Family Travel/Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City Kids Travel Guide

Discover the The Pearl of the Far East. Plan a perfect kid-friendly family adventure with local tips and curated day-by-day itineraries.

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Best Time

December to February

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Avoid

May to October (rainy season)

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Arrival

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)

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Transport

Taxis (Grab) and private vans

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Rating

9.5 / 10

ASK A LOCAL

Travel Insights

Select Date:

Expected Weather (August)

24°C - 32°C

Rainy and humid

Expected Crowds (August)

Low

Carry umbrellas & raincoats! ☂️

Choose Your Duration

Pick how long you plan to stay in Ho Chi Minh City using the selector below.👇

Aesthetic Summary

Perfect for First-time visitors wanting a mix of history and fun

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DAY 1

History & River Fun

🗺️ Today's Route

Visit the War Remnants Museum

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Explore the exhibits at the War Remnants Museum (28 Vo Van Tan, District 3). It's a sobering but educational experience. The outdoor area features military equipment, including tanks and helicopters, which kids find fascinating.

Kid-proof

Younger kids may find some exhibits intense. Focus on the outdoor equipment and the 'Agent Orange' room briefly. The tanks and planes are big hits.

Pro Tip

Visit early to avoid crowds and heat. Explain the exhibits in simple terms. Allocate at least 1.5 hours.

Admission: 40,000 VND for adults, free for kids under 6. Open 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM daily.

🎒 Pack for this:

Comfortable shoesWater bottle

See the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and Central Post Office

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Walk to the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral (1 Cong Xa Paris, District 1) and the adjacent Central Post Office (2 Cong Xa Paris). The cathedral is a beautiful example of French colonial architecture. The post office is a stunning building with a vintage map and old telephone booths.

Kid-proof

Kids will enjoy the vintage phone booths and the giant world map. The post office is a fun place to send postcards home.

Pro Tip

The cathedral is under renovation, so you may only see it from outside. The post office is open daily. Take a photo in front of the cathedral.

Free entry to both. Post office open 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

🎒 Pack for this:

CameraPostcards and stamps

Lunch at Propaganda Bistro

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Enjoy a family-friendly meal at Propaganda Bistro (138 Pasteur, District 1). They serve delicious Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist, including spring rolls and pho. The decor is full of vintage propaganda art, which is interesting for adults.

Kid-proof

Kids will love the colorful decor and the tasty spring rolls. High chairs are available.

Pro Tip

Try their set menu for a variety. Make a reservation if you're a large group.

Main dishes around 150,000-250,000 VND.

Visit the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Head to the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens (2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, District 1). It's one of the oldest zoos in the world, housing a variety of animals. The botanical gardens offer a peaceful escape from the city bustle.

Kid-proof

Kids will love seeing animals like tigers, elephants, and monkeys. There are also playgrounds and pony rides.

Pro Tip

Bring snacks and water. The zoo can get hot, so plan for shade. Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas.

Admission: 60,000 VND for adults, 40,000 VND for kids. Open 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

🎒 Pack for this:

SunscreenSunglassesSnacks

Explore the Ben Thanh Market

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Visit the bustling Ben Thanh Market (Intersection of Le Loi, Ham Nghi, Tran Hung Dao and Le Lai, District 1). It's a great place to sample local street food and buy souvenirs. The market is a sensory overload with colorful stalls.

Kid-proof

Kids will enjoy trying fresh tropical fruits and watching the lively atmosphere. Stay close to avoid getting lost.

Pro Tip

Bargain for souvenirs. Try a fresh coconut drink. Keep an eye on your belongings.

Open 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (some stalls later).

🎒 Pack for this:

Small bills for purchases

Dinner at Nha Hang Ngon

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Have dinner at Nha Hang Ngon (160 Pasteur, District 1), a famous restaurant housed in a colonial villa. It offers a wide range of Vietnamese street food dishes in a comfortable setting.

Kid-proof

Kids can choose from many dishes like noodles, rice, and grilled meats. The courtyard is pleasant.

Pro Tip

Get there early or expect a wait. Try the banh xeo (Vietnamese crepe).

Dishes range from 50,000-200,000 VND.

Boat Cruise on the Saigon River

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

End the day with a dinner cruise or a sightseeing boat ride along the Saigon River. Several companies operate from Bach Dang Wharf (District 1). The city lights reflect on the water, creating a magical atmosphere.

Kid-proof

Kids will love being on a boat and seeing the city illuminated. Some cruises have live music.

Pro Tip

Book in advance for a dinner cruise. Choose a cruise with an open deck for better views. Bring a light jacket for the breeze.

Sightseeing cruises start at ~150,000 VND. Dinner cruises from ~500,000 VND.

🎒 Pack for this:

Light jacketCamera

💡 Daily Pro Tips

•Start early to avoid the heat and crowds.
•Use Grab (ride-hailing) for convenient transport.
•Carry small change for market purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ho Chi Minh City

What is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City with kids?▼

The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City with children is December to February. Avoid travelling during May to October (rainy season).

How do I get around Ho Chi Minh City with children?▼

In Ho Chi Minh City, families typically use Taxis (Grab) and private vans. Always confirm child-seat availability in advance.

What airport serves Ho Chi Minh City?▼

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)

What languages are spoken in Ho Chi Minh City?▼

The primary languages in Ho Chi Minh City are Vietnamese, English. English is generally understood in tourist areas.

Is Ho Chi Minh City safe for family travel?▼

Ho Chi Minh City is generally safe for families. KidsVentura itineraries are designed with child safety in mind — we recommend kid-friendly attractions, restaurants with high chairs, and comfortable transit routes.

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