My first trip to Vietnam in 2018 was memorable, but perhaps not for the right reasons. New to Southeast Asia with small children, we were eager to explore the region. What we failed to take into account was the extreme influence that children have over what you can and can’t do on vacation. Hunger or exhaustion can completely derail an otherwise pleasant day of sightseeing if you ignore the signs of a meltdown.
The mishaps during that first trip to Vietnam had everything to do with our planning and nothing at all to do with the country. In fact, it is a beautiful country with a rich cultural history and a vast and diverse geography. We simply didn’t know much about the best places to visit in Vietnam with small children. Between underestimating what we could accomplish with toddlers and selecting accommodations that didn’t support our needs, we returned from that 2018 trip with a bad taste in our mouths. We made plans with a lot of wishful thinking and a bit of naivety. I suppose it happens to the best of us.
Avoid making the same mistakes we did
When I traveled to Vietnam with my family, my kids were just three years old. It was our first time venturing outside Thailand to explore the broader region. Looking back, there are a few things I’d do differently and a few tips I’d share with other families:
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Choose accommodations wisely — Make sure where you’re staying is kid-friendly and located in an area that reduces the need for long commutes or chaotic transit.
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Save the big cities for later — Urban areas like Ho Chi Minh City can be overwhelming for young kids – and adults for that matter. The noise, traffic, and density can wear everyone down quickly. Additionally, navigating bustling streets on foot can be dangerous if your attention is focused elsewhere (like on your children).
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Markets can be sensory overload — Vibrant and colorful for adults, yes. But with little ones? The crowds, loud voices, and assertive salespeople can be a bit much – and you may miss out on getting a good deal if you’re keeping one eye on a wandering child.
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Be ready for the attention — Southeast Asians adore children, and locals may want to touch, hold, or take pictures with them. It can be sweet but also a little unsettling if you’re not expecting it. Ultimately, it can be a great lesson about boundaries, but it can be a lot if you aren’t prepared.
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Food matters — For picky eaters, finding suitable meals can be a challenge, so plan ahead or stay close to places that offer a range of dining options.
What I Loved in Vietnam (Eventually)
Fortunately, I got another opportunity to visit Vietnam in 2022 — and this time, the experience was vastly different. I spent three days in Hanoi, traveling solo with a friend. Without children in tow and with a few years of Southeast Asian living under my belt, I was able to see the country in a new light.
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I wasn’t overwhelmed by the fast pace or persistent vendors—I had learned how to navigate that world.
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I didn’t have to plan around naps or meltdowns, so I was free to explore the city’s culture and food at my own pace.
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Post-pandemic, the streets felt slightly less chaotic, which made the city more enjoyable to walk through.
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People were kind and respectful. Don’t get me wrong, as a black person people still stared and wanted to take photos, but by that point I was accustomed to it and no one crossed a line. In general, there were no scams, no awkward encounters—just great conversations and warm hospitality.
Places I Would Love to Visit Next Time
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Da Nang – With its beach-city balance, Da Nang offers both relaxation and culture, along with easier logistics than the larger cities.
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Halong Bay – A must-see natural wonder, famous for its limestone islands and dreamy seascapes. Next time, I’d definitely carve out time for a cruise here.
Final Thoughts
Vietnam is not a one-size-fits-all destination, especially when traveling with young kids. But with thoughtful planning and realistic expectations, it can be an unforgettable adventure. My return trip reminded me that sometimes a second chance is all it takes to fall in love with a place—and Vietnam truly deserves that second look.
