Vietnam is an incredible destination for families seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty. But if you’re planning a trip with young children, safety is likely your top concern. The good news is that Vietnam is generally a very safe country for families with kids. Let’s explore what makes Vietnam such a great place for a family vacation and address some common safety questions.
Vietnam’s Family-Friendly Culture
One thing that stands out about Vietnam is how much the local culture values children and families:
- Vietnamese people adore kids and go out of their way to engage with and dote on young children
- Multi-generational families living together is the norm, so kids are everywhere and catered to
- Many hotels, restaurants and tourist sites are very accommodating of families’ needs
- The abundance of tasty food options and kid-friendly activities make it easy to keep little ones happy
Vietnam’s warm, family-oriented culture helps put parents at ease and makes it an appealing place to travel with kids in tow. You’ll find that your children are welcomed with open arms!
Addressing Common Safety Concerns
Of course, even the friendliest destinations have some safety issues to be aware of. Here are a few key things for families to keep in mind:
Traffic Safety
- Traffic in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can be chaotic, with many motorbikes zipping around
- Always hold young children’s hands near roads and be hyper-vigilant about traffic
- Consider wearing masks to protect from exhaust fumes, especially for little lungs
- Avoid riding motorbikes with young kids and opt for reputable car services or public transit instead
Food and Water
- Traveler’s diarrhea from contaminated food/water is fairly common but rarely serious
- Stick to bottled water and drinks (and for teeth brushing) and avoid ice
- Eat at busy restaurants with high turnover and good reviews
- Avoid raw vegetables/fruits without peels, unpasteurized dairy, and undercooked meats
- Bring medicine from home in case of digestive issues and stay hydrated
Sun and Heat
- Vietnam can get very hot and humid, posing risks like heat exhaustion and sunburn
- Have kids wear breathable clothes, hats, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
- Take frequent breaks in the shade or AC, and keep kids well-hydrated with water/drinks
- Be watchful for signs of heat exhaustion like fatigue, headaches and nausea
Water Activities
- Lovely beaches line Vietnam’s coast but rip tides and rough surf can pose drowning risks
- Young kids should wear life jackets and be supervised vigilantly in the ocean
- Be cautious of jellyfish, urchins or other stinging sea life in the water and sand
- Hotel/resort pools may lack lifeguards or gates, so never leave kids unattended
By taking some sensible precautions like these, your family can minimize safety risks and focus on enjoying all the amazing experiences Vietnam has to offer. Don’t let fear hold you back!
Getting Around Safely with Kids
Vietnam’s transportation options are generally family-friendly as long as you plan ahead:
| Transport | Pros | Cons | Tips |
| Planes | Fast, affordable way to cover long distances | Potential flight delays/cancellations | Book early, prepare for waits |
| Trains | Scenic routes, sleeping cabins for overnight trips | Bathrooms may be basic, not all routes have AC | Bring food/drinks, consider soft sleepers |
| Buses | Cheapest way to travel between cities | Can be crowded, roads bumpy | Avoid overnight trips, book through hotel |
| Taxis | Convenient for short trips and tired kids | Scams are common, traffic can be bad | Get hotel to call reputable company, agree on price upfront |
With some savvy strategies for navigating planes, trains, automobiles and more, you can get your family from point A to B smoothly and safely. Just remember, a little disruption is part of the adventure!
Making Magical Memories
At the end of the day, is the effort of traveling Vietnam with kids worth it? Absolutely! Your children will be forever shaped by the incredible experiences you’ll share, like:
- Marveling at glittering caves and lush landscapes while boating through Halong Bay
- Exploring vibrant markets brimming with exotic fruits, flowers and handicrafts
- Biking through emerald rice paddies dotted with conical hat-wearing farmers
- Dining on fragrant noodle soups, fresh spring rolls, and other yummy Vietnamese specialties
- Learning to make traditional lanterns or kites at a hands-on workshop
- Frolicking on white sand beaches with turquoise water lapping at your toes
These are the moments your family will reminisce about for years to come. Vietnam’s vivid beauty, fascinating culture and fun-loving people make it an unforgettable place to spend quality time together.
So if you’re dreaming of a family trip that’s exotic yet safe, eye-opening yet entertaining, action-packed yet affordable – Vietnam fits the bill. With a little careful planning and common sense, you’ll find that Vietnam is not only safe for families with young children, but incredibly rewarding.
At Jobinvietnam.net, we’re passionate about helping foreigners discover all that Vietnam has to offer, including family-friendly adventures. We know planning an international trip with kids can feel overwhelming. That’s why our expert team is here to address all your questions and concerns – big or small.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today via phone, Zalo or WhatsApp for personalized guidance on crafting a safe, stress-free Vietnam itinerary your whole family will love. Let’s start turning your travel dreams into reality!
Is Vietnam Safe for Elderly Travelers Too?
Vietnam is an attractive destination for elderly travelers, offering a perfect blend of rich heritage, stunning scenery and warm hospitality. However, older visitors may have some specific safety concerns:
- Health issues like mobility limitations or chronic conditions
- Higher vulnerability to scams or theft targeting tourists
- Difficulty navigating language barriers and unfamiliar environments
- Deeply respectful culture that reveres elders and assists them
- Affordable, high-quality healthcare services in major cities
- Abundance of hotels, transport and tours catering to seniors’ needs
- Choose reputable hotels, restaurants, and guides and book in advance
- Bring ample medication, buy travel health insurance, locate good hospitals
- Stay vigilant against pickpockets/scams but don’t be overly fearful
- Pace yourself, stay hydrated, and don’t overdo it in the heat
With thoughtful trip-planning that prioritizes safety and comfort, Vietnam can be a highly rewarding place for elderly travelers to explore.
To learn more about senior travel in Vietnam, check out our article: Is Vietnam Safe for Elderly Travelers?
Is Vietnam Safe in Monsoon Season? Insider Tips | JobinVietnam