Vietnam with Kids: A Fun, Safe & Family-Friendly 10-Day Itinerary

Planning a trip with your family? Vietnam is one of the best places in Asia for an unforgettable family adventure. With its safe cities, friendly people, affordable prices, and countless things to do, Vietnam promises a perfect balance of fun and comfort for parents and kids alike.

From ancient streets in Hanoi to golden beaches in Hoi An and boat rides in the Mekong Delta, the country offers experiences that make both children and adults smile. The best part? Everything is easy to access, from family-friendly hotels to delicious food even the pickiest eaters will love.

This 10-day family itinerary takes you through Vietnam’s top kid-friendly destinations, filled with culture, nature, and adventure. You’ll explore magical caves, relax on beautiful beaches, enjoy boat rides, and discover local traditions, all at a family pace.

If you’re looking for a safe, exciting, and educational holiday, Vietnam with kids is the perfect idea. This guide will help you plan your journey step-by-step so you can enjoy every moment together.

Why Vietnam Is Perfect for Family Travel

Vietnam is a dream come true for families seeking a mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation. It’s a country where you can travel safely, eat well, and find comfort at every stop, all without stretching your budget.

Safety & Healthcare:
Vietnam is known for being one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia. Locals are kind and welcoming to children, and family travelers often find themselves treated with extra care. Major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have reliable hospitals and pharmacies, ensuring peace of mind.
Easy Internal Travel:
Traveling between regions is simple thanks to Vietnam’s growing domestic flight network, clean trains, and scenic roads. Families can move comfortably between mountains, beaches, and cities within a few hours.
Diverse Landscapes:
Vietnam offers something for every family member, the misty mountains of Sapa, the limestone karsts of Ninh Binh, and the serene beaches of Da Nang and Phu Quoc. Kids can enjoy outdoor adventures like kayaking, cycling, or exploring caves.
Delicious & Kid-Friendly Food:
Even children who are fussy eaters will enjoy dishes like pho (noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and sweet tropical fruits.
Family Accommodation:
From cozy eco-lodges to luxurious resorts, Vietnam’s hotels are well-equipped with family suites, swimming pools, and play zones.

All these make Vietnam family holidays not just enjoyable but truly stress-free and memorable.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam with Kids

Vietnam’s long, narrow shape means weather can vary by region, so the best time to visit depends on where you’re heading. However, for most families, November to April is the ideal window, offering pleasant temperatures, sunny skies, and fewer rain showers.

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh):
The months from October to April are cool and dry, perfect for sightseeing, cycling, and boat rides without heat discomfort.
Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue):
Visit between February and August for sunshine and beach days. Avoid September–November, when rains are heavier.
Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc):
Best from November to April, when it’s warm, dry, and ideal for outdoor family fun.

Families planning around school vacations can choose December or March, when the weather is pleasant across most regions.

Not sure when to plan your family adventure? Check the best time to visit Vietnam to choose the perfect weather for kids.

10-Day Family-Friendly Vietnam Itinerary

This itinerary is carefully paced for families with children aged 6-12, blending cultural immersion, natural wonders, and hands-on fun to keep everyone engaged and excited.

Day 1–2: Hanoi – Culture, Lakeside Walks & Cyclo Rides

Ease into Vietnam’s capital with a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and a visit to the lively Old Quarter. Watch a Water Puppet Show fun for both kids and adults and explore the streets by cyclo for a relaxed, family-friendly city experience.

Hanoi Highlights

Hoan Kiem Lake: Peaceful morning walks and family photos
Old Quarter: Food stalls, souvenir shops, and charming alleys
Water Puppet Show: Colourful, musical, and perfect for kids

Family Tip: Kids can enjoy smoothies while parents try Hanoi’s famous egg coffee.

Day 3–4: Ninh Binh – Boat Caves, Rice Fields & Eco-Stays

Travel to Ninh Binh for a scenic boat ride through Trang An or Tam Coc. Glide through caves, limestone cliffs, and quiet valleys. Stay in eco-lodges surrounded by rice fields for a peaceful countryside retreat.

Ninh Binh Highlights

Trang An / Tam Coc: Cave boat rides and limestone mountains
Rice Field Bungalows: Pools, gardens, and mountain views
Countryside Cycling: Easy, safe routes for families

Family Tip: Rent bicycles for a fun ride through villages and rice paddies.

Day 5–6: Ha Long Bay – Overnight Cruise & Fun Activities

Set sail on a family-friendly cruise across Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands. Kids will enjoy kayaking, exploring caves like Sung Sot, and joining onboard cooking classes. Evening squid fishing adds excitement for all ages.

Ha Long Bay Highlights

Kayaking: Calm lagoons and hidden corners
Sung Sot Cave: Huge chambers and glowing stalactites
Cooking Class: Fresh spring rolls on the deck

Family Tip: Choose a safe, reputable cruise with family-sized cabins.

Day 7–8: Hoi An – Lantern Workshops & Beach Time

Fly to Da Nang and head to Hoi An, a colourful town perfect for slow family exploration. Join a lantern-making workshop and relax at An Bang Beach with gentle waves ideal for children.

Hoi An Highlights

Lantern-Making: Fun, hands-on craft session
Ancient Town: Car-free, scenic, and kid-friendly
An Bang Beach: Soft sand and shallow waters

Family Tip: Rent bicycles, Hoi An’s flat roads are great for easy family rides.

Day 9–10: Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta – Tunnels & Coconut Candy

End your trip in Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels where kids can crawl through safe, widened sections. Shop at Ben Thanh Market before a Mekong Delta day trip filled with boat rides, sampan canals, and sweet coconut candy demos.

HCMC & Mekong Highlights

Cu Chi Tunnels: Educational and interactive
Ben Thanh Market: Souvenirs and snacks
Mekong Boat Trip: Coconut farms and sampan rides

Family Tip: Choose a private or small-group Mekong tour for a smoother, kid-friendly pace.

Travelling with picky eaters or little foodies? Explore our guide on Vietnamese food and culinary experiences to know what your kids will love

Top Family-Friendly Places to Stay

Finding the right place to stay makes your Vietnam family holiday smooth and enjoyable. Luckily, Vietnam offers several hotels designed for families with kids.

Hanoi – La Siesta Hotel & Peridot Grand Hotel: Both offer spacious family suites, cozy beds, and breakfast buffets. The swimming pool and central location make them perfect for sightseeing families.
Hoi An – Anantara Hoi An Resort: A charming riverside retreat offering interconnecting rooms, kids’ activities, and a peaceful pool area. Families love the short walk to the Old Town and the resort’s cooking classes.
Ho Chi Minh City – Fusion Suites: A stylish stay with family rooms, a rooftop pool, and modern kitchenettes. Kids will enjoy the nearby parks and museums, while parents appreciate the relaxing spa.

These hotels combine comfort, convenience, and fun, ideal for travelers seeking family hotels in Vietnam and kid-friendly stays in Vietnam.

If you’re looking for fun activities beyond this itinerary, browse the best things to do in Vietnam for families.

Must-Try Experiences for Kids in Vietnam

Vietnam is a giant, open-air classroom and playground. Move beyond sightseeing and immerse your children in these unforgettable hands-on activities:

Become an Artisan in Hoi An: Let their creativity shine in a lantern-making workshop, a colourful and rewarding souvenir they’ll treasure.
Countryside Adventures: Escape the cities on a bicycle ride through rural villages and emerald rice paddies, a fun, active way to see local life.
Ethical Animal Encounters: Visit the Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Yok Don National Park to observe these majestic creatures in a responsible, non-riding environment.
Fruit Safari on the Water: At the Mekong Delta's floating markets, turn snack time into an adventure by trying strange and delicious local fruits like dragon fruit, rambutan, and mangosteen.
Little Master Chefs: Join a family-friendly cooking class to learn the secrets of rolling fresh spring rolls, a fun, interactivecultural lesson.

Want more ideas for your family itinerary? Discover the top places to visit in Vietnam to add to your trip.

Vietnam Travel Tips for Families

A little preparation ensures your family trip is smooth and stress-free. Here are our top practical tips:

Health First: The tropical sun and mosquitoes are no joke. Pack high-strength mosquito repellent, child-safe sunscreen, and wide-brimmed hats. A basic travel first-aid kit is always wise.
Navigate with Ease: Download the Grab app (Southeast Asia's Uber). It’s a lifesaver for booking affordable, metered rides with car seats (request in advance) or food delivery right to your hotel.
Keep Energy High: Long transit times and busy days call for snacks. Carry familiar granola bars or crackers, and refillable water bottles to stay hydrated. You can buy bottled water everywhere.
Food for Little Ones: Stick to busy street food stalls where high turnover ensures freshness. Pho (chicken noodle soup), banh mi (sandwiches), and fresh fruit are generally safe and kid-pleasing options. Use hand sanitiser before every meal.

A family journey through Vietnam strikes the perfect balance between adventure and comfort, creating a holiday that is as educational as it is exhilarating. It’s a country where your children will learn not just from guidebooks, but from the smiles of locals, the taste of new foods, and the thrill of exploring ancient landscapes. Safe, affordable, and endlessly fascinating, Vietnam offers a profoundly rewarding experience that will leave your family with a shared album of memories that last a lifetime.

Start planning your family-friendly Vietnam adventure today and explore tailored Vietnam tour packages for a seamless and unforgettable journey!