the beach? Whether it’s building sandcastles or trying new water sports, Vietnam’s beaches have it all. Some of the best-loved beach towns include Nha Trang – which also has an amusement park – and Da Nang. Both are perfect for some chillout time with the little ones.
9. Water puppets
Vietnam’s traditional water puppet shows date back to the 12th century. Puppets appear on the water, manoeuvred by long poles that are hidden under the water. These shows tell tales of traditional Vietnamese life and have been enjoyed by families for centuries.
10. Get hands on
Vietnam has numerous historic urban centres that offer points of interest for the whole family. Visiting one of the smaller towns such as Hue can feel more manageable for families, while a number of activities are on offer that children love, such as lantern making.
Visiting Vietnam with kids offers an experience of a lifetime for the whole family. Join
Mr Linh’s Adventures on authentic and original tours that can be specially tailored to your family’s needs – just let us know what you’d like to do, and we’ll take care of the rest!