🧸Vietnam with Kids

1. Health & Safety

Vaccinations & meds

Depending on where you travel in Vietnam (big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City vs. rural or mountainous areas like Ha Giang), mosquito protection is essential. Dengue exists, especially in southern and central Vietnam.

Bring:

• Kids’ mosquito repellent

• After-bite cream

• Basic first aid kit

• Any personal medication

We always use this website, check vaccination info on healthytravel.ch before traveling.

Food & water

• Stick to bottled water (also for brushing teeth in rural areas).

• Avoid ice cubes unless you’re in reputable restaurants.

• Be careful with raw vegetables and pre-cut fruit.

• Street food is often amazing - just choose busy stalls where food is freshly cooked.

We personally never had major issues, but we always carried snacks for the kids in case something was too spicy.

Sun protection

The sun can be strong year-round.
Hats, UV shirts, sunglasses, and good sunscreen are must-haves.

In northern Vietnam winter, it can actually get surprisingly cold - so pack layers if traveling between November–February. (Check out our Packing List)

2. Transport

Car seats & seatbelts

Car seats for kids are not common in taxis or Grab cars. If safety is a top priority, consider bringing a travel booster (we didn’t, but it depends on your comfort level).

Long rides

Distances can be misleading. Mountain roads in northern Vietnam can turn a short distance into a 4–6 hour ride.

Overnight trains and sleeper buses are common between cities like Hanoi and Cao bang.
Pack:

• Snacks

• Entertainment

• Warm layers

Scooters

Scooters are widely used, and helmets for kids available everywhere. Traffic in cities like Ha Noi can feel chaotic. So we didn't ride scooter there.

If you rent one:

• Drive slowly

• Stay predictable

• Avoid rush hour with kids

3. Culture & Etiquette

Vietnamese people are incredibly kind toward children. Expect smiles and sometimes strangers wanting to interact or take photos - especially in rural areas. It’s usually very respectful and warm.

Teaching your kids simple words like:

• “Xin chào” (Hello)

• “Cảm ơn” (Thank you)

…always brings big smiles.

When visiting temples or pagodas, dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees).

4. Food for Kids

Vietnamese cuisine can be very kid-friendly!

Common options:

• Pho (noodle soup – ask for mild)

• Fried rice (Cơm chiên)

• Fresh spring rolls

• Banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich – choose simple fillings)

Western food is widely available in cities and tourist areas like Hoi An or Da Nang.

Still - always carry a backup snack (banana, crackers, nuts) for picky eaters.

5. Accommodation

Many homestays and guesthouses are very family-friendly, especially in rural areas.

In northern Vietnam:

• Nights can be cold in winter

• Heating is rare

In southern Vietnam:

• AC is more important than heating

Always check:

• Mosquito protection

• Bed setup for families

• Noise levels (big cities can be loud)

Sometimes you may need two rooms if traveling as a bigger family.

6. Activities (our) Kids Love

Nature & Outdoor Adventures

• Boat trip in Lan Ha Bay

• Petting Puppies at Cao bang's Haeven's Gate

• Cycling in Ninh Binh

• Bamboo boat tour in Ninh Binh

• Beaches in Cat ba

• Caves in Cat ba

7. Practical Tips

• Always carry tissues or wet wipes (toilet paper is not guaranteed).

• Cash is still important in rural areas.

• Download Google Translate (Vietnamese offline version).

• Grab app works well in bigger cities.

• Laundry services are cheap and available almost everywhere.