Enjoying a bánh mì at Bến Thành Night Market - check!

Snapping that must-have photo on Hanoi Train Street - check!

Slurping down a steaming bowl of phở on a tiny plastic stool - of course!

But let’s be real - if your family trip is just about ticking off the usual tourist spots, you might be missing out on the real Vietnam. Instead of squeezing onto a crowded boat in Ha Long Bay, why not set sail in the quieter, equally breathtaking Lan Ha Bay or Han La Bay? (And yes, those are actual places!)

From hidden gems to hands-on cultural experiences, Vietnam has a treasure trove of family-friendly adventures waiting for you. Let’s dive into the most unique and unforgettable things to do with kids in Vietnam!

Here's a quick video on how you can get your Vietnamese visa quick and easy with Atlys!

1. Stay at a Rural Homestay in Mai Chau

Trade the city’s bustle for the tranquil beauty of Mai Chau, a lush valley where emerald rice fields stretch beneath misty mountains. This peaceful retreat, home to the White Thai ethnic community, offers a deep cultural experience perfect for families. A stay in a traditional stilt house lets you slow down, connect with nature, and experience the warm hospitality of local families.

Why Kids Will Love It:

Room to Run & Play – Let them roam through golden rice fields, chase butterflies, and spot friendly water buffalo.
A Treehouse-Like Stay – Traditional stilt houses feel like a real-life adventure, offering cozy comfort with scenic views.
Hands-On Learning – Kids can try their hand at cooking local dishes, weaving crafts, or even helping with rice harvesting.

How to Get There:

By Bus: A 3–4 hour ride from Hanoi, costing 150,000–200,000 VND ($6–8) per person. Buses depart from My Dinh or Giap Bat stations.
By Private Car: A more comfortable, direct option costing around 1.5 million VND ($65)—ideal for families.
By Motorbike: Adventurous families can rent one for about 150,000 VND ($6), but be prepared for winding roads.

Best Time to Visit:

November–April: Cool, dry weather makes it perfect for outdoor activities.
September–October: The rice fields turn golden, creating breathtaking scenery for photos and exploration.

2. Explore Hoi An’s Craft Villages

Hoi An isn’t just about lantern-lit streets and ancient architecture - it’s also a paradise for kids who love hands-on activities. Just beyond the town, traditional craft villages have been perfecting their skills for centuries, making them the perfect place to learn, create, and have fun. From shaping clay pots to watching master woodworkers in action, every moment here is an opportunity to bring history to life.

Why Kids Will Love It:

Clay Creations in Thanh Ha Pottery Village – Kids can roll up their sleeves, mold their own clay pots, and see how traditional pottery is made using ancient techniques.
Woodworking Wonders in Kim Bong Carpentry Village – Watch artisans carve intricate wooden boats, sculptures, and furniture - some of which are used in Hoi An’s iconic architecture.
Scenic Cycling Adventures – Ride past lush rice fields, spot water buffalo grazing, and soak in the countryside charm at your own pace.

How to Get There:

By Boat: A 10-minute boat ride from Hoi An to Kim Bong Carpentry Village, costing around 20,000 VND ($0.80) per person.
By Bicycle: Rent a bike for about 30,000 VND ($1.20) and enjoy a leisurely ride through the villages and surrounding landscapes.

Best Time to Visit:

February–April: Cool, pleasant weather makes exploring and cycling more enjoyable.

3. Explore Hue’s Abandoned Water Park – A Real-Life Adventure

For families with a sense of adventure, Hue’s Thuy Tien Lake Water Park is an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path experience. Once a lively amusement park, it’s now an eerie, overgrown playground where nature has reclaimed the land. With its giant dragon sculpture looming over the lake, empty pools, and hidden graffiti-covered structures, the park feels like a scene from a fantasy adventure. It's perfect for curious explorers and thrill-seekers alike.

Why Kids Will Love It:

Climb Inside a Giant Dragon – Ascend the spiral staircase into the dragon’s mouth for a breathtaking view over the lake.
A Real-Life Treasure Hunt – Navigate through abandoned water slides, overgrown pathways, and hidden graffiti artworks.
Jungle Meets Amusement Park – Watch nature reclaim the space, turning this once-bustling park into a unique, mysterious playground.

How to Get There:

By Taxi/Grab: A 10-15 minute ride from Hue city costs around 100,000-120,000 VND ($4-5).
By Motorbike: Rent one for 150,000 VND ($6) per day for an adventurous ride through Hue’s countryside.

Best Time to Visit:

Early morning or late afternoon – The cooler temperatures make exploring more comfortable, and the misty morning air adds to the park’s mystical atmosphere.

While Thuy Tien Lake Water Park is no longer operational, it offers families a rare chance to explore a hidden world where adventure and history collide. Just be sure to wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and embrace the mystery!

4. Weave Colorful Textiles in Zeng Craft Villages

Step into the world of traditional weaving in A Luoi District, where the Ta Oi ethnic group has been creating stunning handwoven textiles for generations. Each intricate pattern tells a story of heritage, passed down through families over centuries. This immersive experience offers families a chance to connect with local artisans and witness the patience and skill behind these beautifully crafted fabrics.

Why Kids Will Love It:

Hands-On Weaving Experience – Try weaving colorful threads on a traditional wooden loom, just like the artisans have for centuries.
Watch Masters at Work – See skilled weavers transform simple threads into stunning textiles, all while sharing the meaning behind their designs.
Bring Home a Unique Souvenir – Pick out a one-of-a-kind handmade fabric—a lasting memory of your journey.

How to Get There:

By Bus: A 30-45 minute ride from Hue costs around 5,000 VND ($0.20) per person.
By Taxi: A more comfortable 20-30 minute ride costs about 150,000 VND ($6).

Best Time to Visit:

Early mornings – This is when artisans begin their weaving for the day, offering the best chance to see their craft in action.

5. Explore Hidden Villages in Ha Giang

For families seeking a true off-the-beaten-path adventure, Ha Giang is a paradise of dramatic limestone peaks, terraced rice fields, and remote ethnic villages untouched by mass tourism. Nestled in northern Vietnam, this region is home to vibrant hill tribes like the Hmong and Tay, who have preserved their way of life for centuries. Staying in a traditional stilt house homestay, sharing meals with local families, and exploring the lively markets make for an immersive cultural experience.

Why Kids Will Love It:

Meeting Friendly Locals: Kids can interact with the Hmong and Tay communities, learning about their unique customs, traditional clothing, and daily routines.

Exploring Bustling Markets: Walk through colorful mountain markets filled with handmade crafts, woven textiles, and local treats like sticky rice and grilled meats.

Scenic Road Trips: Ride a motorbike or hop into a local’s jeep to explore breathtaking landscapes, winding mountain roads, and hidden villages. Every turn unveils stunning valleys, waterfalls, and remote hamlets that feel straight out of a fairytale.

How to Get There:

By Motorbike: Rent one in Ha Giang City (200,000 VND / $8 per day) and embark on the legendary Ha Giang Loop, a thrilling multi-day ride through Vietnam’s most spectacular terrain.

By Bus: Take an overnight sleeper bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang (300,000 VND / $12), then hire a local guide or rent a motorbike for further exploration.

Best Time to Visit:

September–November: Enjoy clear skies, lush landscapes, and golden rice terraces.

March–May: Wildflowers bloom across the mountains, and the weather is mild—perfect for outdoor adventures.

6. Kayak Through Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay is home to over 400 limestone islands and islets, many of which are covered in lush jungle and completely uninhabited. Unlike Halong Bay, most of these islands have pristine white-sand beaches, making it a perfect spot for secluded swimming and relaxation!

Lan Ha Bay is the perfect escape if you’re looking for a peaceful alternative to Halong Bay. Located just south of Halong, this hidden gem boasts limestone karsts, emerald waters, and secluded beaches, but without the overwhelming crowds. Families can spend the day kayaking through quiet lagoons, exploring hidden caves, and soaking in the untouched beauty of Vietnam’s coastline.

Why Kids Will Love It:

Kayaking Through Hidden Caves – Paddle through crystal-clear waters, discovering secret caves and lagoons surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

Spotting Marine Wildlife – Keep an eye out for playful dolphins, colorful fish, and sea eagles soaring above the bay.

Swimming in Secluded Beaches – Take a break on the pristine sandy shores of hidden beaches, perfect for a refreshing dip in calm, shallow waters.

How to Get There:

By Boat Tour: The easiest way to explore Lan Ha Bay is by joining a full-day guided tour from Hanoi (around 1.5 million VND / $65 per person), which includes transport, kayaking, and meals.

By Bus & Ferry: Take a bus from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island (300,000 VND / $12 per person), then hop on a local boat to reach the bay. From Cat Ba, you can rent a kayak or book a half-day trip to explore at your own pace.

Best Time to Visit:

October to April – Enjoy cool, dry weather with calm waters and clear skies—ideal for kayaking and beach activities.

May to September – Expect warmer temperatures and occasional rain, but the bay remains stunning, with fewer tourists.

7. Enjoy Sun & Fun on Phu Quoc Island

For a picture-perfect beach getaway, Phu Quoc Island is an ideal destination. This tropical paradise boasts crystal-clear waters, soft sandy beaches, and plenty of family-friendly activities, from snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs to soaring over the sea in a world-record cable car ride. Whether you want to relax by the shore or seek out adventure, Phu Quoc offers an unforgettable experience for travelers of all ages.

Why Kids Will Love It:

Riding the World’s Longest Cable Car: Hop on the Hon Thom Cable Car, an 8-km ride offering breathtaking aerial views of the turquoise ocean and lush islands.

Beach Time & Water Fun: Phu Quoc’s calm, shallow beaches—like Sao Beach and Long Beach—are perfect for splashing around, sandcastle building, and enjoying the sun.

Thrills at Aquatopia Water Park: Located on Hon Thom Island, this water park is packed with exciting slides, wave pools, and fun water attractions for the whole family.

How to Get There:

By Flight: The fastest way to reach Phu Quoc is by flying from Ho Chi Minh City (1 hour, 1,000,000+ VND / $40+) or Hanoi (2 hours, 1,500,000+ VND / $60+).

By Ferry: Take a speedboat or ferry from Ha Tien or Rach Gia on the mainland (2-3 hours, 300,000 VND / $12) to reach Phu Quoc.

Best Time to Visit:

November to March is the best season, with warm sunshine, clear skies, and calm seas—perfect for beach days and outdoor adventures.

8. Discover the Natural Wonders in Phong Nha

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a paradise for families who love adventure and nature. Home to some of the world’s most incredible caves, lush jungle landscapes, and a peaceful countryside, this UNESCO-listed site offers the perfect mix of exploration and relaxation. Whether you're kayaking through underground rivers or cycling through quiet village roads, Phong Nha is a magical destination for all ages.

Why Kids Will Love It:

Exploring Enchanting Caves: Cruise into Phong Nha Cave or kayak through Dark Cave, where kids can splash in a natural mud bath and zipline into the river.

Biking Through the Countryside: Ride past endless rice fields, water buffalo, and small villages, meeting friendly locals along the way.

Swimming in Crystal-Clear Waters: Cool off in the emerald waters of Mooc Spring or take a dip in the refreshing river near Bong Lai Valley.

How to Get There:

By Flight: Fly to Dong Hoi Airport from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, then take a 45-minute taxi ride to Phong Nha (500,000 VND / $20).

By Train: Take the Reunification Express to Dong Hoi, then a local bus or taxi to Phong Nha.

By Bus: Direct buses from Hanoi (10 hours, 300,000 VND / $12) or Hue (4 hours, 150,000 VND / $6) run daily.

Best Time to Visit:

March to August offers warm, sunny weather, perfect for cave visits and outdoor activities.

Avoid September to November, as heavy rains can lead to flooding inside some caves.

The Best Experiences Happen When You’re Not Looking For Them

Sure, we’ve given you a list of must-visit spots, but this isn’t a rigid itinerary. If you want a trip that truly stays with you, leave room for the unexpected - because the real magic of Vietnam is found in the moments you don’t plan.

Wake up, hop on a motorbike, and follow the road wherever it leads. Maybe you’ll stumble upon a secluded waterfall only the locals know about or share a glass of homemade corn wine with a kind elderly couple (it’s strong, but hey, you only live once).

The key? Let go and embrace the adventure. Because the best souvenirs aren’t things - they’re the stories you’ll tell for years to come.