Perfect Destinations in Vietnam for a Family Travelling with Kids - Part 1

Train Street, Hanoi [Image source]

Part one of two.

​If you are planning a family trip abroad with children, Vietnam is one of the most enchanting destinations in Southeast Asia you can visit. This list comprises all the best places to travel to in Vietnam with children, as well as sharing the highlights and activities in each spot which are suitable for people of all ages. If travelling from the North to the South through the destinations included in this article, your family will surely have an unforgettable time immersing yourselves in local experiences and creating memories to last a lifetime.

Vietnam Family Holidays possess timeless charm, diverse natural landscapes, stunning culinary art, and authentic local life that will never stop surprising each member in your family during the voyage. Here is a list of perfect destinations in Vietnam that deserve to be parts of your next family adventure.

Hanoi - The Capital of Vietnam

Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam, is a well-known destination for Vietnam’s long-lasting history, enchanting Asian culture, and delicious cuisine. With the charm blended between traditional and modern beauties, Hanoi is an ideal place for your children to get eye-opening lessons about a different country through interesting activities.
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The best time to travel to Hanoi is from late August to November. At this time, the rainy season in Hanoi has almost ended, the sky is clear and the climate is great with fresh air and bright sunlight. Alternatively, travelling to Hanoi from late February to May is also a good option with a pleasant average temperature plus dry and cool weather.

Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Hanoi.

Here is the list for things-to-do in Hanoi which will enhance your Vietnam TourS:

Explore Hanoi Old Quarter

Hustling and bustling Hanoi Old Quarter features busy and narrow streets that always tempt people of any age to explore. Explore on a cyclo-riding tour or discover every corner of the streets on foot. Your family can also try tasting some of the famous local specialities here such as Pho, Cha Ca (Grilled fish with turmeric), Bun Cha (Grilled pork with vermicelli), etc.

See a traditional water puppet show

​This is a colourful and funny traditional show that surely makes any kids fall in love. The Water Puppet Show in Hanoi is available every day at specific times (except Holidays). Your family will have a chance to observe skilful artisans controlling wooden puppets on the water and get a glimpse of Vietnam’s culture through lovely story-telling performances.

Visit Iconic Historical Places in Hanoi

​Taking a tour travelling historical sites in Hanoi is a great idea if you would prefer your kids to learn more about the history of Hanoi in particular, and Vietnam in general. Having been through centuries with valuable remains, they will provide your family with a thorough overview of Vietnam’s development process in each period.

Activities in Hanoi.

Hanoi Notes: 

• Remember to ask for a price and bargain before hopping on any cyclo. Ask your hotel concierge or your travel agency for a recommendation of where to begin negotiating with cyclo drivers.
• Hawkers are almost everywhere in Hanoi, especially Old Quarter area. If you have no interest in what they’re selling, say no or use your hand gesture to avoid being stalked or begged.
• Be cautious with your family's dietary requirement if any. If someone has allergies, the ingredients could be contained in local food without your knowledge. Another choice is a foodie tour which is arranged by agencies or volunteer organizations. Knowledgeable local guides will assist your family with appropriate dishes.
• Traffic can be regarded as a special feature of Vietnam. Be cautious before crossing the road even when you’re using crosswalks. Watch out for the surroundings and wave your hands, drivers will notice and they know how to avoid your family. If you stop, you will be in trouble for sure.
• Several shops/restaurants could show their prices on the board while many others don’t. Better to ask for the price before deciding to settle any payment to avoid being ripped off.

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Sapa – The land of mountainous beauty

​Located in northern Vietnam, home to Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range and indigenous ethnic minorities, Sapa's charm is built upon the beauty of terraced fields, jaw-dropping mounts, and unique local culture. During your Vietnam family holiday, you can set off a trip to this famous remote area to explore another aspect of local life in Vietnam.

The recommended time of year to visit Sapa for sightseeing is during the watering and harvest seasons, which correspond from March through to June and from September through to early November. According to many travel buffs, from late September to October is also the golden time for cloud-hunting in Sapa.

Rice Paddy trekking in Sapa.

Must-do experiences in Sapa with your children:

Visit Bac Ha Market 

This is the place for trading among residents in Sapa which only opens on Sunday. Your family can spot the indigenous daily life of tribal groups in Sapa through witnessing how locals sell, purchase colourful costumes or other products, and interact with each other in their languages. A lively, vibrant, and authentic marketplace that your family should not miss when heading to Sapa!

Join trekking or hiking routes to tribal villages in Sapa

​Depending on your children’s ability, there are a lot of options for trekking/ hiking in Sapa from easy to hard levels. Dropping by the villages, you also will have a chance to witness how locals live here. Along the walk, your family can admire the beauty of terraced fields in the hillside, of wild verdant mounts, and peaceful villages nestled in picturesque valleys.

​Join a cable ride conquering the Indochina Summit

​A modern cable ride and mountain train system from Sun World Fansipan Legend offers an exciting experience in Sapa for your family. The journy provides you with a bird-eye view of the panoramic Muong Hoa Valley as well as Hoang Lien National Park with breathtaking mountains. Standing on the peak of Indochina, Fansipan Mountain, and praising the heaven-like landscape will be a highlight on your trip to Vietnam.

Activities in Sapa.

Sapa Notes:

• Many parents in Sapa force their kids to keep selling goods instead of going to school. Purchasing souvenirs from them is not recommended.
• You may see many children with very poor conditions in Sapa, if you would like to help, providing sweets, some books or clothes is the best option.
• The weather in Sapa during the night is fairly cold. Bring a jacket or a scarf to keep yourselves warm, especially for your kids.
• Suitable shoes are a must and something that you should really consider before deciding to go on a trekking/ hiking route in Sapa.

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Halong Bay – Legendary place of Descending Dragons

Halong Bay is well-known worldwide due to its one-of-a-kind beauty of karst formations over the sea. With various choices of class, style, and itinerary, having an overnight trip on Halong Bay Cruises is a must in your bucket list when travelling to Vietnam. Cruise packages in Halong Bay are the combination of sightseeing, relaxing and active experiences.

Halong Bay.

The best things-to-do during your Halong Bay Cruise trip:

Kayaking amid the breathtaking landscape

​Kayaking is regarded as one a highlight activity in the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is featured on almost every Halong Bay Cruise itinerary. Paddling your own kayak on the calm emerald water surrounded by limestone islands with various shapes and sizes is an exciting experience when you’re in Halong Bay.

Witness the sunrise/ sunset in Halong Bay

​As beautiful as it is, Halong Bay looks much more gorgeous when the sunrise/ sunset comes. Thus visiting Halong Bay on sunny days is a wonderful chance to witness these marvellous moments from the cruise’s sundeck or balcony. Don’t forget to capture your lifetime photos with every member of your family. 

Join active adventures exploring the Heritage Site

If your kids are adventure lovers, several activities during a Halong Bay Cruise trip would meet their expectations. Swimming, rock climbing, caving, biking to visit a local village on the island, hiking to the top of the island for admiring the panoramic view of Halong Bay, etc, are active experiences that your family will have an option to choose from once booking a Halong Bay Cruise package.

Activities in Halong Bay.

Halong Bay Notes:

• Halong Bay is quite busy at the most popular spots around the bay, your family may catch long queues before entering the cave or conquering the point-view on top of the mountain.
• There are only a few places in Halong Bay that permit guests can swim. Swimming is not highly recommended in high traffic areas of Halong Bay due to the uncleanliness of water. However, some cruise programs also offered new itineraries with new destinations which can permit tourists to swim freely. 
• While kayaking, you’d better let your kids sit in the front seat for safety assurance as well as easier control of the kayak.
• If you are travelling with kids, family connecting rooms on Halong Bay Cruises are preferred choices.

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Ninh Binh – Halong Bay on land

Located just around 2-hour driving from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is a perfect getaway to the countryside where your family can enjoy sightseeing as well as relaxation. Famous for historical sites, sacred temples, and pagodas, Ninh Binh is also a place of majestic natural landscapes that allure anyone seeking an idyllic vibe escaping from the busy life in Hanoi.
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Ninh Binh is great to visit at any time of the year. If you’d love to see ripe rice fields in harvest seasons, the best time to visit is from May to early June and from September to October. June is also a great time to watch lotus and waterlily bloom in Ninh Binh. 

Tam Cốc-Bích Động, Ninh Binh.

There are many inviting activities in Ninh Binh that could make your family trip enjoyable:

​Explore Ninh Binh by bike

With the charming beauty of rural villages and lush green paddies, Ninh Binh is a great place to take a bike ride. Children will find it fairly easy to cycle around in Ninh Binh. While peddling through the peaceful paths with no rush or traffic, you will get a close immersion into the tranquillity of Vietnam’s countryside as well as refresh yourselves by the airy ambience here.

Join a boating tour in Trang An or Tam Coc 

​Trang An is well-known for boating trips, admiring the beauty of limestones mountains and an impressive system of crossing-water caves. Tam Coc allures tourists for the picturesque scenery of golden rice fields when harvest season comes. Staying on the boat and contemplating the surrounding landscape would be a leisurely enjoyable experience for your family in Ninh Binh.

Conquering Mua Cave – the best place to admire the panoramic beauty of Tam Coc

​Despite having a cave in the tourist spot, Mua Cave is more well-known for its point of view from the mount’s peak. It would not be easy to get the top, you will be climbing up around 300 stairs along the hillside before all the beautiful surrounding sceneries are in your eye’s view. If your children venture to visit the mountain, make sure that they’re ready for the short climb with health and excitement. 

Activities in Ninh Binh.

Ninh Binh Notes:

• Ninh Binh usually gets busier when the Holidays or weekends come, especially in the Springtime from February until April, as a large number of domestic tourists will come here for worship as well as sightseeing.

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