How Do I Plan a Family Trip to Vietnam

As one of Asia's top family holiday hubs, Vietnam has everything you could want to experience in a single destination. The country is home to some of the best beaches in South East Asia, and the natural splendour and city life all offer tourists a different slice of this dynamic country. Whether you are travelling with small children or heading to Vietnam with grandparents, kids and relatives in tow, here are some tips to help you plan the perfect family getaway.

1. Time the Trip

The first step in planning a family vacation in Vietnam is deciding when to go. Although Vietnam is a fairly decent holiday destination for most months of the year, there are particular periods when a getaway in the country can be unpleasant. The rainy season, which lasts from October to December, for example, is not conducive for a family getaway as inclement weather will make most outdoor activities impossible if not dangerous. The best time to tour Vietnam is in the months of March and April when sunny skies prevail but it is not sweltering as in the days of summer. The spring season is, therefore, the perfect time to head to Vietnam with the kids.

2. Narrow down Your Pit Stops

Depending on the duration of your stay, it is also necessary to narrow down the destinations you hope to visit during the trip. As one must spend at least a month in the country to explore every major tourist town in Vietnam, it is prudent to decide what areas are worth your time beforehand. Online research can be invaluable in this regard as families can explore regions that offer attractions and activities that pique their interest. Some of the must-visit highlights in Vietnam include cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, Dalat, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi and Hue while Quy Nhon, Sapa and Hoi An are also fantastic family-oriented locations on the map.

3. Find Convenient Accommodation

After deciding how you will be dividing up your time in various Vietnamese cities, it is then time to find strategically located accommodations in each location. It is crucial to take the on-site amenities and creature comforts on offer at each venue as not all hotels are created equal and include swimming pools, spas and recreational facilities. Whether you book the Anantara Quy Nhon Villas or any other Quy Nhon hotel, it is crucial to take the venue's location and its proximity to key highlights in the area into account. While getting around Vietnam is not costly, it can be time-consuming and a hassle when travelling with young ones so staying close to major attractions is a good idea.

4. Sign up for Activities

Vietnam offers families an array of exciting tours and excursions to discover the country's natural wonders as well as its cultural heritage. Cruises in Ha Long Bay and hiking trips to Phong Na Ke Bang National Park where the Paradise Caves are located rank high in most family itineraries. Families with a passion for water sports will find that most beach hotspots in Vietnam offer exciting snorkelling, jet skiing and scuba diving packages for families.

5. Create a Sightseeing Itinerary

Apart from touring the museums and art galleries dotting the nation's capital, other points of interest that families will enjoy in Vietnam include the Cu Chi Tunnels. The Sa Pa Terraces, My Son ruins and the heritage sites in Mui Ne should also be a part of your sightseeing itinerary.

6. Pencil in a Shopping Spree

As a family activity that one should not miss in bargain-haven Vietnam, a shopping spree in local malls, markets and boutiques is a must. Allocate a day in your travel itinerary for exploring the retail outlets in Ho Chi Minh City as it is a veritable paradise for budget shoppers.