International

Vietnam

Ancient streets, floating markets, and pho at every corner

Toddler score:8/10

Best from:18m+

Vietnam was a feast for the senses — and Edison was right in the middle of it all. From the lantern-lit streets of Hội An to the emerald waters of Hạ Long Bay, every day brought something new to point at, taste, and explore. The Vietnamese love for children made us feel welcome everywhere we went.

Getting there

Fly into Hanoi (HAN) for the north or Da Nang (DAD) for central Vietnam — Da Nang is the best gateway for Hội An and is just 30 minutes by taxi. From SFO the fastest route is around 15 hours with one stop, typically through Seoul (Korean Air) or Tokyo (ANA). Vietnam Airlines also offers good connections. Book a bassinet seat if Edison is under 2.

Hội An with a toddler

Hội An's Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most beautiful places in Southeast Asia. The lantern-lit streets are magical at night. The town is compact enough to walk everywhere. Edison loved the colorful lanterns, the tailor shops with their bolts of fabric, and the riverside restaurants where boats drift past at dinner.

Hạ Long Bay

A two-night cruise on Hạ Long Bay is one of the great travel experiences in Asia. The limestone karsts rising from emerald water are otherworldly. Choose a family-friendly junk boat with a shallow kayaking option — Edison loved paddling through sea caves. The onboard food is excellent and the crew are wonderful with children.

Street food adventures

Vietnamese street food is some of the best in the world and surprisingly toddler-friendly. Phở for breakfast is a ritual. Bánh mì from a street cart costs less than a dollar and tastes incredible. Bún bò Huế is spicier — order it mild. Edison's obsession was chè (sweet dessert soup) from the market stalls in Hội An.

Practical tips

Traffic in Vietnamese cities is intense — hold your toddler's hand and cross streets slowly and steadily (traffic flows around you). Grab scooter taxis only for adults. Bottled water only. The heat and humidity in summer are intense — plan outdoor activities for early morning and late afternoon. A portable fan and cooling towels are essential.

Edison's pro tip

Hội An is the most toddler-friendly base in Vietnam — compact, walkable, and full of color. And let Edison try the bánh mì — he demolished his first one in about 90 seconds.