Vietnam · Things to do
5 things to do in Vietnam with kids
The five best things to do in Vietnam with kids are cruising Halong Bay, rowing through Ninh Binh, seeing the lanterns of Hoi An, walking the Sapa rice terraces, and eating through Hanoi's old quarter. Hanoi is the base for three of them, and Hoi An is a short flight south, so plan around ten days and avoid long overland hauls.
What to do, in order
- 1
Cruise Halong Bay
Halong Bay is a World Heritage site of limestone islands rising from green water, about three hours from Hanoi by road. Most visitors take an overnight cruise, with kayaking, a cave visit and swimming. Choose a licensed operator with life jackets for children and ask about the route and cabin sizes. The bay is busy, so Lan Ha Bay, near Cat Ba island, is a quieter option. Mist is common in late winter and spring, which hides the views.
- 2
Row through Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is a region of limestone peaks and rice fields about two hours south of Hanoi, sometimes called the inland Halong Bay. At Trang An and Tam Coc, small boats carry visitors along rivers and through caves, rowed by local guides. The trip takes around two hours, so bring water and a hat. For a view, climb the steps at Hang Mua, which has several hundred and is steep for small children. Visit in the morning to avoid the heat.
- 3
See Hoi An's lanterns
Hoi An is a small old trading port in central Vietnam, with yellow houses and lanterns of all colours strung across the streets. In the evening the lanterns are lit and small boats carry lights on the river. The old town is closed to motor traffic for much of the day, which makes it good for children on foot. An Bang beach is a short bike ride away. Visit in the evening, then rest in the heat of the afternoon.
- 4
Visit the Sapa rice terraces
Sapa is a hill town in the far north, near the border with China, famous for its terraced rice fields. Reach it by road or overnight train and bus from Hanoi, a journey of several hours. Short walks from the town, such as to Cat Cat village, are easy for children. Terraces are greenest in early summer and golden in September and October. The weather is cold and foggy in winter, so check the forecast and pack warm layers.
- 5
Eat through Hanoi's old quarter
Hanoi's old quarter is a dense grid of streets, historically named for the goods sold there. Pho, bun cha and egg coffee, which was invented in Hanoi, are all easy to find. Eat at stalls that are busy with locals, and choose cooked food for children. Crossing the road looks hard but works if you walk steadily at a constant pace, and the traffic flows around you. Come for breakfast and again in the evening.
Plan it
- Best time
- October to December and March to April are the most comfortable months for the north and centre. May to September is hot and humid with typhoon risk, and Halong Bay is often misty in February and March. The south is driest from December to April.
- How long
- Ten days is comfortable for Hanoi, Halong Bay or Ninh Binh, and a flight to Hoi An. Sapa adds at least two days, and including it makes the trip feel rushed.
- Getting around
- Fly between regions, for example Hanoi to Da Nang for Hoi An, since overland journeys are long. Use Grab for taxis and motorbike rides in cities. Trains are scenic but slow, and the north needs road transfers.
Good to know
- Choose cooked food and bottled or filtered water for children. Stomach upsets are the most common travel problem.
- Dress for sun and rain. Both are likely, often on the same day, and a light rain jacket helps.
- Check local conditions in typhoon season. Storms can close roads and cancel cruises.
Frequently asked
Is Vietnam good for kids? +
Yes. People are very friendly to families, food is easy and varied, and the sights range from caves and boats to beaches and lanterns. Heat, traffic and long travel days need planning, but domestic flights keep it manageable.
How many days do you need in Vietnam with kids? +
Ten days is a comfortable first trip, covering Hanoi, Halong Bay or Ninh Binh, and Hoi An. Two weeks is better if you add Sapa or a beach stay, and allows for rest days.
Is Halong Bay suitable for children? +
Yes, with a licensed operator that provides life jackets and child-appropriate cabins. Cruises mix kayaking, swimming and cave visits. Choose a shorter, one-night trip with young children, and check the weather.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam? +
October to December and March to April are good for the north and centre. The south is driest from December to April. Summer is hot and rainy with typhoon risk, so check each region.