Our must do’s in Vietnam with kids!! Traveling to Vietnam with kids? Our Vietnam Travel Itinerary and top destinations will guide you to your ultimate holiday in Vietnam…
If you are struggling to decide which parts of Vietnam to visit then hopefully this will make it easier for you to decide. We have featured all of our favourite Vietnam highlights from each city in this blog post so that you can narrow down your top picks and best Vietnam Destinations.
If you haven’t already read our previous article
VIETNAM – Everything you need to know before you go.
Then i suggest you start there!
Follow our travels on Instagram @sky_surfers_ and see more of our Vietnam highlights in deeper detail.
We will start off ‘Our best places to visit in Vietnam’ in Ho Chi Minh and then work our way up to the North in Hanoi to make it simpler.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN HO CHI MINH, VIETNAM –
Mekong Delta Tour – A great place to start and to immerse yourself into the culture! Our Tour included a traditional Sampan boat ride along the Mekong River, Bike Ride through the stunning countryside, fun and interactive Vietnamese Cooking Class for the whole family, a visit to a Coconut Candy Factory and a Bee Farm! You can book a tour package here
Vietnam War Tunnels, Cu Chi Tunnels – Learn all about the Vietnam War and if you’re brave enough, go down into the tunnels where the Vietnamese used to hide in to protect themselves during the war. This is also a great educational day for children and gives them a hands on experience into this cival war. Book this tour here
BEST THINGS TO DO IN DALAT, VIETNAM –
Dalat was one of our favourite parts of Vietnam!! Below are some of the best activities to do but aside from the adventure it is a charming town to explore. Set around a beautiful lake full of swan boats, cafes and markets! We recommend hiring some bicycles and enjoying a leisurely ride around the picturesque Xuan Huong Lake.
Mongo Land – A place like no other. Feed Camels, Alpacas, Capybarras and so many more exotic animals. Ride the giant rainbow slide in a tube, play on the Toboggans, try your hand at archery and so much more. This place is a hiddne gem that not many tourists know about and boy was it fun! View Mongo Land here
Datanla New Alpine Coaster – Another incredibly fun experience is the Alpine Coaster in Dalat. You can ride tandom with your child or single and you are in control of how fast you go. This Coaster goes through the most stunning forest with waterfalls and beautiful scenery to take in. Stop at the top where there is a cafe to get a coffee, archery to play and another beautiful waterfall to admire. When you’re done, get back on the Alpine Coaster to return back down.
God Valley – Dalat is full of unique and quirky places to visit and this is no exception! God Valley is like a real life fairytale land blended with mythological elements, creating a mystical and impressive landscape. There is a Hobbit Village, Animals to feed, picnic areas and so much more. This place just needs to be discovered and it is truly jaw dropping! Let your kids run wild and live out a real life fantasy. See more here
Dalat Train Station – Visit the iconic Dalat Train Station and take a 30 minute round trip Train Ride onboard a vintage train. Experience an old fashioned tain carriage and just sit back and enjoy! You can purchase tickets at the Dalat Railway Station and the train leaves several times a day.
Discover more things to do in Dalat here
BEST THINGS TO DO IN DANANG & HOI AN, VIETNAM –
Danang is made up of a beautiful long stretch of beach. We recommend purely using this time to relax and enjoy at one of the many family friendly beach clubs. We recommend Maia Beach Bar. There are also several loungers with umbrella’s to hire for the day for approx $5AUD per sun lounge. There are loads of beach toys and boogie boards available to purchase along the beach.
Dragon Bridge Danang – Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night at 9pm the Danang Dragon Bridge blows fire. We highly suggest you experience seeing this unique bridge. It can get quite busy so be sure to get there early for the best view! Just near the Bridge is a huge market, it’s perfect to try Vietnamese street food and browse the clothing.
Vin Wonders Nam Hoi An Theme Park – This Theme Park has it all. From a River Safari, Safari Animals including a White Tiger, Rollercoasters and Pottery Lessons to a Waterpark, Carnival Rides and shows! Be sure to allow an entire day here and we recommend buying the Buggy Pass, so you don’t have to walk from one side of the Theme Park to the other because the Park is huge! Discover Vin Wonders here
Hoi An Ancient Town – As daylight fades, Hoi An Ancient Town transforms into a mesmerising display of lights. Take a leisurely stroll along the narrow streets adorned with charming storefronts and colourful Hoi An lanterns every night. Enjoy Street Food, shop the markets and take a lantern boat ride along the river and admire the incredible colours of this quirky town. We stayed here in Hoi An – Shadyside, Cam An, Hoi An.
A Coconut Basket Boat Ride – Hop on a traditional bamboo basket boat, paddle along a water coconut forest and try your hand at crab fishing. This is such a fun experience for the whole family. You can see more here
Discover more of what to see and do in Da Nang and plan ahead here
BEST THINGS TO DO IN PHONG NHA, VIETNAM –
Another absolute fave place of ours in Vietnam – Phong Nha, has so much to be discovered!
Phong Nha Farm Stay – Base yourself here while exploring the area. We had such a memorable time here as a family and did not want to leave. You can book your stay here or read more about our stay here
A Guide To Where To Holiday With Kids
Paradise Cave Phong Nha – One of the biggest and most impressive Caves in the entire world. There is a boardwalk to follow throughout the Cave and also a few steps. There are a series of white crystal stalactites (limestone deposits) resembling natural pillars and many other spectacular formations. This Cave took us by surprise, we couldn’t get over how beautiful it was. The kids couldn’t believe their eyes at how big it was. If your kids have never seen a Cave before, then do not miss this one! Allow approx an hour to explore this natural wonder.
Dark Cave Phong Nha – This one is not for the faint hearted but a lot of fun and gets the adrenaline pumping! It’s not called ‘Dark Cave’ for nothing. The only way to access this Cave is by either a zipline over the river or a kayak. Once you have reached the cave the only way in is to swim! So, as you can probably gather, this adventure is only suitable for older kids. Once you are inside the Cave it is pitch black so you are required to wear a helmet with head torch, oh and bathers! You then walk through shallow, muddy water most of the way until you reach the end where you can have a ‘mud bath’ and cover yourself in the mineral rich mud that claims to have healing and beneficial properties. This tour ends with a kayak back to the starting point and a play on the inflatables in the river! A big highlight!
The Duck Stop, Phong Nha – This will probably be one of the most unique experiences you’ll ever have!! Become a Duck Leader at The Duck Stop, Vietnam! Interact, play, feed and dance with 100 ducks AND get a duck massage, literally! Approx $10 AUD will get you all of this plus a delicious Vietnamese Pancake for lunch! You’ll never hear your kids laugh so much while they get their ‘duck massage’.
MONKEY BRIDGE PHONG NHA – Another one aimed at older kids OR just get dad to attempt it while your kids watch! Monkey Bridge is basically crossing a plank over water from one side to the other on a bike! You require great balance for this one and it is a lot of fun! If you make it all the way across without falling in, you receive a free drink of your choice! Fair to say, dad will deserve a cold beer after this one!
Plan ahead and discover customised tours and day trips around Phong Nha, Vietnam here
BEST THINGS TO DO IN SAPA, VIETNAM –
Sleeper Bus, Vietnam – Once arriving into Hanoi Airport, get a sleeper bus to Sapa, Vietnam! The sleeper bus is truly the highlight in itself for this one. It takes approx 6 hours to travel from Hanoi to Sapa and the Sleeper Bus journey is a rather comfortable one. Book your sleeper bus experience here. Our experience came complete with a massage chair, tv, privacy screen, seat recliner, pillow, blanket and complete comfort! There are no toilets on board but the bus does stop every 2 hours for bathroom and snack breaks at road stops. Pack snacks, wear comfortable clothes and enjoy the journey.
Mount Fansipan Sapa – Mount Fansipan, Sapa, Vietnam is the highest mountain in Vietnam. You can get there by Funicular and Cable Cart. A great experience for children! Our kids loved riding the red funicular and could not believe how high it went! This is a great family day out and the views are breathtaking. You can go all the way to the top or just take the cable cart up to as far as the cafe for a hot chocolate.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN HANOI & HALONG BAY, VIETNAM –
Overnight Halong Bay Cruise – Hạ Long Bay, in northeast Vietnam, is known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests. It is scenery like you’ve never seen before. This destination is best enjoyed upon a overnight Halong Bay Cruise. There are so many companies to choose from, however we opted for Hera Grand Luxury Cruise and were not disappointed! This cruising experience was inclusive and also included tours of surrounding caves, beaches and Islands. While you are onboard you can enjoy incredible food, a Vietnamese Cooking Class, Karoke, Squid Fishing a relaxing Foot Bath, Kayaking, entertainment and so much more! If you’re lucky enough, like we were the captain will let your kids have a turn at driving the boat!
There are so many options when it comes to cruising Halong Bay so you can compare them all here.
To see these Vietnam Highlights in more detail be sure to view our Vietnam YouTube Episodes! You can watch them below or follow us on Instagram @sky_surfers_ We hope this helps you decide what parts of Vietnam to travel to!
Discover more of our family travels around South East Asia here
