Vietnam with kids itinerary
The best travel itinerary from south to north Vietnam.
This Vietnam with kids itinerary from south to north was shared by a guest family (Chaymae from @chaymaebzh), who traveled through Vietnam for three weeks. Their experience offers a great additional perspective alongside our own tips and family travel route through Vietnam.
This year, we took a trip to a destination that had long been at the top of our bucket list: Vietnam! From Ho Chi Minh City, we embarked on a three-week journey from the south to the north of this beautiful country. Our trip began with a few rainy days in the south, which was initially disappointing and didn’t quite match the Vietnam we had envisioned. But our perspective quickly changed when we reached the central and northern parts of the country. Here, we were treated to incredibly beautiful nature, delightful weather, and especially the enchanting Vietnamese culture. We had never had so much fun tasting local food as we did here, and we were greeted everywhere with curious smiles.
👉 Also check out our complete Vietnam with kids page, featuring our itinerary and practical tips for planning your own route.
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South Vietnam: The Start of the Journey
South Vietnam may not be the most iconic part of the country, but it’s definitely a great place to start or end your trip. You’ll find a mix of culture, nature, and beaches here, although personally, I wouldn’t spend too much time in the south. In our opinion, the real highlights of Vietnam are mainly found in the central and northern regions.
Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels offer an impressive insight into the Vietnam War. This vast underground network of narrow tunnels was once used by the Viet Cong. You can not only learn more about the history here, but also crawl through part of the tunnels yourself (although they are quite narrow) and see several original wartime structures.
Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta feels completely different from the rest of Vietnam. Here, you’ll cruise by traditional boat through narrow waterways past floating markets, small villages, and houses built on stilts. It’s not about “seeing all the highlights in one place,” but rather about experiencing daily life in this unique region.
Mui Ne
Mui Ne is mainly a place to slow down for a while. Long beaches, plenty of space, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the cities. You can visit the red and white sand dunes here or simply spend a few days unwinding by the sea with fresh seafood and simple beach bars.
Central Vietnam: Culture & Beach
For many travelers, Central Vietnam offers the perfect balance in the itinerary. You’ll find culture, charming cities, and beaches here, without it feeling overly crowded or chaotic.
Hoi An
Hoi An is one of those places where you immediately understand why everyone loves it so much. The old town is small, atmospheric, and especially magical in the evening when all the lanterns light up the streets. During the day, you can wander through the charming alleys, and in the evening, enjoy dinner by the river or grab an ice cream while soaking up the lively atmosphere.
Hue
Hue is a bit quieter and has a more historical feel. Most people come here for the ancient Imperial Citadel and the royal tombs in the surrounding area. It’s not necessarily a place where you’ll spend many days, but it’s definitely worth visiting if you want to experience more of Vietnam’s history.
Ba Na Hills and My Son Sanctuary in Da Nang
Da Nang is a great base for exploring this region. From here, you can visit Ba Na Hills, home to the famous Golden Bridge, or head to My Son Sanctuary, where you’ll find ancient temples surrounded by nature. Both are completely different experiences, but definitely worth adding to your itinerary if you’re already in the area.
North Vietnam: Nature & Highlights
For many travelers, Northern Vietnam is the most impressive part of the country. This is where you’ll find the landscapes Vietnam is famous for: rice fields, limestone mountains, and small local villages.
Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is one of those places where you should simply hop on a bike and explore without a plan. You can take a boat ride through the caves of Trang An, watch limestone cliffs rise dramatically from the water, and discover the area in many different ways. Despite its beauty, it often feels calmer and more spacious than you’d expect.
Halong Bay
Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most famous destinations, and for good reason. The bay, filled with thousands of limestone islands, is truly breathtaking — especially if you spend a night on a boat. That overnight experience feels completely different from doing a quick day trip.
Hanoi
Hanoi is busy, vibrant, and sometimes a little overwhelming — but that’s all part of the experience. In the Old Quarter, there’s always something happening: from street food and local markets to scooters weaving through the narrow streets. It’s the kind of city that takes a moment to adjust to, but one you won’t easily forget.
Sapa
Sapa is the mountainous region in the north and feels completely different from the rest of Vietnam. People come here for the rice terraces, traditional villages, and stunning views. Keep in mind, though, that the weather and overall atmosphere can vary greatly depending on the season, so it may not always look like the “perfect picture” you often see online.
Vietnam is one of those countries you can’t describe with just one feeling. It’s busy and peaceful at the same time, chaotic yet beautiful, sometimes exhausting but also incredibly special. And that unique combination is exactly what makes it such a wonderful destination to explore with children.
Wil je je rondreis naar Vietnam meteen gaan plannen?
Bij het plannen van je reis naar Vietnam zijn er verschillende manieren om je verblijf en activiteiten te boeken. Als je graag zelf alles regelt, kun je via Booking.com eenvoudig accommodaties vinden die passen bij jouw wensen. Voor unieke excursies en tours is GetYourGuide een uitstekende keuze. Wil je liever alles in één keer geregeld hebben? Dan biedt TUI complete pakketten aan voor een zorgeloze vakantie. Ben je op zoek naar meer flexibiliteit en wil je je reis op maat samenstellen? Kijk dan eens bij Riksja, waar je met bouwstenen je eigen ideale reis kunt samenstellen.
Nog aan het oriënteren voor een kindvriendelijke vakantie? Op onze homepage vind je een overzicht van populaire bestemmingen voor gezinnen.
About Chaymae
We are Chaymae, Redouan, Zayd (7), and Amaani (4), a Moroccan/Belgian family that takes every opportunity to travel now that our oldest is of school age. Since last year, I have made my private Instagram account public with the aim of inspiring parents to travel (more) with their children. I believe that traveling is something that can never be taken away! The memories, the experiences, and a broader perspective on the world.
Our dream is to leave Belgium for an extended period. Whether it will be a world trip or emigration remains to be seen in the future. Follow Chaymae on Instagram: @chaymaebzh
