Summer is the ideal time for family trips and exploring new destinations with unique food and entertainment. Vietnam offers a diverse range of destinations, from mountains and forests to world-renowned beaches.
Parents can choose from the 5 suggested destinations below to take their children on an adventure and relax after a busy year of work and school. It's a chance for the whole family to bond, enjoy the beauty of Vietnam, and create lasting memories.
Phan Thiet
Just a few hours from TP HCM, Phan Thiet (Lam Dong) harmoniously blends natural beauty and local culture. It's famous for its diverse landscapes, long coastline with clear blue waters, white sand, and sunshine, providing rich experiences for all ages.
Families can stroll along Suoi Tien, a shallow, reddish-orange stream behind the white sand dunes. It's one of Mui Ne's iconic landmarks, perfect for children to explore and try sand sliding. The dunes also offer off-road driving experiences, reminiscent of a desert landscape.
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Phan Thiet is known for its blue sea, white sand, and vast sand dunes. Photo: *Viet Vision Travel* |
Mui Ne also boasts blue waters and many family-friendly resorts. Culture enthusiasts can take their children to visit the Po Shanu Cham Towers, ancient structures that hold stories of Vietnam's Champa heritage.
Vung Tau
Vung Tau (TP HCM) has a pleasant climate, perfect for a relaxing family getaway for a day or two. Back Beach offers calm waves and a gentle slope, allowing children to play safely in the water while parents relax on the sand. During low tide, you can walk across the sea to Hon Ba Temple, a small temple on an island that only appears when the tide recedes.
For more adventurous families, the Doppel Mayer cable car to Ho May Park offers activities like kayaking, ziplining, and grass sliding. Another exciting activity is a short climb to the 32-meter-tall Christ the King statue, offering panoramic coastal views.
For a smooth trip, book round-trip tickets from Vung Tau in advance to avoid last-minute rushes. Early online booking allows families to choose suitable times and avoid traffic.
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During low tide, visitors can walk along the path between the sea to Hon Ba Temple. Photo: *Vietnam Travel* |
Da Lat
Located on a plateau with a year-round cool climate, Da Lat (Lam Dong) is an ideal escape from the summer heat. The city, once a favorite summer retreat for the French, retains European-style architecture with ancient villas and tree-lined avenues.
Known as the "City of Eternal Spring" for its pleasant climate, Da Lat attracts visitors with its lush pine forests, vibrant flower gardens, and peaceful lakes.
Families can spend a day at the Valley of Love, enjoying boating, horseback riding, and exploring themed sculptures scattered throughout the park. The 7,000+ m2 Da Lat Flower Garden is another must-see, with hundreds of blooming flowers creating a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls and memorable moments.
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Lush pine forests and a year-round cool, fresh climate attract visitors to Da Lat. Photo: *Vietnam Travel* |
Da Nang
A vibrant coastal city with a relaxed pace, Da Nang balances beach fun and cultural exploration. Families can start their day at My Khe Beach, known for its smooth white sand and gentle waves safe for children. Forbes magazine once ranked it among the world's 6 most beautiful beaches.
For more adventure, visit the Marble Mountains for easy hikes, cave exploration, and temple visits. Or, explore the famous Golden Bridge, held up by giant hands, at Ba Na Hills.
Sa Pa
Nestled in the mountains of northern Vietnam, Sa Pa (Lao Cai) is an ideal retreat for families seeking cool air and magnificent rice terraces. Start with a short trek to the Hmong village of Cat Cat.
Children can play, admire the green rice terraces, listen to the gurgling waterfalls, and see traditional houses. The village offers handicraft and traditional costume classes, providing insights into local culture.
For an additional experience, try the Sa Pa cable car to the 3,143-meter peak of Fansipan, known as the "Roof of Indochina." Enjoy breathtaking views during the ride.
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Vast green rice terraces and distant mountains create a majestic landscape in Sa Pa. Photo: *Sapa Tourism* |
Silver Waterfall, with sunlight shimmering through the water cascading down the cliffs, is another must-visit photo spot. With its fresh air, diverse culture, and stunning scenery, Sa Pa is a worthwhile mountain retreat for multi-generational families seeking both exploration and relaxation.
Besides choosing a destination, transportation is key to a smooth family trip. For convenient and quick train and bus bookings, consider redBus, an online ticketing platform. Besides checking schedules, compare prices between carriers to save money, allowing for more fun and entertainment.
Dan Minh