Vietnam families map & highlights

Although you might not feel ready to cycle through the streets of downtown Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh – you're probably better off on the back of a cycle – quieter locations like Hue, Hoi An, the Mekong Delta and Pu Luong Nature Reserve are much more suitable for children (7+) looking to explore on two wheels. Alternatively, swap pedals for paddles as you clamber aboard a kayak and glide around the limestone rocks and seek out hidden coves and mysterious caves in Halong Bay.

One too many monuments might be met with cries of derision from young philistines which is why it’s imperative to balance fun and cultural insight for families visiting Vietnam. Thankfully, several activities tick both boxes with spring roll making workshops in Hoi An, water puppet shows in Hanoi, mud baths in Nha Trang and cycle rickshaw tours in Hanoi all offering a cultural slice of life without the need to drag kids kicking and screaming.

Vietnam's past is well documented and KS3 & KS4 history students will find the locations where the Vietnam War took place incredibly thought-provoking, especially when combined with a visit to the War Remnants museum. The Cu Chi tunnel system in Ho Chi Minh is one such place that can bring history text books to life with an English-speaking guide offering further insight into the ingenuity and resilience of the Viet Cong as well as expounding on the effects of communism and war in general.

You'll find Vietnam's 'go with the flow' philosophy exemplified by those living along the Mekong Delta with floating markets, riverside villages and all manner of cottage industries to be found just a short distance from Ho Chi Minh City. Don't miss out on the Mekong, as from river cruises and family homestays to visiting the city of Vinh Long or heading over the border into Cambodia, the Mekong might exit Southeast Asia at Vietnam but it touches each and every soul on its way through.

Although it may seem prudent for families to avoid Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City there's still much to be said for spending at least one or two days in both cities. Cyclo tours are certainly the best way to get around, and from Hanoi's Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake to Ho Chi Minh's Ben Thanh market, Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral, these cities are as authentic and exciting as anywhere else in Southeast Asia.

From overnight trains to domestic flights, travelling in Vietnam is really straightforward and you can easily get from north to south on a two-week holiday. Although it can be tempting to stay by the beach, don’t come all this way just to miss out on Vietnam's variety of landscapes and stark contrasts between rural and urban areas. Build in some beach time by all means, just don't forget that some of the most memorable locations can also be the least expected.

“We felt that we got a really good insight into the country thanks to our guide, Nam, who was a star. Don´t over pack. You can get stuff washed along the way for next to nothing. Be prepared to get stuck in and let the kids off the leash to make friends amongst the group. Go with the flow and try everything. Finally, I booked a few days in a resort to chill out after the trip. So glad we did!” – Alison Baker

“I enjoyed the overnight train journey, what an adventure, and arriving in Hue railway station was an experience. We did three cycle rides all of which were wonderful and a lovely way to see the countryside.” – Elizabeth Morgan

“We rode motorcycles into the mountains to visit a nursery and eat at a female monastery; we cycled through farmland, learning the watering and planting techniques; we kayaked in Halong Bay and stayed overnight on a local boat; we experienced the rather precarious reunification express; we manoeuvred down the Mekong Delta and stayed with a local family; we learned to master crossing a street in Hanoi and Saigon; we immersed ourselves in the dance and music and the water puppet show, the pagodas and Emperor dynasties. Our cups were filled to the brim each day with Vietnam life so diverse and complex, colourful and different from our own lives, and shared with such generosity of spirit.” – Victoria Macdonald

“Be prepared for simple accommodation and reasonably hard walking. Although not very long walks, about 15km in a day, it can get quite hot and hilly. Wish I was fitter.” – Angela Reid