Vietnam is one of the most popular destinations for organizing family travel. From unique cultural activities to endless fun adventures – there’s something for everyone in Vietnam. With an abundance of sights to see, memories to make, and places to explore, get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience like no other. Your children will never forget this journey!
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to make sure your vacation in Vietnam is enjoyable for everyone involved – from toddlers to teens! All the attractions mentioned will not only grab the attention of the kids but may prove to be great fun for the parents as well.
This post is part of our series Discover Asia
Travelling with children
As exciting as it is to plan a family trip, travelling with children can be challenging. From packing your bags to preparing the itinerary, being ready for anything when you have youngsters is essential. There are a few rules that may prove to be useful while travelling with children:
- Ensure plenty of activities to keep your children occupied
- Pack snacks that will be a great source of energy (cereal bars, fruit)
- Prepare medications and cosmetic essentials (tissues, wet wipes)
- Take care of hydration (bottles of water, juice boxes)
Planning holidays with children, remember to take frequent breaks. A vacation full of attractions may be very exciting for youngsters but also quite exhausting. Moreover, try to be flexible while travelling with a pre-made schedule. Sometimes, it may be a better idea to relax and enjoy the moment than to run after another destination.
Don’t forget your documents – passport and visa!
It’s essential to ensure you have all the documentation required to cross the Vietnamese borders. One of the most important documents is a passport – remember that it must remain valid throughout your entire stay abroad.
Another requirement to visit Vietnam is a visa. However, preparing for your travel, you don’t need to worry about lengthy visits to the Embassy and the complicated application process. Since 2017, it has been possible to apply for an eVisa – an electronic travel permit issued online.
The Vietnam eVisa application is an effortless procedure – you only need to complete the online registration form, upload the required documents, and make the payment for the processing fee. As soon as it is approved, the permit will be delivered to your e-mail inbox.
Best activities to enjoy on family travel to Vietnam
The best part of family vacations is time away from work and school to be together and create new memories. Vietnam is an ideal destination for families with its delicious food, diverse culture, stunning architecture, and exciting attractions.
1. Visit Cat Ba island and kayak around Ha Long Bay
A day spent kayaking around Cat Ba island, located in northern Vietnam, will take your breath away with its serene and peaceful environment. During the trip, each traveller has a chance to marvel at the gorgeous limestone cliffs and mangrove forests. Paddling around the emerald-green waters of its stunning bays can be a truly enchanting experience.
You can join a group of tourists on a guided tour or enjoy the trip alone. Before embarking on your voyage, remember that you may rent kayaks and all necessary equipment at the Cat Ba harbour. Moreover, don’t forget to explore secret caves and lagoons to enjoy spectacular views of the stone formations. Experiencing a unique paddling adventure amidst this incredible natural wonder will be a memory to cherish forever.
2. Hop into a boat and sail along the Tam Coc River
Leaving for a trip to Vietnam, consider setting sail along the Tam Coc River in Ninh Binh. This journey will take you to the Vietnamese countryside, sailing past towering karst formations and terraced rice paddies. As you meander along the river in your bamboo boat, you’ll be able to appreciate the region’s tranquil atmosphere – enjoy watching the birds swooping over, as well as glimpses of traditional rural life.
The journey along the river is a memorable experience with plenty of opportunities to take beautiful photos and create lifelong memories. It is also a great chance to lay back and enjoy a peaceful moment of rest. If you’re seeking a unique experience that will make you forget about the hustle and bustle of daily life, look no further than cruising along Tam Coc River!
3. Participate in a cooking class in Hanoi
A great way to spend some time with your children on a trip to Vietnam would be to attend a Vietnamese cooking class in Hanoi. An activity like this will be a unique cultural experience, opening up their minds to new flavours and spices. With so much delicious and varied cuisine to explore, it’s the perfect opportunity to learn a few recipes and taste Vietnam’s most iconic dishes!
Some of the most famous mals are pho (broth with rice noodles), banh mi (crispy bread with soft filling), and bun cha (grilled pork) – you’ll have the chance to try out these recipes with the guidance of professional chefs! A Vietnamese cooking class will be an unforgettable experience filled with delicious aromas and exotic spices.
4. Learn how to make silk lanterns in Hoi An
Making beautiful Vietnamese silk lanterns in Hoi An is a wonderful family travel idea! Not only will you take home a unique souvenir crafted with your own two hands, but it’s also a great way to learn more about one of Vietnam’s oldest cultural traditions.
During the lantern-making process, you will receive step-by-step instructions from the local craftsmen on how to transform strips of colourful silk into stunning creations that capture the spirit of Hoi An. Choose from a wide range of vibrant colors and intricate patterns, from jewel-toned flowers to classic geometric shapes, to create a small masterpiece.
Once the workshop is finished, your lantern will be ready for display. What better souvenir could there be than something that lights up your travels with profound beauty?
5. Make your dreams come true at Crazy House in Da Lat
If you’re looking for a magical attraction in Vietnam, a visit to Crazy House in Da Lat is an absolute must! Experience a building that looks like a combination of a treehouse and a fairytale castle. Located in the city centre, the surrealist structure seems to be taken out of a storybook. This peculiar attraction is unlike any other on Earth!
The Crazy House is filled with secret passageways, surreal statues, cave-like chambers, and dizzying stairs. Interestingly, all of that is crafted using natural elements such as vines and bamboo. Combining dreamlike architecture with lush gardens and mysterious doorways, tunnels, and staircases, Crazy House offers visitors an exciting journey into the unknown. Whether you wish to admire its unique architecture or take a few original photos, Crazy House promises to be an unforgettable experience.
6. Take a trip to Vinpearl Land in Nha Trang
If you’re looking for holidays in paradise, consider a trip to the Vinpearl Land in Nha Trang. From the moment you land on this beautiful island, you will be surrounded by tropical rainforests, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The abundance of activities and attractions makes it an ideal holiday destination for the entire family.
Experience Vietnam by taking a thrilling plunge with Water Coaster rides or watching laser displays in the night sky. You can also take a cable car up to the top of Mount Bài Tho or enjoy a trip to the aquarium, admiring unique fish species. If you’re seeking relaxation, there are numerous spas and saunas offering traditional treatments. No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for, there’s something special waiting to be discovered at Vinpearl Land!
7. Experience the Water Puppets Show at Thang Long
Once you have decided to visit Vietnam, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit the Thang Long Puppet Theater and watch the puppet show that has been performed in Vietnam for centuries. The tradition originates from the region of the Red River Delta, where people used to prepare breathtaking performances with wooden dolls controlled by nets placed just below the surface of the water.
If you visit the Thang Long Puppet Theatre, you can expect to see traditional characters acting out folk stories. The show is captivating to watch as you observe the graceful movements of the dancing dolls. Moreover, during this colourful show, traditional Vietnamese music is played to make your experience truly magical. Not only are these performances incredibly entertaining, but they offer an intriguing insight into Vietnamese culture!
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