Vietnam dazzles and delights families traveling to Southeast Asia. The country's diverse landscape teems with endemic flora and fauna, its wondrous waterways dissect mountains and sprawling rainforests, cultural experiences invite travellers of all ages to immerse themselves in the local way of life, and outdoors allow families with older children to experience the thrill of adventure.

As you and your family explore Vietnam, be sure to check out one or more of these eight things to do in Vietnam with kids to create everlasting memories of your trip.

1. Explore the wonderful and diverse landscape

Beyond towering cityscapes and bustling neighbourhoods, travellers can find Vietnam's best-kept secrets in the wondrous and diverse landscapes of less-visited destinations.

The rice terraces of the Sapa Mountains loom as the backdrop for hikes through the mountains, and waterfalls flow at the end of dusty trails that weave through the dew-covered rainforest.

Every leisurely walk or challenging hike in Vietnam's wilderness will provide plenty of opportunities to spot the native black crested gibbon, Siamese crocodile, banded eagle ray, and more.

2. Embrace the waterways through Vietnam

Dazzling waterways bring Vietnam's thriving wilderness to life and also help the people who use these streams, rivers, and tributaries as transportation routes and trading areas.

Travellers can acclimatize to the country's cultural lifestyle by gliding the silvery waterways on traditional wooden boats, kayaks, cruise ships, and more.

From the massive flows of the Mekong Delta to small rivers that house floating markets, there's plenty to explore as you cruise along the sparkling canals to visit fishing villages, cultural centres, spiritual complexes, mangroves, rainforests, etc.

>> Read more: The most beautiful rivers in Vietnam: Activities not to be missed

3. Discover the wonderful berries

After exploring the waterways that dissect Vietnam's illustrious wilderness and bustling cities, travellers can set sail and discover what lies beyond the country's sunny shores. Most will arrive at the port a short distance from Hanoi and board a lavish yacht to set sail for Ha Long Bay.

The backdrop of towering forest-covered karst islands, limestone cliffs, and the spreading sapphire sea is breath-taking, and stops at remote beaches or colourful coral reefs can allow you to discover the marine secrets. You can also continue your journey to the calmer emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay to get away from it all for a day or three, or take a cruise around Hoi An.

>> Read more: The 15 most beautiful destinations in Vietnam

4. Delight in unforgettable cultural experiences

Cultural experiences dominate the towns and villages that dot Vietnam and invite travellers to explore local customs and traditions which date back centuries of history.

Meaningful experiences include dazzling water puppet shows that excite families of all ages, lantern-making classes where you can watch your flaming lantern drift across the night sky, and a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels to experience the dramatic and fascinating story of the Vietnam War.

Every cultural activity in the country will enrich your vacation and introduce you to the fascinating local way of life.

5. Delight in the wonders of breath-taking caves

Families exploring Vietnam should not miss the opportunity to explore the incredible cave systems that can be found in and around Vietnam's rural areas and national parks. Phong Nha Ke Bang Caves invites you to enter a massive chamber, with waters flowing through archaic rock formations.

The emerald landscape will reflect on the surface of the water as you continue going deeper into the colossal complex and marvel at the magnificent rocks and geological formations. This is the first of many exciting cave adventures you can bask in on your Vietnam family adventure.

>> Read more: Top 10 must-see places in Vietnam

6. Enjoy the beauty of nature on a bike tour

Some nature experiences are more peaceful than others, and bike tours allow families to experience the beautiful wilderness at their own pace.

You can pedal along winding paths that twist and turn through forests to viewpoints overlooking the cloud-like canopy. If you keep your eyes open, you might spot native creatures scurrying through the shrubbery or spot mighty winged creatures hovering overhead.

Other bike tours can take you through bustling cities to food markets, historic sites, and beautiful lakes. Cycling in Vietnam opens up a world of possibilities.

7. Taste the splendours of the kitchen

Families visiting Vietnam can expect sensational and diverse Southeast Asian cuisine.

There are so many ways to experience the flavours of Vietnam, with each day presenting a new culinary adventure to pamper your palate. Cooking classes invite families to learn how to prepare historic regional dishes, night markets allow travellers to sample delicious local specialities, and gourmet restaurants offer award-winning interpretations of classic dishes.

No matter where you are in Vietnam, you will be treated to local delicacies including the famous Pho, a satisfying Banh Mi, and more.

>> Read more: The multi-coloured cuisine of Vietnam

8. Treat yourself to the fascinating coastline

Most people visit Vietnam to see the wonderful wilderness, but families know that Vietnam offers so much more to explore during your stay. Vietnam's sparkling coastline hides dashing resorts, historic imperial cities, and breath-taking beaches that rival Southeast Asia's most famous coastlines.

From glamorous stays in Nha Trang to boutique retreats in Mui Ne, every family can find fun on the golden sands of Vietnam. You can stroll the secluded beaches, swim in the crystal clear sea, snorkel around the coruscating coral reefs, and head to Phu Quoc Island to embrace a tropical coastal paradise.

Families with children visiting Vietnam will be spoiled for choice with these eight things to do, along with many other exciting activities to enjoy while on vacation.

From visiting the wondrous Mekong Delta to devouring sensational Vietnamese cuisine, to thriving rainforests and soaking up the sun on the coast, you can enjoy the best of Vietnam.

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