Visa & Entry Requirements for Families Visiting Vietnam
✅ Visa Exemption for Europeans
Citizens of countries like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Russia, Japan, South Korea, and Belarus can enter Vietnam visa‑free for up to 45 days for tourism or business purposes Vietnam Airlines+2vietnambotschaft.org+2Odynovo Tours+2.
Requirements:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Minimum one blank visa page
- Proof of onward or return travel may be required at immigration Evisa Vietnam+11Vietnam Visa+11My Vietnam Visa+11vietnambotschaft.org
📍 Phu Quoc Visa Policy
All foreign visitors can enter Phu Quoc Island without a visa for up to 30 days, even if other parts of Vietnam require a visa. This exemption applies as long as you arrive directly to Phu Quoc from abroad or from another Vietnamese airport Odynovo Tours.
🧒 Entry Rules for Children & Infants
- If your child has their own passport, they must have an individual e‑Visa or visa—age doesn’t impact the requirement Evisa Vietnam+5Vietnam Visa+5EZ Holdings+5.
- If children are listed on a parent’s passport (older formats permitted), they can be included in the family e‑Visa application as a dependent EZ Holdings.
📝 Applying for a Visa or e‑Visa
Vietnam e‑Visa is available to citizens of all nationalities for trips up to 90 days (single entry $25 USD; multiple entry $50 USD) WikipediaU.S. Embassy Vietnam.
Apply online via the official Vietnam e‑Visa portal. Submit your passport photo, upload documents, and pay by credit/debit card Evisa VietnamMy Vietnam VisaU.S. Embassy Vietnam.
💡 Pro Tips for Families
- Apply at least one week before departure to avoid processing delays.
- Ensure all passports (adults and children) are valid for at least six months and have at least one blank page.
- Bring copies of return or onward tickets if you’re entering under visa‑free status.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam with Kids?
Vietnam spans over 1,600 km from north to south, which means the weather varies greatly by region. Choosing the right season can make all the difference for a smooth and enjoyable family trip.
☀️ North Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay)
- Best time: March–April (mild spring weather) and September–November (cool, dry autumn)
- Why it’s great for kids: Pleasant temperatures and clear skies—ideal for outdoor activities like hiking in Sapa or cruising Ha Long Bay
- Avoid: December–February – cold, damp winters in the north can be uncomfortable for younger children
🌤️ Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang)
- Best time: April–August – long sunny days and calm seas
- Why it’s great for kids: Beach-friendly weather in Da Nang and Hoi An; fewer storms
- Avoid: October–November – peak rainy season brings frequent downpours and flooding
🌴 South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, Mekong Delta)
- Best time: December–April – dry and sunny with little rain
- Why it’s great for kids: Warm but not too hot—perfect for island escapes and floating markets
- Avoid: May–October – rainy season with high humidity and short, heavy showers
👨👩👧👦 Ideal Family Travel Window
For the best weather across all regions, plan your trip between November and April. This timeframe avoids both the northern cold and the southern rains, giving families the most flexibility.
Family-Friendly Vietnam Itineraries
Planning a trip to Vietnam with kids? Whether you’re looking for a two-week adventure or a longer, in-depth journey, these itineraries are designed with families in mind—balancing culture, nature, relaxation, and fun.
🇻🇳 Option 1: 15-Day North to South Family Adventure
A classic itinerary that covers Vietnam’s greatest hits with family-friendly activities at every stop.
Days 1–2: Hanoi
- Explore the Old Quarter by cyclo
- Watch a traditional Water Puppet Show
- Join a fun and safe street food tour
Day 3: Ninh Binh
- Take a scenic sampan ride through rice paddies and caves in Tam Coc
- Visit Bich Dong Pagoda or Mua Cave viewpoint
Days 4–5: Ha Long Bay
- Enjoy an overnight cruise with family cabins
- Try kayaking and explore hidden lagoons
Day 6: Fly to Hue
Days 7–8: Hue
- Visit the Imperial Citadel
- Take a dragon boat ride on the Perfume River
- Explore royal tombs and quiet countryside
Days 9–11: Hoi An
- Chill at An Bang Beach
- Try a lantern-making workshop
- Take a family cooking class
Day 12: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Days 13–14: Mekong Delta
- Boat tour through the canals
- Visit a coconut candy workshop
- Explore a floating market (like Cai Rang or Cai Be)
Day 15: Return to Ho Chi Minh City
- Last-minute shopping or visit a kid-friendly museum before your flight home
🌟 Option 2: 21-Day Vietnam Discovery (Best for Older Kids & Teens)
A deeper and more active journey—great for families with adventurous teens or curious tweens.
Add These to the 15-Day Itinerary:
🧭 Sapa (3–4 days)
- Trek through rice terraces
- Sleep in a hill tribe homestay
- Experience Hmong and Dao culture
🚴 Mai Chau (2 days)
- Bike around peaceful villages and green valleys
- Visit local stilt houses
- Try a traditional dance performance
🏝️ Phu Quoc Island (3–4 days)
- Snorkel or scuba dive
- Relax on family-friendly beaches
- Visit the VinWonders amusement park or Safari Zoo
Best Things to Do in Vietnam with Kids (By Region)
Vietnam offers an incredible variety of kid-friendly experiences—from cultural workshops and hands-on farming to island fun and adventure parks. Here’s a regional breakdown of the top activities your children will love:
🏙️ Hanoi
- 🎭 Water Puppet Show – A magical introduction to Vietnamese folklore
- 🎨 Bat Trang Pottery Village – Try pottery-making with local artisans
- 🚲 Cyclo rides in the Old Quarter – Safe, fun, and full of charm
🏞️ Sapa & Pu Luong
- 🏡 Homestays in ethnic villages – Learn about Hmong and Thai cultures
- 🌾 Rice harvesting & nature walks – Great for older kids to connect with nature
⛵ Ha Long Bay
- 🚢 Overnight junk boat cruise – Family cabins, kayaking, island visits
- 🎣 Squid fishing at night – A fun, memorable experience for all ages
🎨 Hoi An
- 🏮 Lantern-making workshop – Creative and colorful hands-on activity
- 🌱 Farming in Tra Que village – Ride buffaloes, water crops, and make rice paper
- 🏺 Pottery in Thanh Ha village – Spin your own ceramic souvenir
🎢 Da Nang
- 🎡 Ba Na Hills Theme Park – Cable car, French village, Alpine coaster, and more
- 🏖️ My Khe Beach – Clean, family-friendly beach for swimming and sand play
👑 Hue
- 📸 Dress up as royal family – Fun photo shoot in traditional costumes
- 🏯 Explore tombs & the Imperial Citadel – History comes alive for older kids
🏙️ Ho Chi Minh City
- 👘 Ao Dai Museum – Try on Vietnam’s national costume and explore fashion history
- 🛍️ Markets & War Remnants Museum – Best for teens (museum content is intense but educational)
🚤 Mekong Delta
- 🛶 Floating markets (e.g., Cai Rang) – See how locals shop on the water
- 🍍 Fruit orchard tastings – Delicious and interactive
- 🚣 Ride local sampans – Gentle boat rides through jungle canals
🏝️ Phu Quoc Island
- 🎠 VinWonders & Vinpearl Safari – Vietnam’s largest theme park and open-zoo
- 🌿 Pepper & bee farms – Educational stops between beach outings
- 🏖️ Relax at Sao Beach – Calm waters perfect for little swimmers
- Getting Around Vietnam with Children
Traveling in Vietnam with kids can be smooth and even fun when you choose the right transport. Here are the best family-friendly options:
🚗 Grab & Be Ride-Hailing Apps
- Available in major cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City
- Book cars with car seats or larger vehicles for families
- Reliable, air-conditioned, and affordable
👨✈️ Private Driver
- Ideal for intercity travel or day trips (e.g., Hue to Hoi An)
- Offers flexibility, comfort, and safer travel with children
- Many hotels and tour agencies can arrange English-speaking drivers
✈️ Domestic Flights
- Save time on long distances (e.g., Hanoi ↔️ Da Nang ↔️ Ho Chi Minh City)
- Family-friendly airports with baby changing stations and waiting lounges
- Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways offer better in-flight service for families
🚆 Trains (Especially Night Trains)
- A unique way to travel with older kids
- Sleeper cabins available with bunk beds—fun and cozy
- Popular routes: Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai), or Hue to Da Nang along the scenic coast
Getting Around Vietnam with Children
Traveling in Vietnam with kids can be smooth and even fun when you choose the right transport. Here are the best family-friendly options:
🚗 Grab & Be Ride-Hailing Apps
- Available in major cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City
- Book cars with car seats or larger vehicles for families
- Reliable, air-conditioned, and affordable
👨✈️ Private Driver
- Ideal for intercity travel or day trips (e.g., Hue to Hoi An)
- Offers flexibility, comfort, and safer travel with children
- Many hotels and tour agencies can arrange English-speaking drivers
✈️ Domestic Flights
- Save time on long distances (e.g., Hanoi ↔️ Da Nang ↔️ Ho Chi Minh City)
- Family-friendly airports with baby changing stations and waiting lounges
- Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways offer better in-flight service for families
🚆 Trains (Especially Night Trains)
- A unique way to travel with older kids
- Sleeper cabins available with bunk beds—fun and cozy
- Popular routes: Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai), or Hue to Da Nang along the scenic coast
Vaccines & Health Tips for Traveling in Vietnam with Kids
Staying healthy on the road is essential—especially when traveling with children. Here’s what families should know before and during their trip:
💉 Recommended Vaccines
While no vaccines are mandatory for entry, the following are highly recommended for travel in Vietnam, especially for longer stays or rural visits:
- Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid
- Japanese Encephalitis (for extended rural travel or in rainy season)
- Tetanus (ensure boosters are up to date)
👉 Consult your doctor or travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure.
🧰 Family Health Kit Essentials
Pack a compact, travel-ready health kit including:
- Insect repellent (with DEET or picaridin)
- Plasters (band-aids) & antiseptic cream
- Oral rehydration salts (especially useful in tropical climates)
- Thermometer
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen (child and adult forms)
- Sunscreen & after-sun lotion
- Antiseptic wipes or hand sanitizer
💊 Pharmacies & Medical Care
- Pharmacies are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Staff may speak basic English.
- International clinics exist in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang with English-speaking doctors.
- Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended, especially for families.
Budgeting for a Family Trip to Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the most affordable family travel destinations in Asia, offering great value without compromising on comfort or experience.
💰 Estimated Daily Budget (Per Family of 4):
- Budget travel: $50–$80/day
- Mid-range travel: $100–$180/day
- Comfort/luxury travel: $200+/day
🍜 Food & Dining
- Street food meals: $1–$3 per person (banh mi, pho, fried rice)
- Mid-range restaurants: $5–$15 per person
- Western or resort dining: $15–$30 per person
🏨 Accommodation
- Budget hotels/guesthouses: $20–$40/night (with family rooms)
- Mid-range hotels: $40–$80/night (2–3 star with pool or breakfast)
- Family resorts: $80–$150+/night (especially in beach destinations like Phu Quoc or Da Nang)
🚗 Transportation
- Grab/taxi rides in cities: $2–$5
- Domestic flights: $30–$70 per person (one-way)
- Train (overnight cabin): $20–$40 per person
- Private driver for the day: $60–$100/day
🎟️ Tours & Activities
- Local guided tours: $10–$25/person
- Private day tours: $40–$80/family
- Theme park tickets (e.g., VinWonders): ~$20–$35/person
Packing Essentials for Kids
Smart packing can make all the difference when traveling with children in Vietnam. Here’s a quick checklist to keep the whole family comfortable and entertained:
👕 Clothing & Accessories
- Lightweight, breathable clothes (cotton or linen)
- A light jacket or sweater for cooler nights (especially in the North)
- Swimwear & quick-dry towels
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- Sunhats & sunglasses
🧴 Sun & Hygiene Protection
- Kid-friendly sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Reusable water bottles (stay hydrated!)
- Wet wipes & hand sanitizer
- Bug spray (especially for rural areas or evening outings)
- Small travel towel or tissue packs
🎒 Entertainment & Comfort
- Travel games, coloring books, storybooks
- Tablet or headphones for long journeys
- Favorite stuffed animal or bedtime item
- Snacks: granola bars, fruit pouches, crackers
- Small backpack for each child to carry essentials
Safety Tips: What to Do If a Child Gets Lost in Vietnam
Being prepared can make all the difference. Here’s how to ensure your child stays safe and can get help quickly if separated:
🧍 Teach Them to Stay Put
Let your child know that if they get lost, they should stop and stay where they are. This makes it easier for you to find them quickly.
📇 Provide Contact Info
Before going out each day, give them a small card or wristband with:
- Parent’s name
- Local phone number (with country code)
- Hotel name and address (in Vietnamese and English)
🧑✈️ Identify Trusted Adults
Teach your child to approach uniformed staff, such as police officers, hotel workers, or shopkeepers, if they need help.
🎭 Practice the Scenario
Before your trip—or early on—role-play what to do if they get lost: who to talk to, what to say, and how to show their ID card.
Should You Use a Travel Agency for Vietnam Family Travel?
While it’s entirely possible to plan your own Vietnam adventure, traveling with children adds layers of complexity—timing, comfort, safety, and flexibility all matter more.
Here’s why many families opt for a travel agency:
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Itineraries
Agencies can tailor trips around nap times, short attention spans, and family interests—from beach breaks to hands-on cultural workshops.
🚗 Safe & Hassle-Free Transport
No need to navigate hectic streets or decode public transport. Agencies provide private cars with child seats, reliable drivers, and smooth airport transfers.
🏨 Family-Approved Hotels
They’ll book spacious rooms, kid-friendly amenities, and hotels with pools or play areas—saving you hours of research.
📞 24/7 Local Support
If anything goes wrong—delays, sickness, lost luggage—you have a local team on call to help immediately.
Final Thoughts: Why Vietnam is Perfect for Families
Vietnam is one of the most kid-friendly destinations in Asia. With its warm hospitality, diverse landscapes, safe environment, and affordable travel options, it offers something special for every member of the family. Whether your kids love adventure, crafts, beaches, or local foods, Vietnam will leave your family with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
