Planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with your kids? Here’s the research that we did ahead of our visit (in November 2025) and our thoughts on how we decided what to do in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon until the end of the war in 1975 and often still called Saigon by locals), from exploring vibrant markets and historical sites to having fun at amusement and water parks.
There are plenty of family-friendly areas in Ho Chi Minh, and we didn’t have any concerns for our safety. We found the locals to be very welcoming and thankful for the tourist contributions to their economy and we ran into a number of expats who live and work or have retired here.
In many ways, the city feels like something from a movie – so unique from anywhere else we’ve visited
We stayed near Bui Vien Walking Street for the proximity to the things we wanted to see (even though the walking street isn’t family-friendly after dark), which gave us easy access to plenty of street vendors, cafes, convenience stores for water, parks, and a quick walk to multiple markets.
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We were housesitting in Australia and wanted to fly to somewhere in Asia for a break from petsitting. We used skyscanner to find great deals on cheap flights to Ho Chi Minh.
The Ho Chi Minh hotel we stayed at for 4 nights was Papaya Hotel tucked in an alley next to an Indian restaurant and a Vietnamese cafe. The hotel was good for location (but down an alley with rough paving and no elevator, so it may not be great if mobility is a consideration) and included three queen beds in a room for our family of fice with a private bathroom. There was nothing to be said of decor or amenities, so we wouldn’t recommend this hotel specifically, but the area was a good location if you’re able to find a hotel you’d like nearby.
This was our hotel alley: You can see that even in the alley, there are plenty of hostels, small restaurants, laundry services, and nail salons.
We used Grab (their version of Uber) to get around. It’s really inexpensive here and we found it to be a better use of our time than navigating public transportation.
Key Takeaways on Things to do in Ho Chi Minh with Kids:
- Ben Thanh Market offers a fantastic street food experience for families, allowing kids to try new foods and negotiate for souvenirs.
- Suoi Tien Amusement Park combines fun and cultural education with rides, thematic areas, and family-friendly attractions, making it ideal for a family day out (further out from the city center, but worth the day trip and has a water park). Here’s our full review of Suoi Tien.
- A great option for a water park is Dam Sen Water Park (with a theme park attached – smaller than Suoi Tien but closer to the city center)
- The Cu Chi Tunnels provide a hands-on history lesson for kids about Vietnam’s past, with opportunities to explore the tunnels and learn about resilience during the war.
Experience the Ben Thanh Market: Street food and souvenirs
Ben Thanh Market is a bustling hub of activity and a must-visit for anyone in Ho Chi Minh City. This market is not just a place to shop for souvenirs but a paradise for food lovers. The market offers a wide variety of street food and food carts, making it an ideal spot for families to savor local culinary delights. Imagine wandering through aisles filled with the aroma of freshly cooked Vietnamese food, from savory pho to crispy spring rolls.
One of the highlights of Ben Thanh Market is the numerous food stalls that cater to different tastes and preferences. The market caters to various tastes, ensuring there’s something for both picky eaters and adventurous foodies. From traditional dishes like banh mi and fresh fruits to more exotic options, the market showcases the best of local food culture. The market also provides an excellent opportunity to encourage kids to try new foods and appreciate the diversity of local food in Vietnam.
Negotiating at Ben Thanh Market can be an interactive experience for the entire family. Let your kids join in the fun of negotiating prices for souvenirs or food items to find the best deal. This market immerses you in local culture while teaching valuable life skills (like how to use the Google Translate app… Make sure you have a cell signal and the Translate app on hand.)
Head to Ben Thanh Market to sample the best of Vietnamese food for an experience you won’t forget.
We eventually found some delicious street food at the Ben Thanh Market
Quick Tip for the Ben Thanh Market with kids:
The market can be a bit overwhelming. We went in to see about getting some lunch, and in the cafe area, we got swamped with people handing us their menu, tapping us gently for attention for their restaurant, and trying to gently guide us to sit down at their table. We couldn’t even discuss options within our family because we were overwhelmed with people trying to get us to sit at their stall.
We walked outside the market, decided what we wanted to eat (noodles and spring rolls), and then went back in with a plan. We sat down at the first restaurant that offered both.
There are street vendors all over Ho Chi Minh (even on the streets surrounding the market), and sometimes their prices are even less than the market, so while the market is worth the experience, we wouldn’t suggest planning to eat there for your entire visit. Instead, enjoy plenty of street food from food carts and small cafes, or choose an option outside the market if your family is a bit overwhelmed inside.
Suoi Tien Amusement Park
We loved the wavepool at Suoi Tien Amusement Park – the perfect way to cool off at a theme park in Vietnam
Suoi Tien Amusement Park is an excellent choice for a day filled with fun and excitement. This park is one of the major tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City with kids and offers a unique blend of traditional and modern cultures. Legends and folklore come alive here, offering an educational and entertaining experience for younger kids.
The park offers a variety of attractions, including thrill rides and a substantial water park. Themed areas cater to different age groups, making it a perfect destination for families. Attractions like Suoi Tien Farm, roller coasters, VR experiences, and the Aquarium offer a full day of non-stop activity.
Throughout the year, Suoi Tien Amusement Park hosts a variety of unique cultural and artistic events, so check their calendar before you go. Exploring historical and spiritual structures or enjoying the latest attractions at Suoi Tien will be a day to remember.
Here’s our full review of Suoi Tien Amusement Park, Ho Chi Minh.
Quick Tip for Suoi Tien with kids:
Get to the park first thing since there’s a lot to do and plenty of walking, plus the weather will be a bit cooler in the morning. Spend the morning exploring the park (buy the biggest admission combo so you don’t have to think about paying as you go through the park), then go to the water park early afternoon to cool off during the hottest part of the day. Head back to the theme park for a couple of hours before it closes to see anything you’ve missed.
If you’re a thorough explorer and you love to stop for photos, this park is easily a 2-day visit (with a break for the water park in the afternoon of each day).
Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels
A visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s history. This extensive network of underground passages, part of the tunnel system established during the Vietnam War, spans approximately 250 km. The tunnels served as living quarters, hiding spots, and strategic locations for the Vietnamese during the war.
The Cu Chi Tunnels adventure intrigues both kids and adults alike. Visitors can crawl through the tunnels and observe various war-related exhibits that provide insights into the challenges faced during the war. This hands-on history lesson helps children grasp the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people. Dress comfortably since the tunnels can be hot and require physical maneuvering.
In addition to the tunnels, the site features a gun range where visitors aged 16 and up can fire historical weapons like the AK-47. The best time to visit is during the dry season from October to April to avoid flooding. A trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels is an immersive experience that brings history to life for your family.
We didn’t make it to the tunnels during our visit. We only had 4 days initially, and our boys wanted to spend time exploring the street food and theme parks (Dam Sen & Suoi Tien). We were in Ho Chi Minh in November 2025 when there was significant flooding throughout the country. Choosing a day to schedule a tour ahead of time when we couldn’t be sure of a flooding concern was a challenge.
We have friends who said their kids really enjoyed this experience.
If you are interested in Saigon History: Cà phê Đỗ-Phủ, cơm tấm Đại-Hàn
Our family enjoyed this cafe – both for the food and the history of Saigon
With multiple locations, you’ll want to choose this address and location. We used Grab (like Uber) to get a ride for a few dollars from the city center.
This cafe was built as a spy post (masquerading as a cafe) for spies gathering intelligence and passing it along to help achieve an independent Vietnam. Waiters would collect information they overheard during conversations and leave notes around the restaurant for merchants and truck drivers to deliver to other areas of the country. Waiters often studied foreign languages to understand the conversations they overheard without ever letting on that they were doing so.
This restaurant has an escape hatch in a closet from the top floor to the back alley in case someone needed to get out in a pinch, and a floorboard upstairs that conceals hidden storage in the wall below. We saw canisters in the hidden storage that are still original from the war, used to store documents and currency, and learned that the kitchen was used as the primary “mailbox” and would conceal messages in takeout packages being delivered around town.
The staircase to get to the top floor of the cafe is extremely steep, meant as a way of slowing down official inspectors who may come through the restaurant looking for spies, giving the men time to escape out the back alley through a ladder in the top floor closet which you can still see today.
Breakfast was delicious at this cafe in Ho Chi Minh
The cafe is still in operation and has been kept unchanged as much as possible since the war. They offer a great breakfast (we all had pork chops, eggs, and rice – just order the special for 70k VND (About $3 USD) and really strong Vietnamese coffee. Our boys said they felt like they were stepping back in time.
Wander Around Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral, located in the city centre, is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic landmarks. Established between 1877 and 1880, this stunning example of Romanesque revival architecture, along with other French colonial buildings, was originally named the Church of Saigon. The cathedral’s twin bell towers, standing 58 meters tall, and its beautiful stained-glass windows imported from France, make it a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts, especially when combined with a trip to the central post office.
Take a Tour to the Mekong Delta (at the Cai Rang Floating Market)
A day tour to the Mekong Delta provides a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Southern Vietnam. Starting from Ho Chi Minh City, these tours include various activities to keep the whole family entertained. The drive to the Mekong Delta is about 2-2.5 hours south, making it a manageable day trip if you’re up for a full day.
For breakfast, fresh noodles in broth (pho), fruit, and coffee!
Most trips leave Ho Chi Minh around 4 am and arrive in Can Tho or Cai Rang around 7 am, with a quick stop for coffee or breakfast along the way. Explore the market and local farms until early afternoon and be back at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh early evening.
We decided to spend the night before our market day in Can Tho, a few minutes walk to the dock. We took the bus from Ho Chi Minh the day before, spent the night, and got up for the market at 5:30 am. It gave us a chance to visit King Koi Coffee in Can Tho that evening.
Tables are sunken into a “pond” in a warehouse where thousands of koi fish wait for a few crumbs
Our floaring market tour guide met us in the lobby of our hotel at 6 am and we walked ta few minutes to the dock together. After the tour, we stayed the day in the city (leaving our luggage at the hotel for the day) and took an evening bus back.
As part of the floating market tour, we experienced:
- Boat rides along the Mekong River to the floating market
- Coffee and breakfast on a floating boat on the water
- See the process of making rice noodles at the production facility built on the river
- Tour a cacao plantation (with tastings, of course)
- Toured a small village known for growing seedlings that get sent to nurseries all over Vietnam
A noodle factory on the water in the floating market
The tours often include a traditional Vietnamese lunch featuring local delicacies, along with more recognizable options. There are dozens of tour operators in the area, so you can really customize your tour to exactly what you’d like to experience – just ask about those options when booking.
Cool Off at Dam Sen Water Park
Dam Sen Water Park is the ideal place to cool off from the Ho Chi Minh City heat. This family-friendly park offers a variety of slides, pools, and play areas designed specifically for children. Different themed areas cater to various age groups, for a fun and safe experience for everyone in the family.
One of the highlights of the park is the lazy river. For those seeking more excitement, the wave pools and thrilling water slides are sure to deliver. Visiting during weekdays helps avoid the crowds.
In addition to the water park, there’s an attached theme park (separate admission) with fair rides, roller coasters, and beautiful gardens. Dam Sen Water Park offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking to unwind or seeking adventure.
It was an overcast day when we visited Dam Sen, so the boys decided they were more interested in the theme park than the water park. It was a great way to spend a mid-week afternoon (between raindrops). There were no crowds, so we were able to walk onto any ride we wanted and felt like an afternoon was enough time, but if the park was busy or if you were visiting the water park also, we would recommend that it’s a full-day activity.
Watch a Show at the Water Puppet Theatre
The Water Puppet Theatre provides a unique cultural experience that captivates both children and adults. These traditional Vietnamese water puppet shows feature intricate storytelling and puppets that float on water, accompanied by traditional music played on Vietnamese instruments. The theater’s family-friendly atmosphere ensures that kids are engaged and entertained throughout the performance.
Seeing a water puppet show is a fantastic way to introduce your children to Vietnamese culture in an entertaining and memorable way. The experience will leave a lasting impression and offer plenty of conversation topics for the rest of your trip.
We didn’t fit in a water puppet show in Ho Chi Minh City, but we hope to as we move towards Hanoi.
Stroll Through Tao Dan Park
There are plenty of parks to visit with your kids in Ho Chi Minh and each is unique!
Tao Dan Park, a serene oasis in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, is perfect for a family stroll. The park offers:
- Playgrounds
- Sculptures
- Shaded areas that create a relaxing environment for both parents and children
- Clean restrooms
- Benches that make it easy to spend a leisurely afternoon here.
We were there to look for a geocache (A hidden container called a ‘cache’ where people log coordinates with an app so others can find the ‘cache’. Our oldest makes it a goal wherever we travel to find geocaches in the area.
The park also showcases a variety of local plants and trees for plenty of photo spots. Cultural events are sometimes held in the park, offering families opportunities to engage in local traditions.
Well-maintained walking paths make Tao Dan Park (here’s the link to google maps) an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy a quality family walk. This is also near Independence Palace, which is worth walking past to see, even if you don’t take the tour.
We saw the palace from the outside but decided the tour wasn’t for us
The Views from Bitexco Financial Tower
A visit to the Bitexco Financial Tower is an ideal location for breathtaking views of Ho Chi Minh City. Key highlights include:
- Recognized as one of the ‘25 Great Skyscraper Icons of Construction’ by CNN in 2013
- Features the Saigon Skydeck on its top floor
- Offers 360-degree panoramic views of the city and the Saigon River
We’re convinced this would be the best view of the city, and the tickets aren’t expensive to go up to the platform, but we weren’t that interested. For us, it’s about deciding how we want to spend our time. We were wandering around the area and decided to sit in the lobby of the building for a few minutes to cool off.
If architecture is your thing, this would be a great addition to your Ho Chi Minh City bucket list.
Cafe Apartments
Stand across the street and look up to see the cafe apartments!
Around the corner from the Bitexco Tower is the cafe apartments—an entire apartment building turned into cafes with balconies highlighting each cafe, so visit both while you’re in that area. We didn’t even eat at a cafe (we had just finished lunch somewhere else and Adam was already buzzed from his 3rd coffee of the day), but it was still something to see!
We came around the corner while walking trying to find the Cafe Apartments and thought our pin was in the wrong place – Apple Maps and Google Maps both said we were standing right next to it but we couldn’t see the building. It turns out that the ground floor is a massive bookstore, so you’ll need to cross the street to actually see the cafe apartments. Here’s the location on Google.
We figured it out eventually… Here’s a complete guide to the cafe apartments. The only thing we learned from the locals is that the elevators can get busy at meal times, so if the elevator is free, take it up, but choose the stairs on the way down.
Cruise Along the Saigon River
Cruising along the Saigon River offers a relaxing way to see Ho Chi Minh City from a different perspective. The river serves as a historic and scenic route, offering views of significant landmarks like Nha Rong Wharf and Phu My Bridge. Neon-lit skyscrapers provide a stunning backdrop, especially during evening cruises.
Various cruising options are available:
- Paddleboarding
- Luxury cruises featuring live entertainment and gourmet dining
- Water buses operate throughout the day and night, offering a more economical way to explore the river and its surroundings.
A Saigon River cruise offers the perfect way to unwind and take in the sights of this great city. We might suggest early morning or later evening would be the best options to avoid the direct heat of the sun on the river.
Visit the War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum is another significant historical site in Ho Chi Minh City. Located at the intersection of Vo Van Tan and Le Quy Don streets in District 3, this museum offers a sobering look at the Vietnam War. The museum features three floors of exhibits, each dedicated to different aspects of the war. From graphic displays to military hardware like tanks and aircraft, the museum provides a comprehensive overview of the war’s impact.
There are some graphic depictions so we decided we would learn about the war in other ways, but for history buffs, we’ve heard this is a great visit.
Plan to spend around 1.5 hours exploring the museum. The entry fee is quite affordable, making it a worthwhile stop on your family’s historical tour of Ho Chi Minh City. The War Remnants Museum offers a poignant and educational experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Summary of Ho Chi Minh with Kids
Exploring Ho Chi Minh City with kids offers a diverse range of activities that cater to different interests and ages. From sampling delicious street food at Ben Thanh Market to learning about history at the Cu Chi Tunnels and the War Remnants Museum, or experiencing water parks and thrill rides, there’s something for everyone. The city’s numerous parks, amusement parks, and cultural performances ensure that your family will have a memorable and enjoyable trip.
So, whether you’re wandering through the serene Tao Dan Park, climbing up the iconic Bitexco Financial Tower, or cruising along the Saigon River, each experience will add to your family’s adventure in Ho Chi Minh City. Embrace the vibrant culture, savor the delicious food, and create unforgettable memories on your family vacation.
Rain or shine, Ho Chi Minh is still buzzing with activity
Frequently Asked Questions: Things to do in Ho Chi Minh with kids
What is the best time to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels?
The ideal time to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels is during the dry season from October to April, as this helps you avoid any flooding issues. You’ll have a much smoother experience exploring!
Are the exhibits at the War Remnants Museum suitable for young children?
The exhibits at the War Remnants Museum are quite graphic, so it’s best to avoid taking young children under 10. Older kids might be okay, but it’s good to prepare them for the intense content, and be ready to cut your visit short if that’s necesssary.
What activities are included in a day tour to the Mekong Delta?
A day tour to the Mekong Delta generally features boat rides, honey tasting, a coconut candy-making demonstration, and noodle making, but most tours are flexible. Tour operators can help you create an experience that piques the interest of everyone in your family.
What is the best theme park in Ho Chi Minh City?
If we could only visit one, we would choose Suoi Tien Amusement Park because of the cultural elements in the park, not solely focused on the rides or games. It’s a cultural immersion experience as much as a day of rollercoasters and water slides. You might also consider Dam Sen Cultural Park or
What are the highlights of Ben Thanh Market for families?
Ben Thanh Market is a fantastic spot for families, featuring delicious street food and the exciting experience of haggling for unique souvenirs. It’s a fun way to spend time together while exploring local culture. It can be a bit overwhelming, so if needed, step out and regroup to decide what you’d like to go back in to see, or find somewhere nearby for delicious street food.
