Navigating Vietnam with Children

Stick to a pace of one location every 3 to 4 days to avoid burnout, and rely on private car transfers or domestic flights rather than overnight trains. Vietnam is highly welcoming to children, but you must prioritize pre-booked private transport and reliable medical access in major cities.

1. Book private transfers. Avoid the chaos of public buses with kids. Use apps like Grab to book private cars for city transit or hire dedicated drivers through your accommodation for longer inter-city trips. This ensures you have seatbelts and air conditioning.
2. Manage your hydration and hygiene. Never drink tap water. Carry a reusable bottle with a built-in filter and keep a stash of high-quality hand sanitizer. For infants, bring enough diapers and formula from home, as specific brands can be hard to find in rural areas.
3. Build 'down time' into the schedule. Vietnam is loud and humid. Plan for 2 hours of hotel pool time or quiet time in the afternoon between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to let children decompress from the street noise.
4. Select stroller-friendly locations. Forget the stroller in the Old Quarters of Hanoi or Hoi An where sidewalks are blocked by motorbikes and vendors. Bring a sturdy, ergonomic baby carrier for toddlers and expect to walk with older children.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?

No. Use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth for both adults and children.

How do I deal with the motorbike traffic?

Hold your child's hand firmly and walk at a steady, predictable pace when crossing the street. Do not stop or run; the drivers will navigate around you.

Are there diaper changing facilities?

Rarely in public. Expect to change your baby on a travel mat in the back of your Grab car or in hotel restrooms.