The top 25 places to visit in Vietnam with Kids – and why you shouldn’t visit them all (in one trip)
When my family first decided to visit Vietnam in 2024, I remember feeling surprised about just how many different places in Vietnam there were to visit! I had it in my head that Vietnam was a fairly small country, with relatively few major destinations that we would want to check out.
I was so wrong. I very quickly learned that Vietnam has an unbelievable number of world-class locations to visit, all in a country that’s smaller (area-wise) than the state of California!
Now, over a year later and with 10+ months of living in Vietnam under my belt, here are my picks for the 25 top places to visit in Vietnam with kids.
North Vietnam
In my experience, when people think of visiting Vietnam, it is the stunning beauty of northern Vietnam that first comes to mind. Terraced rice paddies covered over with mountain mists. Winding roads through green passes. Luxury boats floating on a peaceful bay. North Vietnam is synonymous with tranquil beauty.
Add to that the fact that it’s relatively cool summer climate and how easy it is to get around and you can see why this is region is so special!
Hanoi – History, Culture, and incredible Vietnamese food
Famed for its culture-rich old quarter and world-famous train street cafes, Hanoi is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, and a bustling metropolis. Our family spent most of our time in Hanoi exploring the Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter, and I would absolutely recommend the experience to anyone!
We spent a ton of time wandering the area’s many street markets, enjoying the incredible food (be sure to try the bun cha!), and, yes, watching the trains pass just inches away on train street. I can’t even begin to list out all the great things about Hanoi here, so if you plan to visit, also be sure to check out my full article on the topic. (Linked below.)
Sapa – Escape from the crowds and explore the clouds
Sapa or (Sa Pa) is a small-ish town located in the mountains in the north-west corner of the country. It’s a much more rural feel than Vietnam’s larger cities, but remains one of the most quintessentially Vietnamese experiences you can have.
There have been few experiences on earth that have given me as much of a sense of peace as looking over the rice terraces in the valley from the comfort of our homestay in Sapa. I could have done nothing else for the whole stay and been happy!
But if you want something a bit more active, there are villages that you can explore all through the valley, and Vietnam’s highest peak, Fansipan, is just a cable car ride and a short hike away!
Ha Giang – Get a taste of adventure on the Ha Giang Loop
Rather than a singular location, the Ha Giang Loop tour is a roadway route through the scenic mountains of northern Vietnam. The route is normally done by motorbike, with participants either driving themselves or riding behind a guide. Homestays and hotels along the route offer plenty of places to stay, but the real draw is getting the chance to take in the incredible highlands scenery!
While I have known families to do the Ha Giang Loop with their kids on motorbikes, there are other vehicle options that you can choose. I’d suggest taking an open air Jeep tour like this one on Get Your Guide so you can still get the amazing views while traveling with your whole family!
Traveling with kids is no reason to miss out on the beauty of Northern Vietnam!
This tour takes you from Hanoi's Old Quarter through the entire Ha Giang Loop, with stops to explore the local culture, swim in mountain streams, and admire the magical views along the loop.
Cao Bang (Ban Gioc Waterfalls)
While Cao Bang is the name of the larger city in the area, most of the best things to do in the Cao Bang region happen outside the city.
The Ban Gioc Waterfalls, in particular, are the main reason most people visit the area, but my family also loved visiting ancient stone villages, exploring local caves, and checking out Angel Eye Mountain, a mountain with a hole all the way through it!
All of this is pretty far off the beaten path, but we seriously enjoyed our time in the area. I’d suggest it for any family looking for out-of-the-ordinary adventures.
Ha Long Bay – Top-rated spot for a luxury cruise in a natural wonder
With incredible limestone karsts and hundreds of smaller islands, Ha Long Bay (and the surrounding archipelago) is both a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the Natural World! Talk about famous!
While you can explore the Ha Long Bay region through short day trips out, the best experiences tend to be through the two or three day cruises in the bay. These cruises organize popular outings, provide a place to sleep, and really maximize the use of your time in the Ha Long region.
There are a wide variety of cruises to choose from, including both budget-friendly day cruises and multi-day luxury options, so it’s advisable to shop around before settling on a specific cruise.
Per person pricing on Ha Long Bay Cruises can get to be a bit much when traveling with the whole family. Luckily, you don't have to sleep on the water to be able to see the best parts of Ha Long Bay!
Choosing an inexpensive (but still nice) hotel room on land and pairing it with a cheaper day cruise and be a cost-effective way of seeing Ha Long Bay without breaking the bank.
Cat Ba Bay – A less expensive option for exploring Natural Wonders without the crowds of Ha Long Bay
Cat Ba Bay is far enough away from Ha Long Bay that most people consider them to be different places. However, both locations are located inside the same World Heritage area and share many of the same geological features!
Cat Ba rose to prominence as a sort of “budget traveler” version of Ha Long Bay, and recently I’ve seen a ton of people promoting visits here instead of Ha Long. If you don’t mind missing out on the ability to say that you’ve been to Ha Long specifically, Cat Ba is both less crowded and less expensive but with views that are just as stunning!
Activities around Cat Ba include hiking trips, caves, the ever-present limestone karst formations, and even night kayaking through bioluminescent planktons! Plus, if you still want to do a cruise on the bay, you can find great options in less-crowded areas. Just make sure your boat leaves from Cat Ba instead of Ha Long.
Ninh Binh (or Tam Coc) – Mountain top temples and natural wonders among towering limestone formations
Located in the southern part of Norther Vietnam, Ninh Binh is often called the inland version of Ha Long Bay, thanks in large part to its numerous limestone formations among a sea of rice fields. Local temples, caves, and river row boat tours are all popular activities in the area, and are definitely worth the trip out!
The entire area is situated in the Trang An World Heritage Site (UNESCO) and is absolutely gorgeous, but the rural nature of the area does mean that things tend to shut down pretty early in the evening. My family spent a week in Tam Coc and also found that, while the sightseeing was fun, the best part about being in the area is just being surrounded by so much natural beauty everywhere you go!
Cuc Phuong National Park – Monkeys, fossils, and beautiful scenery in Vietnam’s oldest National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park is Vietnam’s oldest national park and a wonderful spot to visit if your kids are more interested in wildlife than scenic views! The park’s trails take you deep into the jungle and provide you with opportunities to spot monkeys, deer, and more! Add to that the beautiful scenery, including cloud capped mountains and more karsts, and you have the makings of a great day outdoors!
Of course, spotting wildlife can be tricky, since animals rarely sit around for you to find. Luckily, the park region also has Vietnam’s Endangered Primate Rescue center, a botanical garden, and several caves and fossils pointing back to the region’s importance in history!
Hike through Cuc Phuong's rainforest, visit the endangered Primate Rescue Center, and enjoy a picnic lunch!
Moc Chau – Explore North Vietnam’s agricultural delights in centuries old tea plantations
While Vietnam is best-known for its impressive coffee culture, tea has been grown on the hills of north-western Vietnam for literal centuries! The highland climate lends itself well to growing teas, and plantations in the area surrounding Moc Chau is known for producing some of the finest Vietnamese teas around.
Other popular crops in the area include plums and peaches during the summer, making this area a sweet country-side escape for visitors looking to beat the summer heat by heading north.
Tea has held a special spot in Asian cultures for basically forever, and the plantations outside of Moc Chau have been producing some of Vietnam's best tea leaves for almost as long. On this tour you will be taken to two of the larger plantations in the area where you can learn about the tea growing process, try some of the tea produced here, and marvel at the views.
Central Vietnam
Rich in both culture and in natural beauty, central Vietnam hosts some of the top-rated travel destinations in the entire world. Cities in the region work hard to balance the importance of preserving cultural heritage with their growing popularity with tourists and expats.
This region of the country is in the middle of intense growth and change, but it remains an incredible place to visit!
Hoi An – Ancient riverside architecture and hand-made silk clothing
Hoi An is best known for it’s Old Town district along the banks of the river. Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage location filled with ancient houses and temples and steeped in tradition. Its charm and beauty have led to it consistently being rated as one of the top cities to visit in the world, and, despite being a bit touristy, it’s a lot of fun to visit.
Outside of Old Town, Hoi An offers a wide variety of attractions to offer visitors, from farming demonstrations and museum visits, to luxury resorts and great beaches! Plus, there’s an active expat community based out of Hoi An, so there are always fresh family-friendly activities to take part in!
Da Nang – An incredible travel base for families exploring South East Asia
Da Nang has been rated one of the best locations in the world for digital nomads and expats to base out of several times in the last few years, and, as someone who has spent nearly 2 years based here, I would definitely agree.
Da Nang has a distinctly modern feel when compared to its neighboring cities of Hoi An and Hue, and it feels like a city in the middle of rapid growth. Luxury hotels and resorts sit side by side with local street markets and bakeries. And you can find trips out from Da Nang to so anything from exploring ruins and temples, to lounging on the beach, to spotting endangered monkeys in the wild!
If you want to explore everything that Central Vietnam has to offer, basing out of Da Nang makes it easy, with both a train station and an international airport in the city. And in our time here, we’ve been able to sign the kids up for science lab classes, head to the climbing gym, play at board game cafes, and hang out with friends at indoor play centers. Basically, it’s an incredible family-friendly location for basing your travels from!
Hue – Explore the old Imperial Capital of Pre-WW2 Vietnam
Located north of Da Nang, Hue was the Imperial capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen dynasty that ended in 1945 at the end of World War 2. As such, the Imperial Citadel and surrounding old town remain the main draws for tourists to the area, alongside the tombs of past emperors.
Hue is also the home of the Instagram-famous abandoned waterpark dragon sculpture, which we found a lot of fun to visit!
The region’s history and focus on preserving the local culture makes Hue a great choice for history-buffs!
Cham Islands – Snorkeling Pristine Reefs at one of Vietnam’s most hidden treasures
Since Vietnam’s coastline faces the east, the currents coming in from the South China Sea tend to stir up the water and lower visibility to a point where there aren’t many good snorkeling spots. However, spots like the Cham Islands, located just off the coast from Hoi An, provide shelter from the currents and allow reefs to thrive in a place with clear waters to swim in!
The Cham Islands became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009 and the local government has been working to make sure the islands remain a sanctuary for the marine environment since then. Practically speaking, that means that this area is one of the best locations for visitors to Vietnam who are interested in snorkeling, SCUBA, or other ocean activities!
This day tour picks you up from your hotel in Da Nang or Hoi An and takes you to the Cham Islands by speedboat for a day of snorkeling and exploring the history of the island!
This is a great option for families looking to add some variety into their stay in Vietnam without needing to book a place to stay on the Cham Islands themselves.
The trip itself only features about an hour of actual snorkeling, with the rest of the time spent exploring the island or relaxing on the beach. There will be locals trying to sell you local crafts, but they're not anywhere near as pushy as I've seen in other locations.
If you're looking for more snorkeling time, or for a SCUBA trip instead, be sure to check out my article on Tigerfish Divers!
Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park – Adventure through the world’s largest cave
Located about 5-5.5 hours to the north of Da Nang by car, Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is both a UNESCO Natural Heritage site and the home of the world’s largest cave, Son Doong Cave!
Of course, while you can absolutely visit Son Doong, entry to the cave is highly regulated. There is only one operator allowed to bring tourists in, and the 5-day, $3000/person expeditions need to be booked about a year in advance. It’s definitely on my bucket list, but is unfortunately pretty far down on the feasibility scale at the moment.
That said, Son Doong is far from being the only cave in the Phong Nha – Ke Bang region! If you’re looking to add some adventure to your stay in Vietnam, Be sure to check out Phong Nha Cave, Paradise Cave, and the aptly named Dark Cave!
Be prepared for breathtaking cave formations and the opportunity to indulge in a mud bath!
This tour visits two of Phong Nha's spectacular caves, as well as spending time on the Chay River ziplining, kayaking, and more!
My Son Sanctuary – Ancient ruins just a short trip from Hoi An
Another of Vietnam’s spectacular UNESCO Heritage sites, My Son Sanctuary is a set of Champa Ruins located less than an hour from Hoi An.
Vietnam’s more recent history often overshadows its more ancient past, but from the 4th-13th century the Champa Kingdom flourished in this area of the world. My Son Sanctuary is a large cluster of Hindu temples dating back to that time. Before the Vietnam-American War, the Sanctuary had over 70 different temples! However, the war was rough on these ruins, and, during a single week of American bombing, the vast majority of these temples were damaged or destroyed.
There are ongoing restoration works happening today, but, in the mean time, the sanctuary is open for tourism.
While there is nothing here on the same scale as Angkor Wat in Cambodia, there are numerous Hindu ruins to explore, making this a great spot for learning about Vietnam’s early past.
This is a private tour of the My Son Sanctuary temples with a knowledgeable guide. Alternatively, you can visit the ruins on your own. However, if you are truly interested in learning about the Champa people and not just exploring the temples, I highly recommend spending the money to hire a guide.
Lang Co – Explore long stretches of beach without the crowds
If I’m being honest, Lang Co is probably not a location that you’ll find on a lot of blogs, but after my family chose to spend a weekend there, I can say for certain that that’s a real shame.
Located about midway between Da Nang and Hue, Lang Co is a small city that features both a large lagoon perfect for catching seafood and a beautiful, long, white sand beach that’s perfect for families looking to avoid the crowds!
The main draw to the area is definitely the seafood, which is both fresh and inexpensive, but I also loved that during our whole weekend there we only saw a handful of other westerners. It was an incredibly chill spot and a great counterpoint to hustle and bustle of the larger cities.
As a side note, it’s definitely worth booking at one of the beachside resorts here. In part, because of how close they are to the beach, but also because the sunrise over the bay is spectacular in the morning.
As a bonus, the train from Da Nang to Lang Co takes visitors through the Hai Van Pass, which is said to be one of the most scenic sections of train tracks in the entire world!
Unfortunately, the resort where we stayed on our trip has since closed. However, there are still several great options in the area!
My current personal pick would be these family-friendly villas located on the lagoon side of Lang Co. They aren't as luxurious as some of the other options in town, but they look cozy, won't break the budget, and even have pool access.
Plus, the beach is still just a short walk away!
Mang Den – Escape the heat of the coast and hunt for clouds in the highlands
I originally had Ba Na Hills in this spot, as an easy to get to location where you can beat the summer heat of Da Nang, but, while Ba Na Hills is definitely a great spot for beating the heat, it isn’t exactly authentic. Where Ba Na Hills offers a theme park view of a European village in the mountains of Vietnam, the lesser known town of Mang Den is instead a distinctly Vietnamese experience in the highlands of Central Vietnam!
Visitors to Mang Den can choose to hike mountainous trails to see a variety of waterfalls, pick in-season fruits from one of the local farms, or take part in cloud-hunting in one of the many mountain view homestays in the area. Mang Den’s altitude compared to other central Vietnam attractions means that the weather is much cooler than in Da Nang or Hoi An, and that cooler weather can be seen in everything from the plants that grow there to the animals that call it home.
Mang Den is very different from places like Da Nang, but still distinctly Vietnamese, showcasing a side of the country that many tourists miss out on in their rush to see the major cities. However, I definitely think it’s worth a trip!
As it is a lesser-known destination, it can be difficult to book tours ahead of time. However, many of the hotels in the area, like the one linked below, are super helpful with getting their guests in touch with local guides!
Comfy, cozy family rooms in the mountains, perfect for families with kids! This is a great spot for a relaxing trip to the highlands.
South Vietnam
With its wide array of cultural and ecological experiences, the southernmost regions of Vietnam are filled with incredible things to do and see. South Vietnam is known for its laid back take on Vietnamese culture and for its focus on moving the country forward.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Learn about Vietnam’s more recent history and culinary delights
Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City, is the largest city in the south and often on of the first stops for visitors to the country. As with the other major cities, there are far too many things to do to possibly fit them all into a single trip, but the top picks for most people are historical sites, like the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Mekong Delta, and, of course, the different culinary sites like Vạn Kiếp street, where you can sample a wide variety of local street foods.
I’m hoping to write a longer article on Saigon and all there is to do there in the future, but for now, if you’re looking for just one thing to choose, I’d recommend this 4-hour walking food tour.
This is a small-group walking food tour that takes you around the back streets of Saigon in search of flavor and fun!
As someone who is hesitant to put my kids on the back of a scooter, I really appreciate that the whole tour is walkable, and the menu is amazing. I highly recommend it!
Da Lat – Enjoy cooler weather and off-beat activities in one of Vietnam’s agricultural centers
Located in the highlands to the northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat’s cooler weather natural surroundings make for a welcome break from the heat and crowds of Vietnam’s larger cities! Da Lat as a destination dates back to the 1890’s when the French Colonials chose to take advantage of the plateau’s cooler weather to develop a resort area aimed at giving Europeans in the area a taste of home. As such, much of the architecture and feel of Da Lat still leans into those European influences, even as it remains distinctly Vietnamese.
Popular things to do in the area include taking advantage of the cooler weather to camp, hike, and explore the natural beauty of the region. Agricultural tourism is also a fun option, with flower farms, coffee plantations, and pick-your-own strawberry farms similar to what my family visited in the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia.
There are also some distinctly unique activities like the Alpine Coaster near Datanla falls (perfect for kids!) and the Crazy House (named for its unique architecture) that are great for families looking to explore.
While it's always fun to explore new places on your own, I have to admit that this half-day tour is a great choice for easily visiting all the top tourism spots in Da Lat for a relatively small price!
This includes transportation to:
- Datanla Waterfalls (where the alpine coaster is)
- The Clay Tunnel (Statue displays and photo ops)
- Crazy House (Unusual architecture dating back to 1990)
- Drop off at popular Pho restaurant for lunch
It's worth noting that this tour covers transportation costs only, and entry fees are not covered. Still, if your time in Da Lat is short, it's a great option!
Nha Trang – Beach city vibes and snorkeling at Hon Mun Island
With its mostly east-facing shorelines, Vietnam is not typically associated with great snorkeling. However, there are a few places along the coast where islands just offshore provide enough shelter to make it worth it! Nha Trang is just such a place!
Specifically, there is a marine reserve just off Hon Mun Island, about a 15-minute boat ride from shore, that is known for crystal clear waters and great bio-diversity. Just be aware that the summer months, in particular, are not the right time to snorkel here, with the possibility of storms and stinging jellyfish blooms. Rather, aim your trip for either September-October or February-March for the best conditions.
Not into snorkeling? Be sure to check out the Nha Trang Life Puppets Show or the nearby Cham Ruins!
This snorkeling trip features a visit to three different islands off the coast of Nha Trang with opportunities to snorkel, stand up paddleboard, and more!
Phu Quoc – Enjoy the luxury resort life on Vietnam’s largest island
Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam and is often marketed as a tropical island getaway for families. And, if you’re looking for theme parks, luxury shops, and nice (but not stunning) beaches, you’ll probably be pretty happy here!
There’s waterparks, aquariums, zoos, and even an Instagram-famous spot modeled to look like Venice, complete with river boat rides!
That said, my family tends to lean more towards adventurous or nature-focused trips, so I personally would choose to spend my time in Vietnam elsewhere. Even so, the theme parks do look really fun!
Since so many of the best things to do in Phu Quoc revolve around the different theme parks, you can save some money by signing up for one of Klook's Destination Passport Packages!
There's a handful of different bundle options that cover entrance to major attractions across the island, as well as vouchers for food and drink.
Cai Rang Floating Market (Mekong Delta) – See one of the last remaining floating markets in Vietnam
Floating markets are one of those magical parts of Southeast Asian culture that really has to be seen to be appreciated. Markets in Vietnam, in general, are such a central part of life, with almost anything you could imagine being sold at a great price.
The floating market is like that, but on boats. Cai Rang is both one of the largest and one of the oldest of Vietnam’s floating markets, which has earned it a spot on the list of Vietnam’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
From what I’ve heard, the number of boats that make up the market is much smaller than it was pre-2020, but it is still an incredibly unique experience, and, in my opinion, worth taking a look!
You can get to the market on your own by going to Can Tho, taking a Grab down to the market pier, and hiring a boat to take you out. However, if you want an experience worth remembering, it’s worth it to go with a guided group tour. Usually, these tours will leave from Ho Chi Minh City and spend the night in the Can Tho area to give you a better feel for the market at night and early morning.
While this trip is on my wishlist, I haven't yet made it to the floating market myself. However, if I were to go, this is the tour that I would book!
It's an overnight tour that takes you from Ho Chi Minh City to explore a village in the Mekong Delta (My Tho) before guiding you through the Cai Rang Floating Market the next morning.
Mui Ne – Explore natural sand dunes unlike anything else in Vietnam
If you’ve been spending much time looking at Instagram posts about Vietnam, you may have come across some posts that feature sand dunes that look pulled straight out of the Sahara. And as it turns out, there are sand dunes here in Mui Ne!
It’s a very unusual sight to see in South East Asia, and tours through the dunes often include riding quadbikes and sandboarding down the sides of dunes. That said, these are more “beach dunes” than desert sands, so if you’re expecting to be transported to Egypt, you’ll probably be disappointed.
The main draw for this tour is obviously getting a chance to check out the dunes. And it does that well! But they also take your group to a local fishing village and on a short hike through the Fairy Stream, which is a walk down a shallow river surrounded by neat rock formations!
Do note that this particular tour does not include either quad-bike rentals or sandboard rentals, but the option to rent them on arrival is there, so bring some cash along!
Côn đảo Islands – Go off the grid and explore a jungle island
If your family is more likely to explore rugged jungle paths and pristine beaches than they are to buy tickets to a theme park, then you may want to look into the Con Dao Islands.
Located off the southern coast of Vietnam, these islands have some of the most undeveloped land in all of the country. Hiking jungle paths and snorkeling in the clear waters tend to be the most popular activities here, though you can always add in a history lesson or two by visiting either the Con Dao Museum or the prison where POWs were held during the American-Vietnam War.
There’s even a Turtle Conservation Program on the island where visitors can help release baby turtles into the ocean from June to October!
I'll go ahead and admit it: this is not the cheapest thing to do in Vietnam. However, for what you get, it is a pretty unique experience that you'll be talking about for years to come!
Explore mangroves, snorkel through clear waters, and watch sea turtles laying eggs(!?!) before returning to the sea. All on an amazing 2-day trip!
If you're a nature lover, this one's a definite win.
Vũng Tàu – Learn about local colonial history and see a statue of Jesus that’s taller than Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer
Vung Tau is a coastal area along the southern coast of Vietnam, just under 3 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. It’s known as a great beach town, though there are plenty of things other than the beach to check out!
Historical buildings, like the colonial Villa Blanche, are worth a visit while you’re in town, and you can check out cannons left over from that same time period along the coast. There are also several museums in town, and a 32-meter tall statue of Jesus with stairs up on the inside. (That’s taller than the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil, if you don’t include its base!)
Personally, I’d skip the organized tours here and DIY my trips out to the different points of interest, but especially if you’re planning on exploring it all, it’s worth booking into a nicer hotel so you can relax when you get back!
Finding great hotels in Southeast Asia can be tricky. Rooms for families with multiple kids always seem to be in short supply, or non-existent. Which is why I love that The Song Apartment - Windy's Home offers 2-bedroom apartments for families so they can stay together easily and comfortably.
And with on-site facilities like an infinity pool, a Korean sauna, and a game room, this feels like unmatched luxury for the price!
On the day that I'm writing this, I can book a 2-bedroom apartment for under $100, but I suspect that that price will go up soon, as word gets out.
