Vietnam with Family: Itineraries and 10 Things to Prepare Before You Go

1. Visa training – documents for traveling to Vietnam

Citizens of the United Kingdom can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days, with this exemption valid until at least March 2028. However, travelers from the United States, Canada, and Australia must obtain a visa before arrival. The easiest option is the Vietnam e-visa, which is available online and typically valid for 30 days (up to 90 days for Australians). Visa on Arrival is also available for some travelers but requires a pre-approval letter and arrival by air.

For travelers who do not benefit from the visa exemption, including children and infants, an e-visa or traditional visa must be obtained before departure.

Always ensure your passport is valid for at least six months and that you have a digital photo for your e-visa application.

2. When is the best time for a pleasant family trip?

Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from north to south, with three distinct climate zones. Therefore, the weather can vary greatly depending on the region.

• North (Hanoi, Sapa, Hà Giang, Halong Bay...)

Winter (November to March) can be cool, sometimes cold, in the mountains—be sure to pack warm clothes, especially for Sapa or Ha Giang. Late August to early September is ideal for admiring the golden rice paddies in the mountainous regions. Spring (March-April) is also very pleasant for family travel.

• Center (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang)

Avoid the months of October and November, which are often marked by heavy rain. Outside of this period, the climate is mild and sunny, perfect for enjoying the beaches, especially between April and August.

• South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc)

The dry season, from December to April, is the most pleasant: clear skies, low humidity, and stable temperatures. Summer (July–August) can bring heavy rains, especially in the Mekong Delta, but this does not completely prevent visits.

In summary, the overall best time to travel with children is from November to April. May and early June can be very hot, especially for young children, so stay hydrated and avoid daytime outings.

3. Recommended itineraries for families

💡 15-day family tour from North to South (or vice versa)

• Days 1–2 | Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi and check into your hotel. Enjoy a gentle first exploration of the Old Quarter, a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a tasting of local specialties, and a well-deserved rest after the long flight.

• Day 3 | Hanoi – Halong Bay on land (Ninh Binh)

Transfer to Ninh Binh (approximately 2 hours drive). Boat trip to Tam Coc or Trang An, leisurely exploration of the landscapes.

• Day 4–5 | Halong Bay

Departure for Halong Bay. Cruise on a traditional junk with stops to explore the caves. An overnight stay is highly recommended to enjoy the sunset, kayak, or swim.
Overnight on board, with child-friendly activities such as night squid fishing.

• Day 6 | Halong – Hanoi – Hue

Return to land and transfer to Hanoi. Take the flight or train to Hue (flight recommended for greater comfort).

• Day 7–8 | Hue

Visit the Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Emperors' Tombs at a leisurely pace. Enjoy free time to relax at your hotel or enjoy the local market.

• Days 9–11 | Hoi An

Transfer to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass. Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town; relax at the beach (An Bang or Cua Dai), with more free time to enjoy the beach. Light activities for children such as a bike ride, a family cooking class, or discovering craft villages.

• Day 12 | Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City (HCM)

Flight to HCM City. City tour: Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market, etc.

• Day 13–14 | Mekong Delta – Ben Tre

Mekong Delta excursion with a visit to Ben Tre: rowboat ride on the rivers, discover orchards and coconut farms. Relax in peaceful landscapes or participate in local craft workshops.

• Day 15 | Ben Tre – HCM – Return

Return to Ho Chi Minh City. Last free day to enjoy the last hours before the return flight.

👉 This tour is ideal for families with children, offering a relaxed pace and plenty of opportunities to unwind. The tour emphasizes swimming and relaxation, including beach days in Hoi An and the Mekong Delta.

💡 Great crossing of Vietnam 21 days

• Day 1-2 | Hanoi – Arrival – City Tour

Arrival in Hanoi, check-in at the hotel, free time to relax after the flight. Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake.

• Day 3 | Hanoi – Sapa (5-6 hours drive)

Transfer to Sapa, arrival and check-in at the hotel. Relax with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

• Day 4-5-6 | Sapa – Discovery of the region

Explore ethnic villages, stroll through mountainous landscapes, and take gentle hikes through rice terraces. Enjoy warm encounters with locals and moments of sharing.
Stay with locals to discover daily life and experience the authentic life of local communities.

• Day 7-8 | Hanoi – Ninh Binh Land Bay

Excursion to Ninh Binh, boat trip to Tam Coc or Trang An, discovery of caves and limestone mountains. 

• Day 9 | Halong Bay

Departure for Halong Bay. Cruise on a traditional junk to discover the islands and caves. Overnight on board.

• Day 10 | Halong Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Hue 

Return to Hanoi and flight to Hue at the end of the day.

• Day 11-12 | Hue – City Tour

Visit the Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda and the tombs of the emperors,...

• Day 13-15 | Hue – Hoi An 

Drive to Hoi An, discover the charming town and stroll through the ancient streets. Explore the UNESCO-listed old town, visiting temples, ancient houses, and the Japanese bridge. Free time for family activities: bike rides, cooking classes, or enjoying the beaches.

• Day 16 | Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City

Flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Free time to relax or explore the city.

• Day 17-18 | Ho Chi Minh – City Discovery

Explore the city with a light tour: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market,...

• Day 19-20 | Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta

Excursion to the Mekong Delta, boat trip through the canals and discovery of orchards and coconut farms,...

• Day 21 | Ho Chi Minh – Departure

Last day to enjoy the city before the return flight.

👉 This 21-day Vietnam tour takes you through some of Vietnam's most beautiful landscapes, with a focus on the rice terraces and ethnic culture of the North. It's recommended for slightly older children, as some stages include treks and long drives.

4. What to do with children in Vietnam? Ideas by region

Hanoi

• Pottery workshop in Bát Tràng village
• Water Puppet Show
• Family cooking class.

Halong Bay

• Cooking Workshop on Board the Junk in Halong Bay
• Night squid fishing.

Pu Luong / Mai Chau / Sapa

• Overnight stay with locals and discovery of rural life: threshing rice, learning weaving, sharing simple moments with the village children
• Swimming in streams and gentle hikes in the heart of the rice terraces
• Ride a bike.

Hoi An

• Traditional lantern making workshop
• Agricultural activity (planting, watering and harvesting vegetables in Trà Quế)
• Creating bamboo objects at the Taboo Bamboo Workshop
• Cooking classes
• Pottery workshop in Thanh Ha village.

Da Nang

• Bà Nà Hills amusement park 
• My Khe Beach and Sand Games
• Asia Park (family-friendly theme park).

Hue

• Dress up in traditional costume to visit the imperial city of Hue
• Conical hat making workshop.

>>>> Read more: Is Hue or Hoi An the Better Choice for Your Trip?

Mekong Delta (Ben Tre / Vinh Long/ Can Tho,...)

• Visit to a coconut candy workshop
• Making Vietnamese pancakes (bánh xèo) with the locals
• Simple craft activities like making brooms
• Cai Rang Floating Market by boat early in the morning
• Orchard tour and tropical fruit tasting
• Making traditional cakes
• Traditional fishing with the locals. 

Phu Quoc

• Vinpearl Safari : Semi-natural animal park home to numerous species from Asia and Africa.
• VinWonders : Family-friendly amusement park with games, rides and shows.
• Discover the pepper plantations : immersion in the world of local pepper producers.
• Paradise beaches : relax on the beaches of Sao Beach and Long Beach, crystal clear waters and fine sand.

👉 The ideal itinerary for your family trip to Vietnam:  From Halong Bay to Phu Quoc Island 14 days

5. Getting around Vietnam: what you need to know

• Move apps (Grab, Be, Xanh SM)

Widely used in major cities, these apps make it easy to book a car (4 to 7 seats), making it convenient and affordable for families. They're reliable, with direct payment through the app.

• Car rental with driver

This is the most comfortable and suitable solution for families, especially those with young children. It offers great flexibility, avoids the stress of driving or the heat, and allows you to stop at the children's pace.

For a stress-free trip, opting for a tailor-made tour in Vietnam organized by a local agency is an excellent idea: optimized routes, family-friendly accommodation, carefully chosen activities... everything is anticipated for a safe, practical and relaxing stay.

• Train or domestic flights

Recommended for long distances (e.g., Hanoi – Hue – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City), night trains can also be a fun adventure for children. Domestic flights, on the other hand, save time over long distances.

>>> For more information, please read: How To Get Around Vietnam: Detailed Transport Options

6. Health and vaccinations: What should you prepare?

No vaccinations are required for entry to Southeast Asia from Europe, but vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria are recommended. For more information, see our guide to vaccinations in Asia.

As for medications, a small first aid kit will suffice: mosquito repellent, paracetamol, bandages, and antiseptic gel. Pharmacies in Vietnam are well-stocked, so you can easily find common medications there. 

7. What budget should you plan for a family trip to Vietnam?

Daily expenses in Vietnam are reasonable and depend on the level of comfort you seek. It's easy to travel affordably, but adjustments can be made depending on accommodation choices and activities. For more details on prices, see our link on Vietnam Travel Costs.

8. What should you pack for Vietnam?

• Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing for evenings or mountainous areas.
• Hats, sunglasses and high protection sunscreen.
• Daypack and reusable water bottles.
• Some games or books for transportation and quiet moments.
• A multifunctional scarf (useful against the sun, dust or to cover shoulders in temples).

In Vietnam, it's easy to wash your clothes thanks to the laundry service offered by hotels. No need to overload your suitcases; a few basic items are enough. You can do your laundry on site and lighten your luggage. Learn more about: Is Vietnam Safe To Travel? 7 Must-Know Tips For Travelers!.

9. What other useful tips? 

• Always have snacks in your bag, as meals can sometimes be delayed.
• Remember to load tablets or phones with offline cartoons for waiting times.
• Learning a few simple Vietnamese words is often fun for children and helps them bond with the locals. Here are some useful phrases:
  • Hello: Xin chào - (ssine bye)
  • Thank you: Cảm ơn - (kam eune)
  • Goodbye: Tạm biệt - (tam biette)

📌 Travel with peace of mind with our tailor-made tours, to discover all the beauty of the country: 

10. What to do if your child gets lost in a busy place?

This is a basic skill to teach children, useful in any situation, not just when traveling in Vietnam. Some curious and energetic children can easily wander off in a crowd, caught up in the desire to explore. To avoid stressful situations, here are some simple tips to implement before departure:

• Explain to your child that they should stay put if they get lost, so that you can find them more easily.
• Prepare a little note for him to keep in his pocket or hang around his neck, with his first name, yours, your telephone number and the address of your accommodation.
• Show him who he can ask for help: a security guard, a police officer, an employee wearing a badge, or another family with children.
• Make it clear that he should never follow a stranger, even if he seems nice.
• Do a little exercise at home before the trip: play out a scenario to help him remember the right actions without panicking.

11. Is it necessary to book a tour with a travel agency?

While some travelers prefer to organize their trip to Vietnam themselves, this requires time and sometimes conflicting research. As a family, the safety of your children is essential. Working with a local agency ensures a more stress-free trip. They take care of the itinerary and formalities, and provide a guide to assist you with day-to-day operations. This way, you can fully enjoy your stay without worrying about logistical details. 

Our last words,

Vietnam is an ideal destination for families seeking authentic discoveries, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable moments. With its welcoming villages, rich culture, and activities suitable for all ages, every member of the family will find something to delight them. We hope these tips have helped you plan your trip.