How to Plan an Incredible Family Trip to Vietnam in 2024/2025

Vietnam is a fantastic destination for families, offering a wealth of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. From the bustling capital city of Hanoi to the tranquil beaches of Phu Quoc Island, there's something for everyone in this vibrant country. With careful planning and a sense of adventure, your family trip to Vietnam will surely be memorable!

Top 5 Places to Visit for a Family Trip to Vietnam

Vietnam is an excellent destination for families with kids, especially teenagers, offering a wide variety of sights and activities that will appeal to all members of the family. Here are some of the best places to visit:

Hanoi

Vietnam's capital city is a great place to start your trip. Visit the Old Quarter on foot or by local cyclo to experience the hustle and bustle of traditional Vietnamese life, and take a guided food tour to sample a variety of dishes and learn about the city's culinary culture.

You can also take a local slow train to experience the unique sight of the local train passing through the narrow alleyway, only inches from the houses and shops on either side.

History buffs won't want to miss out on the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature.

Halong Bay

Take a cruise through the stunning limestone karsts of Halong Bay, and explore the caves and islands that dot the area. You can experience many activities such as kayaking, swimming, and cycling.

Join us for a cruise in a less-crowded area for an even more memorable experience.

Hoi An

Hoi An, a charming ancient town, is a great destination for families who are looking to combine cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and relaxation. You can take a cooking class to learn more about Vietnamese cuisine, take a bike tour of the countryside and experience some farming and fishing activities, and try your hand at making your own lantern.

Sapa

It can still be a great destination for families, offering breathtaking mountain scenery, traditional hill-tribe culture, and some of the best trekking opportunities.

If you're planning a summer vacation to Vietnam, Sapa is an ideal destination as its high altitude provides a refreshing coolness during the season.

Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam's largest city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and lots of things to see and do. Visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam War, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, and take a walking tour of the city's historic landmarks.

We are happy to recommend more destinations based on your or your child's interests. Please feel free to contact us for more recommendations and insider tips.

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How Long to Spend in Vietnam

We recommend spending at least 12-14 days in the country to get a good sense of its culture and attractions.

This length of time is perfect for exploring the most popular destinations in Vietnam, such as Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta. You'll have enough time to enjoy the main attractions of each place and experience the local culture and cuisine. See our 2-Week Vietnam Family-with-Teenagers Holiday for inspiration.

If you have 3 weeks or more, you could explore the country at a more relaxed pace, and you can add a beach stay in Phu Quoc, trekking in Sapa, or cave exploration in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

If your time is limited to about 10 days, you could have a time-smart tour to cover the top destinations.

For more inspiration, check out our recommended 10-day, two-week, and three-week itineraries.

Top 3 Family-Friendly Vietnam Itineraries

1) 2-Week Vietnam Family-with-Teenagers Holiday

If you're traveling to Vietnam with teenagers, this itinerary is perfect for you. It is crafted for families who have around two weeks to spend in the country, which makes it an excellent choice for celebrating a special occasion such as a birthday, graduation, or enjoying a spring or summer break.

This tour has been designed to provide an ideal balance between engaging activities and free time for relaxation. You'll experience a range of cultural immersions, outdoor adventures, and moments of leisure.

It's your opportunity to explore Vietnam's local lifestyle, witness breathtaking landscapes, and enjoy some of the most delicious cuisines while creating unforgettable family memories.

Here's a sample itinerary for your inspiration:

Day 1-2: Hanoi (Old Quarter cyclo ride, water puppet performance)
Day 3: Ninh Binh (rowing boat ride, cave exploration)
Day 4-5: Halong Bay (a two-day boat cruise in a less-touristic bay, kayaking, swimming)
Day 6-7: Ho Chi Minh (Cu Chi Tunnels)
Day 8-9: Mekong Delta (a floating market, a sampan ride)
Day 10-11: Hoi An (a foodie walk, a fishing or farming tour)
Days 12-13: Da Nang (beach relaxation)
Day 14: Departure

See the detailed itinerary.

2) 13-Day Vietnam Classic Tour with Sapa

If you are interested in Vietnam's minority culture and trekking along terrace fields, Sapa is the best place to go. If you're traveling in summer, this is a perfect place to escape the heat.

Experience the best Vietnam has to offer with our 13-day tour, carefully crafted to highlight the country's fascinating history in Hanoi and Hue, stunning landscapes in Sapa and Halong Bay, and delectable cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An.

You may get some ideas from our well-liked itinerary:

Day 1-2: Ho Chi Minh City (a city tour, a cyclo ride)
Day 3-4: Mekong Delta (a floating market, a sampan ride)
Day 5-6: Hoi An (ancient town walking tour)
Day 7: Hue (Imperial City and Royal Palace)
Day 8: Hanoi (Old Quarter, a foodie tour)
Day 9-10: Sapa (local market, trekking along terrace fields)
Day 11: Hanoi
Day 12-13: Halong Bay (relaxing cruising)
Day 14: Departure

Click to see the detailed itinerary.

3) 10-Day Time-smart Vietnam Tour

If you only have about 10 days in Vietnam, our 10-day Vietnam tour is the best option for you. It covers some of the most beautiful and famous destinations in Vietnam and gives you a comprehensive experience of Vietnam's culture, history, and nature over a 10-day period.

Here's a sample itinerary for your inspiration:

Day 1-2: Hanoi (Old Quarter cyclo ride, water puppet performance)
Day 3-4: Halong Bay (a two-day boat cruise in a less-touristic bay, kayaking, swimming)
Day 5-6: Hoi An (an ancient town walking)
Day 7: Ho Chin Minh City tour
Day 8-9: Mekong Delta (a floating market, a sampan ride)
Day 10: Departure

Click to see the detailed itinerary.

You might want to contact a travel specialist to have your requirements, including the length of your holiday, designed into a fulfilling tour uniquely planned for you.

How Much Does It Cost for a Family Trip to Vietnam

For a high-quality travel experience, we recommend booking a private tour.

Vietnam stands out from many countries with big IP tourist attractions as it often requires the presence of a local expert to fully experience and explore the authentic and hidden gems of the country. As such, private tours are the optimal way of touring Vietnam.

For a journey through Vietnam, you can anticipate a cost of approximately US200–250 per person daily based on 4- or 5-star hotels (with a discount of 30-50% for children under 10). For a family trip (2 adults plus 2–3 children) for 2 weeks in Vietnam, it normally costs US$8,000–12,000 per family.

This price covers train or flight expenses within Vietnam, lodgings at top-quality 4- or 5-star hotels, admission fees, lunch, private transportation, and knowledgeable English-speaking guides. International airfare, however, is not included.

The peak tourist times in Vietnam are from November to April, and the summer holidays are from June to August. The earlier you book during peak season, the better the price. Booking half a year in advance is recommended! 

Best Times for a Family Trip to Vietnam

The optimal time to visit Vietnam is during the dry season, which falls between November and April.

During this time, the weather is mostly dry and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as visiting the beaches, sightseeing, and exploring the countryside. Visiting during this time means lower chances of rain and better weather conditions in all parts of the country.

It's important to note that there might be more tourists during this season, which could mean higher prices and more crowds.

How about the summer months?

While the dry season (December to April) is the best time to visit Vietnam, the summer months (June to August) are also a good option. Even though Vietnam can experience hot and humid weather with occasional rain showers during summer, it's possible to enjoy outdoor activities and explore the cities.

For the best experience, focus on visiting northern and central Vietnam, which experiences less rainfall during the monsoon season. Areas such as Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa, and Hoi An are all ideal destinations.

How to Select a Family-Friendly Hotel in Vietnam

If you're looking for a dependable level of comfort and service, you can't go wrong with well-known domestic hotel brands or internationally renowned hotel chain brands in Vietnam. These options typically offer a universal standard that can be relied upon.

In the cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, some hotels may have smaller rooms that may not be suitable to add extra beds. However, many hotels offer family rooms or connecting rooms for families who need more space.

Family rooms and connecting rooms are always in shortage and their prices fluctuate frequently. Contact us at least 3 months in advance to have the best chance of room availability and choice.

For a more unique accommodation experience, consider booking a stay at boutique hotels in Sapa and Hoi An that offer local charm and character.

Let us know your requirements and budget, and we will give you recommendations accordingly.

How to Travel Around Vietnam

In Vietnam, there are direct flights between major cities, but within a region such as the North and South (Mekong Delta region), there are usually long driving distances, such as a 5-hour drive from Sapa to Hanoi or a 3-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho. To ensure comfort and save time, it is recommended to book a private tour with a private car.

You're in Good Hands with Asia Highlights

At Asia Highlights, we have created over 10,000+ big trips for insightful travelers, mostly for families and couples. We truly understand that every single big trip planned for our clients is not just for good holiday memories but also for joyful celebrations of life's milestones.

Read comments from our clients on TrustPilot, for example:

BHT:

• "Albee Ning coordinated our family vacation to Vietnam over the holidays. From start to finish, our trip was simply amazing. Our guides Leo Nguyen in Hanoi, Sara Nguyen in Danang, and Vivian Nguyen in Ho Chi Minh City were all professional, courteous, and engaging. We highly recommend Aisa Highlights to any family considering a holiday to Vietnam."

Valerie Woods:

• "The Asia Highlights team really helped make our family vacation worry-free. Albee was a gem to work with in setting up the itineraries and suggestions."

Get a wonderful Thailand vacation by sending us a message. Or check out our sample itineraries for inspiration:

• 10-Day Best of Vietnam with Mekong Delta
• 13-Day Vietnam Family-with-Teenagers Holiday
• 14-day Thailand and Vietnam Family Tour
• 18-Day Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Family Adventure Tour