Is it safe to drink the tap water?

No. Always use bottled or filtered water. Even for brushing teeth, it's safer to use bottled water for children.

Do I need a car seat?

Rental cars with car seats are almost non-existent. Most families use Grab and keep kids on their laps, but bring a portable travel booster if you are concerned about safety.

Planning a Stress-Free Family Trip to Vietnam

Plan a north-to-south route over 14 days to minimize transit time, prioritizing domestic flights over long train or bus journeys. Stick to a 'one activity per day' rule to keep the kids from burning out in the humidity.

Book domestic flights. Vietnam is long and thin. Skip the 17-hour trains. Use Vietnam Airlines or VietJet to fly between Hanoi, Da Nang (for Hoi An), and Ho Chi Minh City. This keeps travel days under 3 hours.
Choose your hubs. Pick three base locations maximum. Use Hoi An as your primary 'slow down' spot, as it is pedestrian-friendly, has a beach, and is easy for kids to navigate without constant transport.
Build in 'pool time'. Vietnam is hot and chaotic. Every hotel you book must have a pool. Schedule every afternoon from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM strictly for pool time to reset energy levels.
Sort the logistics. Download the Grab app. It is the Uber of Vietnam and allows you to book cars with AC and set a fixed price, so you don't have to haggle with taxi drivers while managing kids and luggage.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?: No. Always use bottled or filtered water. Even for brushing teeth, it's safer to use bottled water for children.
Do I need a car seat?: Rental cars with car seats are almost non-existent. Most families use Grab and keep kids on their laps, but bring a portable travel booster if you are concerned about safety.