Family-friendly holidays in Vietnam
Vietnam
Discover Vietnam with your family
Vietnam is an excellent choice as a family holiday destination since it offers lively cities, a fascinating culture, amazing food and pretty beaches together with a lot of adventure. You can stroll around the busy streets and the charming Old Quarter in Hanoi, take a cruise between the massive limestone islands of Ha Long Bay, or experience the vibrant atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City in the south.
If you prefer a more relaxed pace, go to the central coast, a region where Da Nang combines a vibrant city with beautiful beaches, and the nearby town of Hoi An features streets lit by lanterns, opportunities to take part in cooking activities, and a lot of family-oriented appeal. Further south, Mui Ne provides something entirely different, with vast beaches and spectacular sand dunes that are ideal for exploration.
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An intro to Vietnam
Vietnam is a sensory-rich odyssey that stretches over 1,600km from the misty mountains of the North to the tropical deltas of the South. Unlike the “stop and flop” nature of Fiji, a holiday here is a moving adventure characterised by vibrant street life, French colonial charm, and a deeply welcoming culture that adores children. Expect a landscape of emerald rice paddies, ancient yellow-walled towns, and a “functional chaos” that quickly becomes an addictive part of the travel experience.
Location & geography
Occupying the eastern edge of the Indochinese Peninsula, Vietnam shares borders with China, Laos, and Cambodia. Its unique “S” shape means the geography is incredibly diverse: you can be hiking through the cool, terraced mountains of Sapa on Monday and sunning yourself on the white-sand beaches of Phu Quoc island by Friday. For families, this means you can choose a “hub” (like Central Vietnam) or take the Reunification Express train to see the landscape shift from dramatic limestone karsts to bustling riverside cities.
Climate & when to visit
Because the country is so long, the weather is rarely the same in two places. While the South is tropical year-round, the North can get surprisingly chilly (and foggy) from December to February. For the “Goldilocks” weather that suits the whole country, aim for March to April or September to October. If you are heading to the Central Coast (Hoi An/Da Nang) for the beaches, avoid the monsoon rains that typically hit between October and December.
How to get to Vietnam
Most Australian families arrive via Tan Son Nhat (Saigon) in the South or Noi Bai (Hanoi) in the North. Direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne take about 9 hours. Pro Tip: Always pre-book a private “Name-on-Sign” airport transfer. Navigating the arrival-hall crowds with luggage and tired children is the most stressful part of the trip; having a driver waiting for you is a non-negotiable luxury.
Vietnam family packing list
Pack light, breathable fabrics and leave room for the tailored clothes you’ll inevitably buy in Hoi An. Essential “Insider” items include a high-quality lightweight muslin cloth (for sun protection or icy air-con on trains) and a portable clip-on fan for strollers. While you can buy most things locally, bring your preferred brand of sunscreen and a “survival kit” of familiar Aussie snacks for when local spices are a bridge too far for a toddler.
How long to spend in Vietnam
To avoid “travel burnout,” we recommend 10 to 14 days. A 10-day trip is perfect for focusing on one or two regions (like Hanoi and Hoi An), while a 14-day itinerary allows for a North-to-South journey without feeling like you’re living in airports. If you only have a week, pick one hub—like Da Nang—which offers beaches, mountains, and Hoi An all within a 30-minute radius.
Where to visit: Regional highlights
- The North (Hanoi & Sapa): Cultural engine. Go here for Water Puppets, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and trekking to minority villages.
- The Centre (Hoi An, Da Nang & My Son): The family favourite. Offers a car-free ancient town, world-class tailoring, and safe, shallow beaches.
- The South (Saigon, Mui Ne & Phu Quoc): Energetic powerhouse. Go here for the Cu Chi Tunnels, massive sand dunes, and high-end island resorts.
Family-friendly food & dining
Vietnamese food is fresh, healthy, and accessible. Pho is the universal “safe” meal—order Pho Khong (plain broth and noodles) for picky eaters. For a parent-approved treat, look for “Coffee in a bag” at street stalls; it’s safe, cold, and caffeinated. If you’re worried about meat, Vietnam is a Pescatarian paradise with plenty of fresh fish and “Quan Chay” (vegetarian) options that use incredible local produce.
Getting around Vietnam
The Grab App (Southeast Asia’s Uber) is your best friend—verify your Australian credit card before you leave home! For longer distances, the “Limousine Van” (luxury 9-seater) is the gold standard for families; it’s faster than the train and offers door-to-door service with working seatbelts. Inside Hoi An, the only way to travel is by bicycle, which is a magical way for the kids to see the rice paddies at a “human” pace.
Money, power & safety
- Currency: The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Currently, $1 AUD is approximately 18,970 VND. Note: the 500,000 VND and 20,000 VND notes look very similar (both blue)—check your change carefully!
- Electricity: Vietnam uses Type A, C, and F sockets. You will need a universal adapter for Australian Type I plugs. Voltage is 220V.
- Health & Safety: Always check the Australian Smartraveller website before departing. Ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation.
Opening image: Walking on Mui Ne beach.