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So you want to take the family to Vietnam, huh? Great choice. Vietnam offers an intoxicating blend of natural beauty, culture, food, and adventure that both kids and parents will love. The key is finding the right balance between keeping the little ones safe and comfortable while also ensuring everyone gets a taste of the real Vietnam. The good news is with some planning and the right mindset, you absolutely can have an amazing family adventure in Vietnam.
This article will give you the tips and tricks for navigating Vietnam with kids. We'll show you how to handle health and safety, choose family-friendly accommodation and transport, find kid-approved activities, and deal with culture shock. Vietnam is an incredibly rewarding destination for families who go in with realistic expectations. Follow our advice and you'll be slurping pho, exploring jungles, and making memories to last a lifetime before you know it. The adventure of a lifetime awaits - Vietnam style!
Planning ahead is key to a smooth family trip
Do your research. Learn about destinations, transportation options, and entry requirements for Vietnam. Double-check that your kids' passports are valid for at least 6 months before your trip.
Book hotels in advance. Look for family-friendly hotels, especially in major cities. Kid-friendly amenities like pools, playgrounds, or kid clubs are ideal. Make sure your room has space for a crib or extra bed if needed.
Consider a guided tour. For families with young kids, a guided tour takes the stress out of logistics and transport. Look for tours geared toward families that visit kid-friendly spots. Private tours also give flexibility.
Pack essentials. Bring kid-friendly snacks, hand wipes, diapers or pull-ups, medicine, and small toys. The heat and humidity mean light, breathable clothing, swimsuits, and sandals. Don't forget sun protection!
Give kids time to rest. While there's so much to experience in Vietnam, little ones will appreciate downtime. Schedule breaks to recharge, especially if doing multi-day tours. Kids will enjoy hotel pools, playgrounds, and kid clubs.
Travel between destinations. Domestic flights are convenient, but for shorter trips, consider trains or buses. Overnight trains have beds so you can rest, and buses are budget-friendly. Just bring snacks, activities, wipes, and portable chargers.
With some advance planning, Vietnam can be an amazing, rewarding experience for the whole family. Balancing adventure and convenience will help make cherished memories that will last a lifetime. By anticipating needs and scheduling downtime, you'll all enjoy the vibrant culture, natural scenery, and delicious food that Vietnam has to offer.
Choose Child-Friendly Accommodations
When traveling to Vietnam with kids, choosing accommodations that cater to children will make your life so much easier. Look for places that offer:
Family rooms: Get a room with two double beds or a king bed plus a sofa bed. Some hotels offer adjoining rooms with a connecting door, giving you and the kids your own space.
Kid-friendly amenities: A pool, playground, kids club, or babysitting services are ideal. Some resorts even have water slides, game rooms, and daily kids’ activities. Your little ones will love it!
Convenient location: Stay close to attractions you plan to visit. Look for hotels within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and parks. The less time spent commuting, the happier your kids will be.
Budget-friendly: As a family, costs add up quickly. Aim for 3- or 4-star hotels that offer good value. Check sites like Booking.com, Hotels.com, or Expedia for deals and discounts.
Safety: Make sure any pools, balconies, or playgrounds meet proper safety standards. Check reviews to ensure the hotel has a kid-safe environment and that any cribs, high chairs, playpens, or strollers provided are clean, secure, and age-appropriate for your children.
With some research, you can find accommodations in Vietnam that keep kids comfortable while still giving you a memorable trip. Focus on convenience, safety, budget, and fun - your whole family will appreciate it! By choosing the right place to stay, you’ll be able to relax and truly enjoy this exciting destination.
Focus on Safety and Hygiene
When traveling to Vietnam with kids, focusing on safety and hygiene is key. The unfamiliar environment, food, and lack of certain amenities can increase the risks of illness or injury. However, with some precautions, you can have an amazing trip without worry.
Vaccinations
Make sure your whole family is up to date on routine vaccinations like MMR, DTaP, flu, etc. before the trip. You should also discuss Vietnam-specific immunizations with your doctor, such as hepatitis A, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis. Getting the necessary shots will protect against diseases that are more common in Vietnam.
Hand washing
Reinforce the importance of frequent hand washing, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and if anyone has been ill. Pack hand sanitizer, baby wipes, and any other hygiene products you may need. Wash hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds to kill germs.
Food safety
Only drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes, tap water, and drinks with ice. Make sure any dairy products have been properly refrigerated. When eating street food or at restaurants, look for popular, busy places with high turnover to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. If anyone does get sick, stay hydrated and consider taking probiotics or over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms. See a doctor for severe or persistent issues.
Transportation
When taking taxis, or cyclos with the kids, choose a reputable company and child-friendly vehicle. Always wear seatbelts and helmets for safety. For longer trips, consider booking a private driver or tour to minimize risks.
By taking a few preventative measures, you can have a fun, memorable trip to Vietnam with your whole family. Focusing on health, safety, and hygiene will give you peace of mind so you can sit back, relax and truly enjoy this amazing country. The rewards of experiencing a new culture with your kids far outweigh any risks when you go prepared.
Opt for Convenience When Needed
Traveling with kids in Vietnam requires balancing adventure and convenience. While you'll want to experience the culture, navigating crowds and transportation with little ones can be tiring. Don't be afraid to take shortcuts when needed.
Opt for airport transfers
After a long flight, an airport transfer directly to your hotel is worth the cost. Look for kid-friendly options with car seats, snacks, and any amenities to make the ride smooth. This avoids haggling with taxi drivers and cramming into hot, crowded shuttle buses.
Book family-friendly hotels
Choose a hotel with kid perks like pools, playrooms, and children's menus. Having space to unwind and on-site dining options means less time commuting and more time relaxing. Look for places with:
Suites or connecting rooms
Cribs, high chairs, and kid toilet seats
On-call babysitting or childcare services
Kids clubs with activities, crafts, and movie nights
Take breaks when needed
Don't try to pack too much into each day. Take mid-day breaks to recharge, nap, or swim. Keep a flexible itinerary and be willing to split up or skip an activity if the kids get cranky. Some options for downtime include:
Visiting a water park, beach, or pool
Doing a craft project like lantern making or kite flying
Watching a movie in your hotel room
Letting the kids pick out snacks at a local market
While experiencing the thrill of Vietnam is important, convenience and rest are equally so when traveling with little ones. Don't be afraid to slow down and opt for kid-friendly choices along the way. Your family will appreciate the balance, and you'll all enjoy your trip that much more.
Have an Adventure! Kid-Friendly Activities in Vietnam
Vietnam offers plenty of kid-friendly activities for adventure and fun. Here are some options to balance convenience, safety, and excitement.
Explore the countryside
Take a bike tour through rice paddies and small villages. Many companies offer family-friendly bike tours with kid bikes and helmets. This lets you experience the countryside at a leisurely pace. Stop for snacks, interact with locals, and see water buffalo up close!
Visit amusement parks
Amusement parks in Vietnam feature rides, games, and performances for all ages.
Suoi Tien Cultural Amusement Park near Ho Chi Minh City has over 30 rides and attractions including rollercoasters, a 4D theater, a circus, and a water park.
Vinpearl Land on Phu Quoc Island or Nha Trang has thrill rides, a huge water park, mini golf, an arcade, and the world’s longest over-sea cable car.
Take a food tour
A food tour is a great way for kids to try lots of new flavors in a fun, guided setting. Many tours are very kid-friendly.
Hanoi Street Food Tours has options for families with children. Guides will help choose kid-friendly options and adjust spice levels. A fun cultural experience for all!
Saigon Street Eats in Ho Chi Minh City runs a family food tour with games, activities, and kid-approved snacks along the way. A perfect introduction to Vietnamese cuisine for little ones.
Visit a water puppet show
Water puppetry is a unique Vietnamese art form. Shows feature colorful puppets dancing and choreographing over a pool of water. It’s entertaining for all ages.
With the right mix of activities tailored to your family’s interests, Vietnam can be an incredibly rewarding destination for an adventure with the little ones. The key is balancing exciting outings with downtime, convenience, and safety. With this in mind, Vietnam with kids can be the trip of a lifetime!
Conclusion
So there you have it, a few tips to help you navigate Vietnam with little ones in tow. While it may require a bit more planning to account for naps, snacks, and shorter attention spans, Vietnam can be an incredibly rewarding family adventure. Focus on the highlights, don't try to do too much, build in downtime, and be flexible. Embrace the chaos and just go with the flow. Your kids will love experiencing the vibrant culture, exotic food, and natural wonders of this fascinating country. And you'll return home with memories to last a lifetime, passports stamped, and a sense of accomplishment at tackling an adventure in Vietnam as a family. The rewards of stepping out of your comfort zone and exposing your kids to a place so culturally different are well worth any challenges along the way. Take a deep breath and take the plunge - you've got this! Now start planning your family trip of a lifetime. Xin chào Vietnam!
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