5 Family Travel Guide to Vietnam: Exploring with Kids and Discovering Traditional Crafts

Vietnam is an enchanting destination for family travel, offering a mix of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and delightful traditional crafts. Here’s a guide to help you plan an unforgettable trip to Vietnam with kids, where they can explore the country's rich heritage and participate in hands-on craft activities.

1. Hanoi: A Cultural Adventure

Start your journey in the capital city of Hanoi. This bustling city is full of history and cultural activities that are perfect for kids. Visit the Temple of Literature, where children can learn about Vietnam’s first university and Confucianism. Don’t miss the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre for an entertaining show featuring puppets performing on water, a traditional Vietnamese art form.

Craft Water Puppet performance

Craft Experience: Head to local craft villages around Hanoi, such as Bat Trang, famous for its pottery. Here, kids can try their hand at making their own clay creations, guided by local artisans.

2. Hoi An: Craft Haven

Hoi An is a charming town known for its well-preserved ancient architecture and vibrant crafts scene. Rent bicycles and explore the lantern-lit streets. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and the colorful local markets.

Hoi An is known for its awards, postcard-perfect beauty, and long history

Craft Experience: Participate in a lantern-making workshop, where kids can create their own lanterns, a symbol of Hoi An. Another great activity is learning how to make traditional Vietnamese silk lanterns, a craft that the town is famous for.

3. Da Nang: Beach and Crafts

Just a short drive from Hoi An, Da Nang offers beautiful beaches and exciting attractions like the Marble Mountains and Ba Na Hills.

Craft Experience: Visit the Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village at the foot of the Marble Mountains. Kids can watch skilled artisans at work and even try their hand at stone carving, creating simple keepsakes.

4. Ho Chi Minh City: Urban Exploration

Vietnam's largest city is bustling with energy. Visit the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens or take a boat tour through the Mekong Delta.

Notre Dame Cathedral with its unique French-style architecture (Source: Collected)

Craft Experience: Explore Ben Thanh Market and nearby craft shops where kids can see a variety of traditional Vietnamese crafts, such as lacquerware and hand-painted ceramics. Some shops offer short workshops where kids can paint their own ceramic pieces.

5. Mekong Delta: Rustic Charm

Introduce your kids to the unique lifestyle of the Mekong Delta. Take a boat tour through the canals, visit floating markets, and explore local farms.

Buyers are excited when they catch samples of goods thrown by sellers from other boats

Craft Experience: Visit local craft villages where traditional methods are still used to create everyday items. Kids can learn how to weave mats or make coconut candy, providing a fun and educational experience.

The best time to visit Vietnam

The weather in Vietnam varies considerably as you go from north to south, so the exact best time to travel to Vietnam depends on where you will go and what type of vacation you want to enjoy.

Here are some Vietnam weather highlights you should beware of to prepare for your Vietnam travel trip:

- The north of Vietnam: The north of Vietnam has 4 seasons, which are Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. The weather in northern provinces like Hanoi is hot and humid with high rainfall from May to October, and gets cooler and drier from November to April. You may go hiking and see mountains and caves in all seasons, visit beaches in the summer, or wander around cities/provinces in the winter.

- The Central Vietnam: The typical climate of central Vietnam is tropical wet climate. This region has dry, hot weather with temperatures of up to mid 30°C from January to August, while September, October, and November often see the highest rainfall. To have a wonderful trip, you should check the weather forecast before packing. 

- The south of Vietnam: There are only two seasons here: dry and rainy seasons. It is normally dry and hot from November to April, gets wet and warm from May to October. The highest rainfall happens from June to August. You can go to beaches at any time of the year, visit floating markets in the dry season, or visit fruit orchards in the rainy season.

Travel Tips

- Weather: Pack light, breathable clothing, hats, and sunscreen. Be prepared for rain, especially if traveling during the monsoon season.

- Health: Ensure vaccinations are up to date and carry a basic first-aid kit. Use mosquito repellent to prevent bites.

- Food: Vietnamese cuisine is generally kid-friendly. Try pho (noodle soup), banh mi (sandwiches), and fresh fruit smoothies. Many restaurants offer simple dishes for picky eaters.

- Safety: Vietnam is a safe destination, but keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and be cautious when crossing streets.

Traveling to Vietnam with kids offers a blend of cultural discovery and fun activities. By incorporating traditional craft experiences into your trip, you’ll provide your children with a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture and create lasting memories. Enjoy the adventure and the unique crafts that Vietnam has to offer!

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