family beach vacation – Family World Travel

In Amazing family vacations

7 Ways to Boost Your Fun Time in the Sunshine

November 12, 2019 No Comments

Want to ramp up the fun levels on your next beach break with the kids? Make sure to add these must haves to your packing list

Lazy days sipping mojitos at a beach bar, getting your bronze on while the kids scamper about in the water, effortlessly making new friends and generally being angelic.
That’s the beach break fantasy, anyway. In reality family vacays by the sea often involve a lot more temper tantrums, sandy sangria and unfortunate encounters with jelly fish than most people’s holiday photos would have us believe. But even a less-than-perfect beach break is worth its weight in gold, and while we can’t guarantee everything will be smooth sailing if you shell out for this little lot (yes, shell pun intended #sorrynotsorry), they’re certain to you an upgrade on the fun levels for both you and the kids. You won’t need megabucks for these, and they’re bound to give you a helping hand in making those dreams of fun in the sun come true.

Collapsible beach pail. Packing for the beach can be almost as time consuming as packing for the vacation itself. And packing it all up again is next level frustration: how is it that everything seems to expand and multiply as well as becoming soggy and coated in sand? This space-and-sanity-saving version of the old faithful beach bucket and spade ($14) folds up into a flat disk, so you won’t need to argue about who has to cart it around all day.

Sandproof towel ((from $9.99)Pretty ironic that the thing that makes the beach so irresistable is the very same thing that makes it irritating as all hell. Yes, as much as we love sand when we’re laying down on it, we don’t want to be bringing half the beach home scattering grains of the stuff all over the place every time we try to pull something out of our bag. Sandproof towels like this one (link) are the unsung superheroes of the beach, being quick drying, compact, and this one even comes with loops for holding it in place (grab a tentpeg or improvise with sticks) to stop it making a bid for freedom.

AeroPress Coffee Maker Every caffeine addict knows that the most heavenly of vacation destinations can rapidly transform into hell on earth if you wake up on your first day to discover you have no way of making coffee. And sachets of instant coffee are also sent straight from the depths of Hades. Savvy caffeine fiends need to plan in advance: if take you’re on the move and don’t have time or space for your usual brewing paraphernalia, this neat and super-speedy press makes a damn fine cup of coffee. Ideal for those that need their caffeine fix NOW, it brews up a superior cup of the dark stuff in 30 seconds..Thanks to the microfilter it’s not bitter in the least, there isn’t the graininess that you sometimes get with a French press. So you get a good cup of coffee, and the kids get the benefit of a parent that isn’t about to collapse with fatigue or turn demonic from caffeine withdrawal

Stainless Steel Straw Plastic straws may have been popular with the beach party crowd once, but given what we know about ocean pollution today, rocking up with a bag full of disposable plastic tubes is tantamount to waving them in the face of a passing puffa fish and shouting ‘I don’t give a crap about you or your ocean habitat!’.

But being ocean friendly doesn’t mean curbing your cocktail-sipping fun, or the kids’ juice-slugging joy. Reusable stainless steel straws like this telescopic one (from $19.99, UncommonGoods.com , which comes in a very presentable aluminium case and has tooth-protecting silicone tip,is perfect for beach drinking without the ocean-angering plastic crap. For family fun, this pack of 4 smaller stainless steel cocktail straws ($9.99 for four, with cleaning brush) come in silver, gold or copper hues.

Kid-pleasing bath bombs While grownups might get excited about free bathroom amenities, they’re hardly a source of joy for kids. Pack some fun bath bombs like these sparkle-tastic ones that come complete with surprise toys, and make the post-beach cleanup operation more fun for all concerned. Jazzy temporary tattoos can be fun to play around with too, and those with smaller children can sneak in a bit of safety with cartoon tats that include parental contact number, which can ease those anxiety dreams about offspring going astray on the beach.

Neat drink holders What’s worse than sand in your sangria? Spilt sangria. Luckily you can now safely anchor your cup with beach drink holders such as these stackable sand coasters (from $9.99), whose spiked stakes easily stick firm into wet or dry sand. The four-piece set is nice and compact, and there’s even a built-in bottle opener (bring your own corkscrew if wine’s your tipple, though). The holders double as snug, and-free places to keep your phone and other treasured possessions: snacks, for example. Because sandy beach snacks are almost as traumatising as no beach snacks at all.

Dry bag for your phoneat less than $7 a pop, this ultra-waterproof dry phone bag from JOTO may be the best investment you can make for your family beach break – so you might as well grab one for every family member that has a cell phone. You can take photos and videos underwater, and while it’s perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, swimming and any number of other watery activities, it also keeps out sand, dirt and snow, so you can use it on your winter snowboarding break too.

Other beach packing tips:

Bring with you few old socks (all the lost pairs will be perfect). Fill them up with sand and use them to hold your beach blanket to the ground. Bring a container or a bucket and fill it with water. Now, whenever you or your kids would want to have a snack, or just to reapply the sunscreen- they can quickly wash their hands from the sand and go ahead with the watermelon slice..

In Foodie Family Adventures

Thailand vacation with kids- recommended route for food-loving families

October 23, 2017 No Comments

Thailand offers bountiful beaches, rolling jungle, spiny mountain ranges…there’s so much to see, do (and eat) here, that families can find it hard to know where to start.

Eating is a large part of the fun, but it can appear challenging at first, as so much of the food is spicy. Note the phrase ‘mai phed’ (no spice) for eats without the heat. While adventurous older kids might be excited to chow down on deep fried bugs, there are gentler options too, such as mango with sticky rice (served as a dessert or light lunch), noodles, and super-crispy spring rolls filled with meat and/or fresh crispy vegetables. Children are warmly welcomed at Thai restaurants, making dining out relatively stress free. Follow our itinerary for eating your way around Thailand with kids but be warned, you’ll probably want to come back and visit all the places you missed the first time.

Day 1-3: Bangkok

Crazy, colorful and chaotic, Bangkok is perhaps better known as a destination for thrill-seeking adults than for its child-friendly activities, but family trips to Bangkok can be surprisingly rewarding. There are theme parks, oceanariums and playgrounds galore, so set aside at least three days to fit in a couple of big ticket attractions. All that noise can be a little draining, however, and street food can be hard on delicate little tums, so take the stress out of mealtimes by visiting an ‘all under one roof’ spot such as Helix – the ultra-modern food hall at EmQuartier mall. There are some 50 restaurants here, serving everything from spring rolls to American-style burgers, and it’s easy to push a stroller from one spot to another.

For something a little more ‘local’ grownups shouldn’t shy away from sampling the street food that is available across the city. Check out the Old Town (or Banglamphu) for Khao gang (curry rice), which is popular fuel at breakfast and lunch, and sees a variety of veggie and meaty curries piled onto a plate of rice, and typically costs the equivalent of under $1.

Tip: Foodie visitors in Bangkok should also be sure to check out the famous Chinatown (Yaowarat). There’s a Chinese flavor to much of Bangkok’s dishes, and this vast Chinatown is said to have kickstrted the famous street food scene.

Day 3-7 Chiang Mai

All aboard the sleeper train! The overnight rail journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a fun one, and kids tend to enjoy being tucked into comfy bunks for the trip (book first class rooms to up the comfort level if the budget will stretch). There’s a whole host of activities on offer for foodie families in Chiang Mai, and kid-friendly food is both easy to come by and highly affordable. As is so often the case in Thailand, food courts cater to every taste, and families should also check out the handful of cafes with play areas, such as the German-run Nic’s, which has trampolines for the kids and gin cocktails for mom and Dad. At Cooking Love in the center of town, kids can watch the dishes being prepared in front of their eyes, and it costs less than $4 for a family to tuck into child-friendly mild chicken and mango curries, washed down with coconut water.

Tip: Families in Chaing Mai can learn to whip up traditional Thai dishes such as Pad Thai, with kid-friendly classes organised by Asia Scenic, close to the center of town.

Day 8-11: Pai

It’s a bumpy-yet-fun 3.5 hour mini-bus ride along mountain roads to the welcoming ‘hippy’ community of Pai. There’s a big vegan community here, so travelers in Pai with kids can recharge the batteries with super-fresh dishes whipped up with the abundant local fruit and vegetables – kids will enjoy the juices that are available for well under a dollar, and there are several informal cooking schools here too. By night, Pai’s famous ‘Walking Street’ fill up with vendors, and it’s fun and safe to stroll around, checking out the various treats: try the sugary grilled bananas as a kid-friendly alternative to the meat and seafood on a stick.

Day 12-16: Golden Triangle

Head back to Chiang Mae and either overnight or take the 4-hour minibus ride (or an organised tour if budget allows) up to Chiang Rai, the river city at the edge of the Golden Triangle – so called because it is the point at which Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. It’s known for its breathtaking scenery, elephant sanctuaries and endless rice paddies, and visitors to the Golden Triangle with kids can fuel cycling or hiking adventures with treats such as dim sum, grilled chicken, fresh smoothies or miang kham tea leaves stuffed with shredded coconut, peanuts and ginger.

? Box out: The Saturday and Sunday Walking Street Markets are popular with locals and visitors alike, and see vendors selling everything from backpacker-chic clothing to snacks (yes, there are crispy bugs to try, should you fancy it).

Day 17-20 Ayutthaya

Back down to Chiang Mai, then board an overnight train to Ayutthaya – sleepers are available for less than $20 p/p, VIP cabins slightly more, but turn up early as tickets sell out. Kids can rampage around the ruins of this ancient city, see temples galore, and for around $10 families in Ayutthaya with kids can feast on absolutely delicious freshwater prawns, sprinkled with salt and cooked over hot coals and enjoyed on the deck of floating restaurants. There are a handful of good hotels and guest houses here, and it’s well worth spending a few days to get a feel for the history of the place.

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Day 21-22 Bangkok

It’s around 90 minutes’ bus ride back to the capital, where families in Thailand might want to overnight before heading in the direction of Thailand’s magnificent island beaches. Check out food malls for easy eats that won’t upset the stomach before the journey.

Day 23-29 Phuket

After all that exploring, foodie families will likely be ready for some time chilling on Thailand’s famous island beaches. Phuket is one of the best spots for families, and is easily reached by plane – several operators ply the 80-minute route from Bangkok, with flights costing as little as $50. Treat this as a vacation in itself, and settle in for a week of swimming, snorkeling, theme parks, water parks, and an abundance of playgrounds both natural (all that jungle) and manmade (this is a very kid-friendly spot). Many hotels here offer international dishes, and burgers, pasta and pizza are all easy to come by, but for a real taste of Phuket that will linger long in the taste buds, try the sizzling wares cooked up by the street food vendors. As well as Thai dishes, you’ll find Malaysian, Chinese and Indian dishes on offer.

? Box out:

Going Bananas: Bananas grow in abundance in Phuket, and they make their way into many a street treat. Banana pancakes are cooked on a hot plate, drizzled with condensed milk and cut into stacked wedges; deep fried banana on sticks is a sweet delight, and it’s whizzed into smoothies.

Day 30: Back to Bangkok and it’s bye bye Thailand – for now!

In Foodie Family Adventures

Philippines vacation with kids- recomended route for food-loving families

October 20, 2017 No Comments

Food-loving families, get set for an island-hopping culinary adventure like no other. The islands’ eclectic, zingy cuisine is currently being spoken of in reverential tones among foodie movers and shakers–Bizarre Foods presenter has been citing it as the next big foodie trend for years, and others are starting to cotton on. But while Zimmerman famously chowed down on all manner of gag-worthy grubs during his televised trip around the island, families on a foodie trip to the Philippines can rest safe in the knowledge that there’s much more to local dishes than the bird embryos of foodie legend.

A nation made up of over 7,000 impossibly scenic islands, visitors will find enormous variations in the style and substance of dishes as they travel around the Philippines, but one constant theme is the warm welcome extended to families–the local culture firmly embraces family dining, and children will be enthusiastically catered for, rather than stiffly tolerated, at the overwhelming majority of restaurants and cafes.

A relatively safe place for family travel, the Philippines offers such family-pleasing treats as endless soft sandy beaches, plentiful snorkeling opportunities, colorful theme parks, bright and beautiful flora and fauna, and an endless supply of delicious fresh fruits and vegetables (Parents may be interested to know that many of these are whizzed up into delicious and dangerously affordable cocktails).

The nature of the terrain means that a family trip to the Philippines will involved a fair bit of air travel, and visitors should brace themselves for a few bumpy prop plane rides, but puddle-jumping plane rides are neither expensive nor difficult to arrange. Follow our 30-day itinerary for a month-long break that will linger long in the memory as well as on the taste buds.

Tip: The December-April dry season is the best time of year for family travel to the Philippines. Visitors should note, however, that rates soar and rooms get booked up fast around the Christmas and Easter holidays.

Day 1-2 Manila

The busy, bustling capital of the Philippines, Manila is the starting point for adventures on the archipelago. With a skyline dominated by high rise malls and apartment blocks, the noisy, chaotic city sprawls across Luzon, the largest island on the archipelago. It’s no peaceful island paradise, and families will find more enticing adventures elsewhere. However, it’s worth taking a day or so to explore the Spanish-accented historic center, and to try some kid-pleasing treats from the many sidewalk stands (often manned by kids and their parents). For the equivalent of less than a dollar a pop, you can try all manner of weird and wonderful delights. Dodge the Balut, and the chicken feet and intestines on a stick (unless you’re feeling brave), and head for the banana-q (skewered banana covered in sugar and deep fried) or icecream stands. KwekKwek (quial eggs in a bright orange batter) is a good bet for a quick protein fix. You’ll find street stands on literally every corner, but there’s currently a bit of a buzz about those on the Kapitolyo food strip, in Pasig.

Tip: Watch kids’ eyes light up at the sight of Halo Halo – this legendary Manila street snack is a hot (well, actually cool…) mess of purple yam ice cream and shaved ice, topped with any number of sweet treats such as jelly beans, coconut, condensed milk, fresh or jellied fruit, and sometimes sago (tapioca balls). No two Halo Halo stands are alike, and families can have great fun hunting out their favorite. On average, you can expect to pay a little over $0.50 for a Halo Halo on the street.

Day 3-8 Boracay

After a couple of days in the city, it’s time to relax on the beach. And beaches don’t get much better than those of Boracay, so plan to stay at least five days here. There are no direct flights, so plan to fly to either Caticlan (the closest option) or Kalibo (60 km farther from the port but served by cheaper flights), followed by a taxi to the jetty port at Caticlan and a 20-minute boat ride across to Boracay. Expect to pay upwards of around $40 for a one-way trip.
Once on the island, get set for a few days of swimming, snorkeling and surf lessons, while tucking into super-fresh seafood at restaurants where you can dine with your feet (sometimes literally) in the sea. Mangoes, bananas and other kid-pleasing fruits grow in abundance here, and crop up in many street snacks (and are also used to make amazing cocktails at the many many Happy Hours… Juice shacks abound, and picky kids looking for something more familiar will find international fare such as tacos and pasta at Boracay’s modern Food Market at Station 2, where you’ll pay around $2-3 for a plate of food. The fish and seafood market at D’Talipapa, is a feast for the eyes, too, and kids will enjoy goggling at things even if they don’t want to eat them.

Day 9-15 Palawan

Just when you thought your family foodie break in the Philippines couldn’t get any more idyllic, you get to Palawan. Often cited among the best beach islands in the world, this ridiculously picturesque spot offers dolphin-watching, safari parks and other kid-pleasing attractions, but the real appeal will be the pristine waters, boat trips and beach adventures. Fly into Puerto Princesa (2 hr 50, flights from around $100 one way) and spend a day or two tucking into tropical fruit and fresh fish and seafood at simple waterfront restaurants (a main meal can be had for less than $5) (most hotels also serve pasta, pizza and other family favorites) before taking the bus to El Nido, where boat tours lead to hidden beaches, each of which is more beautiful than the next. Most trip operators include food-from fresh fruit to full BBQs-and drinkin the price.

Tip: Don’t miss Baker’s Hill in Puerto Princesa. Visitors can cycle (bikes are big in Palawan) up to the top of a hill where, you guessed it, several bakers sell their delicious wares. There’s a mini theme park, playground and strutting peacocks to up the fun factor even more.

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Day 16-19: Cebu

It’s a flight of around 70 minutes (from around $60 one way pp) from Puerto Princesa, where waterfalls, tiny islands and excellent diving abound, and families visiting Cebu can find crowd-free beaches where coconut palms and fruit trees frame picture-perfect sands. Try trips to Bantayan or Malapascua islands for a true taste of paradise on your family trip to the Philippines. Cebu City itself has lots of international restaurants, some of which are on the pricey side, but for more authentic eats at better prices, check out local spots such as Kusina Uno, which specialises in giant portions of pochero (spicy, meaty stews with a big hunk of beef and bone marrow), where a $2-3 serving satisfies up to 4 hungry tummies.

? Box out: Not for the faint hearted, Cebu speciality Tuslob Buwa (rough translation ‘dip’ and ‘froth’ sees pork brain, liver, garlic and seasonings and served with rice wrapped in palm leaves. It’s surprisingly tasty, and very cheap at less than $1 a go from most street sellers.

Day 20-24 Bohol

Regular speedy ferries make the crossing from Cebu to similarly gorgeous Bohol, where the jungle-covered hills make a dramatic backdrop to the beaches, and a trip to Bohol with kids offers a chance to zipline through the trees, and marvel at tiny tarsier monkeys at a hugely popular sanctuary. The famous ‘Chocolate Hills’ are named for their brownish color at certain times of year rather than for anything edible, but a visit to the famous Bee Farm in Panglao (actually a separate island, accessible via bridge) should sugar the pill. This working honey farm sells dishes made from local organic fruit and vegetables, and visitors can see the bees doing their magic. The ice-creams, made with unusual tropical fruits and herbs such as malunggay (a medicinal tea leaf) are unforgettable.

Here is a more in-depth article about Bohol

Day 25-20 The Cordilleros

Time to bid the beaches bye bye and head for the mountains and rice terraces of the Cordilleros.Take a flight to Manilla (regular flights with local airlines make the 80-minute flight), then onwards by plane or car to the north of Luzon island. Families with kids in the Cordilleros won’t be doing too much climbing in the spiny peaks, but there are many foodie adventures to be had in this magnificent part of the Philippines. The rice terraces are often cited as the 8th Wonder of the World, and are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As one might expect, rice features in various forms, including kiddie-pleasing sweet ones such as Sinuman and Patupat rice cakes. Snails harvested from local creeks are among the more adventurous eats.

? Box out: If you happen to be here during the summer season, you’ll see ant eggs cropping up on the menu. Abuos are the eggs of large red ants, collected by poking holes in their treetop nests. They’re they fried with garlic, tomatoes and onions to make a famous local speciality much loved by the local Igarot tribespeople, and increasingly enjoyed by out of towners too.

Day 30 Back to Manila –

if you have a long wait for a flight, it’s worth checking out the impressive food courts at many shopping malls – and home to start dreaming of all those delicious foods you’ve just eaten.

For recommended family friendly hotels click here.

In Routes

Philippine vacation with kids- flexible route for families

October 10, 2017 No Comments

The Philippines offer the very best of exotic vacations. It has everything you imagine when you think about a luxurious beach vacation. The soft white sandy beaches, the clear turquoise water, the fresh coconuts, sweet juicy fruits, happy-get-lucky locals (that speak English!), and lots of green jungles. An immense feeling of freedom.

Cheaper than Thailand.

And most importantly- jumping (real life!) dolphins! Free! We saw them while on ferries several times. They just show up, whole pods of them, swimming and jumping right next to the boat.

A few shorts words on the Philippines:

The Philippines are divided to four main districts. North (Luzon), center (Visayas), the south (Mindanao), and the island Palawan which is west of Visayas, towards Malaysia.

The archipelago consists of over 7,000 islands, and the main venues of transportation between them is by using the excellent ferry network (depending on the distance between islands, sometimes it’s a small ferry, sometimes a big one, almost a bus, and sometimes it’s a huge ferry that takes you 24 hours or more on the ocean waves), or by flight. You can also take a bus, I mean- you take the bus, and it goes on a ferry, and continues on another island:-).

The locals are charming, welcoming and hospitable, and always happy to help. But there’s two things they don’t believe in in the Philippines that it’s important you know about: hot water in the shower, and blankets.
Meaning you’ll only have hot water in medium level hotels and above. And the same goes for blankets.

It’s simply too hot there for either anyway.

The capital: is Manila, and she’s not welcoming to families. There’s a lot of traffic and sometimes the city just doesn’t feel safe. There are areas that bunch together strip clubs and gambling establishments. But together with all that- it’s the place to go shopping, there are crazy big malls there, with all the biggest brands. Personally I only go there to freshen up my wardrobe. My favorite place is called ‘Glorietta’ and it’s actually 4 connected malls. There are also some pretty big attractions (which I haven’t visited) like chinatown.

Family vacations- recommended hotels in the philippines

Money: the local currency is called Peso. $1=50 Pesos. You can find ATM mechines, but it’s not always easy, especially if you leave the highly touristic areas. Anyway the feeling is that there aren’t enough of them. Sometimes the line is very long. What they do have there are lots of money changers, and international money transfer. There are everywhere.

Visa: most people get free visa upon arrival of somewhere between 21-30 days but it always pays to check in advance. The most important thing is to have an exist ticket to somewhere.

Best seasons: it’s always hot in the Philippines. They have a rainy season and a typhoon season. December to May is the best time to visit. For vacations- Christmas! But summer vacation can also work, provided you can stay for a longer time, allowing for flexibility.

Food: it’s a tropical country so there’s a wide selection of fruits, dozens of types of Mango and Avocado, Coconuts, Jackfruit, and a lot of other we don’t even know about in the west. Most of their food is rice based, they have different kinds of white and pink and red rice… and a ton of seafood (goes without saying) as well as chicken and pork. They love their barbecue, and grill every type of meat they can find. You’ll see people fanning the flames everywhere. You choose the slice and they grill it for you on the spot. Try the chicken legs, a local favorite.

I will now write a recommendation for a fun route you can go on with the kids, based around central Philippines. I built it around the center on purpose as it’s considered the area best protected from typhoons, and therefore better at summer (and summer vacation). It’s flexible from a days-per-location perspective, so you could twist it to fit however long you have available.

1. Cebu

The route starts in Cebu. The second largest island in the Philippines.

You can stay in Cebu city, of find quieter places. I like recommending this hotel, on Mactan Island that is connected to mainland(ish) Cebu by bridge (the international airport is also on this island). It’s not cheap but will provide an excellent opening to any vacation.

Take two-three days to get over the flight and just have a good family time, then fly from Cebu to the tiny volcanic island “Cameguin”.

2. Cameguin

During the flight the staff entertains the passengers with riddle games. There are even prizes:-).
This tiny island sits on a volcano, which turns some of the beaches black. Beyond that, despite the size of the island it has many fun activities. There are some nice waterfalls (where you can swim), a site with a few hot spring pools, each with a different temperature. There’s a Zipline near the beach that goes above a sweet water lake, kayaking and other sea activities, and a site with giant clams (careful, they swallow everything!). A few museums and even an ostrich farm.

We’ve visited this island twice. Zig-zagged all across it on a bike we rented and discovered some lovely isolated corners. Climbed one of the mountains, and at the top we found a beautiful waterfall and remnants of volcanic ash.

When we went to the Zipline booking office the kids really wanted to go. For me it was enough to just see the cable stretched over the water to give up the pleasure. But the Zipline rules say you have to go in twos, so found myself being launched (twice! It’s a two-leg journey…) together with my youngest daughter.

I recommend to sleep in the hot spring campus called “Ardent”, that way you could go for a swim any time you want (the pools are open 24 hours), even after the kids fell asleep… :-). They have simple rooms with an A/C and a family room. Costs $80 a night.

There’s a restaurant there that’s not fantastic but it’s not bad either and the staff is nice. There are also a few stands just outside the campus. Basically, sausages and corn are readily available.

After three-four days of rest, day trips and being spoiled, take the ferry to Bohol Island. The ferry leaves every day at morning and by noon makes port in the city Jagna at central Bohol.

The journey takes about three-four hours.

My kids like Jagna because you can find the Filipino delicacy Calamay everywhere. Calamay is a sort of a sweet spread/jelly made of coconuts that they sell in a coconut shell packaging.

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3. Bohol

A word about ferries in the Philippines: I recommend that you bring some food with you, because the food on the ferry is expensive and the options are usually very limited.

And another thing- there’s no problem getting tickets in the port. Just make sure to get there some time ahead. Usually, especially before the ferry leaves, there are long lines. You’ll need to pay for the tickets (=first line), harbor tax (=second line), and for your suitcases (=third line). Children under 10 get a discount. Ask for the A/C class (=most expensive), or outside (=cheapest, and there’s a breeze:-))

When you get to Jagna you’ll have two options:

You can take a taxi or a minivan (air conditioned) to the biggest city in Bohol called Tagbilaran. Most tourists on the island go to its most famous beach, which is near Tagbilaran. It’s called “Alona beach” and it really is a nice beach with many nice restaurants, an ATM, agencies offering day trips and island-hopping, stores for beachwear, etc…

Family vacations- recommended hotels in the philippines

If you don’t want to party with all the tourists, you can always look for a guesthouse or a hotel in the city proper (it has a few nice malls, my favorite is ICM that has some video games in the top floor and even a 3D cinema). Or you can look around the road that surrounds the island, and soak in the magnificent ocean view. Another nice area is the town “Anda”, and near it the resort “Peace 1”, that has a private beach frequented by some sea turtles.

A minivan from Jagna to Tagbilaran costs 100 pesos per person.

Bohol is a relatively small island but it has a lot of attractions, and it’s a fun place to spend a few days. You can go on tours and watch dolphins, snorkel in the oceanic nature reserves near the island. There are kayak trips, an Extreme Park, river boating, a beautiful natural phenomenon called “chocolates hills” (yeah yeah) and some incredibly sweet creatures called “Filipino monkey” that became the island’s symbol. Professional name: Tarsier.

You can get almost any tye of food there, from real local food to big fast-food chains like McDonald’s, KFC and domino’s pizza. And of course Dunkin Donuts, that took over the Philippines and apparently conquered them.

We lived in Bohol twice, for a few months each time. We rented a small house with a private beach in a small fishing village and just lived with the locals and the ocean. We would shop at the local market, go for walks in the village, play with the locals, and learn from them about sea life.

We loved going to some nearby islands called Pamilican and Balicasag. On the way to them we usually saw dolphins. Near the islands there are beautiful reserves and we would jump off our little boat and snorkel for hours. We even saw small sharks and sea turtles. The boat’s driver would throw some breadcrumbs to attract the fish to us, to the great joy of my youngest daughter, that didn’t want to go too far from the boat.

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4. Siquijor

After Bohol, take another ferry to Siquijor. This is a small, peaceful island, with incredible quiet beaches. It’s also called the “Isle of Fire”, because of the millions of fireflies that fly near its beaches at night.

The island itself offer a number of activities, most of which are nature related (waterfalls, springs, ancient trees, night walks to see the fireflies).

And of course there’s diving and snorkeling.

We arrived there completely on accident. While visiting Dumaguete, we met at the hotela Filipino friend. After an interesting conversation with him, he told us that he has a resort in Siquijor (a quick boat ride away from Dumaguete) and invited us to stay there. So we found ourselves, a few weeks afterwards, in Siquijor :-).

Most of our time there we spent in the great swimming pool in the resort. It was so fun and relaxed we didn’t even need to leave.

4.5 Optional: Dumaguete

From Siquijor you can go slowly to Cebu Island. Before that take a short ferry to Dumaguete.if you have time you can explore it, it’s another nice island with plenty of activities.

Another article giving details about those four places, including costs, you can find here.

The Philippines have two types of public transport that I haven’t seen anywhere else. The Tricycle, which is a bit like the Thai Tok-Tok or the Indian Rickshaw, meaning, they took a motorbike and added a contraption with seats on it. The Filipinos like stuffing as many people as possible into those. It comes in different sizes, some only fit three people, and others fit six or more. The other vehicle is called a Jeepney and it’s actually a jeep that has been turned into a bus. They make it themselves, so every Jeepney looks a little different. They paint it in screaming colors, add some designs and sometimes even add a few quotes. It’s similar to an open bus, and there too they stuff as many people as they possibly can. Try to ride both those vehicles at least once. It’s an experience of a different type:-).

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5. Cebu

From the city Dumaguete leaves a (air conditioned) bus that goes on the ferry to Cebu with you inside it, and continues until Cebu City. You can also get off halfway there, in south Cebu there is a (debatable) attraction that offers diving/swimming/watching Whale Sharks. These are sharks that feed only on Plankton and, despite their huge size, they’re very gentle creatures. This activity is not cheap at $150 per person.

After you get back to Cebu City, you can finish the journey with some shopping in a few of the huge malls in the city. All the brands you know and then some:-).

More details to help you plan your trip and budget for it you can find here.

In Asia with kids

How much does it cost: Philippines with kids

September 19, 2017 No Comments

If you’re coming to the Philippines, the first thing you have to prepare yourself for is that everyone will call you either sir or madam.

The best time to visit the Philippines is from December to May. Which means Christmas vacation is perfect. but summer vacation can also work if you can stay for a relatively long time (at least three weeks or more).

⇒In the Philippines they make all sorts of treats from a purple sweetpotato called Ube. Even ice cream! Water cost 10-20 Pesos (0.25$-0.5$) for a liter and a half, and bus tickets cost 8 Pesos (0.15$)

Hotels:
To get out list of recommended hotels in different destinations in the Philippines, including prices, please click here

Independent traveling:

Families that want to plan their trip to the Philippines by themselves can talk with me over the phone and get a lot of helpful recommendations, tips, and important information for correct planning. Answers to all the little questions and details you can’t find anywhere else. Send me an email (familytravelsquare@gmail.com) and we’ll settle on a time.

In general it’s possible to say that a trip (for the whole family) in a low budget will cost about 80$ a day, a medium budget trip about 150$ a day, and a high budget trip can get to any amount you want:-). In the Philippines there are R-E-A-L-L-Y nice luxury resorts, right besides simple Bamboo huts.

⇒Alcohol: the locals in the Philippines drink homemade Coconut wine. It’s worth a try, just take under consideration that you have to get used to it slowly otherwise you’ll get a stomachache. Excellent local Beer costs 30 pesos (0.65$) for half a liter.

Vacation packages and organized tours:

Many websites and agencies offer packages both for solo travelers and families that want to come to the Philippines. The packages include planning a route, with a guide, accommodation, and transportation. Usually the tour length us between 8-19 days. The cost moves from 75$ to 150$ per person per day (not including flights). And they depend on the agency and the quality of accommodation and transportation.

Trips in specific destinations:

You can book those in your own country or from the variety of agencies spread throughout the Philippines. We’re talking about “island hopping” trips of all sorts, and all kinds of special attractions such as sea kayaking, rice terrace tour, the underground caves, Palawan, and more. The prices also vary and the cost is between 15$ per day per person (a short trip of boating and visiting a few stations) and up to 80$-100$ per day per person (a tour to more distant locations or a unique trek)

Organized tours:

Organized tours to the Philippines there are plenty. In each one of the websites offering tours they offer a slightly different route and a varying day count. The average cost is between 270$-300$ per day per person. The selection offered to families, on the other hand, when it comes to organized tours is fairly small.

⇒To those with strong stomachs: they have a traditional delicacy called Balut, which is basically a Duck egg boiled with the embryo still inside. You can find it in almost every street stall in the city or the country. It’s usually painted purple or red to distinguish it from the other (regular) eggs.

Click here to get a month’s worth of food filled adventure in the Philippines.

Further tips and info:

Visa:

Citizens of most nationalities get 30 days free visa upon arrival, and can later extend their visa for a month or two, for a period of up to two years.

For visa information for your county click here

For visa extension cost click here

Currency and exchange rate:

In the Philippines the used Pesos. One Dollar is worth 50 Pesos, one Euro is worth 60 Pesos, one British pound is worth 70 Pesos, and 10 Indian Rupees are worth 8 Pesos.

Recommended seasons:

The best season in from November to February, and from March until May, when it rains the least and it’s not too hot. In the rest of the year it rains more but it’ll be hot, and the moment the rain stops the sun creeps back. In Eastern Philippines it rains year-round, but when ut doesn’t rain it’s sunny.

Internal transportation:

In the Philippines there are several airline companies, we especially recommend Cebu Pacific, an international airliner that offers domestic flights at reasonable prices.

A lot of the transportation between islands is done by ferries and these are best companies: Oceanjet, Oceanfast, and 2Go

Booking ferry tickets- not recommended to do through the internet. It’s a long and tiring process that requires showing all sorts of passport photocopies when you collect the tickets. It’s better to go to the ticketing office and buy directly. That way you can also make sure you have good sits and that all the family members share the same sleeping compartment (don’t forget to make sure of that again and again).

The public transportation in the Philippines is also excellent and cheap. Always when you get to a new island you can take a bus to anywhere on it.

In the Philippines you can find buses, air-conditioned mini-vans, rickshaws (normally referred to as ‘tricycles’), motorcycle taxis, and Jeepneys- a jeep-engine powered bus that is very very cheap (and the experience is free) 🙂
In bus stations and in the ferries they sell Bananas-deep-fried-in-Sugar-on-a-stick

⇒roosters: in the Philippines Rooster fights are legal. In almost every house you can see Chickens and Roosters. They take very good care of their Roosters, and across the whole country you can find stores that sell only Rooster care equipment. You can even find a special Shampoo for shiny feathers.

Useful information:

The most important thing to know about the Philippines is that against the common opinion, you don’t have to fly from island to island. It’s much cheaper to sail and take buses, and even if it takes a bit longer, there’s nothing quite like feeling the ocean wind and see the Dolphins jumping among the waves while sailing in the Philippines. Not to mention you get to avoid the whole headache around airports.

What is also important to know is that the Filipinos love their Seafood and Pork, and those that keep kosher might find it difficult. Chabad houses can be found in Manila and Cebu, the two biggest cities in the Philippines.

Money- in the Philippines there are ATM machines, but they’re sparse. In the big cities you can find one pretty easily, but in the villages sometimes there are none. And when you do find an ATM (even in the big cities) there’s sometimes a very long line. Commission-wise it’s better to go to the foreign banks because they don’t charge a commission for a withdrawal and in most cases you can withdraw larger amounts (HSBC, metrobank)
Money changers, however, are everywhere.

Sim card and mobile network- in the Philippines there are several companies that provide mobile network we recommend Globe (faster network) or Smart.

⇒Because it’s so hot in the Philippines sometimes, you can buy cold mineral water in a bug, from a machine. You should try, especially with kids

and one last tip: come with a waterproof camera.

In Asia with kids

Vietnam with kids- everything you need to know to plan your trip

September 18, 2017 No Comments

Here is everything I thought would help you plan a Vietnam with kids. I tried giving you a more general image as well as going into detail, in points that I found important.

Location:

On South China Sea, neighbor to Cambodia and Laos. An hour flight from Bangkok, Thailand. A long, narrow country, with a lot of beaches. Half of Vietnam is a peninsula.

Best seasons:

In Vietnam it’s hot all year around. Seasons are largely fictional. There are times of year it’s a bit warmer or rainier (and it’s still hot when it rains). Supposedly you can arrive all year around, but I recommend going in October-April, not too hot and doesn’t rain too much. Even when it’s hot, it’s not suffocating heat because you can go into the pool or the ocean, and there are air-conditioners in almost room.

Estimated budget for a family per month:

In Vietnam accommodation is the most expensive thing. Food and transportation and all else is negligible.

–Very low budget: low budget hotels without swimming pool, cheap restaurants and little or no adventuring, 1000-1300$ a month.

–Low budget: cheap hotels with a pool, cheap restaurants and street food, and staying put for the most part, 1300-1550$ a month.

–Medium budget: good hotels with pool and breakfast, right on the beach, good restaurants (even if in my opinion the best restaurants are cheap/street food), moving often from place to place, maybe even some water sports lessons (surfing, scuba diving, kite surfing), 1950-2100$

–High budget (vacation): luxury hotels, expensive restaurants, tours, diving and surfing, private transportation, 2600$ and above.

Visa:

Vietnamese visa you do In advance online. It costs 18$ a month or 30$ for three months, for single entry visa. Multiple entry visa costs 25$ for a month or 65$ for three months, and takes 2-3 work day to process and get a certificate, which you need to print, and then bring to clerk at the airport to put a stamp in your passport. In the airport you also have to pay a service fee of 25$ per person. It’s best to prepare dollars cash in advance.

Exchange rate and currency:

The Vietnamese currency is called Dong, and it has one of the smaller denominations in the world. One dollar is worth 22,500 dongs (VND). A good amount to get from the ATM is 4-6 million (2 million at a time). Yes, all you need to do to be a millionaire is fly to Vietnam.
The ATMs charge high commission. And in most you can only pull 2 million at a time.an ATM that doesn’t tale commission and lets you pull larger amounts is Citibank. Look for it.

Communication:

Vietnam has great WiFi almost anywhere. And it’s always free and usually without password.
Sim cards are readily available in stores. You can also get a very comfortable data package.

Places I recommend:

Mui Ne, a charming little vacation town on the beach, 3 hours’ drive from Ho Chi Minh city- sitting on a world heritage site. Because of the desert clime, there’s hardly any humidity and annoying critters, which makes it a perfect place for a vacation.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Hanoi, Halong bay

Dalat

Try This article as well- everything you need to know before you go.

Foods to try:

–Pho: a Vietnamese noodle soup, with some vegetables and lots of meat or seafood, traditionally mixed in with some fresh leaves for seasoning, and hot chili sauce if you like spicy.

–Banh Mi: Vietnamese Sandwich, cut in half baguette, with all kinds of meats and pastrami (usually pork), vegetables, mayo and chili if you want. One of the world’s best sandwiches.

–Banh Xeo: a salty crape fried in butter and oil with all the extras you want (usually meat and seafood), with some bean sprouts on top, sauces and herbs.

–Fruits: Vietnam has the best fruits in Asia. Better than Thailand or the Philippines or anywhere else. If you haven’t bought a few kilos of fruits for dinner, then you haven’t been in Vietnam. My favorite is Dragon Fruit but everything is delicious.

Here is a whole route for food loving familie :-).

Transportation:

Busses in Vietnam has an excellent network of comfortable busses (the best busses I’ve been in by 500%) that get everywhere cheaply and quickly.

A few words on long distance busses:

-The busses have inclined almost bed-like seats (sleeper).

-Inside the bus there are three rows of single “beds” and two stories per row.

-When entering the bus you’re asked to take your shoes off and put them in plastic bags.

-They’ll ask you to take as few bags as possible because there’s simply nowhere to put them.

-Most buses have wifi

-And air conditioning.

-I highly recommend booking the back row in advance. It’s the only row where you can all be together and you’ll have some extra room for your bags.

Trains- are also good and comfortable.

Flights- there are a few local companies that do domestic flights.
The four companies are: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, Jetstar, and Airmakong.

Taxis- also comfortable. Most use a meter. Beware of stings.

Scooter taxis- fun, and cheap.

Things you should know:

Holidays:

The biggest holiday of the year is called Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, around the end of January/beginning of February. The prices around Tet skyrocket. Almost to doubling. Including the food in the street food stalls. You could have soup at a stall for 15,000vnd one day, and the next day the same soup at the same stall will cost 25,000vnd. That’s accepted and shouldn’t be bargained over. Additionally, during the holiday most businesses will be closed.

Vietnam for those keeping kosher:

Keeping kosher is difficult in Vietnam, because they live on pork and seafood. Chicken and beef are common too, but they cook using the same ports and utensils. For vegetarians, a lot of times when you ask for a vegetarian soup the restaurant will just fish out the chunks of meat and serve you he same soup. Nevertheless, you can still find vegetarian restaurants here and there. Or an Indian restaurant (where they understand what ‘veg’ means).

There’s an abundance of fruits, vegetables, eggs, bread and markets to buy some basic ingredients.

In Amazing family vacations

Vietnam with kids- on the beach in Mui-Ne

March 18, 2017 No Comments

When thinking of a family beach vacation, Vietnam isn’t the first place to pop in mind.

Usually it’s closer to Thailand or Goa. But for those looking for a change, or to find a quiet, luxurious place, should definitely consider it as an option. I flew to Vietnam with my kids just to spend a few months on the beach…

Mui-Ne is a small stretch of beach five hours by bus from Ho-chi-Minh city
The bus picks you up at the hotel in Ho-Chi-Minh and drops you at your hotel in Mui-Ne.

∴ One straight road. On one side the beach and resorts built one after the other, and on the other side hotels, stores, spas, and that’s it. Mui-Ne is all about relaxing.

∴ Kite-surfing enthusiasts like the place as it has great surfing, shops for renting equipment and courses.

∴ Keep in mind that on this vacation you won’t do anything other than swim, walk on the beach, play in the sand, oh, and eating.

∴ Mui-Ne is heaven for seafood lovers. Along the street (and there’s only one street) are spread restaurants showing in their aquariums all the things you can eat. Squids, Octopus, Shrimp, Prawns, and different kinds of clams and oysters, crabs and snakes, lizards, turtles…

∴ And for fruit lovers. Pineapple, Passion Fruit, Litchi, Jack Fruit, and more .they even make fresh aloe-Vera juice and also avocado shakes.

∴ The place looks completely western. Everything is clean, pretty, and modern. Not what you’d think of Southeast Asia or Vietnam.

∴ The hotels are amazing. The service, for the most part, is amazing.

∴ You can rent bicycle or scooter to get around easier. On the other hand there are taxis and scooter-taxis flooding the area. And there’s the local bus.

∴ Fairy Springs- a charming piece of nature in the middle of the stretch of beach. It’s a fountain of water coming from the ground. They’re warm and flaw in a shallow stream to the ocean. You walk along the stream barefoot, on the soft, soft send. A joy for the kids. Colorful dunes in the background. Along the way there’s also an ostrich farm where you can ride the birds.

∴ The night life is awesome and include lots of alcohol, clubs, and live shows.

∴ If you’re worried- there are ambulances and a high-level professional clinic.

∴ One of the big advantages of the place (the reason I chose it) is that it’s a desert area, and the humidity is very low. So even though you live right on the beach, you don’t feel it! The weather is a-m-a-z-i-n-g

∴ Staying there is Very comfortable– there’s fast WiFi almost everywhere, excellent coffee, air-con, spas…

∴ There’s one resort that offers a private mud bath. Take the kids and make them feel like Shrek 🙂. After the bath you’ll get free access to the huge swimming pool filled with mineral water and health.

∴ You can get any kind of massage there, Including hot stones and everything. And special kinds like coconut or rice milk massage or massage with aloe-vera.

∴ Every travel agency offers tours in the area.

∴ And of course to try out many different water sports. Boogie-board, wind-surfing, kite-surfing, jet-skiing.
∴ One note: Despite the touristic nature of the town, many service providers don’t speak English.

In short: prepare yourself for a high-end vacation for ridiculously low prices.

prices for example:

Excellent resort with ocean view, swimming pool and a private beach (family room including breakfast) – 30$-60$ a night. There are more expensive resorts offering private bungalows and such, those can get as high as 500$ a night.
Cold coffee- 0.5$
Beer bottle- 0.5$
Full seafood hotpot- 5$
Whole peeled and sliced pineapple- 0.5$
Full body massage- varying prices. Depends if you go to the small spas or the big luxurious ones. Somewhere between 5$ and 25$ an hour.
Bicycle rent- 2$ a day. Scooter rent- 8$ a day.
Fresh coconut juice straight from the nut- 0.5$

In Amazing family vacations

Philippines- four magical places to enjoy with your kids (and how much it costs…)

May 3, 2016 No Comments

Christmas/ hanuka and Easter/passover vacations are the best times to take the kids and go on an amazing vacation in the Philippines.
Granted, there is summer vacation, but it’s actually the summer that isn’t a very good season in the Philippines, and if you go there during summer vacation there’s the chance you’ll get some rains and storms. Nothing terrible, but it’s something to consider.
What else, I heard from many families recently that they are looking for an interesting and different destination, something to refresh the annual vacation in Europe.
And hence the Philippines are the perfect destination 🙂

First of all- check out our best tips for family travel in the Philippines.

And now- Here are four places that are simply wonderful for a vacation in the Philippines with kids:

1. This hotel in Mactan, on the island Cebu. An awesome start to a vacation. It’s not cheap, at around 200$ a night, but it’s well worth it. Everything you need in a vacation without moving too much :-). A huge swimming pool, complete with slides and bridges, SUP (stand up pedal surfing) and sea Kayaking, and if you ever leave the swimming pool you’ll find a climbing wall and a kid’s playroom, a private beach, free bicycles to move freely inside the hotel grounds and more…

There are many things to do in Cebu, here are few of the lesser known attractions for families.

2. After few days in this hotel, book a (very) short flight to an amazing island called Camiguin. It’s a tiny island with a few interesting attractions. It has beautiful black-sand beaches. And hot springs, and giant Clams that are definitely worth a visit. You can go snorkel-diving around the island, or even tour around it on a bicycle on the friendly island surrounding road.
You should quietly spend a few days on that island. Enjoy the hot springs, the massages, and sleeping in your favorite guest-house right next to them. That way you could go on a tight romantic dip after the kids went to bed…❤
Staying there is very cheap. Staying in a family room in the guest-house will cost no more than 50$ a night. And it includes free entrance to the hot springs 24/7

3. From there continue to the marvellous island Bohol. Recommended hotels you can find here . OR – you can stay at a private beach house. In Bohol you can enjoy all sorts of attractions like the Chocolate hills, the Extreme park, sailing on the Loboc river, and most importantly- Dolphin watching. Don’t miss it! It’s an amazing experience.
Estimated costs per day will be around 150$-180$, including accommodation, meals, and attractions.
By the way, in Bohol’s biggest city, Tagbilaran, there are a few nice malls that have cinemas (with 3D) restaurants and shops. One of my children’s biggest enjoyments was the arcade in ICM (island city mall), that they always left with some nice prizes.
To divers, that’s also the place from which you can go on breathtaking dives in the area. In Bohol there are also several interesting underwater reserves. I’ll never forget the sea Turtles we saw while snorkeling around Bohol. It was one of the most exciting experiences of my life.
If you don’t dive and want to take a course, in Bohol you can find a few good options for that.
There are also sea-Kayaking tours that you simply must check out.
To more adventurous families I warmly suggest going on an independent tour around the island. Bohol allows for a fascinating view into the life of the locals, with the tiny fishing villages, fragrant markets, jungles, and virgin beaches. Tourist free gems are hidden around every corner if you only go in deep enough.

Bohol also offers few Adrenalin-rush activities. check them out here.

4. From Bohol you can move on to the enchanted island Siquijor, with its white beaches, snorkelling, night sailing and watching thousands of fireflies, kayaking, and quiet. The hotels here are good and don’t cost much, only about 60$a day all expenses included. I wrote about it here.

-From there the move is pretty simple back to south Cebu, where the bravest can swim with Whale Sharks. The experience is not cheap (I haven’t done it, my youngest wouldn’t let her mom swim freely like that with sharks. I am waiting for her to grow up…), and costs about 150$ per person.

-Finish the trip in Manila, the shopping city.

In Amazing family vacations

The Philippines with kids on less than 1800$ a month

April 26, 2016 No Comments

The Philippines is one of the destinations I’d most recommend to travel with kids or for a family vacation. They have a crazy abundance of beauty and luxuries and a very high quality of life. And most importantly- everything is possible on a very sane budget.

Take for example this hotel.

It’s a hotel in Siquijor, one of the smallest and most charming islands in the Philippines. There are both amazing beaches and family activaties over there. On a small scale, without too much noise and mess. Perfect for a family vacation.

I was there with my kids for a few days and it was a joy!

We just swam all day in the pool or the ocean, and drank Coconut milk straight from the nut.
So I went to my favorite search engine and input today’s dates. I got 42$ a night for a family room, including breakfast.
Now.
Let’s say you get there and you want to simply stay there for two weeks. Or a month. The cost will go down to 35$ a night at the highest. Food will cost you 15$ a day.
Attractions, diving, activities and luxuries will cost maybe a bit more.
And that’s it.
A delightful family vacation for a uniquely delightful price.
Family trip on a low budget is possible in so many ways and so many places, you just need to know where to look :-).

And here are some crazy activities you can enjoy with your family during your trip to the philippines.

In Amazing family vacations

Vietnam with kids- Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) and Hanoi: recommended hotels for a soft landing (and how much they cost)

April 25, 2016 No Comments

Discover the best hotels and accommodation prices in Vietnam-Ho Chi Minh(Saigon) and Hanoi when travelling with kids. Recommended destinations for a comfortable stay

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city are both remarkable destinations that any tourist would love. Not only do they have a certain charm around them, these cities are also home to some really amazing relaxation spots. However, when you stare reality in the face, the first thing you observe are the clogged array of motorbikes, scooters, cars, and smoke in a dense and people-clogged environment. This colorful mess might make you stop in awe at the crosswalk and wonder if you will ever be able to cross that road.

However, even with this rather dense atmosphere, navigating these two cities can be really easy if you know the right place to stay and are able to find your way around.

Below is a list of Recommended hotels in Ho Chi Minh City when travelling with kids:

Best Luxury Hotels:

✨ The reverie Saigon– Do you want to get a mind blowing view of the river and the entire city? This hotel offers you everything you need in a five-star hotel and so much more. From a breathtaking swimming pool with color changing waters, to a full bursting minibar and a manservant available for hire, it is just perfect if you are looking to have a great time. It also features wall-to-wall windows with well facilitated rooms (including an espresso machine!)

Kids below 11 years of age stay free. Price– 225$ a night.

Book your stay now to enjoy the amazing city and all of its pleasantries!

Click to book through Agoda now

Click to book through Booking now

✨ Sherwood residence hotel– Get the feel of luxury at an affordable rate! The Sherwood residence hotel offers you apartments from 80sqm in size in a spectacular apartment setting. This standard room comes with 2-bedrooms, 2-bathrooms, living room, well equipped kitchen with a fridge and even a washing machine.

To get more out of your stay, you also get a swimming pool, a play room for the kids and so much more in a sparkling and squeaky clean setup.

What’s even better? Children younger than 11 years get to stay for free!

The price- 87$ (for the standard apartment described above) a night and upwards for other high end rooms with additional features.

Book your stay now to set down a reservation for your trip!

Book through Agoda today

Book though Booking today

✨ caravelle saigon hotel– Would you like to enjoy the serenity and astonishing beauty of Ho Chi Minh? the Caravelle Saigon hotel brings you a 5-star hotel in the perfect location! You get great rooms, a wonderful pool and a remarkable view!

It also offers free stay for kids younger than 5 years!

Price- starting from 135$ a night.

Make your reservation today to enjoy excellence in hospitality!

Click here to book through Agoda

Click here to book through Booking

Best Guesthouses in Saigon:

✨ beautiful Saigon hotel– Want an affordable yet high class accommodation that brings you quality service and a family friendly environment? The beautiful Saigon is what you need!

Here, you get an amazing location, swimming pool, clean rooms, fast Wi-Fi and breakfast included in the fee. It is absolutely affordable and offers you the option for rooms with three or more beds for better convenience.

Kids younger than 10 get to stay for free!

Price: Starting from $28 night.

Click here to book through Agoda

Click here to book through Booking

✨ Saigon Europe hotel spa– Experience convenience and relaxation in a spa styled hotel with all of the facilities you need!

Want to stay in a good location, with big, clean, air conditioned rooms and a pool? The Saigon Europe hotel spa offers you that and so much more. It also come with a served breakfast included in the fee.

Price: $50 a night for the family room.

Book your reservation today and give your family a treat.

Click here to book through Agoda

Click here to book through Booking

Recommended hotels in Hanoi with kids:

Best Luxury Hotels:

✨ meracus hotel– Enjoy the service of a great staff and a breakfast served for kings in the highly rated Meracus hotel. With a strong reputation of excellence, this hotel is located right on Hoan kiem in a perfect location and is extremely affordable for all of the features it offers!

Price: 70$ a night for a family suite.

Click here to book through Agoda

Click here to book through Booking

✨ Hanoi la siesta– Perfect for maximum comfort, the Hanoi la siesta is designed as a family friendly location with pleasant and helpful staff and a good location. Located in the old quarter, you can book rooms with connecting doors for great family accessibility and closeness.

Price: 160$ a night for two rooms with a connecting door, or 170$ a night for a family suite.

Want to enjoy your stay with your family? Book a room at the Hanoi le siesta today!

Click here to book through Agoda

Click here to book through booking

A good hotel for a good price:

✨ hanoi lotus boutique hotel– This hotel offers you an amazing array of services including friendly staff, great location, an awesome restaurant and organized tours for the entire family. You also get free Tea/Coffee/fruit juice throughout the whole day.

Price: 25$ a night for a double room, 40$ a night for a family room.

Follow this link to book through Agoda

Follow this link to Book through Booking

Best Guesthouse in Hanoi:

✨funky jungle– If you are a backpacker/traveler, a group of friends travelling together or visiting the city as a family, then the funky jungle is the ideal location for you!

Located in the heart of the old quarter, this guesthouse provides a common playroom, restaurant and bar (free beer!). It is a great place for social encounters/making new friends from all over the world.

You can get a few beds in a dorm room, or get a private room.

Price: A bed costs 10$ a night and a room costs 35$ a night.

Click here to book through Agoda

Click here to book through Booking

Don’t forget that you need to make your Vietnamese visa in advance online. and read more information about trip to Vietnam with kids.

For more inspiration try our awesome itineraries:

Vietnam with kids- Two weeks luxury vacation

Vietnam for food loving families

and more…

You can find many more hotels throughout Vietnam on Agoda , Booking or Hotelscombined

My new eBook is now available on amazon. click here, and find out how to travel the world with your kids for less than 1400$ a month (yes, even when staying at those really nice hotels :-)).