vietnam with kids – Family World Travel

In Asia with kids

Vietnam with Kids: Hoi An’s Lesser-Known Attractions

January 14, 2018 No Comments

Spice up your family trip to Hoi An with these under-the-radar activities!

Families visiting Vietnam tend to flock to Hoi An, and with good reason. The white sand beaches are attraction enough in themselves, but this pretty town also counts impressive architecture, a stroller-friendly pedestrianised Old Town and a colorful arts and crafts scene among its family-pleasing attractions. Oh, and there’s some excellent shopping to be done here, and some delicious cocktails (and mocktails for the kids) to drink. All good, except of course this means jostling for elbow room with other families as well as the backpacker brigade at the major sites and attractions. For a little more spice and local flavor, families in Hoi An can easily ditch the big crowds and find under-the-radar activities. Read on for some highlights.

Take a Free Bike Tour With Local Students

Set up by enterprising local students keen to improve their language skills by interacting with English-speaking visitors to Hoi An, these fun free tours are basically a win-win. The friendly students have an off-the-beaten-track ethos, aiming to show visitors the sights that don’t appear in any guidebooks. Families will need to rent their own bikes (most hotels offer this service for next-to-nothing) and pay for extras such as ferries and food (contributions to local community projects are welcomed!). Otherwise, the rides are freebies which allow families to cycle around traditional rural villages, past rice paddies and grazing water buffalo. You can also visit craft villages to see expert carpenters and boat-makers at work, or participate in workshops if you’re interested. Cyclists can take tea with locals and visit family homes to see how traditional dishes are prepared. All in all, these bike rides are a fun way to get off the tourist trail and interact with local communities.

Got time and cash to spare? It’s even possible for visitors to Hoi An to make their own bikes from locally-sourced bamboo. Locals use the abundant crops of sturdy bamboo to make all manner of useful objects, and visitors can take part in bike-building workshops. The whole process takes between 6-14 days, and bikes can be shipped on request. The whole experience costs around $400 USD (not including shipping) but the end result is a nifty, durable bike that makes a pretty impressive memento of your family trip to Hoi An. Plus, you can ride it around for the duration of your stay in Vietnam!

Make Traditional (and Edible!) Vietnamese Toys

Toys you can eat! Hoi An is famous for its tradition of tò he: figurines made from rice paper crafted into flowers, animals, super-heroes… basically every kid-pleasing shape imaginable. While it’s common to see these toys for sale by the roadside and at the markets of Hoi An, families in the town can also make their own by taking part in a workshop (ask around, or use an agency such as Backstreet Academy). For less than $20 USD families can spend a few fun hours learning about this centuries-old tradition, and moulding their glutinous rice paper into the shape of their choice.

Learn Traditional Cooking

Encourage the kids to get hands-on with their food habits by taking part in one of the many cookery classes in Hoi An. Some classes involve visiting farms and markets to learn about selecting the choicest ingredients for whipping up those delicately-flavored Vietnamese dishes such as white rose dumplings and quang noodles. Kids will enjoy making sweet treats such as green bean cakes, and the chance to eat what they make might encourage fussy eaters to embark on new gastronomic adventures. Some Hoi An cooking classes are fairly touristy affairs, but others such as the aptly-named My Grandma’s Home Cooking, involve traveling to rural villages to learn the culinary magic of locals who have been creating delicious family meals for generations. Families who appreciate the flavors at the welcoming Cafe 43 can also take classes on site, for just a few dollars per head.

Ethical Eats at Streets Café

Take your budding chefs to Streets Restaurant-Cafe, where disadvantaged young people have a chance to enroll in cookery training courses, applying their skills in the restaurant. As part of the global Streets International social enterprise, it’s a feel-good way to eat, but that’s far from the only reason to visit. The food is excellent by any standards, and the pretty setting and artfully-restored old building will impress the grown-ups as the kids slurp up noodles and delicious mango smoothies.

Photo: Efrat Shimon

In Asia with kids

Vietnam with Kids: Dalat’s Lesser-Known Attractions

January 14, 2018 No Comments

Spice Up Your Family Trip to Dalat with these Under-the-Radar Activities!

Sometimes known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Dalat is one of the most popular destinations for families visiting Vietnam, thanks to its less-than-scorching temperatures, gorgeous mountainous landscape, and wealth of kid-friendly attractions. Families in Dalat can ride roller coasters through the jungle, soar above the trees in cable cars leading to crashing waterfalls, and check into one of the the most child-pleasing guest houses on the planet the Dali-esque Crazy House (a tourist attraction in its own right). The quiet roads are perfect for family cycling trips, and most guest houses in Dalat welcome newcomers with a family meal free of charge, which provides a great way to get to know locals and other guests. Dalat’s popularity can make it feel like a rather tame family resort though, and visitors will find themselves negotiating large crowds at most of Dalat’s family attractions. Scratch the surface, though, and visitors to Dalat with kids can find a whole host of off-the-beaten-path experiences that will add some welcome spice to a visit to this tranquil mountain resort.

Visit the Elephant Waterfall

Dalat is famous for its waterfalls, and the mountain coaster heading to Datanla Falls is one of the busiest tourist attractions in the town. It’s worth doing (the kids will never speak to you again if you don’t let them ride it at least once), but for crowd-free falls, get yourself to the farther-flung Elephant Waterfall. Some 40 kilometers from Dalat, the impressive falls remain largely a local attraction and happily free of vast crowds of tourists. Several tour operators run trips here, but families can also do it the DIY way by taking either a local bus (these run frequently during daylight hours), or cycling. Note that there are some tough trails to scramble over at the end, so bring sensible shoes. Little ones may need to be carried. The waters crash down from a height of some 30 kilometers, and the area around the absurdly scenic lake is perfect for dips and family picnics. A nearby pagoda with giant blue Happy Buddha is a good spot for family photos.

∴ Impress the kids by telling them the legend of Elephant Waterfall. The less-than-cheery ancient story holds that a kind daughter of one of the tribal chiefs, much loved by the local animals, was due to marry a similarly popular chieftain, much to the delight of the area’s elephants. The great creatures came from all around to attend the ceremony, only to find that the couple had died before the ceremony. The stricken elephants were united in grief and died at the foot of the waterfall, where they were fossilized. The local mountain god cried tears that mixed with the stream, and consoled the dead elephants.

Experience the Lost Art of Silver Ring Making in Action

The art of crafting silver rings has long been practised by local Churu people, but today the tradition is dying out. Visitors to Da Lat can take a craft village tour to see artisans at work their homes in little-visited nearby villages. It’s possible to make the trip by bike, but guides can provide interesting information about the custom. The process of making the rings takes around three hours, and it’s possible to buy the rings to take home, which makes a perfect keepsake (and an incentive for any accessory-loving child to make the trip out here). Surrounding villages are known for crafts such as pottery-making and weaving, and there are some stunning, crowd-free monasteries and temples to be visited if time allows.

Visit a Strawberry Farm

The landscape and climate of Da Lat makes it particularly fertile ground for growing everything from coffee to flowers, and families cycling along the quiet roads will see all manner of farms in the outlying areas. Many of these farms are open to visits, and among the most enticing are the strawberry farms, easily spotted from the road. Many can be visited for a fee of $1 USD, and visitors can pick their own fruit (pay for what you pick) and purchase other tempting products such as jams, jellies and strawberry wine (just don’t drink too much if you’ve come here on your bike!). There are several tour companies offering organized tours to farms, but it’s fun just to look out for signs and call in.

Don’t Miss the 100 Roofs Café

If you visit only one cafe-bar in Dalat, you really have to make it to the 100 Roofs Café. Also known as The Maze, this labyrinthine eating and drinking establishment is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. The owners will tell kids Gandalf and his hobbit pals have pitched up here, and while it can’t really claim to have played host to fictional characters, the network of dim corridors, caves and stairwells makes it feel like you are stepping into a fantasy novel. There are great views from the roof, and it’s possible to spend literally hours navigating the corridors and uncovering secret spots, such as an aquarium-themed underground room. Happy hour promotions make this an extra-fun experience for the grown-ups, while kids can enjoy soft drinks and snacks, but it’s the opportunity for limitless exploring that’s the real draw.

Need more ideas regarding how to travel on a budget with your family? Check out my eBook available for download on Amazon here!

In Asia with kids

Vietnam with Kids: Nha Trang’s Lesser-Known Attractions

January 14, 2018 No Comments

Get off the beaten track in Nha Trang, ditch the beach crowds and full moon parties in favour of family-friendly fun at these under-the-radar spots!

Long sandy beaches, a lovely mountain backdrop, reviving hot springs, excellent diving and delicious seafood: Nha Trang has a lot to offer family visitors to Vietnam. But those appealing attractions mean it’s far from an undiscovered gem. Nha Trang is, with good reason, one of the most popular beach destinations in Vietnam, which might be a little off-putting for families who like their traveling to have a more local experience. Independently-minded families visiting Vietnam shouldn’t avoid visiting Nha Trang because of its popularity–aside from the obvious attractions, there are some less-touristy family attractions and activities in Nha Trang, and a whole lot of lovely swimming and sunbathing to be done.

Take a Trip to Yang Bay

Active families in Nha Trang will find it well worth taking a short side trip to the nature-lovers’ paradise that is Yang Bay. Around 50 kilometers from Nha Trang, it’s easily and inexpensive to reach by local bus (or pay a modest fee for a reasonable group or private guide). And while large groups of visitors flock to the pretty waterfalls and pools, the surrounding area is full of blissfully quiet trails. The Yang Bay eco-tourism site covers nearly 600 hectares and includes some truly spectacular flower displays. Look out for the magnificent, color-changing King Lotus flowers, whose leaves span up to two meters! Search for vine trees and weeping fig trees which wind around each other 25 meters into the sky, with a trunks so wide that even the largest family would struggle to reach around it hand-in-hand. There’s also a beautiful bird garden, home to more than 1,000 species. Families can pack a picnic and ditch the group tours in favor of independent exploring; just don’t get lost!

Encourage a Passion for Science at the Alexandre Yersin Museum

One for a rainy day, perhaps, this museum is within easy walking distance of the city center, and will thrill kids with a passion for science. Most tourists are too busy sunbathing or swimming to visit, but it’s well worth coming here to check out the exhibits dedicated to the life and works of Swiss-born, naturalized French scientist Yersin, who spent the last stages of his life in Nha Trang. Best known for his work in combating the bubonic plague, he arrived in Vietnam in the late 19th century to work on treatments for various animal diseases. The museum is located in the stellar scientist’s former home, and items on display include slides, photographs and medical instruments as well as his desk and his death bed. Entrance is little more than $1 USD.

Hone Your Haggling Skills at Xoi Moi Market

Bargain-hunting visitors to Nha Trang usually head straight for the famous Dam Market, and there’s certainly a lot of fun to be had browsing everything from crafts and keepsakes to weird and wonderful fruits and vegetables. But while Dam Market does play a large part in catering to the local community, it’s also become something of a tourist attraction, and where tourists flock, higher prices soon follow. For more local flavor, it’s well worth setting the alarm early for a morning visit to Xoi Moi Market on the outskirts of town (get here before 7:30 AM for the freshest local produce and the best bargains). Visitors can get a caffeine fix and a delicious breakfast or fruit smoothie, if the thought of savory noodles before noon doesn’t appeal. The goodies range from locally-produced arts, crafts and items of clothing to every foodie ingredient imaginable, and with scarcely an out-of-town in sight, prices compare extremely favorably with elsewhere. Just be prepared to haggle, haggle haggle.

?Eat this: Its coastal location makes Nha Trang a favorite destination for fish-loving foodies. Among the most popular of the town’s local specialties is bun cha sua. A favorite breakfast dish, it’s a potent mix of rice noodles, steamed fish and spicy-sweet broth. Another key ingredient is jellyfish, which may have kids clamoring to try it or refusing to give it a go, depending on their level of culinary curiosity. Given Nha Trang’s six-kilometer coastline, it’s no surprise that bun cha sua is one of its must-try delicacies. The dish comprises of rice vermicelli, jellyfish, and steamed sailfish fillet in a sweet and savoury fish broth, though some eateries add in crab, shrimp and pork to the ensemble. A popular breakfast amongst locals shopping at Xoi Moi Market, it’s a surprisingly addictive dish.

Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud

Some attractions are worth braving the crowds for, and travel-weary families in Nha Trang would be wise to follow the tourist trail to Thap Ba Spa, where hot springs, mud baths and all manner of soothing massage treatments will soothe away the stresses and strains of an active, adventurous family break in Nha Trang. The kids are going to love being given the green light to cover themselves in sticky mud (just don’t tell them it’s mineral-packed and bound to do them good).

In Asia with kids

Vietnam with Kids: Hanoi’s Lesser-Known Attractions

January 12, 2018 No Comments

Spice up your trip with some of the city’s hidden secrets…

With its honking motorcycles, chaotic Old Quarter, and vibrant culinary scene, Hanoi is well-established as a favorite destination among backpackers and adventurous travelers. The Vietnamese capital is often overlooked as a family-friendly destination, with many families skipping the metropolis to head to Ha Long Bay. But don’t let that steer you away from Vietnam’s bustling capital! Hanoi has a whole lot of kid-friendly attractions, including museums, water-puppet shows, vertigo-inducing “sky walks”, fun food, and flower markets. These attractions do tend to draw quite a crowd, however, so families in Hanoi will need to head off the tourist trail for a queue-free experience. Read on for the low-down on how to spice up your trip with under-the-radar sights and activities in Hanoi.

Cook Up a Storm with Culinary Classes

Kids usually take well to Vietnamese food (once everybody’s clued up as to how to ask for dishes that won’t bombard your taste buds with fiery heat), and the whole family can usually be found happily chowing down on phó after just a day or so. Fire up your family’s new-found fondness for Vietnamese cuisine with cooking classes, some of which also involve a shopping trip to one of Hanoi’s colorful food markets, fragrant with spices and alive with the sound of shouting traders and bargain-hunting shoppers. For English-language classes with kid-focused options, check out Hanoi Cooking Center, which offers kids’ classes from around $14 USD. This centrally-located school has an excellent reputation, and also arranges street food tours and other foodie treats. There’s an on-site café, too, should the kids want to see how it’s done before they sign up.

Feed a Passion for Books at the Temple of Literature

An inscription at the entrance advises horse riders to dismount their steeds, providing a clue as to the aristocratic importance of the young scholars who once strolled these blissfully quiet courtyards in the heart of Hanoi. The home of Vietnam’s earliest university (founded in 1076), the Temple of Literature was set up to educate sons of mandarins and to honor the great and good of literary accomplishment. Ornate pagodas and temples, statues and stone tortoises dot the grounds, which make for a pleasant place for a stroll or just to let little ones race around without fear of a car or motorbike mounting the pavement. The entrance fee is less than $1 USD, so it’s a cost-effective way to get some fresh air and exercise while goggling at the architecture.

Take a Free Walking Tour

Strap babies into slings (forget strollers on these busy streets) and tell older kids to get their comfy trainers on! Hanoi’s Free Walking Tours are a great way to get to know the city’s nooks and crannies without the all-too-real possibility of getting lost. As the name suggests, the tours are free-of-charge, although the friendly volunteers that run them will happily accept donations. The tours were set up in 2012 by a group of students as a way of showing the best of their city to curious visitors, and today walkers can take tours ranging from three hours to a full day. Don’t worry, there are plenty of pit stops along the way, and each tour explores a different areas of the city such as the Old Quarter or French Quarter. There’s even a dedicated street-food tour, which will delight foodie families. It’s best to book in advance so the guides know how many people are coming along.

Try an Egg Coffee at Giang Café

Visitors to Hanoi can get a caffeine kick and protein hit in one fell swoop by sampling one of Hanoi’s most intriguing coffee creations. Rich, fragrant cà phê trứng (egg coffee) was invented by Nguyen Van Giang in 1946 in response to wartime milk shortage, and the success of his brew was such that he was able to open a café on the back of it. Nowadays the coffee is a more elaborate confection made with top-quality coffee, sugar, hot whisked egg and condensed millk or butter. It’s possible to try egg coffee at lots of places in Vietnam today, but where better to try it than the place where the delicious drink was invented? The café is hidden away in the backstreets of the Old Quarter, but well worth hunting out, and kids can be lured here with the promise of sticky-sweet cakes, or even try the drink itself. Just ask for it with a mere drip of coffee to keep the caffeine level low and minimise the risk of the kids tearing around at an even faster pace than normal.

Need more ideas regarding how to travel on a budget with your family? Check out my eBook available for download on Amazon here!

In Asia with kids

Vietnam with Kids: Dare to Devour Durian?

December 25, 2017 No Comments

Experience Traditional Vietnamese Activities with Your Family!

When is the last time you snagged a catfish with your bare hands, lapped up ripe rambutan pudding, or imbibed some fresh artichoke tea? The next time your brood is navigating the frenzied thoroughfares of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, take the chance to engage in all of these traditional Vietnamese happenings. Vietnam encompasses a diverse conglomeration of Asian cultures, never-ending friendly faces, and countless affordable adventures—you will be able to embark on all kinds of authentic activities without worrying about busting your budget. So enjoy the full array of Vietnamese cultural offerings, and dive straight into the (stinky) durian delights!

Fishing

Vietnam boasts over 3,500 kilometers of coastline and more than 2,000 islands, which makes its culture heavily centered around the ocean. Fishing has always been a popular hobby and source of income for the Vietnamese, and for traveling families, it can be a perfect pastime. For those who are traveling inland, there are plenty of opportunities to seek your freshwater fish fare in rivers. Those who love beach days will enjoy searching for ideal deep-sea fishing spots. Bait, lures, poles, reels, and tackle are easily rented or purchased in local shops in towns bordering bodies of water. No permits or licenses are needed for fishing in Vietnam, so challenge yourself to catch your dinner!

Where to go:

Phú Quốc Island: Here, barter with local fishermen to arrange a trip out on the ocean for as little as $20 USD. If you are planning on catching larger varieties like ocean sunfish and marlin, you may need to commission a private trip through a tour operator. There are also opportunities to fish from the shore if you are on a tighter budget—try the Duong Dong River to hang with locals or dangle your bait off of the Cua Can Bridge.

Mekong Delta: If you are feeling especially confident, you can try “mudfishing”, where you try to catch catfish or eel hiding between rocks with your bare hands. Try this activity in freshwater areas like the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam. Again, here it is best to barter with village fish folk for a personal boat ride as opposed to booking with tour agents—a great opportunity to practice your haggling!

Eating Phở

If bare-handed fishing isn’t your thing, you’ll need to fuel up somehow, so try slurping down a bowl of fresh phở. The dish has become a crowd-pleaser in many Western eateries, but its home is in Vietnam. For those who are not noodle soup connoisseurs, phở refers to a broth that can be dressed up to the diner’s delight. Choose from add-ons like seasoned beef or chicken, cilantro, onions, bean sprouts, and basil, and infuse your meal with fish sauce or chili. The phở from your hometown go-to joint will pale in comparison to a piping-hot dish prepped within the energy of Vietnam, so take the time to search for your new favorite spot in the homeland of this delectable noodle soup. You’ll surely find it phở-nomenal and un- phở-gettable. Phở sure.

Where to phở:

Hanoi: Phở is usually eaten for breakfast in Hanoi, so start your day at your local soup spot. The best places often run out of fare around lunchtime, so get an early start to ensure you can taste the most delectable of phở.

Ho Chi Minh City: In southern Vietnam, the broth is often thickened with sauces and herbs, contrasting the clear broth found in the North. Venture down the coast to try this alternative version to the thin soups found elsewhere.

Chè

After filling up on phở, satisfy your kids’ sweet tooth with bowls of super cheap hot or cold chè, made from ripe local fruits. There are infinite versions of chè, but it is usually a pudding or sweet soup flavored with mangoes, sweetened black beans, coconut, rambutans, and other seasonal delights. If you enjoy the taste and smell of rotten eggs (sign me up!), try chè made from durian, the notoriously stinky fruit which is illegal in most public buildings and on many kinds of public transportation. You can find this dessert in local grocery stores or in food stalls tucked away in city streets. Adventurous eaters can down chè with seaweed and aloe vera.

Where to go:

Hanoi: Try Quan Che Muoi Sau on Ngo Thi Nham Street. Here, you can taste the chè dumplings. Chè 95 is also a great spot that serves all kinds of dessert, including yogurt, sweet sticky rice, and caramel options, all for less than $1 USD.

Ho Chi Minh City: In southern Vietnam, chè is often served with sweetened coconut cream. Chè Khánh Vy in District 10 of the city is a great place to start your sweet southern culinary tour.

Vietnamese Dance

Feeling a need to ward off some impending evil? Look no further than the lion dance! The artsy ones in the family will enjoy a hearty dose of culture whilst listening to Vietnamese instruments like the dan nhi (fiddle), dan nguyet (two-string guitar), and the dan tam (lute) accompany traditional dancers. The lion dance is one of the most famous boogies in Vietnam, and acrobats and martial artists usually perform alongside the dancers. The dance originated in China (Vietnam did not gain full independence from China until 1000 AD), but it has developed a distinct Vietnamese flavor over the last ten centuries. Most of these rituals are performed during lunar festivals, so chances are you’re already knee-deep in Vietnamese culture—reveling at a festive lunar celebration—if you have the chance to witness one of these traditional jigs.

Where to go:

Hanoi: Need to get your groove on? Visit this city in autumn to see the lion dance during Trung Thu, which falls on the full moon in August. This festival honors each family’s ancestors (see the final activity in this article), and fortunately involves eating tons of cake and fruit!

Massage

After a grueling day of fishing and chè tasting, it is time for a traditional Vietnamese massage, known as tam quat. Originally developed as a medical strategy to stimulate circulation and eradicate stress, tam quat is now popular for tourists and locals alike. Centuries ago, the practice was only performed by blind masseurs, as the massage is designed to react to people’s energy and muscle tone. A combination of forceful kneading and direct pressure applied to tight muscle groups helps the patient relax. Cupping is also popular, which involves applying warm suction cups to different areas of the body. Some can be turned off by the trademark circular bruises left behind after the treatment, but cupping does not hurt and instead often results in many beneficial results ranging from improved blood flow to mitigated migraines. Cup, cup and away!

Where to go:

Ho Chi Minh City: If you are in need of a cupping session to recover from your globe hopping, make a pit stop at the Traditional Medical Hospital. If you are exploring Ho Chi Minh City, try to choose an outlet that is certified by the medical Department of the city: Dai An in District 11 is a great choice, as is Cham Cuu Chuong in District 7. Expect to spend around $5-$10 USD for an hour-long treatment—even less if you choose to chance it on a street massage.

Tea

Most Asian countries have a rich tradition of drinking tea, and Vietnam is no exception—Vietnamese people have been cultivating tea for thousands of years. In Vietnam, drinking tea has historically been a practice of the upper class. Green tea, or trà xanh, is especially popular in Vietnam, and is known for alleviating infections. If you’re feeling fancy, lotus and jasmine teas are considered delicacies because they are difficult to produce. Green tea leaves are placed meticulously within the flowers where they soak in the essence of the bloom, after which the tea is packaged for consumption. Some teas even include lotus petals themselves. No trip to Asia is complete without soaking in the atmosphere from a street-side tea stall, so get sipping!

Where to go:

Lamdong: Lamdong is the home of the some of the oldest trees in Vietnam, some dating back to more than 1,000 years ago. This part of the country is overrun with tea plants, so visit this area to get a glimpse into Vietnamese tea production. Artichoke tea, called trà atiso, is the most famous kind of drink produced in the Lamdong region.

∴ In addition, Tea is actually served at almost every local restaurant. You will see a big jar of tea, waiting for you, for free, on every table. When the weather is hot, the tea will be served with huge cubes of ice, and they will drink it, with no sugar at all, from a beer glass. You can enjoy it on every meal :-).

Honoring Ancestors

Most Western cultures emphasize individual successes and independence, while Eastern traditions are rooted in collectivist principles like family and cooperation. One common Eastern phenomenon is the multi-generational household, which exemplifies the central aspect of family in collectivist nations. For example, Vietnamese people erect altars in their homes and prepare daily offerings to honor their ancestors, taking special care to celebrate them during the full moon. The Vietnamese believe that their ancestors have the power to bring good luck long after their deaths. As you explore Vietnamese cities and villages alike, you will discover temples and altars tucked into every nook and cranny, as the Vietnamese perpetually offer fruit, photographs, candles, wine, and even money to their ancestors.

Where to go:

Hanoi: Tran Quoc Pagoda is an exceptional example of a center of worship in Hanoi, but temples and altars pepper every inch of the country. Most temples in Vietnam will have altars where you can honor your own ancestors or place small offerings for your loved ones.

Need more ideas regarding how to travel on a budget with your family? Check out my eBook available for download on Amazon here!

In Crazy Activities For Crazy Families

Vietnam with Kids: Crazy Activities for Crazy Families

December 23, 2017 No Comments

With its rocky mountains, deep gorges, thick jungle and thousands of miles of coastline, Vietnam is a top destination for thrillseekers looking for their next adrenaline rush. There’s a whole lot of white-knuckled fun to be had here, and there’s no need to strike them off your holiday checklist just because you’ve got kids in tow.

Some activities are suitable for all but the tiniest of visitors to Vietnam, while others are strictly for the grownups. Little kids are sure to enjoy watching their parents rack up cool points by taking part in some seriously daredevil activities. Think you don’t have the guts? You’ll never know until you try!

Try Sandboarding in Mui Ne

No snow? No problem! Families in Mui Ne can enjoy some of the most epic sandboarding adventures in the world. The giant dunes stretch out for miles. Hire a quad bike to whizz from spot to spot, and the whole family can have a go at soaring down the giant white sand peaks, before making their way over to the Red Dunes, which offer a similar experience but with the added wow factor that comes from whizzing down red dunes. Meanwhile the desert-like landscape provides a pretty dramatic background to the whole experience. Serious sandboarders will bring their own equipment, but newbies can get by just fine on the flimsy plastic boards for sale or rent at numerous spots in this coastal resort town, about a 6-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. Families are best advised to take the sleeper bus, and hope the kids sleep en-route.

Why you should do it: The different-sized dunes means all ages can have a go, and the sand means there’s always a soft landing. No experience is necessary, and there’s always a chance to refuel with delicious shrimp pancakes–you’ll see locals unloading their hauls of fresh shrimp as you hike up and down the giant dunes.

Whizz Along Vietnam’s Longest Zipline

Every adventurous soul loves a good zipline, and families in Vietnam can whizz across the country’s longest (almost half a kilometer!) over deep river to arrive at Hang Toi (or “Dark Cave,” as it’s popularly known), in Phong Nha, Central Vietnam. Once you’ve clambered down from the double-cable zipline, you’ll strap on a head torch and wind through narrow passageways enter a cave filled with the gloopiest mud imaginable. Wear your swimwear–you’re going to get very, very muddy. You’re also going to bob around like a cork on water in this curiously buoyant gloop. At around $19 USD per person, it’s very affordable adventuring.

Why you should do it: Pretty much every age group is going to love the zipline, and once you’re over the river there are mud baths, an obstacle course and another zipline called the “Flying Fox.” The zipline is one-way, so you’ll be kayaking back home after taking a pitch-dark river bath to wash off the mud.

Find the Courage for Canyoning in Da Lat

Never been canyoning? Get ready for some seriously high-energy fun. Adventurous families in Vietnam should head to Da Lat for memory-making adventures that involve rapelling, ziplining, scrambling, swimming and jumping through thick jungle, deep caves and waterfalls. This isn’t for toddlers, naturally, but kids aged 10 and over can get involved (and might give their parents a kick up the backside if they look like wimping out!). There are jumps and descents to suit all levels of experience. The most famous route is the Washing Machine Waterfall descent, which whooshes canyoners around as though in a spin cycle.

Note of Caution: There are countless operators running canyoning expeditions in Da Lat (by the way, Dalat is just a few hours’ drive from Mui Ne), but families need to exercise caution. The best-established outfit is Phat Tire, which has an excellent reputation for family trips, and offers full training before letting anyone loose on the ropes. At around $75 USD per person for a day’s adventure it’s pricier than the others, but it’s worth it for the professionalism and peace of mind.

Visit the World’s Largest Cave at Son Doong

Talk about off the beaten track! This giant cave in the middle of central Vietnam’s Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park has only recently opened up to visitors, and fewer people have stepped inside than have stood on the summit of Everest. There’s some serious trekking to be done (this is best suited for older kids and teens), and visitors need to be physically fit to take part. Once inside, it’s like something from another planet. An airplane could comfortably fit inside the main cavern, and the cave network is so vast that it has its own weather system and cloud-shrouded jungles (yes, jungles INSIDE the cave!). There’s a lot to take in, but visitor numbers are limited, and there’s currently just one operator allowed to run tours to the caves: Oxalis. Prices vary according to duration and comfort levels, but this is not going to be a cheap part of your trip – be prepared to pay up to $3,000 USD, for 4-5 days trekking, accommodation, and the caves themselves.

⛷ Boxout: Huge Cave, Tiny Village

Visitors to Son Doong will pass through the isolated Ban Doong Ethnic Village (population: 40), based inside the National Park. The remote community had very little contact with the outside world before the caves opened up to (very limited) tourism in 2013.

Eat Some Extreme Foods

Vietnam lends itself well to adventurous eating, and families in Vietnam can challenge themselves to some seriously hardcore snacking. Think you haven’t got the stomach for bugs or crocodile? Maybe it’s time to introduce yourself to some new and sustainable protein sources (and you don’t want to lose face in front of the kids, right?). One of the best spots for out-there eating is Bo Tung Xeo in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – where diners can tuck into grasshoppers, scorpion, snake, rat and ostrich, grilled right in front of you.

⛷ Boxout: Crickets on the Go! Forget nuts and potato chips: Adventurous eaters in Vietnam can chow down on crickets as a bar snack or quick protein fix on the go. BugSnack, which launched in 2016, is a pre-packed insect snack, in packaging that features a cheery-looking hopper on the front.

Need more ideas regarding how to travel on a budget with your family? Check out my eBook available for download on Amazon here!

In Amazing family vacations

Two-Week Luxury Family Vacation in Vietnam: What to See, Where to Stay and What to Do

November 27, 2017 No Comments

This beautiful, beguiling country is packed with opportunities to explore everything from ancient cities to hidden caves. Visitors on luxury family trips to Vietnam can unwind in style at some seriously impressive kid-friendly hotels and boutique guest houses. What’s more, the Vietnamese tend to dote on children, so a warm for you and the brood is virtually guaranteed.

Our itinerary for a two-week family trip to Vietnam proves that a luxury vacation with the kids doesn’t need to mean abandoning your sense of adventure. If you’re craving some luxury, this 2-week itinerary allows plenty of time to relax and soak up Vietnam’s beauty and unique ambience, while still packing in plenty of big ticket sights, experiences and family-friendly activities.

Day 1-3 Ho Chi Minh City

The city formerly known as Saigon is still frequently referred to by the old name, as well as being commonly shortened to HCMC. Whatever you choose to call it, it’s wise to start your Vietnamese family vacation here, rather than throwing the brood in at the deep end by starting the trip in noisy, chaotic Hanoi. HCMC is a gentler introduction to Vietnamese cities, and there’s plenty here to keep the family entertained for at least a few days. There’s a lot to pack in, so hiring a driver/guide to whizz you around the city’s best sights and attractions is a wise move. Be sure to find time to take in one of the famous Water Puppet Shows, where folkloric tales are enacted on a “stage” of water (there are several in the city, but the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater in District One is reliably good), while the city’s zoo and botanical gardens also merit a visit.

Where to stay: Get things off to a comfortable start by checking into one of the city’s plush family-friendly hotels. For high-end accommodations on a grand scale, we recommend Park Hyatt Saigon, where the family-pleasing amenities include lush landscaped gardens, an outdoor pool, a super-handy location perfect for downtown sightseeing, and even a butler service for families wanting to go all-out. Families looking for a more boutique option might want to try Villa Song, which has 23-beautifully-appointed rooms and suites and a gorgeous riverside location. Both hotels can arrange transfers from the airport, and both have good on-site dining, so it may well be tempting to spend your first day and night just relaxing and soaking up the tropical bounty.

? Box out: Your kids may never forgive you if you leave HCMC without a visit to Suoi Tien Cultural Amusement Park. It’s a Buddhist-themed park, where rollercoasters and waterslides whizz past statues and shrines, and staff stroll around dressed as golden monkeys. Located in District 9, it even has an artificial beach. Best to side aside a whole day for this one!

Day 4-5 Mekong Delta Cruise

A luxury cruise along the Mekong Delta will be a memorable part of your family trip to Vietnam. Kids tend to love the colonial-era boat replicas, and the cabins are cool and comfortable. Meals are provided on board, but be sure to mention ahead of time if there are fussy eaters or food allergies. You’ll glide past gorgeous pagodas, drinking in stunning sunsets (and delicious cocktails, should the mood strike!) as you go. Excursions such as cycle rides and cookery classes are optional extras. One high-end option is Les Rives Experience, and for those who want to step up the luxury level, private speedboats and skippers are also available, which allow families to set their own sightseeing agenda. Plan to spend at least one night aboard.

Day 7-10 Nha Trang

Avoid the risk of car sickness and take a flight (around one hour, several flights daily) to the beautiful beach city of Nha Trang. Island-hopping boat tours and a visit to VinPearl Amusement Park offer further family fun. Book into your own private paradise at Evason Ana Mandara – a luxury resort set right on the softest, whitest sands imaginable. There’s a Kids’ Club (free for under-fours) and tons of water-based activities for older kids and teens. A spa (parents and kids pampering sessions available) and plush bar and restaurant mean families on luxury breaks in Nha Trang may never want to leave.

Day 11-12 Hanoi

After soaking up sun and spectacular views at Nha Trang (a flight from Nha Trang to Hanoi takes a little under 2 hours), the batteries should be recharged enough for a visit to the big city. A fun way to see the city is to take a bike ride to the the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, a pleasant setting for afternoon water puppet shows. On your second day in the city, have a guide take you on a whistle-stop tour of the city’s best temples and pagodas, stopping for lunch in the French Quarter, and visiting the Museum of Ethnology, which provides an interesting look at Hanoi’s multi-ethnic makeup, where kids can peek inside traditional dwellings.

Where to stay: Look for centrally-located lodgings on Hang Trong, Ngo Queyen or Hang Bong for ease of access to major sights. One lovely option for families is Apricot Hotel, an artsy lakeside spot with an emphasis on the finer things in life like afternoon teas, fine pastries and brightly-colored cakes. There’s a rooftop bar with glorious panoramic views so visitors can get the lay of the land as they sip sundowners at cocktail hour. Families on a luxury trip to Hanoi should have their hotel arrange a direct transfer from the airport.

?Box out: Kids with a head for heights can zip up super-speed elevators (50 seconds from ground floor to 65th floor) where a glass-floored Sky Walk offers a birds’ eye view of the city that’s not for the faint-hearted.

Day 13-14 Halong Bay

No luxury family break in Vietnam would be complete without a cruise around the magnificent Halong Bay, an UNESCO World Heritage Site with crystalline waters and dramatic conical islands. It’s a short hop from Hanoi, and your hotel will be able to arrange transfers and book boat trips. Do your research in advance, though–there are lots of types of trips available, but kids tend to enjoy the traditional-style junk boats. Indochina Junk is good option for off-the-beaten track exploring and it has a license to explore some regions that few other boats are allowed to visit, all with a focus on sustainable luxury travel.

? Tip: Halong Bay boat cruises are best for pre-toddling babies and kids that are old enough to know about boat safety. As strollers aren’t a practical option on the islands you’ll be visiting, kids will need to be small enough to be carried or big enough to walk by themselves. Unless you want to spend your whole cruise chasing your toddler all over the ship, it’s best to either take wee babies or wait until the kids are older.

Day 14- Hanoi/Departure

Back to Hanoi to catch the flight home! If your flight leaves late at night, it’s work making a quick trip out to Tam Coc, a group of three hidden caves famous for their natural beauty set the city in the glorious Vietnamese countryside.

Need more ideas regarding how to travel on a budget with your family in Asia? Check out my eBook available for download on Amazon here!

In Asia with kids

Our Top 5 Tips for Family Travel in Vietnam

November 9, 2017 No Comments

Vietnam is a relatively easy place to travel with kids. The people are welcoming (and most speak English), the services are of a higher level than those in most of Southeast Asia, and yet the prices are just as affordable; however, from noisy hotels to hidden commission fees, a couple parts of Vietnamese travel may present some difficulty. Make sure you follow these tips make your family trip in Vietnam easier and more enjoyable!

1. Find a quiet hotel.

Make sure to book a hotel in an alley off the main streets. The big cities in Vietnam never sleep, and the noise can be very annoying at all hours of day and night. But never fear! It seems the cities were planned to help you deal with this problem, and every large street has a few quiet alleys connected to it, each boasting of more hotels than you’d imagine possible. If booking online make sure you look at the map so the hotel is indeed in an alley. If you’re looking for a luxurious place to stay to recover from that jet lag, check out our recommendations here.

2. Use the right ATM.

Use Citibank ATM machines. Most ATMs in Vietnam will only allow you to withdraw up to 2 million(!!!) VND (Vietnamese Dong) and charge quite a large commission, but Citibank allows you to withdraw anywhere from 5-8.5 million VND (depending on location) with a lower commission. And yes, I really did mean millions. that’s because $1 USD= about 22,000 VND. The average coffee on the street costs about 10,000 VND, or a little less than a dollar. In Vietnam, we’re all millionaires!

3. Avoid commission fees.

Never ever book bus or train tickets through the hotel or a travel agent. Ticketing commissions in Vietnam tend to be high, and can often cost more than the tickets themselves. It’s always better to go straight to the transportation company offices (which are easy to find, as each bus has the company name written on it), and buy directly from them. The difference is even bigger when you’re buying tickets for the whole family, so be sure to avoid those unnecessary fees!

4. Enjoy the reliable WiFi.

A big plus about Vietnam is that there’s free WiFi everywhere. Even in places that seem too small or local, there will always be WiFi. And it’s fast too! Can download at up to 20mbps! A VPN might be necessary at times.

5. Fruit for vegetarians!

A warning for vegetarians: in Vietnam, everything contains meat or seafood. It’s very hard to find local vegetarian dishes, and many of those are bland (imagine fried rice with carrot and green beans). However, to make up for it, Vietnam has some of the world’s best fruits. I especially enjoy the dragon Fruit and pineapple. Plus, they’re all dirt cheap: a whole meal of fruits will set you back less than $3 USD.

In Routs For Nature Loving Families

Vietnam With Kids- Recommended Route For Nature Loving Families

November 2, 2017 No Comments

Vietnam is a terrific destination for families who prefer to spend their time amid wild nature than lounging by a pool. (But if you DO want to spend your time lunging by a pool- here is a great place for that ?).

The richly diverse country offers unspoilt beaches, mysterious caves and caverns, thick jungle and towering mountains. And while the landscape offers plenty of opportunity for off-the-beaten track adventures, there’s no shortage of organized activities that will thrill everyone from toddlers to teens (while keeping the grownups entertained too, of course). Think ziplining through jungle canopy, kayaking, caving and canyoning, as well as more tranquil outdoor pursuits such a swimming, snorkeling and trekking across mist-swathed mountain passes.

Our 30-day itinerary allows plenty of time for nature-loving families in Vietnam to see the big-ticket outdoor attractions as well as under-the-radar sights, and includes some truly off-the-beaten track spots. It allows time for families to appreciate the route rather than whizzing along ticking items off a ‘must-see’ checklist. A word to the wise: Make sure you have your visa in place well in advance of your family trip to Vietnam.

Day 1-3 Hanoi

It can take a day or so to settle into the seemingly chaotic pace of life in the Vietnamese capital, but after catching your breath and fueling up on pho in the Old Quarter, families can spend a day or so checking out city center outdoor attractions such as Thong Nhat Park (where families in Hanoi can ride swan pedal boats around the scenic lake) and a couple of kid-pleasing water parks. But the best Vietnam attractions for nature-loving families are to be found outside the big city, so don’t plan to stay here for more than a few days.

? Box out: Home stay in Mai Chao

For a real off the beaten track experience, head to Mai Chau (around 3-hours’ drive from Hanoi), where the bright green paddy fields are as picture-perfect as the Vietnamese country gets, and families can bed down for the night in houses built on bamboo ‘stilts’. The vilages of Ban Lac and Pom Coong offer homestays where, for a few dollars, visitors can eat home-cooked meals with their hosts, before heading off for cycling trips in the stunning surrounds.

Day 4-10 Sapa

Nature-loving families in Vietnam will be in their element in Sapa, which at 1500 meters above sea level in the Hoang Lien Son mountains is a little off-the-tourist track, but easily reached by express bus (around six hours, $20) or overnight train (expect to pay up to $140 for a fairly plush private family cabin). There are lodgings in every price bracket and luxury level here, and it’s wise to allow a few days here in case of inclement weather – when the mists descend, the views vanish) Trekking through rice paddies and visiting the neighboring waterfalls are the most popular family activities here, and the scenery is simply incredible. Little legs may tire quickly on the treks, but fit families are often to be seen hiking along with babies and toddlers in slings and baby carriers. Set aside at least a day or so to visit Silver Waterfall and Love Waterfal both of which are accessed by a scenic forest walk and offer terrific views. Hiring a scooter or motorbike is a good way to visit surrounding villages, many of which offer homestays with local families.

?Box out: The Hill Tribes of the ‘Tonkinese Alps’

Nicknamed the ‘Tonkinese Alps’, the mountain region surrounding Sapa includes Fanispan, the highest peak in the country. Close to the border with China, the area is home to several hill tribes who remain apart from mainstream society and who are notable for their colorful dress – visitors can pick up eye-catching handicrafts on sale at the town’s market.

Day 11-16 Ha Long Bay

With towering limestone cliffs jutting dramatically from sparkling green waters, Ha Long Bay is instantly recognisable from countless tourist board images of Vietnam. This incredible part of the country is justifiably one of the country’s top tourist attractions, but there is plenty of scope for families in Ha Long Bay to dodge the packed boat trips and find their own piece of paradise. It’s a little under six hours’ bus ride from Sapa ($10-20 depending on comfort level) and families traveling to Ha Long Bay might want to consider the overnight option if kids are likely to be restless during daylight hours. There’s no shortage of places to stay, and great scope for taking to the water in a kayak – it’s wise to go with a guide, who can lead nature-loving families out to hidden lagoons and secret islands that bigger boats just can’t reach. Other off-the-beaten track highlights include cycling on the spectacular Cat Ba archipelago, notable for its swoonworthy topography – waterfalls, caves and grottoes are hidden in the hills – and rich flora and fauna. Snorkeling here is a treat, with colorful marine life galore.

? Tip: There are a large amount of scam ‘tour boat’ operators in the area. Do your research online before handing over any cash, and make sure you are clear on exactly what is included in the price. Also be sure to check that on board safety is adequate.

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Day 17-21 Ninh Binh

Sometimes known as the ‘Inland Ha Long Bay’, the impossibly scenic Ninh Binh remains under-the-radar (possibly not for much longer, as it’s beginning to grab the attention of the international travel press). For now, families visiting Ninh Binh can expect to find rural Vietnam at its most blissfully unspoiled. The crowd-free beauty spot offers rivers, caves and majestic mountains as far as the eye can see, and rafting along a snaking river past golden paddy fields is about as far removed from the packed tourist boat of Ha Long Bay as it’s possible to get. Lodgings range from simple homestays to eco lodges and luxury hotels, and family visitors to Ninh Binh will find enough to see and do here to merit a stay of at least four or five nights.

?Box out: Secret Caves

If there’s one thing that’s certain to impress kids visiting Ninh Binh, it’s the opportunity for exploring dark and spooky caves. The Jurassic Park-esque Thuong Mountain range is filled with grottoes and caverns, some of which are accessed by underground rivers. Grab a guide and visit Dong Thien Ha (Galaxy Cave) which is accessed by boat and remains little-known to tourists – you may find you have only bats for company.

Day 22-24 Cuc Thuong National Park

Vietnam’s largest and oldest national park, Cuc Phuong has a staggering biodiversity, and is one of the best places in the country to escape the tourist hordes and embark on some nature trails. There are several places to stay within the park itself, and families in Cuc Phuong can marvel at the brightly colored birds and butterflies that flit through the trees here. Remote tribes still live on the peripheries of the park, and caves house prehistoric remains dating back over 7000 years.

?Fun fact: Cuc Phuong is home to some of Asia’s rarest flora and fauna – there are more than 120 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 135 types of mammal, including Asian black bears and rare clouded leopards.

Day 25-27 Phong Nha

Another highlight of any nature-focused family trip to Vietnam, Phong Nha (around 9 hours on the overnight train, from $60 pp) is still one of the country’s best kept secrets, best known for housing Son Doong – the world’s largest cave. You’ll need deep pockets to venture in – treks cost thousands of dollars – but families on more modest budgets will find plenty of other caverns to explore. Kids of all ages will relish a visit to Dark Cave (prices vary according to activity and season, from around $4 for basic cave entrance). Brave families can plunge into a giant mud pit, swim in a pitch-black pool, and zipwire across natural lagoons.

?Box out: Kill Your Own Chicken?

One of the most (in)famous watering holes in the park is the place simply known as the Pub With Cold Beer (as per the handwritten street signs), which serves delicious grilled chicken. The gimmick? Diners are offered the opportunity to choose – and kill – their own chicken. Squeamish families should feel free to decline the offer.

Day 28-30 Da Nang

It might be a nature-based trip, but families in Vietnam may well want to tick Ho Chi Minh City off the bucket list, but there’s more family fun to be had at Da Nang – the largest city in central Vietnam, and accessible via overnight or daytime train (from $30), where visitors will be richly rewarded for the trip with some incredibly pretty beaches, and the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An less than an hour’s drive away.

Try to book this amazing family-friendly hotel in Danang, it will be a great ending to your trip.

From here, it’s just over an hour’s flight back to Hanoi, where you might want to overnight or hop straight back on your flight home.

In Asia with kids

vietnam with kids- ho chi minh city’s less known attractions

November 1, 2017 No Comments

Spice up your trip with some of the city’s hidden secrets

If you’ve found yourself in Saigon (also referred to/known as Ho Chi Minh City) with your kids, chances are high that you’ve been told to visit Ben Thanh Market, Thien Hau Temple, and maybe walk around the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City. Sometimes, though, it’s nice to take a break from the regular hang-out spots and explore something unique and different. Here are a few ideas that’ll take you on the road less traveled within Saigon:

Binh Quoi Tourist Village:

Don’t let the title fool you! Binh Quoi is generally ignored by the tourists of your home country (read: all tourists), or they simply don’t know it exists. About 30 minutes outside of Saigon City Center (8 kilometers), Binh Quoi will make you forget the city life and ease you into the classic Vietnamese village aesthetic. From lotus ponds to bamboo water-wheels, there’s much to see here that you wouldn’t experience from simply walking around Saigon aimlessly.

Separated into three sections, Binh Quoi is equipped with paddling, fishing, and ideal locations to relax and nurse a beer. If you haven’t already, this would be the time to get to know the Saigon river; Binh Quoi 3 is the place to be if you’re of the mind to disconnect from the urban life and reconnect with nature. For those looking for sports or more lively activities, Binh Quoi 2’s swimming pool and tennis courts should be enough to satisfy the athletic itch. Additionally, there are cultural performances throughout the year, and lively buffets to make sure you’re well-fed as you explore.

The village is easily accessible by bus (Line 44 from Ben Thanh Market to Binh Quoi Station), or of course, by motorbike or car.

Movement Therapy

As exciting and fun as traveling is, sometimes it has its stressful moments. It’s important to occasionally check in with yourself and make sure you’re nourishing your spiritual self in addition to the side that screams at you to go, go, go. Luckily, there’s a movement therapy workshop in the heart of Saigon- also known as The Movement Kitchen– that does just that, while keeping the atmosphere of the studio decidedly Saigon-ese.

Bringing in a blend of Ho Chi Minh cuisine with the art of movement, this course isn’t one you’ll happen upon unless you know of it in advance. Hosted in District 3 just outside the city center, you’ll find the studio that will help you take your mind off any of life’s woes, at least for the couple hours that you’re focusing on your body. Not only will you learn how to dance and breathe in a way that you’ll find spiritually healing, but you’ll also get to meet locals and engage with authentic Vietnamese cuisine (including all-natural coconut and cocoa balls that bolster energy and are made only with locally grown ingredients).

The Movement Kitchen may seem like a place that has too many Woodstock overtones to it, but that doesn’t mean you should shy away- after all, aren’t you in Saigon to try new things? Knowing that you’ll be surveying the work of local artisans while simultaneously becoming one with your soul, it’s an experience you probably shouldn’t miss.

A unique and amazing way to explore china town with your kids

If you want to explore in a different and immersive way the district of Cholon in Ho Chi Minh City, you should not miss this 4-hour interactive mystery adventure ?️‍♂️?️‍♀️.

You will follow in the footsteps of the culprit through the city’s Chinese quarter and visit ancient temples, traditional medicine boutiques, unique shops and hidden lanes. You will interact with locals along this scripted walking tour to learn additional clues and help you solve the murder of Dr. Lam….

By late morning you will have traveled most of Cholon while following a fascinating storyline!

Ideal choice for family who want to explore the city at their own peace and in full autonomy while having fun at the same time! Recommended for kids over 7.

Daily walking tour – Starts at 8:45 AM in D5 ( Approximately 30mn taxi ride from District 1).

43$/adult and 33$ for child (7-11 yo) (free for children under 7 years old)

for bookings call +84(0)909789884 or mail.

∴ more tips about how to explore the Vietnamese culture and traditions with your kids you will find here.

Artinus 3D Art Museum

It may not be known for having the best artwork in the city, but what it may lack in notoriety it makes up for in uniqueness. The gallery’s appeal lies in its three-dimensional works, depicting images corresponding to various themes in each of its different rooms. Almost all of the images are specifically life-like; you may feel as though you’re actually in the midst of the Renaissance, or perusing real pyramids from Ancient Egypt. The fun element of the gallery lies in its ability to incorporate visitors into its art, so make sure you go with family or friends to get the full experience- it’s completely interactive.

It’s true that art is subjective and some people relate to the 3-D medium more than others; if the art there doesn’t amaze you, not to worry; the photo ops there are endless, and you won’t walk away without at least having an incredible selfie. In addition, photographers will have a chance to hone their craft and take photos that usually don’t present themselves, so whether you’re a novice or professional- bring your camera!

Tickets are between $8-$12, and it’s about a 10-15 minute taxi ride from District One. It’s located at 2-4 Road 9, Him Lam Residential Area, Tan Hung Thuan Ward, District 7.

Cafe Chung Cu

Coffee is an extremely important part of the Saigon experience, especially when you take into account how different the flavor of the world’s favorite caffeinated beverage is as compared to the rest of Vietnam. Those with a penchant for all things sugary will find Saigon’s blend hits that sweet spot right where you need it to (although Turkish coffee lovers might have a bit of a difficult time with the lack of bitterness).

But, while anyone can wander into any old coffee shop, Saigon offers you a unique treat- Cafe Chung Cu. This means “apartment cafe”, referring to the recent trend in Saigon to infuse old apartments with art, culture and coffee. Without sign or warning that within an apartment lies your coffee destination, the only way to reach these cafes is to be in the know, rendering them the new hipster hotspots. One particular apartment of note stands at 42 Nguyen Hue, on Saigon’s bustling Walking Street. This building used to be temporary home to various naval and military officers, but has taken on new inhabitants in its post-war glory: Coffee shops. From floors zero to nine, you’ll find coffee shops to tickle every one of your fancies, as well as clothing boutiques and a tea house or two. Whether you decide on The Letter Cafe, Saigon Ơi or Mango Tree to sit and sip, you can easily spend a full day exploring the apartment building, surrendering to the senses of Saigon as you do.

As a traveling family, we have been to Vietnam many times and ho chi minh city is one of our favorites. check out the article with everything you need to know about traveling with kids to Vietnam, and our recommended family-friendly hotels.