It might take a while flying there, but it’ll be worth it! Vietnam is known for pointy hats, the rice terraces, spring-rolls and Halong Bay. But Vietnam has more to offer: what about the famous Mekong Delta, eating with sticks, snorkeling at tropical islands and visiting the imperial tombs on the back of a scooter? Vietnam has something to offer to everyone: peace and relaxation, action and adventure and a wonderful cuisine. The traveling mothers of RiksjaKids will give you some tips for traveling to Vietnam with young kids.
Don't miss these 5 highlights in Vietnam with young kids!
# A taste of Hanoi
Hanoi is often the first place you visit to get to know Vietnam. You’ll see more scooters than cars here so be sure to watch both ways when you cross the road. Stroll through the French Quarter and look at the beautiful French colonial houses. Or wonder the streets in the evening during the night market and have a bite to eat. We had the best Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) sitting on a plastic stool on the sidewalk of a small road. A real treat. Can’t wait to get submerged in the culture of Hanoi? Go out with a guide on a street food safari. You’ll get to visit all kinds of restaurants (that you won’t find yourself most of the time) and taste the best spring rolls, noodle soups and… snails (that’s right!). This is a perfect 1 day Hanoi itinerary when you dont have the time to hang around longer.
# The famous rice terraces
Are you travelling with younger kids? Or are you in a hurry but you definitely want to see the rice terraces? Travel to Mai Chau, at just a 3 hour drive from Hanoi. Here you stay with the Vietnamese, in houses on poles, in a small village. You’ll see green hills left and right and in the middle of the valley are rice fields. People work here from early in the morning to late at night and we enjoying cycling through very much. Do you have some more time? Visit Sapa in North-Vietnam by night train. Here you can go on 10 km hikes or even more. On your way there you’ll see rice terraces and the locals in traditional clothing. This is truly recommended when you’re travelling through Vietnam with young kids.
# 3 The chalk cliffs of Halong Bay
Halong Bay is known for the thousands of chalk cliffs rising up from the sea. The best way of discovering this bay is with a traditional wooden sailing boat. You’ll spend the night in a cabin and while the boat is sailing you can enjoy the view. You’ll see deserted islands and caves and a couple of sandy beaches on the way. When you’re done sailing you can get into a kayak and go exploring the bay on your own. Or climb up onto the highest point of the island to take that famous picture of the breathtaking view you see everywhere.
# 4 Beach, more beach and even more beach
Vietnam has a long coastline. So if you’re traveling from north to south you will practically travel along the entire shore. We think Whale Island is one of the highlights and an exotic ending to your travels through Vietnam with little kids: a small scale island right off the shores of Na Trang. The resorts are simple, the beach has white sand and is surrounded by waving palm trees. And you can snorkel your heart out too! And did I mention the amazing sunset? The trip to the island (by small boat) is quite the adventure itself.
# 5 The Mekong Delta
The Makong river starts in Cambodia and meanders through the border of Thailand and Vietnam, where it eventually mouths in sea. The delta itself where the river Mekong flows into is as large as the Netherlands. You’ll find all kinds of waters, rivers, streams and channels here, with a couple of farmers small villages and cities left and right. You’ll have a real taste of the life there when you’re sailing the river Mekong by boat (with enough life vests of course). On your way in you’ll see ships with their cargo, sometimes fresh fruit (on it’s way to a floating market) and at times they carry full agricultural machinery too. When you stay the night somewhere in the Mekong, it’s fun exploring the area by bike the next day, wearing a traditional pointy hat of course 😉
This article is written by the traveling mothers of RiksjaKids
