Vietnam with Kids: Your Ultimate Family Adventure Guide

Vietnam has always been a part of me. My parents were born there, and while I was born and raised in the U.S., I was surrounded by the food, stories, and culture, especially living so close to Little Saigon in California. I studied abroad for a college semester in Hanoi, spent a summer learning Vietnamese in Ho Chi Minh City, and even dragged my then-boyfriend (now husband) on a two-week adventure just to show him why I loved it so much.

But this trip was different - I came back as a mom, with a 1.5-year-old and a 3.5-year-old in tow. It wasn’t just another vacation, it felt like a homecoming - only this time, with carriers, snack breaks, and tiny travel buddies along for the ride.

So, is Vietnam actually kid-friendly? Totally - seeing Vietnam through my children’s eyes gave me a whole new perspective of the country.

Why Vietnam with Kids?

Vietnam offers that perfect blend of adventure and relaxation that every parent dreams of. The locals absolutely adore children, the food is incredible (and surprisingly kid-friendly), and there are activities that will keep your little ones entertained while you actually get to enjoy your vacation.

Plus, your dollar stretches way further here than most vacation destinations.

Unique Places to Visit in Vietnam with Kids

I'm talking about places where your kids can feed koi fish while you sip coffee in peace, watch actual dragons breathe fire (yes, really!), and play in ball pits while you enjoy a hot meal. I know it sounds too good to be true, but I promise these places actually exist!

King Koi Coffee in Ho Chi Minh City, VN

Picture this: you're sipping perfectly brewed Vietnamese coffee while your kids are absolutely mesmerized by colorful koi fish swimming around your table. Every single table at Koi Garden Coffee is surrounded by water and koi fish!

Your children can feed the fish (you can buy the fish food there), which honestly kept my toddlers occupied for a solid 30 minutes. Meanwhile, I got to enjoy my coffee and some appetizers without anyone having a meltdown.

It's like someone designed this place specifically for parents who just want five minutes of peace.

Cầu Nghiêng Quán Ball Pit Restaurant in Phan Rang, VN

Before we came to Vietnam, I used Instagram reels of this place to hype up my toddler and get her excited about the trip. Let me tell you – it totally delivered on every single promise those videos made.

Located at Phan Rang–Tháp Chàm, Cầu Nghiêng Quán restaurant is every parent's dream come true. There's an indoor playground with slides and a ball pit encased in huge windows inside the middle of the restaurant.

Your kids can play happily while you actually get to enjoy a hot meal (you know how rare that is!). You can still keep an eye on them through the windows, but they're contained and entertained. To top it off, the food was really good! Don’t skip out on the goat curry.

See what this ball pit restaurant looks like in this reel.

Aquatopia Water Park in Phu Quoc, VN

This water park was amazing in that it had so many different kinds of water slides, including thrill rides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. You can see water in all its forms here! My favorite was relaxing in the red swim tube on the lazy river, while my 3-year old daughter loved the splash pads, water playgrounds, and the wave pool.

This water park boasts over 20 water slides and attractions for all ages. But here's the cool part – it's located on Hon Thom Island, accessible via the world's longest sea-crossing cable car.

The cable car ride itself becomes part of the adventure! My daughter was glued to the windows the entire time, and honestly, the ride makes you feel like you're traveling to your own private island (which you basically are!).

For more ideas in Phu Quoc, Vietnam, check out my guide: Best Things To Do in Phu Quoc with Toddlers and Little Kids.

Grandworld in Phu Quoc, VN

Grandworld is this incredibly colorful, fairytale-like area modeled after Venice, Italy. It looks like a little Venice centered around a canal and three beautiful bridges, and it has become a major tourist destination for people across Vietnam and Asia.

Daily entertainment includes:

1. Free shows on the water every single day

2. Tinh Hoa Vietnam Quintessence Show (beautifully artistic if you want to experience Vietnamese culture throughout the ages)

Even if your kids don't fully grasp the cultural significance, they'll be entertained by all the colors, sounds, water, and movement.

I personally thought the Tinh Hoa Vietnam Quintessence Show was absolutely epic – a vibrant, artistic weaving of lights, colors, water, and sounds that brings to life the energy, hustle and bustle, strength, sacrifice, and resilience of the Vietnamese people through different acts. As a parent, I loved having something that was both visually stunning for the kids AND culturally meaningful for me.

For more ideas in Phu Quoc, Vietnam, check out my guide: Best Things To Do in Phu Quoc with Toddlers and Little Kids.

Dragon Bridge Show in Da Nang, VN

Here's what you need to know about the Dragon Bridge: every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night at 9pm, this bridge literally breathes fire. I'm not kidding – actual fire, followed by misty clouds, all while the entire bridge changes colors with LED lights.

The dragon show is completely free, which as a parent, you know how rare that is! My kids still talk about it months later.

Pro tip: arrive about 30 minutes early to snag a good viewing spot. The crowds can get pretty thick, but it's worth it for the look on your child's face.

Coconut Forest Basket Boat Ride in Hoi An, VN

This is one of those experiences that sounds weird but ends up being absolutely magical. You literally ride in traditional circular basket boats while someone else does all the paddling through coconut forests.

If you're feeling adventurous, they'll even shake the boat for you to add some excitement! I opted out with my little ones, but my husband and his friend in the other boat loved it.

It's peaceful enough that even my usually-cranky preschooler was calm and engaged. Plus, no worrying about anyone falling overboard – these boats are surprisingly stable!

Versailles Beach Club Fire Show in Phu Quoc, VN

This beachfront restaurant offers delicious food and stunning beach views. My kids loved playing in the sand while we ate, but the real magic happens at 7pm with their daily fire show. Fire is being spun on a stick, blown, twirled. My son couldn’t look away. It's engaging, exciting, and they even invite customers to be part of the show at the end.

Additional beach activities available:

• Kayak rentals

• Stand-up paddleboarding

• Perfect for families who want to do water activities

For more ideas in Phu Quoc, Vietnam, check out my guide: Best Things To Do in Phu Quoc with Toddlers and Little Kids.

Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Vietnam with Kids

Planning a family trip to Vietnam? Here are some fast, field-tested tips from our experience with toddlers:

• Vietnam is super kid-friendly. Locals go out of their way to engage with little ones — we were often greeted with smiles and snacks before anything else. It also helps that Vietnam is affordable across the board: hotels, food, and transportation are way cheaper than back home.
  

• Apply for your visa early. U.S. citizens need one, and the process can get delayed if your passport photo isn’t clear. You won’t be allowed to board your flight without an approval letter.
  

• Set up rideshare apps in advance. I had to call my U.S. bank just to add a card once we landed — not ideal with kids in tow. Avoid that by downloading Grab and Xanh SM and setting up payment methods before your trip.
  

• Rideshares > taxis. I’ve had too many experiences with taxis charging “foreigner pricing” using rigged meters. Rideshare apps give you a set price before you ride, and they feel safer with kids.

• Bring toddler carriers. We brought two and used them constantly, especially in busy or uneven areas. Sidewalks are often blocked by motorbikes or broken pavement. We saw other parents use strollers, which are best in less crowded cities.
  

• Get a local SIM or eSIM. It’s the easiest way to access the internet on the go and call rideshares. Just make sure your phone is unlocked before your trip.
  

• Use Google Translate. You can type or speak phrases, or even scan images like signs and menus for instant translation. I speak Vietnamese, but my husband doesn’t—and it came in clutch when he went on solo runs and needed to find a bathroom fast.
  

• WiFi is common. You’ll find it in cafés, hotels, and restaurants — just don’t count on it everywhere.
  

💡 Want full packing lists, transportation tips, safety advice, and planning help? Read my full Vietnam Family Travel Tips guide — it’s packed with practical info from a parent who’s been there.

💡 Flying with little ones? Check out my guides: Flying With Babies and Flying With Toddlers (tips to survive flights, layovers, and airport chaos).

Final Thoughts: Vietnam with Kids

Vietnam is genuinely family-friendly — locals adore children, the food is delicious (though I’m biased toward Asian cuisine), and there are activities that keep little ones entertained while parents actually enjoy themselves. From feeding koi fish to watching dragons breathe fire, your kids will be amazed at every turn.

With a little planning — rideshare apps, a well-packed diaper bag (I use the Tobiq 30L), and carriers or strollers for getting around — traveling with toddlers becomes not just doable, but truly enjoyable. Vietnam offers adventure, culture, and memories your family will never forget.

For more ideas in Phu Quoc, Vietnam, check out my guide: Best Things To Do in Phu Quoc with Toddlers and Little Kids.