Family-Friendly Vietnam Guide | Shari Moloney Family Travel Expert

Your Family-Friendly Guide to Vietnam – From Saigon to Hoi An

As a travel agent and a parent, I know firsthand how challenging (and rewarding!) it can be to plan a holiday that keeps everyone – from toddlers to teens – happy and engaged. You want the right mix of adventure and downtime, culture and play, local food and kid-friendly eats.

When I travelled through Vietnam with my own children, I discovered just how ideal this country is for families. With vibrant cities, scenic train rides, beautiful beaches, and cultural moments that sparked curiosity in all of us, it was a trip we’ll never forget.

Here’s the exact itinerary we followed, with personal tips and highlights from our journey – perfect if you’re looking to explore Vietnam with kids.

Stop 1: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – For Culture, History & Street Food

Saigon is energetic and full of life, but also incredibly manageable with kids, once you know where to go and what to avoid.

What We Loved:

• The Ao Dai Museum and War Remnants Museum had interactive, thought-provoking exhibits that even sparked deep questions from our older children.
• A tuk-tuk street food tour was a hit – the novelty of the ride, plus the excitement of trying new foods made it fun for everyone.
• A half-day tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels provided a fascinating, hands-on history lesson and adventure rolled into one.

Where We Stayed:

Our hotel in District 1 had spacious family rooms and was within walking distance of major sights, which made exploring stress-free.

Scenic Train Journey: Saigon to Nha Trang

Instead of flying, we boarded the Reunification Express for an overnight rail adventure – and it turned out to be one of the kids’ favourite parts of the trip.

• We booked a 4-berth soft sleeper cabin for privacy and comfort.
• I packed snacks, card games, colouring books, and made sure all devices were charged.
• Arriving late into Nha Trang was slightly chaotic – taxis can be scarce after dark – but we were on our way within minutes.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss a cyclo ride through the city. The kids found it thrilling, and it gave us all a break from walking in the heat.

Stop 2: Nha Trang – Beaches, Waterparks & Island Fun

Nha Trang is a beach lover’s paradise and incredibly family-friendly.

Our Highlights:

• A full day at VinWonders Nha Trang, complete with a cable car ride over the ocean, water slides, an aquarium, and a theme park. Easily one of the kids’ favourites.
• Wandering the esplanade and exploring the local night markets gave us a taste of local life.
• And the seafood here? Outstanding. Fresh, flavourful, and plentiful – don’t skip it!

Stop 3: Quy Nhon – Vietnam’s Hidden Coastal Gem

Quy Nhon was a refreshing break from the crowds, with quiet beaches, friendly locals, and just the right dose of adventure.

Family Favourites:

• Ky Co and Bai Xep Beaches were pristine, uncrowded, and perfect for the kids to safely roam and swim.
• We spent an afternoon kayaking and paddleboarding in clear, calm waters with lots of giggles and splashes.
• We hired a driver for a local tour, visiting the Cham Towers, the Greek-style village of Nhon Le, and of course, Ky Co Beach.
• Dinners were unforgettable with fresh seafood BBQs right on the sand. The ultimate beach holiday vibe.

Final Stop: Hoi An – Lanterns, Bicycles & Ancient Charm

Hoi An was the perfect finale! A charming, laid-back town full of colour, culture, and creativity.

Highlights for the Whole Family:

• A bike tour through rice paddies and fishing villages was both relaxing and educational.
• The lantern-making workshop was a fun, hands-on activity that doubled as a souvenir!
• The coconut basket boat ride was the kids’ top-rated experience – they loved the spinning!
• We had a full beach day at An Bang Beach, just outside town which was great for swimming and building sandcastles.
• And finally, we couldn’t resist getting custom clothes made for the kids (and ourselves!). A fun and unique experience that they still talk about.

So, is Vietnam a good idea for a family trip?

Vietnam is one of the most family-friendly destinations I’ve ever experienced, full of warmth, rich culture, natural beauty, and experiences that genuinely connect families to a place.

This trip was not only a holiday but a learning journey, and one of our most rewarding travel memories to date.

We’re already planning Vietnam Part 2: From Hanoi to Hoi An, and I can’t wait to explore the north next time.

Planning a Vietnam Trip with Kids? I’d love to help.

If you’re a parent dreaming of a memorable family holiday, I can help you every step of the way. From personal tips to trusted local partners, I can design a tailor-made itinerary that’s fun, stress-free, and full of unforgettable experiences and memories.