Is it potential to journey to Vietnam with a toddler? How kid-friendly is the nation? Vietnam, a vacation spot on the bucket listing of many international vacationers, boasts a wealthy historical past, distinctive tradition, and various geography.Â
Nonetheless, visiting Vietnam with a toddler requires considerate planning. Throughout my journey there with my younger little one, I discovered the locals to be exceptionally heat and accommodating in the direction of kids, making it a welcoming place for households.
However it’s essential to notice that the overall infrastructure, meals, and commuting strategies in Vietnam may be fairly totally different from what many Western households are used to.Â
On this article, I’ll share important ideas for planning the proper journey to Vietnam with a toddler. I’ll cowl easy methods to put together, what to pack, and the mandatory precautions, in addition to recommend family-friendly locations to go to in Vietnam.
Touring to Vietnam with a toddler – what to anticipate?
Vietnam is extraordinarily toddler-friendly in some departments and never fairly in just a few others. So let’s rapidly undergo what to anticipate on a visit to Vietnam along with your younger child.Â
LodgingÂ
What I used to be most impressed with was the simple availability of household rooms throughout all budgets throughout Vietnam. In contrast to different international locations the place it’s a must to search for an VRBO or a joint double room to accommodate you and your toddler – you’ll discover loads of rooms in Vietnam that include a number of beds.Â
So reserving reasonably priced but spacious lodging throughout your time in Vietnam received’t be a problem.Â
Bogs / Diaper Change Amenities
Bogs all throughout Vietnam – private and non-private are surprisingly clear. You may simply take your little one for a bathroom break.Â
In case your little one isn’t but rest room educated – you’ll nonetheless discover first rate availability of diaper altering stations, and household rooms in most vacationer locations.Â
Diapers – in numerous sizes and kinds are additionally out there in retailers throughout all of the cities and cities in Vietnam. So you may simply purchase diapers as you want these on the go.Â
Meals and water
Main cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Saigon have many supermarkets promoting child meals or fast meals like cereals, noodles, and pasta for teenagers.Â
Most eating places throughout Vietnam are pleased to customise the meals in your child. They will make it much less spicy or may even serve kid-friendly choices like sandwiches, noodles, rice, or french fries.Â
Language limitations could make communication a bit difficult. However if you happen to use Google Translate – you must be capable to handle simply. On Halong Bay cruises – kids are taken care of very nicely and the employees is comfy with English. So you may request meals that meets your little one’s necessities and the employees would gladly oblige.Â
Water in Vietnam isn’t potable and you should purchase a bottle of mineral water all throughout Vietnam.Â
Commute
Public transport inside cities and cities isn’t spectacular in any respect. One of the best ways to commute internally inside a city is by automobile or a scooter.Â
That is the place you might discover Vietnam vastly totally different from Western international locations. Most locals don’t use automobile seats for his or her youngsters and take their little ones on scooters.Â
So if you happen to insist on utilizing a automobile seat – carry one your self or e-book from a reputed vendor who can give you a automobile that comes with a automobile seat.Â
Although we traveled in Vietnam on a scooter with our toddler – we don’t advocate it to you in case you are not used to driving by way of insanely chaotic streets.Â
Strollers
Vietnamese cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, and Hoi An are usually not stroller-friendly as a result of their busy and uneven streets. Da Nang may be an exception, however general, it’s higher to go for a child provider or toddler reins, particularly in crowded areas.
Along with this, you must observe thatÂ
- It’s straightforward to search out a physician or a pharmacist in main cities all throughout Vietnam
- It’s advisable to use sunscreen and mosquito repellant when touring to Vietnam with somewhat one – the solar may be harsh and also you’ll discover mosquitoes in areas just like the Mekong Delta, the outskirts of Ho An, islands like Phu Quoc, and so forth.Â
Locations to see in Vietnam when touring with a toddler
One of the best ways to journey inside Vietnam is by transferring both from North to South or from South to North.Â
Ideally, if it’s your first time in Vietnam, you must go to Hanoi, Halong Bay, Danang, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. In case you have some additional time you may go to Sapa, Phu Quoc Islands, Da Lat, and so forth.Â
However since you’ll be touring with a toddler, I like to recommend that you just consider the next components when reserving your journey and finalizing your itineraryÂ
- Don’t hop between too many cities and cities. Touring with a toddler is exhausting and also you don’t wish to pack and unpack too usually.Â
- Ebook a centrally positioned lodging to make commuting hassle-free
- Use flights for inner commute. They’re handy and quick.Â
- Journey in the course of the dry season (Keep away from June- September for many of Vietnam and October-November for central Vietnam areas like Hoi An and Danang)Â
Here’s a listing of locations that you should go to when touring to Vietnam with a toddler.Â
1. Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is located within the coronary heart of the Outdated Quarter of Hanoi. The lake and its surrounding space are the perfect place so that you can spend a while along with your toddler. Your toddler can stroll round on the promenade, journey a two-wheeler by the lane, take part within the toddler-friendly actions carried out right here, purchase candies and toys in the course of the night market, or discover the gorgeous Ngoc Son temple with you and marvel on the Crimson Bridge that connects the temple with the mainland.Â
2. Water Puppet Present
Subsequent up, if you happen to assume your toddler can keep nonetheless for about an hour – take your toddler with you for a water puppet present. The Thang Lengthy water puppet present is the oldest and longest-running water puppet present in Asia and is a superb place in your toddler to really feel amused taking a look at colourful puppets performing in water.Â
Your toddler could not be capable to perceive the story however you’ll spend a very good time creating distinctive recollections.Â
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3. Remainder of Hanoi
Along with these experiences, take your toddler round with you for sightseeing all throughout Hanoi.Â
Some locations just like the Hoa Lo jail museum or the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum should be averted when visiting Vietnam with a younger child – you may take your child with you to temples, church buildings, and parks.Â
Youngsters even take pleasure in spending time on the vigorous Beer Road in Hanoi the place buskers and karaoke performers maintain the power vibrant. You may even take your toddler together with you on a road meals tour (keep away from the bike tour) the place your child can pattern some beautiful Hanoian desserts when you take pleasure in pho, banh mi, banh xeo, egg espresso, and extra.
4. Halong BayÂ
Halong Bay, recognized for its emerald waters and 1000’s of towering limestone islands topped with rainforests, provides a serene and picturesque cruising expertise.Â
However I don’t advocate a day journey to Halong Bay as it may be fairly hectic as a one-way journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay takes about 3 hours. However what I extremely advocate as an alternative is an in a single day cruise on Halong Bay.Â
A household cruise in Halong Bay generally is a stress-free approach to see the gorgeous pure fantastic thing about the realm, with actions on board catering to all ages, together with toddlers. The cruise offers alternatives for households to discover caves on a bamboo boat, go kayaking, or just benefit from the scenic views from the deck.Â
Plus, most cruises are outfitted with top-class facilities together with excessive chairs, toddler-friendly 3-person kayaks, clear showers and bathtubs, and a heat and welcoming employees keen to accommodate all of your toddler wants.Â
5. Ba Na Hills
Ba Na Hills, close to Da Nang metropolis, is a hill station. That is additionally the place the place you can see the spectacular Golden Hand Bridge.Â
This location is ideal for households with toddlers as a result of its mixture of outside and indoor sights, together with an amusement park with toddler-friendly rides and actions. You may sometimes spend a full day right here, having fun with the assorted sights, gardens, and architectural marvels.Â
Even the cable automobile journey to Ba Na Hills provides spectacular views, which generally is a pleasant expertise for the little ones. Â
6. Remainder of Da Nang
Da Nang, as an entire, is a toddler-friendly place. Its huge shoreline ensures that toddlers get to spend loads of time on the seashores – constructing sand castles and even operating round on the promenades neatly laid out all throughout the city.Â
The dragon bridge can be an thrilling attraction for teenagers – particularly if you happen to go to on Saturdays when it spits out fireplace.Â
However locations just like the Marble Mountains which require climbing over steep steps and slippery roads must be averted when visiting Da Nang with a toddler.Â
7. Hoi An – Historical City
Half an hour away from Da Nang is the magical city of Hoi An. Hoi An is especially toddler-friendly because it turns right into a pedestrian city after 3 pm. You may simply stroll round along with your little ones right here after sundown and marvel on the stunning lighting and the numerous colourful lanterns.Â
A ship journey by way of the Thu Bon River can be an exhilarating expertise for toddlers. Be sure to ask for a life jacket right here as business boat corporations can skimp on fundamental security measures.Â
You may then go to the Hoi An Night time Market and deal with your toddler to beautiful pancakes.Â
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8. Remainder of Hoi An
The outskirts of Hoi An are additionally a delight for these touring with households as there’s a lot that you may do along with your toddlerÂ
- Spend a enjoyable day on the An Bang seasideÂ
- See the coconut village in a enjoyable basket boat along with your toddlerÂ
- Go biking within the lush rice fieldsÂ
- Hop on a buffalo for a brief buffalo journeyÂ
- Attend the majestic Hoi An Recollections present with over 500 performersÂ
9. Cu Chi Tunnels
Seeing Cu Chi Tunnels on this listing could come as a shocker to you. The explanation why I like to recommend Cu Chi Tunnels along with your toddler is as a result of toddlers can truly discover your entire space. The open areas, the arms and ammunition, and the outdated jets are all new for toddlers. Plus, they don’t even discover the tunnels slender in any respect for his or her measurement, and therefore strolling throughout the tunnels is a pleasant expertise for them.Â
So even when they don’t perceive the importance of the place, they can provide you nice firm as you see this traditionally vital website near Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.Â
Fast observe: Although many individuals go to the Cu Chi tunnels and the Mekong Delta in in the future – I discover the schedule too hectic for a toddler. There isn’t a lot for a toddler to admire on the Mekong Delta and therefore it’s best to maintain the journey restricted to Cu Chi Tunnels solely.Â
10. Remainder of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
Identical to Hanoi, sure locations in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis are usually not kid-friendly in any respect for his or her disturbing pictures. One such place you must keep away from is the Battle Remnants Museum.Â
However aside from that – there’s a lot to do in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis along with your toddler.Â
- Take a stroll alongside the Strolling Road at evening – you’ll discover loads of road performers right here.Â
- Take your child to the Zoo and Botanical Gardens for a enjoyable nightÂ
- Go to one of many many child cafes in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis the place your child can play on his personal when you loosen up with some snacks and low.Â
- Go to the e-book road on a Sunday – it involves life with many toddler-friendly actions and video games carried out all throughout the road
- Get an exciting panoramic view of the town from the Bitexco tower. The place additionally has interactive screens that may maintain your toddler amused.Â
11. Sa Pa
Sa Pa, positioned within the northern province of Lao Cai, is understood for its terraced rice fields and wealthy cultural variety, with a number of ethnic minorities residing within the space.Â
Usually, a visit to Sa Pa includes trekking and may undoubtedly be a bit hectic for these touring with a toddler. However the space is simply too scenic to be missed. One of the best ways to plan a visit to Sa Pa is by visiting the place by yourself at your personal tempo as an alternative of reserving a spherical journey from Hanoi.Â
Spend a while in nature, take your toddler out on walks, work together with locals, and mark the times you spend in Sa Pa for leisure in an in any other case packed Vietnam itinerary.Â
12. Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Island, located off the coast of Cambodia within the Gulf of Thailand, is Vietnam’s largest island, recognized for its sandy seashores and tropical landscapes.Â
The island is especially appropriate for households with toddlers. It has many child-friendly resorts and calm, clear waters, good for secure swimming and enjoying. Visiting this island is superb for households who’re planning an extended trip in Vietnam or for many who have already visited Vietnam and need a extra laid-back trip.Â
Some issues to do at Phu Quoc Island with a baby areÂ
- Spending time on the seaside
- Exploring the Vin Pearl Safari
- Spend a day on the Vinworld amusement park – considered one of Vietnam’s largest amusement parksÂ
Touring to Vietnam with a toddler – FAQs
Is Vietnam toddler-friendly?Â
Vietnam is a toddler-friendly nation. From gorgeous seashores to bustling cities – there are many issues to do with youngsters all throughout the nation. Discovering family-friendly lodging can be not a problem. The one components to plan for are the dearth of stroller-friendly streets and the unavailability of automobile seats.Â
Is it secure to journey to Vietnam with youngsters?Â
Vietnam is a secure nation with hardly any occurrences of main crimes towards vacationers. The locals are heat and pleasant and most are welcoming in the direction of households with younger youngsters. The one additional measures to take by way of security are
– consuming secure water as faucet water in Vietnam isn’t potable
– practising street security in bustling cities like Ho Chi Minh Metropolis and HanoiÂ
– exercising normal warning
Visitor Creator – Vrushali Ketkar is a passionate journey fanatic and author with a authorized background. On her weblog, Couple of Journeys, she crafts detailed and fascinating journey content material, specializing in serving to busy people and households maximize their journey experiences. Her insights are geared toward simplifying journey planning and enhancing the enjoyment of journey for all.
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