Travel Vietnam with Kids: A Family Travel Guide for US citizens

Traveling to Vietnam as a family can be a deeply worthwhile experience, especially for US citizens looking to explore a destination that is both culturally rich and surprisingly family-friendly. Vietnam, a small Southeast Asia country, is popular for its splendid landscapes, openhearted people, and reasonable living costs, making it a great choice for parents who want to give their children a sense of global adventure without headaches while still saving money.

Although it may not seem like an obvious family vacation destination, Vietnam has grown increasingly popular among families from the United States. Travel Vietnam with kids is more and more common with American families where they can enjoy a safe, fun, and memorable trip filled with wonderful discovery and warm local connection. Let’s take a look at the article of full guide for US families visiting Vietnam with kids below.

Obtain a Vietnam visa for US citizens

For families based in the U.S., the first step to visiting Vietnam is understanding the Vietnam visa process. Once travelling with kids, if your kid owns a separate passport, it means they are required to get a Vietnam visa in their passport as well.

Fortunately, American passport holders are eligible for a Vietnam eVisa, which simplifies the paperwork and entry requirements. With this visa type, applicants can enter the country via one of the Vietnam eVisa checkpoints at airports, land ports or seaports based on their plan, not limited like the previous Vietnam visa on arrival. Not only that, Vietnam eVisa application can be completed online through Vietnam’s official government website and get the result online. They finally just need to print it out to present upon arrival in Vietnam which is much more convenient and time-saving.  

For the requirements, fee, and application process of Vietnam visa for US citizens, check here for details.

Is Vietnam expensive for US families travelling with kids?

One of Vietnam’s biggest draws for American families is the budget-friendly the country is. On average, for a family of four, daily expenses can be surprisingly low while still enjoying quality services with the costs estimated below.

• Accommodation in three-star hotels or vacation rentals can cost as little as $30 to $100 per night, depending on the city and season.
• Meals at local restaurants or street food stalls often total around $20 to $40 a day.
• Transportation can be $20 to $40 which is efficient and low-cost.
• Attractions fares such as museums, boat rides, and entry fees are generally inexpensive or even free for children.

The fee of course can be varied from families because of different living styles and this is just estimated costs. However, with careful planning, a family can travel in Vietnam on a budget of $70 to $200 per day, which makes it a very accessible destination compared to many other destinations all over the world.

Why visiting Vietnam with your kids?

Undoubtedly, Vietnam is remarkably family-oriented, and great destinations for kids. The warm and welcoming attitude from locals never disappoint any travellers and this do help kids feel more comfortable in a foreign country, making the transition to a different culture much smoother.

With a long terrain from the North to the South, every city and province of Vietnam varies from bustling cities to tranquil beaches which allow the country satisfy specials for every age group. For families looking to spend two full weeks in Vietnam, a well-customized itinerary could include the following.

• Flight to Hanoi and start your trip from this capital city for 03 days to explore the historic Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, parks, museums, kid-approved cafes and cultural shows like traditional water puppet, Tonkin show, etc.
• Next, head to Ha Long Bay for a 02-day cruise and activities like kayaking, cooking classes, and cave tours, then followed by 02 days in Ninh Binh for a peaceful retreat at Mua Cave or riding boat through rice paddies and ancient pagodas.
• Fly South to Da Nang, where you can spend 03 days enjoying the beach, visit magnificence at attractions like the Marble Mountains and Sun World Ba Na Hills. Specially, families with kids shouldn’t miss visiting bicycle-friendly ancient town Hoi An nearby. During the time in Hoi An, remember to take part in lantern-making workshops, take boat rides on the river, and visit local markets here. Moreover, beaches like An Bang offer calm waters and plenty of beachfront cafes where parents can relax while children play with the sand.
• Then, fly to Ho Chi Minh City for the final 04 days of your trip, including visiting War Remnants Museum or the Independence Palace, a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels and a boat tour of the Mekong Delta. This itinerary mixes the urban excitement where kids can involve in historical discovery and enjoy natural beauty of a lush region of rivers, floating markets, and fruit orchards.

Vietnam travel tips for families with kids

While Vietnam is a safe and interesting place for your kids, parents will need to keep a few practical things in mind.

• Light packing: don’t forget to take lightweight, breathable clothes, sunscreen, and insect repellent due to Vietnam’s tropical climate where the humidity and temperature is a bit higher than your country.
• A small first aid kit: if your kids need to take special medical treatment, makes sure to bring enough medicines. An aid kit is also is essential for maintaining health, hygiene, and safety in emergencies.
• Don’t rush: Although you want to explore every angle of every place in Vietnam, pay take care of your kids’ speed. Traveling with kids means embracing flexibility. Therefore, while it may be tempting to pack every cultural attraction into your itinerary, downtime is just as important. Pay attention to the weather, especially in the summer, allow them for afternoon rests or leisurely meals so they can be always in a good status.
• Choose right accommodation: Family-friendly hotels or homestay are widely available across Vietnam, offering spacious rooms, child beds, swimming pools, and even babysitting services. As a result, parents can check via Booking.com or Airbnb for the most suitable options.
• Transportation: Use Grab, Be or Xanh SM app if you are travelling between places in a city. While overnight buses and trains are common among backpackers to move between cities and provinces, they may not be ideal for families with kids. Instead, parents should consider taking domestic flights between major cities. Some local airlines like VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways offer frequent and affordable flights, but delays also occur, so just well be prepared.
• Vietnam eSIM: buying a local eSIM card for connectivity. Check for details of Vietnam eSIM.
• Best time to wander around: get up early in the morning to visit popular attractions avoid the heat and crowds.
• Best places to eat: When choosing where to eat, follow the locals. Look for busy street stalls or family-run restaurants as they tend to offer fresh and safe food and the food is much closer to the local style.

For American families considering Vietnam, it’s worth noting that the country’s tourism infrastructure is improving rapidly, especially for international travelers. Vietnam is a stunning tourist hub, of which its culture is rich but accessible, the food is delicious, and the pace of life allows families to both explore and relax. As a result, traveling with kids can open their eyes to a world vastly different from their own. While it may require a bit more preparation than a trip to a theme park or beach resort, the rewards are far greater. In case you want more assistance in planning your Vietnam trip, don’t hesitate to contact us directly via Hotline/ WhatsApp/ Viber/ Zalo +84 86 517 8972, OR email sales@vmetravel.net.