Travel for Families in Vietnam: Expert Tips & Stories

Moving to Vietnam with children can feel daunting at first.

Petrina admits she arrived without much preparation.

“I didn’t research anything before coming. My husband accepted the job, and I basically packed up our life in Australia, sold the cars, and got on the plane.”

At the time, daily life looked very different.

“There was only one brand of baby formula and a few types of nappies. I struggled to find baby food. Now there are endless options. Vietnam has changed so much.”

Dorothée experienced a similar adjustment period.

“The things that scared me at the beginning were crossing the road or riding a motorbike with kids. Eventually, these became part of everyday life. After a while, you feel free moving through the city.”

What never changed was the sense of community.

“What I love most is the atmosphere,” Dorothée explains. “Vietnamese culture values family deeply. People are welcoming, protective, and curious about visitors.”

Dorothée and Petrina talk about their first impressions and early experiences after moving to Vietnam

Travelling with children often changes the rhythm of a trip, and that can be a good thing.

Dorothée remembers how her perspective shifted once she became a parent.

“When my kids were small, people thought I was crazy for travelling with a baby carrier, sleeping bags, and another child on my back. But Vietnam is actually full of experiences for young children.”

She soon traded luxury resorts for nature adventures.

“When you trek two kilometres with kids, it feels like you’ve done a marathon,” she laughs. “But the experiences they have, the landscapes, the culture, are incredible.”

Vietnam’s welcoming attitude toward children also makes a difference.

Petrina agrees.

“You can go out for dinner at ten at night with kids and nobody complains. Children aren’t seen as a burden here. Family is central to the culture.”

That sense of openness often becomes one of the most memorable parts of travelling in Vietnam.

“Kids adapt quickly,” Petrina says. “They join the culture. They observe everything.”

Dorothée and one of her children on a trip in Mekong Delta

Petrina family exploring the caves of Phong Nha

Both mothers see travel as one of the most powerful ways to educate children.

Dorothée reflects on her own childhood.

“My strongest memories from growing up are the trips we took. I want to create that for my kids too.”

During the recent Tet holiday, her family travelled together to South Korea. 

“Now the children are older, they share their opinions and what they like. They enjoy meeting people, learning, and interacting with different cultures.”

Petrina believes travel builds confidence.

“My daughters order food in Vietnamese sometimes, or help navigate taxis by saying left, right, U-turn. These small things give them independence.”

For her, travel is simply the best classroom.

“They learn curiosity, confidence, and understanding of the world.”

“They learn curiosity, confidence, and understanding of the world.” - Petrina

“My strongest memories from growing up are the trips we took. I want to create that for my kids too.” - Dorothée

One of the most common questions families ask is when to visit.

Vietnam’s geography means the answer depends on the region.

Petrina explains:

“Vietnam’s climate is very diverse. The north has four seasons, while the south stays tropical.”

For families planning travel:

• Southern Vietnam: November to March is cooler and less humid.
• Northern Vietnam: Winters can be cold, so pack layers.
• Central Vietnam: Often best after the rainy season until February.

Dorothée notes that experience helps locals adapt.

“In April, I run at five in the morning because it’s very hot. In January, I can run later. You learn to plan your day around the climate.”

If you want a deeper seasonal overview, see our guide on the best times to visit Vietnam.

The key message?

Vietnam is a year-round destination. You just choose the right region at the right time.

Best Months to Visit Vietnam by Region

When travellers have limited time, they often try to see everything.

Petrina suggests the opposite.

“If you only have two weeks, slow down. Maybe start in the north, travel through central Vietnam, and finish in the south, or do it the other way around.”

Rushing through destinations often means missing the best moments.

Dorothée believes children naturally encourage a slower pace.

“With kids, you stay longer in places. You talk more with people. You notice your surroundings.”

In many ways, that slower rhythm becomes the luxury of the trip.

“Kids run around, explore nature, and connect with people,” she says. “That’s the real joy of travelling.”

“With kids, you stay longer in places. You talk more with people. You notice your surroundings.” - Dorothée

For families seeking cultural immersion, both travellers recommend staying in a homestay.

Dorothée explains that the experience has changed significantly over the years.

“Twenty years ago, homestays were extremely basic. Sometimes you literally slept above a pig pen,” she laughs.

Today, they are very different.

“Many homestays now offer comfortable rooms, clean bathrooms, and beautiful settings. But they still keep the authenticity of staying with a local family.”

For children, these stays can become the highlight of the trip.

“Kids don’t need a shared language,” Dorothée says. “They just start playing together.”

These moments – sharing meals, conversations, and everyday life – often become the most meaningful travel memories.

“Kids don’t need a shared language. They just start playing together.” - Dorothée

Vietnam’s diversity means families can choose from mountains, beaches, rivers, and historic towns.

Petrina recommends Phong Nha in central Vietnam.

“It’s perfect if you want adventure and relaxation. The caves are incredible – some of the largest in the world. Kids love exploring them and swimming in the rivers.”

Dorothee suggests Kon Tum in the Central Highlands.

“It’s less touristy, very authentic, and home to many ethnic minority communities. The landscapes are beautiful, and the culture is fascinating.”

Destinations like these reveal just how varied Vietnam can be.

“You can hike in the mountains, relax on beaches, and explore culture all in one country,” Petrina says.

Family hiking in Kon Tum, Central Highland

Travelling with children doesn’t have to mean heavy luggage.

Petrina keeps things organised.

“I use colour-coded packing cubes for each child. They know exactly which items belong to them.”

She also involves the kids in preparation.

“I give them a checklist – shirts, socks, underwear – and they tick everything off.”

Dorothée recommends a few simple essentials.

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Snacks and water
• Lightweight clothing for the climate

“Closed shoes are important if you’re trekking or exploring cities,” she adds.

“I use colour-coded packing cubes for each child. They know exactly which items belong to them.” - Petrina

Visitors often think Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is just a large, busy metropolis.

But Dorothée believes the magic lies in the small details.

“You have to explore the hẻm – the small alleyways. That’s where daily life happens.”

Inside these neighbourhood lanes, you’ll find people drinking cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk), cooking meals, and chatting with neighbours.

The city also offers countless experiences for families.

• Street food tours
• Cooking classes
• Photography walks
• Speed boat along the Saigon River
• Scavenger hunts and cultural workshops

Even long-term residents keep discovering new places.

“The city changes constantly,” Petrina says. “New cafés and family activities appear all the time.”

Saigon Treasure Hunt day tour on a vintage scooter