For Australian families planning long trips, Japan and Vietnam are top choices. Each offers unique experiences suited to different family travel styles. One is fast, futuristic and packed with moments that make you stop and wonder what just happened. The other is slow, sun-soaked and all about easy family time.
So instead of asking which is better, we’re putting them head-to-head and showing the best places to stay with Centara Hotels & Resorts in both countries.
Theme parks & big adventures
Japan
If your kids are obsessed with Mario or Disney, Japan is basically the Holy Grail. It’s home to some of the most mind-blowing theme parks you’ll ever set foot in. Universal Studios in Osaka is the big one, and seeing your kids walk into Super Nintendo World is a core memory in the making; it honestly feels like you’ve been shrunk down and dropped into the game. Then there’s Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, which are on a whole other level in terms of detail. The best part? These places are actually fun for us parents, too. If you base yourself in Osaka, you’re right in the thick of it without having to constantly lug suitcases and kids around.
Vietnam
Vietnam is a totally different speed, more adventurous, but still super family-friendly. You’ve probably seen the Sun World Ba Na Hills Golden Bridge held up by giant hands on Instagram. Getting there involves one of the world’s longest cable car rides, which is a massive hit with kids. Then you’ve got VinWonders in Phu Quoc, which is great because you get the water parks and rides without the three-hour queues you see at parks around the world. In Vietnam, the trip is usually half the fun; whether it’s a boat or a beautiful drive, it feels like a proper exploration that’s much easier on the wallet.
The winner
Japan: for scale and wow-factor
Where to stay
Centara Grand Hotel Osaka places families within easy reach of Universal Studios Japan, making it a great base for theme park-filled days.
The vibe
Japan
I love that Japan is basically one giant surprise. You can be walking down a normal street and stumble into the coolest thing you’ve ever seen. Osaka is my favourite for this, you’re in the neon chaos of Dotonbori, and the next, you’re at the teamLab Botanical Garden, which feels like actual magic after dark. Between themed cafés and massive arcades, it’s less about following a strict itinerary and more about letting the kids explore and seeing what fun, unexpected thing you run into next.
Vietnam
If Japan is a neon dream, Vietnam is pure charm. It’s got plenty of its own weird and wonderful moments, but they feel more organic. In Hoi An, the whole town glows with lanterns at night; it honestly feels like a movie set. Then you’ve got the basket boat rides through coconut groves, which are just pure, silly fun. These experiences don’t feel over-produced; they just happen while you’re out exploring. It’s perfect if you want something authentic without that constant on-the-go intensity.
The winner
Japan: for pure uniqueness
Where to stay
Centara Life Namba Osaka puts families right in the middle of Osaka’s vibrant, quirky neighbourhoods where the unexpected is never far away.
Beach holidays or city adventures?
Japan
The best way to tackle big cities like Tokyo or Osaka is to just lean into the madness. It’s not the kind of holiday where you’re sitting still; it’s a fast-paced energy that kids actually thrive on. There is so much to see, from multi-level shopping hubs to neon streets with a new snack or weird vending machine every few metres. Staying right in the heart of the action is the only way to go; it means you can pack a ridiculous amount into a short trip because everything is right on your doorstep.
Vietnam
If a packed itinerary makes you want to hide, Vietnam’s coast is your happy place. It’s the ultimate switch-off destination. Areas like Mui Ne have beautiful, long beaches and warm water that’s actually safe for little ones to splash in. If you stay somewhere like Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne, it’s parent heaven, your biggest decision of the day is pool or beach. You can explore the sand dunes if you’re feeling active, but it’s just as easy to do absolutely nothing, which is sometimes exactly what a family needs.
The winner
Vietnam: for relaxation and beach time
Where to stay
Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne offers direct beach access and resort-style facilities, making it perfect for families wanting to slow down and unwind.
Family hotels in Japan and Vietnam
Japan
In Japan, it’s all about location. You won’t find many sprawling resorts with kids’ clubs inside the city, so places like Centara Grand Hotel Osaka act as your base for exploring. It’s practical and efficient, and the rooms are spacious, which is a rarity in Japan. If you want to be right in the neon action, Centara Life Namba Osaka is the spot. You might trade a hotel pool for being five minutes from the best street food and arcades, but when there’s this much to see, you’re rarely in the room anyway.
Vietnam
In Vietnam, resorts are often the destination. Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne is built around the Explorer’s Playground concept, which is a godsend for parents. We’re talking massive water slides, splash zones, and a kids’ club that actually keeps them busy with workshops. You can kick back because the entertainment is all right there. You could easily spend three days enjoying the resort without ever needing to pack up the stroller to head out.
The winner
Vietnam: for built-in family entertainment
Where to stay
Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne is a destination in itself, packed with playgrounds, water zones and kids’ clubs designed for all-day fun.
Food & cultural experiences for kids
Japan
Japan turns culture into a game. It’s never just a boring history lesson. In Osaka, you’re doing hands-on sushi classes or visiting Osaka Castle with all its samurai history. Even jumping on the Shinkansen bullet train is a massive highlight. Mealtimes are just as fun, conveyor-belt sushi and themed cafés make trying new things seem less like a battle and more like entertainment. It’s incredibly easy to discover something even the fussiest eater will tuck into.
Vietnam
Vietnam’s culture moves at a slower pace and feels very personal. You get sweet, hands-on moments like lantern-making or casual cooking classes where the kids can get messy. Walking through a fishing village doesn’t feel like sightseeing; it just feels like you’re part of the daily rhythm. The food is a breath of fresh air, too. Most meals are fresh noodles, rice, and grilled meats, which are usually a safe bet for kids. Plus, it’s so affordable you can eat like kings without stressing the budget.
The winner
Japan: for variety and engagement
Where to stay
Centara Grand Hotel Osaka provides easy access to cultural experiences across the city, from food tours to traditional workshops.
Where to stay in Japan
Centara Grand Hotel Osaka
If you’re looking for a base that makes the logistics side of a family trip way easier, Centara Grand Hotel Osaka is it. It’s right in the heart of the city, but the real win is the room size. Finding actual space to spread out in Japan can be a challenge, so having a room where you aren’t tripping over suitcases is a total lifesaver. It’s perfect for those afternoons in which the kids hit a wall and just need to recharge their iPads and themselves before dinner.
Plus, they’ve got plenty of food options on-site, which is great during nights when you’re too exhausted to hunt for a restaurant that everyone can agree on. It’s not about big play areas here; it’s about having a high-end, comfortable spot that makes a busy Osaka itinerary feel a lot more manageable.
Centara Life Namba Osaka
Centara Life Namba Osaka is the spot for families who want to be right in the middle of the brightly lit action. The hotel itself is super functional and smart, but the real drawcard is what’s right outside the lobby. You’re steps away from street food, dessert shops, and all that high-energy buzz that kids absolutely love. It turns the trip into one big adventure where late-night ice cream trips and exploring the local arcades just become part of the daily routine.
The entire neighbourhood feels like a playground. It takes a lot of the stress out of planning because you’ve got everything you could possibly need right on your doorstep.
Where to stay in Vietnam
Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne
Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne is where you go when you want to win at parenting. Located just a few hours from Ho Chi Minh City it gives you that full beach-resort switch-off feeling once you arrive. The whole place is built around the Explorer’s Playground concept, and they really haven’t missed a beat. You’ve got the Hola Playground for the younger ones and La Aventura for the older kids who need to burn off some steam. But the water park is usually the main event, with slides, splash zones, and a lazy river, so the kids are pretty much set for the day.
The resort itself is enormous, with over 900 rooms and spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, some with their own private pools. Throw in a kids’ club, arcade, multiple restaurants and endless snack stops, and you’ve got a resort where boredom isn’t even part of the conversation. It’s the kind of place where you can actually sit back with a coffee or something stronger, knowing the kids are having the time of their lives just a few metres away.
The verdict
Choosing between Japan and Vietnam isn’t really about deciding which destination is better—it’s about deciding what kind of family holiday you need right now. Japan is high-energy, full of movement and packed with unforgettable moments, where every day feels different and every outing has the potential to surprise. It’s the kind of trip that keeps kids constantly engaged and leaves families talking about it long after they return home.
Vietnam, on the other hand, offers a slower, more relaxed rhythm. It’s about beach days, pool time, and letting the schedule loosen just enough for everyone to properly switch off. For many families, the real answer isn’t choosing one over the other—it’s knowing that both deliver something completely different—and equally worthwhile.
Japan vs Vietnam family travel comparison
| Japan | Vietnam | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Big attractions & culture | Relaxation & beaches |
| Travel style | Fast-paced | Slow & flexible |
| Hotel experience | Location-focused | Resort-focused |
| Food | Fun & interactive | Simple & affordable |
| Transport | Extremely easy | Flexible but slower |
Getting to Japan & Vietnam
Japan: Longer flight, smoother arrival
Flying to Japan from Australia is a longer haul, but everything runs like clockwork once you land. Airports are efficient, signage is clear, and transfers into cities like Osaka are straightforward—even with kids and luggage in tow.
Vietnam: Shorter flight, slower pace
Vietnam is generally quicker to reach, which is a win with younger kids. Arrivals can feel a little less structured, but private transfers are easy to arrange, making that final leg to your resort simple and stress-free.
Travelling around Japan & Vietnam with kids
Japan: Seamless and super efficient
Getting around Japan is not just efficient—it often becomes a highlight of the trip. The Shinkansen is fast, clean and reliable, while the Osaka Metro connects major attractions with ease.
Vietnam: Flexible and low-stress
Transport in Vietnam is more flexible, with private drivers and short resort transfers making travel simple, if a little slower.
Japan & Vietnam Entry and visa requirements
Japan: Simple and visa-free
For Australians, entering Japan is straightforward. Tourist stays of up to 90 days are visa-free, and arrival processes are typically quick and efficient. It’s one of the easiest countries to enter, especially when travelling with kids.
Vietnam: Visa required, but manageable
Vietnam requires Australians to arrange a visa in advance, usually via an e-visa application. The process is generally smooth, but it does add an extra step before departure. Once organised, arrival is relatively simple, especially with transfers arranged.
FAQs: Japan vs Vietnam with kids
Is Japan or Vietnam better for kids?
Japan is better for older kids who enjoy theme parks and fast-paced travel, while Vietnam is ideal for younger children thanks to its relaxed pace and resorts.
Is Japan hard to travel with kids?
No — Japan is safe and efficient, but it can feel busy. Planning rest days is key
Is Vietnam good for a family holiday?
Yes — Vietnam is one of the easiest Asian destinations for families, with affordable food, beaches and resorts.
Which is cheaper: Japan or Vietnam?
Vietnam is significantly more affordable, especially for food and accommodation.
