Family Holidays to Vietnam

• The Skywalk, Lotte Centre, Hanoi

  The tallest building in Hanoi has an incredible view of the sprawling city. If heights aren’t an issue climb to the observation deck on the 65^th floor and experience the Skywalk.

• Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, North Central Vietnam

  The home of the world’s largest cave, Han Song Doong, and another of the country’s stunning World Heritage sites, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park should be at the top of everyone’s Vietnamese must-see list.

• Cu Chi Tunnels, Ben Dinh, South Vietnam

  About an hour’s drive outside Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels have become an symbol of the US Vietnam War. But the 250km warren was actually constructed at the start of the French Indochina wars in 1946. Guided tours allow visitors to crawl through certain sections – not for the claustrophobic.

• Turtle Discovery, Con Dao Island, South Vietnam

  Con Dao is the only place in Vietnam where Green Sea Turtles nest. It’s also an amazing diving and snorkelling destination, awash with rare wildlife and famous for fantastic beaches and lush rainforest.

• Suoi Tien Theme Park, Ho Chi Minh City

  Part enormous waterpark and part, equally immense, funfair and all themed on the ancient myths and legends of Vietnam. Great family day out and the place for colourful festivals all year round.

• Trang An, North Vietnam

  A UNESCO World Heritage complex of sites including 10^th century Hoa Lu City and a remarkable landscape of waterways, caves, paddy fields and historical monuments. On the Red River Delta and an easy day trip from Hanoi.

• The Vietnamese Women’s Museum, Hanoi

  One of the capital’s most exciting museums explores the role of women in Vietnam throughout history. The fascinating permanent collection’s enhanced by a year round programme of events and temporary exhibitions.

• Cuc Phuong National Park, North Vietnam

  Vietnam’s oldest national park is a stunning and diverse landscape of mountain, river and forest. Home to sensational creatures like Clouded Leopards and Black Asian Bears, it’s also one of the few places in the world to see rare Delacour Langur primates.

• Family Cruises, Ha Long Bay

  Cruising on a traditional Chinese Junk round the karst strewn waters of Ha Long Bay is an iconic Vietnamese experience with kids.

• Mekong Delta Tour

  Known as Vietnam’s Rice Bowl, the Mekong Delta is a perfect tour from Ho Chi Minh City: visit Cai Ran Floating Market; sail waterways on traditional sampan; explore Can Tho and Turtle Island.

Educational value for kids

• Take a guided tour of Hoi An Old Town: UNESCO designated over 800 buildings of international historic importance and the entire self-contained district is a World Heritage site.
• See a Vietnamese Water Puppet Performance. The tradition dates back to the 11^th century and the loveliest theatres are in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
• Visit Hoi An for the Night Festival. The town’s lit by lanterns, paper dragons dance in the streets, locals play Human Chess and the atmosphere’s enchanting.

• Older kids will fall in love with Vietnam’s street food – omnipresent noodle stalls are great for starters.
• Many tours include visits to rural communities, artisan villages and traditional businesses. Make sure your operator has a fair-trade deal with locals and you’ll be more than welcome.
• Breathtakingly beautiful temples, shrines and pagodas punctuate even the busiest cityscapes in Vietnam. Most come with myths and legends made for young visitors and respectfully observing their customs is an education in itself.
• Almost all museums in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have guided tours in English and multi-lingual exhibit descriptions.

Getting about with kids in Vietnam

Travelling around Vietnam depends on the type of holiday you’re planning. Domestic flights are the only way to manage a packed itinerary from north to south. If you’re touring within one region: trains are fun with older kids (especially sleepers) and cars with driver/guides are easy to arrange and inexpensive. Self-drive for a few days is manageable, but Vietnam isn’t the country for long, independent road trips. Public transport can feel a bit hectic in larger cities, acclimatise, and it’s surprisingly efficient and easy to use. And when you’re touring rural areas or smaller national parks, hire bikes: they’re a Vietnamese transport staple.