Vietnam is having a moment. In the 2025 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, it ranked 6th in the “friendliest countries” category – and that warmth shows. With over 15 million international visitors in the first nine months of 2025, visa-free entry for more countries, and a major tourism drive underway, it’s no wonder families are looking East for their next adventure.
Travelling anywhere as a family can feel daunting sometimes. However, throw in a little extra planning (mostly by us!), perhaps scheduling a fun cultural experience or a relaxed break between adventures to recharge – and you’re more than set. Most importantly, the memories you’ll make are priceless.
But you may still have a question or two bouncing around your head: Is it dangerous? Too hot? Will the kids like the food? Too chaotic? Too much culture? Let’s tackle them one by one and give you a taste of what family travel in Vietnam really looks like.
Traffic? Yes. Trouble? Nope.
Vietnam is generally very safe and straight-forward for travelling families as long as you use your common sense, and our guides will be on hand to help with anything that’s unfamiliar. Traffic can be lively – motorbikes rule the roads and crossing a busy street sometimes feels like an adrenaline sport – but it’s all part of the adventure. Our expert local guides make sure routes and schedules are safe and stress-free.
Vietnam’s ongoing investments in infrastructure have made the country more resilient to extreme weather events, helping travellers feel more at ease. Plus our local Vietnam partners monitor conditions closely and where necessary, will adjust itineraries to keep your family safe so you can relax and enjoy every moment.
Hygiene, Hand-Washing, Happy Kids
Hygiene is always top of mind when travelling with kids, and Vietnam is no different. Simple habits like washing hands regularly and drinking bottled water (don’t forget your trusty Water To Go travel bottle) should keep tummy bugs at bay. Hanoi is even rolling out environmental initiatives such as banning petrol motorbikes in central districts from 2026, making the streets cleaner, quieter and greener.
Pho Real, the Food’s Incredible
Fussy eaters? Relax. Vietnam has options that even the pickiest kids will enjoy, from noodle dishes to outstanding fresh spring rolls. And who knows – after a week sampling pho and sticky rice treats, your kids might come home calling themselves full-fledged foodies! With tourism booming, family-friendly restaurants, cafés, and markets are thriving across the country.
Travelling with older kids? Why not put their cooking skills to the test – have a go at making a local recipe with a trip to our favourite cooking school in Hoi An. After visiting a local market to pick up fresh ingredients, you’ll travel up-river to join a half day cooking experience before finishing up with a delicious lunch. Yum!
Sun, Shade, and Smart Planning
Vietnam’s weather can be a bit of a puzzle – it’s a long, narrow country with enormous coastline and multiple climate zones, so there’s no “best time” to visit. That said, if you want to maximise good weather for a family adventure, December to March generally offers the most pleasant conditions across the majority of the country – cooler in the north, dry and sunny in the south.
If you’re planning to explore Central Vietnam, try to avoid October and November, when bursts of heavy rains and floods are common. However, this region shines during the northern hemisphere summer months (June to August), making it a fantastic option for those travelling during school holidays – just be prepared for heat and humidity.
Travelling during the shoulder seasons (May to June or October) can also be a smart move: you’ll enjoy fewer crowds, better availability, and often better prices – all while helping to spread tourism more evenly throughout the year, which supports local communities in a more sustainable way.
With our expert local knowledge, we can tailor your itinerary to the best places for your travel dates, balancing weather, experiences and cultural highlights and making sure your family has the most enjoyable, comfortable trip possible.
Culture Check
This is culture that comes alive… We design hands-on experiences that mix learning with laughter. Imagine paddling basket boats through coconut groves, watching a shadow puppet performance in a local family’s home, or seeing who can roll the best spring rolls in a Vietnamese cooking class. Carve your own wooden masterpiece one day, watch water puppets splash to life in Hanoi the next.
The best part? Kids see that culture isn’t about being bored in a museum – it’s about stories, traditions, and meeting real people.
Why Not Go Beyond the Usual?
After years of being just under the radar, Vietnam is now thriving as a tourism destination. Visa-free policies and increasing flight connectivity make the country easier to reach than ever.
Sure, all-inclusives in Spain and Greece have their perks – sunshine, cocktails, and water slides. But a family trip to Vietnam is deeper, richer, and endlessly surprising. Think ancient streets humming with scooters, the scent of lemongrass in the air, noodles sizzling in street stalls, and bursts of colour, sound and flavour around every corner.
Not only is Vietnam now a well established travel destination, you can rest assured that we work closely with long-standing local operators that we trust – ensuring you and your family can enjoy your travels with confidence and peace of mind.
Family adventures in Vietnam aren’t just about where you go – they’re about who you become along the way.
As our co-founder Simon reflects on his family journey through Vietnam, he sums it up perfectly:
“Vietnam is loud, colourful, and full of life. The kids adapted beautifully, and the friendly local people made it all feel safe and welcoming.”
Ready to go Beyond? Get in touch with our Vietnam Travel Specialists to discuss your plans.