Many international families say Vietnam offers a rare combination of diverse experiences, low costs and a welcoming environment for children, making it an ideal destination for travelling with young families.
Megan, a tourist from Australia, recently spent three and a half weeks travelling across Vietnam with her husband and two young children, aged one and four.
Their journey began in Hanoi, where they explored the Old Quarter and visited the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, before continuing to Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise with kayaking and swimming.
In Ninh Binh, the family enjoyed peaceful nature experiences, including boat rides and a climb to Hang Mua Cave. They later travelled overnight to Hue, visiting historical sites and relaxing in hot springs, before ending their trip in Hoi An and Danang.
“Vietnam may be one of the best destinations for family travel,” Megan said, praising the variety of cultural, natural and leisure activities suitable for children.
Affordability and convenience were also highlighted by Chrissie-Leigh Felgate, a parent of four from Australia and the United Kingdom, who lived in Vietnam for several months.
“Ride hailing apps are cheap and easy to use. We even took overnight sleeper buses, which the kids loved. Overall costs are very reasonable,” she said.
The family used a mix of accommodation options, including Airbnb, hotels and long term rentals.
“Hotels are simple but clean and affordable, with friendly staff. Renting a house offers great value compared with prices in the UK,” she added.
Dining out is another advantage, with many families noting that local food is often cheaper than cooking at home, while Western dishes remain accessible.
In Danang, a British family chose to stay for three months, citing the abundance of child friendly amenities such as indoor playgrounds, family oriented cafés and entertainment options, alongside beaches and quality food.
Beyond cost and convenience, many families said Vietnam’s people and sense of safety are the main reasons they return or extend their stay.
Ebru, who has lived in seven countries across four continents, described Vietnam as her “second home” while raising her child.
“What impressed me most is how much people love children. I have never had such a relaxed dining experience with my child anywhere else,” she said.
Social media posts have also highlighted how many restaurants, cafés and supermarkets in Vietnam provide child seating, play areas and even informal childcare support, allowing parents to dine more comfortably.
Maria Sofia, a mother of two from the Dominican Republic, described living in Vietnam as “being supported by an entire village”.
“You can go anywhere without fear. I have never felt unsafe, even at night with my children. That is very rare,” she said.
She recalled asking a security guard to briefly watch her nine month old baby while she used the restroom, saying she felt completely at ease.
“Vietnam is one of the most child friendly places I have ever visited,” she added.
Safety is another factor frequently mentioned. Ric and Keira, a British couple travelling the world with their three children, said Vietnam felt safer than they had expected.
“We were told bringing children here might be risky, but the country has low violent crime and a strong family culture,” they said.
Felgate also noted that her family felt safer walking at midnight in Vietnam than in many cities in the UK at 9 pm.
During their stay in Hanoi, Vinh Yen and Danang, her family encountered no dangerous situations. Local residents often greeted, played with and showed affection towards their children.
“Our kids received so many hugs from strangers. Neighbours regularly checked in and even brought food when I had an accident,” she said.
Some visitors did note minor drawbacks, including persistent street vendors in tourist areas, uneven pavements that can be difficult for strollers and heavy traffic in major cities.
However, these issues did little to diminish the overall experience.
“The journey may be long and tiring, especially from Europe or the US, but once you arrive, Vietnam truly feels like a paradise for children,” Maria Sofia said.