You may hear many people say that: “Why do you travel so much with your small babies? They won’t remember anything!”.
Well, of course, they won’t remember visiting craft villages in Vietnam nor hiking up temples in Cambodia. But science has proved that traveling is a precious opportunity to learn life lessons and shape characters for young kids. Travel helps them become adaptable to all circumstances; enhance their physical and mental health. It allows your family to spend time together in beneficial kid-friendly activities to discover other countries.
Compared to other countries in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is a family-friendly destination with a high level of safety, modern amenities, excellent hospitality services and light-hearted people. These are 8 travels tips to prepare for your perfect family holiday to Vietnam so you can travel with your babies and toddlers.
Read more
- Best travel destinations for a family holiday in Vietnam
- Essential Travel Guides for Family Trips with Kids to Vietnam
- 7 Best Vietnam Tours for First Time International Travelers
1. Bring a certain amount of baby food
In Vietnam, ready-made baby foods are not widely used. Vietnamese parents feed their babies with the mixture of rice porridge with some kinds of vegetables or meat. You can find baby foods in some large supermarkets around Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but we are not sure that you can find the same brand name in your home country.
- L’s Place and Annam Gourmet – Two grocery stores to buy imported products
There are two grocery stores in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City where you can find imported food products for your babies: L’s Place and Annam Gourmet. You can come to check out:
L’s Place addresses:
- 29 Hang Voi Street, Hanoi
- 63 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hanoi
- 1 Xuan Dieu Street, Hanoi
Annam Gourmet addresses:
- 16-18 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Basement 2, Log 11/12, Saigon Centre Building, 65 Le Loi Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- 41 Thao Dien Street, Thao Dien Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
- SB2-1 My Khanh 4, Nguyen Duc Canh Street, Tan Phong Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
- 51 Xuan Dieu Street, Ha Noi
2. Stroller or baby carrier?
In the airport or in French Quarter where the roads are larger, it will be more convenient to use a three-wheel collapsible stroller. However, in smaller streets (especially in the Old Quarter), the pavements are bumpy and narrow. Baby carrier or backpack is the best option during the travel – your babies can sleep when your family transfers to pagodas, temples or other sights.
3. Head to a convenience store to buy disposable diapers and wet tissue
- Circle K, Shop & Go and Vinmart – Three popular convenience stores in Vietnam
Baby essentials take up a lot of spaces in your luggage. Therefore, it is advisable to pack a sufficient amount of diapers to last at least two days. You will need to buy (a lot) more disposable diapers and dry and wet tissues in Vietnam. You can find them in many convenient stores and supermarkets in our tourist destinations.
4. Prepare a portable changing mat
It is hard to find a baby room in any of our sightseeing places, so a portable changing mat is recommended. This product ensures your baby to have a comfortable surface to lie on, regardless of where you are.
- Packing checklist for toddlers when traveling to Vietnam
5. Breastfeeding in public is inappropriate
Vietnam is a conservative country, so we would appreciate it if breastfeeding is done out of public view or as discreetly as possible. You can cover yourself with a large scarf.
Formula milk can be found easily in our supermarket. Remember always use boiled water for the formula since tap water is not clean enough.
6. Book a quiet room
Babies need a quiet atmosphere to sleep during your travel, so stay away from the hotel bar, pool, restaurants and elevators. You don’t want any disturbing noise from outside.
Bring a nightlight. You will need it to keep the room lighting comfortably low during midnight diaper changes.
7. Use babysitting service at your hotel or resort
Our high-end hotels and resorts usually have babysitting service so that you can have some free time with your partner when traveling to Vietnam. The babysitters are well-trained and have experience in childcare and first aid. If you want to go out at night, ask the hotel for babysitting service earlier in the morning and let the babysitter meet your baby.
8. Contact a local tour operator to organize your tour to Vietnam with toddlers
- Nha Trang – A great destination to travel to Vietnam with toddlers
It is recommended that you contact a local travel operator and customize your Vietnam tour to minimize the probability of unexpected issues during your family vacations. We can arrange a quiet room, an infant bed and babysitting services upon your requests.
Taxis never provide a baby car seat. If you want to rent a private car in Vietnam, we can provide a car seat for your baby.
Tell us all your health issues and we can schedule appropriate itineraries and activities for your children. We can contact the restaurant if any of your family members have dietary restrictions or food allergy. We have a list of local hospitals and clinics in hand and we can contact them immediately when you request.
Some interesting tours to Vietnam with your toddlers
