Best Things to Do in Vietnam with Kids & Family | Best Value Tours
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Top 10 Best Things to Do in Vietnam with Kids (Updated)

01.01.2025
Vietnam is a magical place with a rich culture, beautiful scenery, and lively street life that people of all ages love.  Vietnam has many family-friendly things to do, whether you're meandering through the busy Old Quarter of Hanoi, relaxing on the beaches of Phu Quoc, or exploring the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An.
You may plan an extraordinary trip that your family will remember forever by reading our list of the 10 best activities to do in Vietnam with kids.

1. Visit Hanoi's Old Quarter
The Old Quarter is the hub of Hanoi and a must-see for families visiting Hanoi, Vietnam.  Your kids will love this neighborhood with its busy markets, old buildings, and secret cafés.

Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam

    • Take a ride on a cyclo through the streets: Get on a traditional bicycle rickshaw and take a leisurely tour.  You may see the crazy side of Hanoi in a safe and exciting way without getting tired feet.
    • Visit Dong Xuan Market: Dong Xuan Market is a huge place with many of stalls offering toys, souvenirs, and tasty street food. It's a great place to have an exciting lunch.
    • Watch the Train at Train Street: At predetermined times, a train rumbles right into a tight alley on Train Street.  Get a table at a café and watch the show safely from the sidelines.
    • Try Egg Coffee: Vietnam's famed creamy egg coffee is surprisingly kid-friendly when served warm and not too sweet. It's like a dessert in a cup!

    Tip for travelers: Bring small change for meals on the street and shopping at the market. Also, be careful when crossing the street because traffic never actually stops!


    2. Explore the Old Quarter in Hanoi

    The Old Quarter is the beating heart of Hanoi and a must on any list of things to do in Hanoi Vietnam with kids. With its buzzing markets, historic architecture, and hidden cafés, this neighborhood will capture your children’s imaginations.

    Things to Do in Hanoi Vietnam

    • Ride a Cyclo Through the Streets: Hop aboard a traditional bicycle rickshaw and enjoy a slow-paced tour. It’s a safe, fun way to see the chaos of Hanoi without getting tired feet.
    • Visit Dong Xuan Market: This enormous market is packed with stalls selling toys, souvenirs, and delicious street snacks—perfect for an adventurous lunch.
    • Watch the Train at Train Street: At scheduled times, a train rumbles right through a narrow alley. Grab a table at a café and watch the spectacle safely from the sidelines.
    • Try Egg Coffee: Vietnam’s famous creamy egg coffee is surprisingly kid-friendly when served warm without too much sugar—think of it as a dessert in a cup!

    Travel Tip: Bring small change for street food and market shopping, and watch out for scooters when crossing the road—traffic never really stops!


    2. Take a cruise around the beautiful Halong Bay

    An overnight cruise in Halong Bay is the best thing to do in Vietnam with family. The tall limestone islands and blue ocean make a magical setting that is great for everyone.

    Things to Do in Halong Bay, Vietnam

    • Kayak Between Limestone Karsts: Paddle through caverns and lagoons that are hard to find.  A lot of trips include double kayaks that kids can use with an adult.
    • Visit Sung Sot Cave: This huge cave is full of colorful stalactites and stalagmites that make kids feel like they're exploring a hidden universe.
    • Squid Fishing at Night: Try your luck at squid fishing right over the side of your boat after dinner.  It's exciting to try, even if you don't catch one.
    • Cooking Class Onboard: Make Vietnamese spring rolls together, then eat them for supper as part of the meal.

    Tip for travelers: Bring a light jacket for cool evenings on the deck and some motion sickness pills in case the ocean gets choppy.


    3. Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi.

    If your family likes learning about foreign cultures, this museum is a great place to take kids. Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups come to life through full-size models and interactive exhibits. This makes it one of the best cultural activities for families in Hanoi.

    Things to Do with Kids in Hanoi, Vietnam

    • Explore Traditional Houses: Walk through longhouses and stilt houses that were built by ethnic groups.  You feel like you're in another universe.
    • Watch Cultural Videos: The museum has short videos that tell stories about holidays, traditions, and everyday life.
    • Put on Traditional Clothes: Kids can dress up in colorful ethnic clothes in the kids' area, which is fantastic for pictures.
    • The Garden Café is a great place to relax. You can get fresh juices and sit in the shade while your kids run about the grounds.

    Tip for travelers: Go early in the day to avoid crowds and give the youngsters plenty of time to explore the outdoor houses.


    4. Have fun in the sun in Phu Quoc

    Phu Quoc's beaches have soft sand and mild waves, so if that's what you want to do with kids in Vietnam, they have it.  There are lots of things for kids to do on this tropical island, like making sandcastles or snorkeling.  Family resorts and wildlife parks make things even more exciting.  It's the best place to rest and refresh by the sea.

    Things to Do in Phu Quoc, Vietnam

    Build Sandcastles on Long Beach: It is a great place to build sandcastles since the ocean is calm and shallow, which makes it easy to splash around and dig in the sand.

    Visit Vinpearl Safari: It is Vietnam's biggest animal park. You can see giraffes, zebras, and even tigers there.  Ride the tram to get a close look at the animals.

    Snorkel Around An Thoi Archipelago: Older kids can see beautiful fish and coral reefs.  A lot of tour companies give you life jackets and gear that fits kids.

    Visit the Night Market: Buy homemade gifts, taste fresh seafood, or try coconut ice cream.

    Tip for travelers: 

    • Always bring reef-safe sunscreen and caps. 
    • The sun is powerful even when there are cloudy days.

    Must Read: Best International Places to Visit in August 


    5. Learn about the old Hoi An

    If you want to do things in Vietnam with kids, Hoi An is one of the greatest places to go.  The streets and riverbank cafés lit by lanterns feel almost mystical, especially at night.  Kids will love doing things with their hands, going to colorful markets, and taking boat trips under glowing lanterns.  It's a place where culture, creativity, and family fun all come together.

    Things to Do in Hoi An Vietnam with Kids

    • Make Your Own Lantern: Sign up for a class that is good for the whole family and let the youngsters decorate their own traditional lantern to take home.
    • Take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River: Go for a boat ride and float by colorful buildings. For good luck, let a paper lantern float on the river.
    • Visit Japanese Covered Bridge: It is a historic site and a great place to take pictures. It is 400 years old.
    • Cycle Through Rice Fields: Rent bikes (with child seats) and ride through the quiet countryside.

    Tip for travelers: Arrive late so you can experience the streets lit by lanterns in the evening when the mood is at its best.

    Check out: Best Places to Visit during Diwali vacation


    6. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels,

    One of the most interesting things to do in Vietnam with kids is to go to the Cu Chi Tunnels, which are an underground network that was used during the Vietnam War.  Some parts are narrow, although there are wider tunnels for families.

    Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with kids

    • Crawl Through Tunnels: See what life is like underground in a safe, well-lit location made for visitors.
    • Watch the Introductory Film: This brief documentary gives a simple overview of the history of the tunnel system.
    • See Camouflaged Trapdoors: Guides show how the jungle floor camouflaged entrances—kids will be delighted.
    • Visit Ben Thanh Market: After your trip, stop by this well-known market to buy souvenirs and crafts.

    Tip for travelers: Bring drink, wear clothes that are comfortable, and be ready to squat down. Some tunnels can seem tight for adults.


    7. Ride the Ba Na Hills Cable Car in Da Nang

    One of the best things to do in Vietnam with family is to ride a cable car to Ba Na Hills.  On the way up, you'll see beautiful mountains and at the top, you'll find attractions like the Golden Bridge, Fantasy Park, and a cute European-style village.

    Things to Do in Da Nang Vietnam

    • Walk across the Golden Bridge, which seems like it's being held up by enormous stone hands. It's a great place for family photos.
    • Visit the French Village: Walk along the cobblestone streets, look at the European-style buildings, and watch street performers.
    • Fantasy Park is Vietnam's biggest indoor theme park. It contains rides, games, and a soft play area for younger kids.
    • Ride the Alpine Coaster: Kids can ride with an adult down the mountain on a safe route.

    Tip for travelers: Buy tickets ahead of time online to avoid long lines, especially on weekends and holidays.


    8. Walk across the rice terraces in Sapa

    Sapa's beautiful slopes and friendly villages make for great moments for adventurous families.  If your kids like being outside, this is one of the best things to do in Vietnam with them.

    Things to Do in Sapa, Vietnam

    • Hike Muong Hoa Valley: Walk through beautiful rice terraces and over beautiful suspension bridges.
    • Go to Cat Cat Village: See traditional wooden dwellings and learn about the Hmong people.
    • Fansipan Cable Car Ride: Take the Fansipan Cable Car to the top of Vietnam's highest mountain and enjoy the view from up there.
    • Sapa Market: At the Sapa Market, you may buy colorful handicrafts and comfortable clothes.

    Travel Tip: Wear shoes that are strong and have good grip. You can also want to hire a local guide to make trekking routes easier and more fun for youngsters.


    9. Go to a cooking class on Thuan Tinh Island in Hoi An

    One of the best things to do in Vietnam with kids is to take a cooking class.  Your family can go to a local market on Thuan Tinh Island to acquire fresh ingredients and then learn how to make traditional dishes together.  It's a way to learn about Vietnamese culture by doing.  At the end, everyone gets to try their tasty creations.

    Things to Do with Family in Hoi An, Vietnam

    • Visit the Local Market: Go to the local market with your guide to buy fresh herbs, noodles, and vegetables.
    • Enjoy a Boat Ride: Take a boat ride down the river to the cookery school.
    • Cook Vietnamese Dishes: Make Vietnamese food: Each family gets a cooking station. Kids love creating spring rolls and pancakes.
    • Eat What You Made: End the lesson with a meal (dish prepared by you) in a garden with coconut trees.

    Tip for traveling: Let your kids help you shop at the market. It will make them more thrilled to eat the food they create later.


    10. Visit the Imperial City in Hue

    Hue was once the imperial capital of Vietnam. Its old palaces and temples look like they came straight out of a fairy tale.  One of the best things to do in Vietnam with kids is to explore the Imperial City.

    Things to Do in Hue Vietnam

    • Visit the Citadel: Walk around the moats and courtyards of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Visit Khai Dinh Tomb: Go to Khai Dinh Tomb and look at the beautiful mosaics and dragon statues.
    • Take a cruise on the Perfume River: Sit back and relax in a dragon boat as the countryside goes past.
    • Thien Mu Pagoda: It is Hue's most recognized monument. It is a seven-story tower.

    Tip for travelers: The Citadel is huge and has limited shade in some places, so bring a sun hat and a lot of water.

    Tips for Families Traveling to Vietnam

    • Pack for Different Weather as the weather in Vietnam differs from place to region, so carry layers.
    • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids in busy marketplaces and near water for their safety.
    • Get Private Transfers: Best Value Tourism can provide door-to-door transportation for your comfort and convenience.
    • Food: If your kids don't like spicy cuisine, stick to bottled water and ask for mild seasoning.
    • Bring something to do: Small toys or coloring books can help on long trips


    Are you ready to plan your family trip to Vietnam?

    There are so many fun things to do in Vietnam, from alleys lit by lanterns to mountain tops above the clouds.  Let Best Value Tourism Dubai help you plan a fun and educational trip just for you.

    Book Vietnam tour packages with Best Value Tourism Dubai today and make experiences with your family that will last a lifetime.


    Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Vietnam with Family


    1. Is it safe for families with kids to go to Vietnam?

    Yes, Vietnam is a safe and friendly place for families to visit.  Be careful when driving in congested places and use safe transportation options like Grab or certified taxis


    2. What is the best time to visit Vietnam with kids?

    The best times to visit Vietnam with children are in the spring (March to April) and fall (September to November). These months provide temperate temperatures and lower rainfall, making them perfect for outdoor activities and family-friendly exploration throughout the country.


    3. What are some of the best things to do in Vietnam for families?

    • In Hoi An, you may see the old town, take a lantern-making class, or go for a boat trip on the Thu Bon River.
    • You can cruise through the beautiful limestone karsts, kayak in secret lagoons, or swim and do other water activities in Ha Long Bay.
    • Go to the Old Quarter, see a water puppet play, or visit the Temple of Literature in Hanoi.
    • In Da Nang, you can relax on the beaches, see the Marble Mountains, or explore the Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge.
    • On Phu Quoc Island, you can enjoy the beaches, go whale watching, or check out the local markets.


    4. How do families get around Vietnam easily?

    For comfort and low cost, choose cabs or Grab in cities.  For long trips with kids, trains or short flights are the best ways to get there.  Don't let small kids ride buses because they aren't very comfortable.


    5. What are some health and safety tips for taking kids to Vietnam?

    Bring basic medicine, use bug spray, and drink bottled water.  Always keep an eye on youngsters in crowded places and on the road, and only eat in clean venues.


    6. What should I bring on a trip to Vietnam with kids?

    • Clothes that are light and breathable are good for hot weather.
    • Shoes that are easy to walk in.
    • Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
    • Repellent for mosquitoes.
    • A light jacket for when it gets cooler or at night.
    • If you're going to the beach, bring swimsuits and other beach gear.
    • Small toys or things to keep kids busy while traveling.


    7. Is traveling in Vietnam with kids expensive?

    Families can afford to go to Vietnam.  Eating out and getting about town are affordable, but things like cruises or amusement parks could cost a little more.


    8. What Vietnamese meals are good for kids?

    • Pho (soup with noodles)
    • Banh mi, or sandwiches
    • Spring rolls that are still warm
    • Com tam (rice that has been shattered)
    • Juices and fruits that are fresh
    • Desserts and ice cream


    9. What should families not do in Vietnam?

    Don't eat at food stalls that aren't clean, and be careful when approached by strangers. You shouldn't leave kids alone in places with a lot of traffic or at public attractions.


    10. Are there tips for visiting cultural sites with kids?

    Yes, places like the Imperial City in Hue and old temples in Hanoi are fun to visit.  Bring water and caps, and make it fun by telling stories about the areas you go.