Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City with Kids

If you’re heading to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) with the family, then get ready for an adventure! 

This city is bursting with energy, colours, and flavours, and there are also some really cool activities to keep everyone entertained. 

Here I share some of my favourite things to do in Saigon with kids that will make your trip unforgettable.

Top Tip: Ho Chi Minh is huge… Even if you’re a family that likes to explore on your own, you might benefit from taking a guided tour when you first get to Ho Chi Minh. This way you can see all the sights in a more leisurely manner and get a local’s insights. 

Start your adventure with a bit of history! The Cu Chi Tunnels are a fascinating network of underground passages used during the Vietnam War. 

While it might sound serious, the experience is surprisingly fun for kids. You’ll even get to crawl through some of the tunnels (don’t worry, they’re kid-sized!). 

There are also outdoor exhibits, and the kids will be fascinated by the creative survival tactics used back then.

Insider Tip: Choose a tour that takes you via speedboat. It’s a fun and leisurely way to do it and less crowded. Click here to read about our experience on a boat tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels.  

The War Remnants Museum is a bit heavy, but it’s an important stop for understanding Vietnam’s history.

Some of the exhibits can be intense for younger kids, so you might want to stick to the outside area, which has military vehicles, helicopters, and planes on display. 

Teens might be more interested in the exhibits inside, but be prepared to have a conversation afterwards—it’s certainly thought-provoking.

I always recommend taking a food tour in a new city and Ho Chi Minh, with its incredible culinary scene is no exception. 

I also find they are a great way to introduce the kids to different cultures and maybe (just maybe!) get them trying some new foods. 

Food tours are always the best way to get an insider’s view of the city, try all the best food and learn the culture and insider secrets from a local. You often get to explore parts of the city that you otherwise would miss.

Insider Tip: Most food tours in Ho Chi Minh take place in the evening so check what time they finish if you are travelling with small kids. Also, note that many tours are operated by motorbike or scooter – always opt for a Walking food tour if you are travelling with kids. 

If you have more time, I definitely recommend doing an overnight trip to the Mekong Delta. 

However, if you are pushed for time then a day trip is still a fantastic way to get out of the city and into the countryside. 

You’ll explore lush landscapes, cruise through peaceful rivers, and visit floating markets. It’s a fun adventure for families, and kids will love seeing the different way of life along the waterways. 

You can also visit local villages, taste fresh tropical fruits, and even see how coconut candy is made.

Insider Tip: Book a guided tour to make the most of your day, and bring a hat and sunscreen because it can get pretty hot out on the water!

If your family loves food (and who doesn’t?!), the Ben Nghe Street Food Market is a must-visit. 

It’s an indoor/outdoor market where you can sample all kinds of Vietnamese street food in one spot. From pho to banh mi to crispy spring rolls, there’s something for everyone—even picky eaters! (You’ll even find pizza if that will make the kids happy!)

The market is clean, vibrant, and perfect for families who want to try local flavours without the hustle of street vendors. It’s like Street Food for Beginners 🙂

Insider Tip: Grab a little bit of everything and share—it’s the best way to try as many dishes as possible!

For a relaxing way to take in the city’s skyline, hop on a Saigon River cruise. It’s a great option for the end of the day when you just want to chill out. 

You can book dinner cruises or even short sunset tours. The kids will enjoy being on the water, and parents can kick back and watch the city light up as the sun sets.

Insider Tip: Sunset cruises are the most beautiful, so try to time it for that golden hour. And don’t forget your camera—Ho Chi Minh City is stunning from the river!

Ready for a little chaos? Ben Thanh Market is the place to go if you’re looking for souvenirs, local crafts, or just want to try some Vietnamese snacks. 

It’s a fun place to explore, especially with older kids who might love bartering for fun trinkets. Make sure to hold hands with the little ones—it can get pretty crowded at times.

Insider Tip: Don’t miss the fresh fruit stalls! Grab a bag of freshly cut mango or dragon fruit to munch on while you browse.

This is such a fun, uniquely Vietnamese experience! A water puppet show is a cute way to introduce your kids to local culture in an entertaining way. 

The puppets dance and glide across the water, telling traditional stories with music and lights. Even if your kids don’t understand Vietnamese, they’ll love the colours and action. 

Insider Tip: Shows are usually around 45 minutes, just long enough to keep everyone’s attention without anyone getting restless!

Get a bird’s-eye view of Ho Chi Minh City from the top of the Bitexco Financial Tower. The Sky Deck offers incredible panoramic views – although it’s not great if you’re scared of heights! 

The best time to go is just before sunset, so you can watch the city light up as the day turns into night.

Insider Tip: If you want to avoid the lines, buy your tickets online before you go. 

Nguyen Hue Street is a pedestrian-friendly promenade where families can wander freely without worrying about traffic. 

In the evenings, it’s alive with music, performances, and families out for a stroll. The water fountains are especially fun for little ones to run around, and there are ice cream stands all along the street for a quick treat.

Insider Tip: Head there in the early evening when it’s a bit cooler and the street comes to life with entertainers and musicians

If you’re craving some green space, Tao Dan Park is the perfect spot. It’s one of the biggest parks in the city and a great place to let the kids run free. 

There’s a playground, plenty of shady areas, and even a small temple to explore. On weekends, you’ll often find locals doing tai chi or practising traditional dances, which can be fun to watch.

Insider Tip: Bring along a picnic or some banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) and enjoy a relaxing break in the park.

Hop on a traditional Vietnamese cyclo for a fun way to see the city. You can take an organised cyclo tour or just find one on the street.

The kids will love riding around in these three-wheeled pedicabs, and it’s a relaxing way to explore without having to navigate the chaotic traffic on foot. 

Tip: Agree on the price before hopping on to avoid any misunderstandings, and keep the ride short to hold the kids’ attention.

If you’re looking for a fun day to cool off, Dam Sen Waterpark is the place to be! 

It’s a massive waterpark with slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and splash zones perfect for all ages. Whether you’re into thrilling slides or just want to float and relax, the park has it all. 

Plus, there’s plenty of space to relax while the kids splash around.

Insider Tip: Head there on a weekday to avoid the crowds. Also, note that most waterslides have a minimum height restriction of 140cm. 

Suoi Tien Theme Park is all about family fun. It’s a massive park with everything from water slides and roller coasters to temples and statues depicting Vietnamese legends and folklore. 

The park’s Buddhist-inspired design is what makes it truly unique – you’ll see giant dragons, Buddha statues, and even a replica of the Gates of Hell (don’t worry, it’s not too scary for the little ones!). 

Insider Tip: Head to the water park area if you need to cool down. It’s a favourite with younger children and a great way to escape the heat.

Bui Vien Walking Street, located in the heart of the backpacker district, is known for its lively atmosphere and vibrant nightlife. 

While it’s popular with young travellers, it’s also a fun spot for families to explore – especially earlier in the evening before the party crowd arrives. The street is filled with restaurants, cafés, and street food vendors, and it’s a great place to enjoy a casual meal with the family. 

You’ll find everything from traditional Vietnamese dishes to international options, so picky eaters are bound to find something they like.

Insider Tip: Visit in the early evening when the street is still bustling but not too rowdy, making it more family-friendly.

Here’s our pick of the best family hotels in Saigon. All enjoy a good location and have swimming pools for cooling off and relaxing after a day of sightseeing.

Luxury Hotels

• Park Hyatt Saigon – A classic, luxury hotel with a central location, spacious family suites, and a beautiful pool area.
• Fusion Original Saigon Centre – Funky boutique hotel with swimming pool located in the heart of the city. The 2-bedroom executive apartment is perfect for families.
• The Reverie Saigon Residential Suites – Beautifully appointed one and two-bedroom suites with choice of restaurants and outdoor swimming pool.

Mid-range Hotels

• Au Lac Legend Hotel – Modern, stylish hotel with a lovely swimming pool in a great location just a 10-minute walk from Ben Thanh Market. Family suite available.
• Sherwood Suites – Large modern apartment-style suites with kitchenettes. Families will love the onsite swimming pool and kids club.
• Orchids Saigon Hotel – warm and welcoming centrally located hotel with an indoor swimming pool and onsite restaurant and bar. Family suite available.