Family trip to Vietnam and Thailand: Complete travel guide

Vietnam and Thailand are two of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations, offering families a vibrant mix of culture, nature and adventure. A family trip to Vietnam and Thailand delivers unique experiences such as cycling through charming villages, cruising along stunning bays, tasting world-famous local cuisine and participating in interactive cultural activities designed to engage young travelers.

Start your unforgettable Thailand Vietnam family tour with Hanoi Voyages. Let us create a tailored itinerary for your family trip.

Is a family trip to Vietnam and Thailand safe?

Absolutely! Both countries are family-friendly, offering welcoming cultures, good tourism infrastructure, and strong hospitality traditions.

• Safety in Vietnam: Vietnam is welcoming and peaceful, with a low violent crime rate. Popular cities like Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City offer secure hotels, organized tours and international hospitals, making travel with kids worry-free.

• Safety in Thailand: Thailand is one of the world’s most visited destinations, where safety for tourists is a priority. Families can enjoy kid-friendly resorts, well-managed attractions and excellent healthcare facilities in cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.

Even though both countries are safe, a few precautions can make your journey even smoother:

• Choose reputable transportation and tour operators.

• Keep an eye on children in crowded markets or festivals.

• Carry travel insurance for extra peace of mind.

• Stick to well-reviewed restaurants and avoid street food if your kids have sensitive stomachs.

With these factors combined, a family trip to Vietnam and Thailand offers not only cultural discoveries and fun activities but also a safe and welcoming environment for both parents and children.

Best time for a family trip to Vietnam and Thailand

The best time for a family trip to Vietnam and Thailand is during the dry season from November to April. 

• In Vietnam, this period brings cooler weather in the North and sunny days in the Central and Southern regions, perfect for exploring cities, beaches and cultural sites with children. 

• In Thailand, the same months offer pleasant temperatures in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the southern islands, making it easy to enjoy both sightseeing and beach holidays.

If you are planning to visit Vietnam and Thailand with kids, avoid the hot and rainy season (May to October) when high humidity and sudden showers can make travel less comfortable. Choosing the cool, dry months ensures a smoother, safer and more enjoyable trip for the whole family.

Top family-friendly destinations in Vietnam and Thailand

Planning a family trip to Vietnam and Thailand means choosing places that offer both cultural value and fun activities for children. Luckily, both countries are packed with destinations that are safe, exciting and easy to explore as a family.

Best family-friendly destinations in Vietnam

Vietnam is rich in culture, natural beauty and family-friendly activities. From vibrant cities to peaceful countryside and stunning beaches, there’s something for everyone.

Hanoi The capital city blends culture and kid-friendly attractions. Families can stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, watch a water puppet show, or visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology for interactive learning experiences.	Halong Bay A cruise in Halong Bay is perfect for families. Children love kayaking, exploring caves and spotting limestone islands from the boat. It’s a fun and safe adventure that appeals to all ages.

Ninh Binh Often called “Halong Bay on land,” Ninh Binh offers boat rides through rice fields and karst landscapes. Families can visit Trang An or Tam Coc for calm river trips that are easy with kids.	Hoi An This charming ancient town is ideal for families. Kids enjoy lantern-making workshops, cycling through rice paddies and trying Vietnamese cooking classes. The pedestrian-friendly Old Town makes exploring stress-free.

Phu Quoc A tropical paradise perfect for families. Enjoy safe sandy beaches, snorkeling, VinWonders amusement park and family-friendly resorts that cater to children with pools and kid’s clubs.	Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta In the south, families can explore vibrant markets, take boat trips in the Mekong Delta and visit interactive museums. The energy of the city combined with the calm countryside gives children diverse experiences.

Best family-friendly destinations in Thailand

Thailand offers a perfect mix of culture, adventure and relaxation for children and parents alike. From bustling cities to peaceful islands, families can enjoy a variety of experiences.

Bangkok The capital is filled with family attractions such as Safari World, Dream World amusement park and colorful floating markets. Street food tours can also be adapted for kids with mild dishes.	Chiang Mai A cultural hub in the north, Chiang Mai offers elephant sanctuaries, cooking classes and night markets. Families can also take gentle treks to visit local hill tribes and waterfalls.

Ayutthaya  A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ayutthaya offers historical ruins and temples. Explore Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Bang Pa-In Summer Palace and experience a family-friendly day tour by tuk-tuk.	Phuket Phuket is the ultimate family beach destination with calm resorts, fun water parks and island-hopping tours. Snorkeling, swimming and beach games keep kids entertained all day.

Krabi Quieter than Phuket, Krabi offers family-friendly beaches, kayaking and scenic boat tours. It’s a great choice for parents who prefer a more relaxed pace of travel.	Koh Samui This island is famous for family resorts with kids’ clubs, shallow beaches and activities like visiting the Ang Thong Marine Park or enjoying a family cooking class.

Suggested 14-day family trip to Vietnam and Thailand

Planning a family trip to Vietnam and Thailand is a wonderful way to combine cultural experiences, nature and relaxation. Both countries are family-friendly, offering safe destinations, delicious food and fun activities for all ages. Below is a suggested Vietnam and Thailand itinerary of 2 weeks, perfect for a memorable Thailand Vietnam family tour.

Day 1–2: Explore Bangkok highlights

Your Family trip to Vietnam and Thailand begins in Bangkok. After arriving and resting, you can spend two days exploring the city’s best attractions:

• Discover the Grand Royal Palace, the iconic Wat Pho with its giant Reclining Buddha and the Golden Buddha at Wat Traimitr.

• Take a fun boat ride along the Chao Phraya River for a different view of the city.

• Stroll through Chinatown (Yaowarat), where kids can taste street food and see colorful markets.

• Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Bangkok’s night markets, perfect for families looking for snacks and souvenirs.

Day 3: Day trip to Ayutthaya

Just a short drive from Bangkok, Ayutthaya offers a historical adventure for families.

• Explore ancient temple ruins like Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Lokaya Sutha with its massive reclining Buddha.

• Visit the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, once the royal residence, with beautiful gardens and architecture.

• Return to Bangkok in the evening for a relaxing night before your flight to Phuket.

Days 4–6: Relax in Phuket

No Thailand Vietnam family tour would be complete without some beach time! Fly south to Phuket, where your family can:

• Relax on sandy beaches.

• Stay in luxurious family-friendly resorts.

• Enjoy water activities or simply unwind by the sea.

After recharging, return to Bangkok for your flight to Vietnam.

Days 7–8: Cultural treasures of Hanoi

Your Vietnam adventure starts in Hanoi, the charming capital filled with history and culture. Families will love:

• A cyclo ride through the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake.

• Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Complex, One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature.

• Enjoying coffee at the famous Train Street.

• An evening water puppet show, a must-see for kids.

Days 9–10: Cruise Halong Bay

One of the highlights of a Vietnam and Thailand itinerary is a family-friendly cruise in Halong Bay.

• Stay overnight on a traditional junk boat.

• Explore caves like Thien Canh Son.

• Try kayaking, squid fishing and even a Vietnamese cooking class.

• Visit a floating fishing village to learn about local life.

After disembarking, board a night train to northern Vietnam.

Days 11–12: Trekking adventures in Sapa

The northern mountains of Sapa are ideal for families who enjoy light trekking and cultural encounters.

• Walk through rice terraces in Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai and Ta Van villages.

• Meet ethnic minority groups like the Black H’Mong and Giay people.

• Explore Ta Phin Village of the Red Dao, known for herbal baths and traditional crafts.

• Stay overnight in Bac Ha, home of the Flower H’Mong.

Day 13: Bac Ha Market experience

If your trip falls on a Sunday, you’ll witness the vibrant Bac Ha Market, one of the most colorful in Vietnam.

• Shop for local handicrafts.

• Meet different ethnic groups in traditional dress.

• Visit the restored palace of Hoang A Tuong.

In the afternoon, travel back to Hanoi.

Day 14: Departure from Hanoi

Enjoy some leisure time in Hanoi before your flight home, ending your enriching Thailand Vietnam family tour.

For more details about this tour, you can read: Thailand Vietnam tour 14 days

Ready for a family trip to Vietnam and Thailand? Hanoi Voyages will craft a tailor-made itinerary for your family, filled with comfort and unforgettable experiences.

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For more inspiration, discover these curated tours with Hanoi Voyages:

Combined Thailand - Vietnam tour 14 days Explore Thailand’s vibrant sights and Vietnam’s breathtaking natural landscapes in one unforgettable journey.	Thailand Vietnam tour 14 days Combined Thailand and Vietnam Tour 14 days of unforgettable travel to explore both countries, featuring Bangkok, Phuket, Hanoi, Sapa and more.

Where to stay on your Thailand Vietnam trip for families

A family trip to Vietnam and Thailand is all about comfort and convenience. Finding the right accommodation ensures that both parents and children can relax after a day of exploring. Here are some top hotels perfect for families when you visit Vietnam and Thailand with kids.

Thailand

Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok	Shangri-La Hotel Chiang Mai	SALA Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort

For more options, you can read: Top 10 luxury hotels in Thailand for an unforgettable stay

Vietnam

Sailing Club Signature Resort Phu Quoc	La Siesta Premium Saigon	Movenpick Hotel Hanoi Centre

For more options, you can read: Top 10 five-star hotels in Vietnam

Discover Vietnamese and Thai cuisine for families

When planning a family trip to Vietnam and Thailand, food plays an important role. Both countries are known for delicious cuisines and many dishes are suitable for children. From light soups in Vietnam to sweet treats in Thailand, here’s what families can enjoy when they visit Vietnam and Thailand with kids.

Top dishes in Vietnam you can't miss

• Pho – The iconic Vietnamese noodle soup with fragrant broth, beef or chicken, perfect for breakfast or dinner.

• Com Tam – Broken rice served with grilled meat, eggs and pickled vegetables; a simple and filling meal for kids.

• Bun Cha – Grilled pork served with rice noodles, herbs and a light dipping sauce.

• Banh Mi – Crispy baguette sandwiches with a variety of fillings, easy to customize for picky eaters.

• Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls) – Light rice paper rolls filled with shrimp, pork, herbs and vermicelli, healthy and fun for children.

You can explore more delicious food in Vietnam through: Vietnamese Food: Top 30 Must-try Dishes In Vietnam

Top dishes in Thailand you can't miss

• Pad Thai – Stir-fried noodles with shrimp, chicken, or tofu; a favorite among children and adults alike.

• Tom Yum – Fragrant soup with lemongrass and lime; request mild spice for kids.

• Mango Sticky Rice – Sweet, creamy dessert that is loved by the whole family.

• Green Curry – Rich coconut curry with vegetables and meat; can be made mild for children.

• Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad) – Refreshing and crunchy; mild versions are kid-friendly.

You can explore more delicious food in Thailand through: Exploring Thai cuisine: Must-try delicious dishes on your trip

Estimated costs for a family trip to Vietnam and Thailand

Planning a family trip to Vietnam and Thailand involves budgeting for accommodation, food, transportation and activities. On average, families can expect to spend around $200 per day, though costs can rise if you choose luxury services or exclusive experiences. This budget makes it feasible for parents to visit Vietnam and Thailand with kids without compromising comfort and fun.

Daily expenses breakdown:

• Accommodation: Family-friendly hotels in Vietnam and Thailand typically cost between $70–$120 per night for a family room. Luxury resorts or private villas can exceed $300 per night.

• Meals: Enjoy local dishes like pho, banh mi, pad thai and mango sticky rice at $5–$15 per person per meal. Fine dining or Michelin-starred restaurants will increase your daily expenses.

• Transportation: Local taxis, tuk-tuks and short flights within Thailand or Vietnam are budgeted at $20–$50 per day. Renting a car or hiring a private driver is more convenient for families but adds to the cost.

• Activities & sightseeing: Tickets to cultural sites, museums and family-friendly excursions typically cost $10–$20 per person. Optional activities like cooking classes, river cruises, or guided tours can increase expenses.

Travel tips for your family trip to Vietnam and Thailand

Planning a family trip to Vietnam and Thailand can be an exciting adventure, but it requires careful preparation to ensure a smooth experience for both adults and kids. Here are some essential tips for a successful journey.

Check visa requirements

Before your Thailand Vietnam trip for families, make sure to check visa requirements for both countries according to your nationality. Some travelers are eligible for visa exemptions, while others need to apply online or obtain a visa on arrival. Having the correct documents in advance will help avoid any issues at the border.

👉 Check out: 

Thailand Visa Formalities

Vietnam Visa Formalities

Choose a reputable travel company

For a hassle-free experience, especially when traveling with children, choose a trusted travel company. 

Recommend: Hanoi Voyages offers family-friendly packages, including comfortable accommodations and well-planned itineraries suitable for kids, making your visit to Vietnam and Thailand with kids more enjoyable and stress-free.

Plan a kid-friendly itinerary

Design an itinerary that balances sightseeing with rest. Avoid overpacking the schedule and include kid-friendly activities. In Thailand, you might mix temple visits with fun experiences like Safari World or water parks. In Vietnam, consider boat tours in Ha Long Bay or visits to traditional craft villages that are engaging for children.

What to pack

• Lightweight, comfortable clothing suitable for hot and humid weather.

• Comfortable walking shoes and flip-flops for the beach.

• Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses for the whole family.

• Basic medications for children and adults, along with essential personal items.

• Passports, photocopies of important documents and some cash for emergencies.

Check the weather

The weather can vary significantly between Vietnam and Thailand.

• Vietnam: Northern regions can be cold in winter, while the south is warm and humid year-round.

• Thailand: Rainy season from May to October; dry season from November to April.

Check forecasts before your trip to pack accordingly and avoid itinerary disruptions due to heavy rain or storms.

A family trip to Vietnam and Thailand offers a mix of culture, adventure and relaxation for both parents and children. By planning carefully, families can create lifelong memories while exploring two of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations. A Thailand Vietnam family tour with Hanoi Voyages ensures every detail is taken care of, making the experience seamless, safe and truly enjoyable for the whole family.