With beautiful landscapes, diverse culture, friendly people, and mouth-watering food, Vietnam proves to be one of the best destinations for your family trip. If you’re looking for activities that are kid-friendly in Vietnam, you’ve come to the right place. Our list aims to be not just informative with the details on where to go and what to do in Vietnam with kids but also tries to help you create a truly inspiring experience for your little loved ones where your child can learn and live to the fullest. 

TOP PLACES TO GO IN VIETNAM WITH KIDS

A family vacation in North Vietnam is an adventure to discover the natural beauty and the authenticity of the culture. Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Sapa are the best places for your kids to learn more about Vietnam. Here are our recommendations: 

NORTH VIETNAM

1. Bat Trang Pottery Village – Hanoi 

By visiting Bat Trang pottery village, your kids will have the chance to learn how to make pottery. It’s sure an educational activity that every kid would love. 

Bat Trang is only about 30 minutes driving from Hanoi city center. The village has a history of hundreds of years in making ceramics and pottery products. You can find in the Bat Trang pottery market some pretty, exquisite products to bring home as souvenirs. 

Outside of the market, you can easily come to a handicraft workshop to try shaping your own pottery. The process will be under the guidance of a local instructor. After shaping your piece of pottery, you can paint it how you want. Your kids will love this part the most.  

2. Water Puppet Show – Hanoi 

Water puppet show tells the stories of Vietnamese people through the movements of lacquered puppets made by woods. Making these puppets is an art form of its own, not to mention controlling them on a water-filled stage. The stories are mostly folklore fairy tales, tales of Vietnam origins, and the tale of Hoan Kiem Lake. All are told in an uplifting tone, with pride of national character.  

Water Puppet Show is interesting for adults and kids alike, a must-have in your list of things to do in Vietnam with kids. Your children will be enchanted by one of the oldest folklore artforms in Vietnamese culture. The place to watch a water puppet show is Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, located at 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street. A ticket will cost you 100,000VND. Opening hours are 15:00, 16:10, 17:20, 18:30 & 20:00.

3. Hanoi Central Circus – Hanoi 

A Hanoi Central Circus show is ideal for family-friendly fun and your kids will love it. Also known as Vietnam Central circus, this iconic place was established in 1956, making it the oldest troupe in Vietnam.  

Performances here are held from Tuesday to Sunday at 8 pm, featuring clowns, acrobats in vibrant costume, and animal performances (monkeys and elephants). From Hanoi Old Quarter, it will only take you about 10 minutes by taxi to get to the circus. A circus might be a little predictable yet it still can be a lot of fun for your kids. 

4. Vincom Ice Rink – Hanoi

 You’re looking for an active activity to do with the whole family, we suggest ice skating! In Hanoi, you can skate at the rink in Royal City. One session here lasts for an hour, the first session begins at 10 am.  

 On the weekend the cost is 220,000VND/adult or anyone over 130 cm. For those under 130cm, it is 150,000VND. Skate rental is 50,000VND. It’s a bit more expensive than other activities in Hanoi but it’s a lot of fun, especially if you already know how to skate. If you don’t know how to skate, don’t worry, there are rentals of dolphins and penguins and plastic animals that are used to guide you when skating.  

5. Dong Mo Lake, Son Tinh Campsite – Hanoi 

Dong Mo Lake and Son Tinh campsite would make a perfect place for picnic, camping and boating on weekends. There is also a resort with views on the large Dong Mo lake and artificial islands, spreading out on an area of 200 hectares near Ba Vi Mountain.  

Son Tinh campsite is ideal for an outdoor picnic and camping space with family. The tents are pre-pitched so you don’t need to bring one. Bathrooms are available together with other necessary facilities and services. However, the tent rental price is not cheap at all. A night tent for a family with a view overlooking the lake costs you about 400,000VND, 2 people tent costs 250,000VND for 24 hours. 

6. Boating and Biking in Ninh Binh 

Ninh Binh is a perfect day trip from Hanoi for your family to enjoy the beauty of nature and exciting outdoor activities. Ninh Binh is only 100km away from the capital, which makes it an easy trip by car if you have smaller kids. 

Come to Ninh Binh, a boat trip to Trang An or Tam Coc is a must. You’ll have a chance to be marveled by the natural beauty which is claimed to be ‘Halong Bay on Land’. A biking trip in Tam Coc is a great idea for the whole family to participate in. The biking route leads to the peaceful, slow-paced countryside scenery with green rice fields and lotus ponds.  

7. Bac Ha Fair Market – Sapa 

Sapa could be the best place in Vietnam for an educational trip for your kids, especially if they’re in their teens. Sapa is home to many ethnic minority groups of which H’mong people make up a majority. H’mong people have been known for their unique way of life and a fair market is the main feature of their culture. 

Bac Ha fair market is the most well-known fair market in Sapa, held on every Sunday morning. Come to the market, you’ll have the chance to teach your kids about cultural diversity. The market is the gathering place for many minority groups like Red and Black Dao, Nhung, Tay, not just H’mong. They come to trade goods, meet old friends, and showcase their culture. You can also bring home some authentic souvenirs like hand-woven colorful brocade, silver ornaments, or H’mong traditional costumes.

CENTRAL VIETNAM

Central Vietnam can be an easy-going and fun ride for your kids no matter what age they are in. Da Nang, Hoi An, Da Lat are the three top best destinations for a Central Vietnam family vacation. Check below for our suggestions: 

8. Ba Na Hills – Da Nang 

Ba Na Hills attracts adults and kids alike with its unrivaled charms and endless things to do. Indeed, Ba Na Hills might become your kids’ number 1 place in Vietnam because of how kid-friendly and kid-oriented the place is.  

While Golden Bridge is a must-see spot, the Fantasy park and the Wax museum will definitely get your kids’ attention. Another highlight of Ba Na Hills is the fairy-tale-like flower gardens of Le Jardin D’Amour, inspired by European architecture. Take a walk to the top of Ba Na Hills where a giant white statue of Buddha lies, the marvelous scenery of the mountain awaits you there. And if you love tea, Ba Na Hills also has a place for that. Ba Na Hills shouldn’t be missed out on your family vacation in Vietnam.

9. Tam Thanh Mural Village – Hoi An 

Tam Thanh is a quiet, peaceful fishing village and also the first mural village in Vietnam. In 2016, the village was selected in a Korean-Vietnamese project named ‘Art for a Better Community’, and since that it has been attracting visitors from all over Vietnam and the world to come and enjoy the beautiful artwork on the walls of the village’s houses.  

The entire town is a gorgeous, dreamlike art gallery with paintings depicting vividly the peaceful life of the people here, from young children playing, to fishermen in the sea and every day’s work of villagers. Visiting Tam Thanh Mural Village will be a pleasant walk for both of you and your kids. Near the village, you can also visit Tam Thanh beach and Vietnam Heroic Mother Statue. 

10. Lantern making workshop in Hoi An 

Hoi An is known for its atmospheric nightlife filled with colorful sparks of the traditionally made lanterns. Learning how to make a lantern will be a great learning experience for your kids in their Vietnam family vacation. For you, these workshops are a wonderful place to know more about the culture and history of Hoi An. You finish the session with a newly earned talent and a souvenir that holds more significance than any lantern store ever could. 

A class should last anywhere from 1.5 hours to 3 hours depending on difficulty level. You can learn to make a lantern from scratch or you can just learn how to put a cover on a pre-made frame. The class will be under the guidance of instructors and are completely safe for your kids. The cost of one class can be from 10 USD to 16 USD.  

11. Tra Que Village – Hoi An 

A trip to Tra Que vegetable village would be a great chance to have fun with plants and nature. Located only around 10 kilometers from Hoi An Old Town, Tra Que is often combined in biking tours or cooking classes.  

Although it is a small village, Tra Que supplies vegetables and herbs to the entire Hoi An town and nearby areas. You’ll enjoy a farming area with nice greenery and friendly locals. Come to Tra Que you and your kids will have a chance to try being farmers for a day, learn how to water the plants, and many more things to do and learn. 

12. Crazy House (Hang Nga Villa) – Da Lat 

You won’t be disappointed when you take your kids to Da Lat – the little Paris of Vietnam. The city is known not only for nice, cool weather, pretty flower gardens, classy buildings but also a wonderful place for kids to enjoy their time.  

Looking straight out of Harry Potter’s alternative university, Crazy House or Hang Nga Villa can make any kid scream in excitement. The house was designed by architect Dang Viet Nga. The outer appearance is made just like an old, giant tree. The building has 10 rooms in total, each with a different theme of animal or plant such as tiger room, ant room, kangaroo room,…. Booking is available. If you just want to see the house, admission is 40,000VND. 

13. Clay Tunnel – Da Lat 

Hang Nga villa is not enough to satisfy your kids’ imaginary mind? Then Da Lat’s very own Clay Tunnel is the next candidate. Clay Tunnel, located about 15km south of Da Lat city, is actually a unique sculpture park where each model has been handcrafted from clay. Opened in 2014, this tunnel is the work of Trinh Ba Dung. 

The variety of the content ranges from the history of Da Lat, to oversized animals like turtles, elephants and more. Images often associated with Da Lat are also created here like the famous Da Lat train station, Con Ga church, and College of Pedagogy. The clay house here is recognized as the first unbaked clay house in Vietnam Book of Records. Admission ticket is 60,000VND per adult and 40,000VND per kid.  

14. Picking strawberries at local farms – Da Lat 

Every kid would love a farm trip to pick up fresh strawberries. And thanks to the right weather, you can find plenty of strawberry farms in Da Lat catering this kind of service.  

Strawberries are considered a specialty of Da Lat for their big sizes, sweet taste, and fragrant aroma. Picking strawberries here is available in late winter and early spring. In most strawberry farms, the entrance fee is only about 10,000VND. You can pick as many as you want and pay for the amount after, a kilogram often costs 200,000VND. Some farms might allow you to taste the berries on-site without being charged.

SOUTH VIETNAM

Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City, and especially Phu Quoc Island would be the best places for your Vietnam family vacation. Come to the south, you and your kids will learn more about the unique way of life of the local people, the stunning landscape of the southern islands and so much more. Here is your checklist for a wonderful family trip in South Vietnam: 

15. Cai Be Floating Market – Tien Giang 

Located on a tributary of the Mekong river, boat trip to Cai Be floating market is a wonderful thing to do for your family vacation. Cai Be once was founded way back in the 19th century under the Nguyen dynasty. Local traders sell goods on their rafts and boats, announcing what they’re selling by hanging the products on the top of a pole as samples to inform buyers from afar.  

Floating markets in the south, just like ethnic markets in the north, are places you can see daily cultural characteristics of people. Sadly, in the modern days, the market is not as crowded as it was in the past because many new roads have been built making it easier for trading. 

An alternative option for the floating market in Mekong is Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho which is also one of the most famous and biggest floating markets in the region.

16. Cu Chi Tunnels – Ho Chi Minh City 

Located around 70 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh city center, Cu Chi Tunnels is one of the most famous places to visit in Ho Chi Minh as well as in Vietnam. The total length of the tunnels is measured about 250km entirely underground and made by very rudimentary equipment. The depth from the ground to the tunnels is between 3-8m and the height of the tunnels is not high enough for an adult to stand upright.

With three levels in total, Cu Chi tunnel has served many purposes from resting, weapon reserving, entertainment, to cooking…. You can also learn here how Vietnamese people continue their daily life inside the tunnels. How people hid away from American soldiers and dogs are also told. The tickets range from 20,000VND to 90,000VND. You can also try the real shooting range with costs from 20,000VND to 40,000VND. 

17. Ho Chi Minh Street Food tour 

A street food tour on a motorbike is a must when visiting Ho Chi Minh City. However, to guarantee the utmost safety for you and your family, we strongly suggest you book a guided food tour with a local operator. 

Keep in mind that a street food tour in Vietnam shouldn’t last more than 4-5 hours and you should only eat about 4-5 dishes, including non-alcohol drink and dessert. The local guide will show you all the way to find the best street food in Sai Gon such as Com Tam, Bun Bo Hue, Banh Mi, Pho, and more. They’ll also tell you how the dish is cooked and eaten in the right way, the difference between Vietnamese cuisine in the north and the south… Don’t miss a food tour in Sai Gon, it’s a great chance to learn more about Vietnamese cuisine and food culture. 

18. Night safari at Cat Tien National Park 

Nam Cat Tien or Cat Tien national park is also one of the six biosphere reserves in Vietnam acknowledged by UNESCO. To explore the park, you should spend here more than one day, probably perfect for a 2-day trip on the weekend. 

Cat Tien offers a variety of trekking routes that feature old, giant trees like Tung tree, Go Do (Afzelia xylocarpa), Bang Lang forest with the very special Bang Lang tree (Lagerstroemia ovalifolia) with 6 separated trunks; animals like crocodile, many birds, and butterflies. The treks must be organized with the headquarters with walks from a few hours to overnight. 

Night safaris are available from 19:00 to 21:00 every night. The cost covers transport and tour guide. 

19. Vinpearl Land Phu Quoc 

Vinpearl Land is the most modern recreational park with two sections – Indoor games and Outdoor games. Even on rainy days, you can stay indoors at Vinpearl and still have fun with all kinds of games and services available there. 

Especially fun if you’re going with kids, Vinpearl Land is the number one choice. Vinpearl Phu Quoc has a top-notch aquarium which consists of three subsections – Tropical, Caves, and Ocean. The aquarium is dedicated for study and preservation of aquatic life in Vietnam and the world. 

20. Sao Beach – Phu Quoc 

Sao Beach is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam with kids. Sao Beach, belonging to An Thoi district, is located on the southeast of the island, about 25 kilometers from the central town Duong Dong. The beach is close to another beauty – Khem Beach. 

During summer months, the beach is calm which is suitable for kids to enjoy swimming and other sea activities. Sao beach is also the most beautiful beach on Phu Quoc for its white sandbank and green mountains. Besides swimming, you can let the kids enjoy snorkeling as well. At the south and north ends of the beaches, there are coral reefs located. The marine life here is pretty lively as well, which can make the experience for the kids at the same time fun and educational. 

What a list it is! Vietnam is a country of not only beautiful nature but also of diverse culture. Your kids will not only enjoy their time but also learn a lot about people. Contact us now to let us know the details of your preference on your family vacation in Vietnam and customize a trip just only for you and your family!