Do you have plans to visit Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with your kids? Since visiting this huge, bustling city could make you feel overwhelmed, we’ve decided to help you. We want to share our experience as well as information about our visit (in November 2025). You’ll learn our thought process on how we chose what to do as a family 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 I want to start by saying that we had no concerns about our safety. We found the locals to be very welcoming and grateful for the tourists’ contributions to their economy – and many will do their best to communicate with you in broken English (or by using Google Translate). Many expats live and work here, and others have chosen to retire here.
In many ways, the city feels like something from a movie – so unique and not like anywhere else we’ve visited.
We stayed near Bui Vien Walking Street for its proximity to the things we wanted to see. (Note: The walking street isn’t family-friendly after dark.) Because we were right in the heart of the city, we were in a central location and close to plenty of street vendors, cafes, parks, and convenience stores for water and snacks. We were also fairly close to multiple local markets.
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We had been housesitting in Australia for a month before our trip to Vietnam and wanted to fly to Asia for a little 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 a narrow alley next to an Indian restaurant and a Vietnamese cafe. We found this hotel online and booked it ahead of our trip to be sure we had a place to stay when we arrived. The hotel was good because of its location (but it was down an alley with rough pavement and no elevator, so it may not be great if mobility is a consideration). We booked this hotel because it included three queen beds in one room as well as a private bathroom – great for our family of five. There was nothing to be said of decor or amenities, so we would only recommend this hotel if you are looking for a room for 5 people that is economical and a little bit quieter than staying right on the walking street. We would definitely recommend staying in this part of the city with your family to fully immerse yourself in this busy city – you will enjoy being close to popular attractions.
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 had laundry done for us by a little business in the alley and found some delicious street food and local dishes being cooked throughout the day. It was almost like a little town in the alley.
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 – your family can try new foods and negotiate prices for souvenirs.
- Suoi Tien Amusement Park combines fun and cultural education with rides, thematic areas, and family-friendly attractions, including an exciting waterpark – we recommend it for a fun-filled family day out (further out from the city center, but worth the day trip). 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 and fairly close 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 was a short walk from our hotel. It is not just a place to shop for souvenirs but a great spot to try a variety of Vietnamese dishes all in one place. The food vendors in the market offer a wide variety of street food and meals, making it a convenient spot for families to taste local cuisine. Imagine wandering through aisles filled with the aroma of freshly cooked Vietnamese food, from savory pho to crispy spring rolls. We enjoyed having a meal here and found the perfect ‘Ho Chi Minh’ magnet for a souvenir.
One of the highlights of Ben Thanh Market is the numerous food stalls that cater to different tastes and preferences. The large variety of food being prepared in the market was great for our family since some of us aren’t as adventurous as others. We saw a lot of traditional dishes being offered, such as banh mi, rice, pho, seafood dishes, fresh fruit smoothies, and coffee. Choosing the market as the place for our family to enjoy a meal together also provided an excellent opportunity for us to encourage our 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. Immerse yourself in the local culture while learning valuable life skills (like how to use the Google Translate app… Make sure you have a local SIM card or eSIM in your phone, and use a translation app for easier communication).
Head to Ben Thanh Market to sample the best of Vietnamese food for an experience you won’t forget.
Quick Tip for the Ben Thanh Market with kids:
The market can be a bit overwhelming because of how busy and crowded it can become. We walked inside to see if we could buy lunch, and in the cafe area, we got swamped with people handing us their menus, tapping us gently for attention to invite us to eat at their restaurant, and trying to gently guide us to sit down at their tables. Because we were overwhelmed with people trying to get us to sit at their stalls, we couldn’t even discuss options within our family.
We walked outside the market, decided what we wanted to eat (noodles and spring rolls), and then went back in with a plan. Once back inside the market, we sat down at the first restaurant that offered both. We were served quickly, and the food was delicious.
There are street vendors on all different corners in Ho Chi Minh (even on the streets surrounding the market), and sometimes their prices are even less than the food inside the market. So, while the market is worth the experience, we don’t suggest eating all your meals there for your entire visit. Instead, try local street food from food carts and small cafes, or choose a restaurant outside the market if your family is a bit overwhelmed inside. In all of the major cities in Vietnam, you’ll find similar indoor markets selling the same kinds of merchandise and food. In our experience, the outdoor night markets are the best option for tasting authentic, Vietnamese street food.
Suoi Tien Amusement Park
We enjoyed the wave pool at Suoi Tien Amusement Park – the perfect way to cool off at a theme park in Vietnam.
Our kids were thrilled when we told them we planned a day at Suoi Tien Amusement Park. This park is one of the major tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City for families 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. Theme parks here in Vietnam are so unique and nothing like theme parks in America.
The park offers a variety of attractions, including thrill rides, immersive experiences, and a substantial water park. It is laid out very well, with a variety of themed sections, making it fun for all ages. Attractions like Suoi Tien Farm, Crocodile Island, roller coasters, the Ice Castle, VR experiences, and the Aquarium offer a full day of non-stop activity. Trust us – there is so much to see and do, so you’ll want to plan to spend the day here.
Throughout the year, Suoi Tien Amusement Park hosts a variety of unique cultural and artistic events, so check their calendar before you visit the park to see if you can line up your visit with one of their events. Exploring historical buildings and temples, and 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 in the morning, right when they open, since there’s a lot to see and do (and the weather may be a bit cooler). Wear comfortable shoes because there is plenty of walking. Be sure to buy the biggest admission combo that the park offers so you don’t have to think about buying a ticket for each attraction as you go through the park. Spend the first half of the day exploring the park, then go to the water park in the afternoon to cool off during the hottest part of the day. And you might still have time to head back to the theme park for a couple of hours before the park closes to see anything you’d missed.
If you’d prefer to take your time exploring the park, 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 is a popular excursion and 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 are an educational outing for both kids and adults, and it is easy to buy tour tickets from a local or online. 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. Our family stayed only 4 days in Ho Chi Minh, and our boys wanted to spend time exploring the local shops, markets, and street food as well as 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 to visit the historic cafe.
This cafe was built as a spy post (masquerading as a cafe) for spies who were 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. They often studied foreign languages to understand the conversations they overheard without ever letting on that they were doing so.
This isn’t a movie set – this is a picture we took walking in the front door. We sat at the back near the window (and the fan to keep cool).
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, and was purposely built like that to slow down official inspectors who might 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 so 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 … and they added a delicious cabbage soup as a bonus dish to try – just order ‘The Special’ and you’ll pay 70k VND (about $3 USD). Don’t forget to try their 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 is a “must” – it is 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 southwest of the city, making it a manageable day trip if you’re up for a full day and ok with waking up really early in the morning.
For breakfast, fresh noodles in broth (pho), fruit, and coffee were served to us by locals in other boats.
Most tours leave Ho Chi Minh around 3 am or 4 am and arrive in Can Tho or Cai Rang by 7 am, with a quick stop for coffee or breakfast along the way. You can explore the market by boat, visit a noodle factory, and explore a few local farms until early afternoon and be back at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh by early evening.
We chose to book a Homestay in the city of Can Tho and travelled by sleeper bus the day before our tour so that we would not be exhausted. It gave us a chance to visit King Koi Coffee that afternoon, a really beautiful and fun cafe, and the local night market near our hotel. Our Homestay was in a central location, just a few minutes walk to the dock, where the boat left for our private tour.
Tables are sunken into a “pond” in a warehouse where thousands of koi fish wait for fish food at King Koi Coffee.
An early bedtime was on our agenda since we had to be awake at 5:30 am to meet our tour guide, who arrived at our homestay at 6 am to begin our tour. We decided to pay for a second night at the Homestay so that we could leave our luggage in our room during our tour and have a place to shower and rest after our tour, and we left Can Tho in the evening to experience the sleeper bus overnight to Dalat.
As part of the floating market tour, we experienced:
- Boat ride along the Mekong River to the floating market
- Coffee and breakfast were served to us on the boat by floating vendors on other boats
- 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
Tour a noodle factory on the water near the floating market.
The tours often include a traditional Vietnamese lunch featuring local delicacies, along with more recognizable options. Trust us, you won’t be hungry after the delicious breakfast and lunch on the tour. 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 water park offers a variety of slides, pools, and play areas designed for all ages, and it is a fun, outdoor activity while visiting Saigon.
One of the highlights of the park is the lazy river. The wave pool and thrilling water slides are exciting and provide hours of family fun. Visit during weekdays to avoid the crowds. You might see local school groups visiting the park during the week.
In addition to the water park, there’s an attached theme park (separate admission) with fair rides, roller coasters, and beautiful gardens. Dam Sen offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking to walk around and explore a beautiful park or are adventurous and want to ride some exciting thrill rides or slides. (Note: In Vietnam, the theme parks refer to rides as “games”, so don’t get confused by this.)
It was an overcast day when we visited Dam Sen, so our boys decided they were more interested in spending the day at the theme park rather 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 to explore everything. But, if the park was busy or if we were planning to visit the water park also, we would have considered spending the entire day at Dam Sen.
Watch a Show at the Water Puppet Theatre
The Water Puppet Theatre in Ho Chi Minh is 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 theatre’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 history and culture. 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 visited one while touring 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 to relax and take a break from the busyness of the city
- Clean restrooms
- Benches that make it easy to spend a leisurely afternoon here while people-watching
We walked through this park 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 son, Joel, has made it a goal to find geocaches wherever we travel.
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, even if you don’t take the tour.
We saw the palace from outside the gate, since we decided the tour wasn’t something our kids would enjoy.
The Views from Bitexco Financial Tower
Visit the Bitexco Financial Tower 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 overly interested in going up. We decide on outings based on how we all want to spend our time in new places. As we were wandering around the city, we decided to sit in the lobby of the building for a few minutes to cool off before doing more exploring.
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 this part of the city. 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 unique to see!
As we searched for the Cafe Apartments, we happened to come around the corner next to them while thinking that 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. 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 is 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. And during evening cruises, you can enjoy the city’s neon-lit skyscrapers that provide a stunning backdrop.
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 might just be the perfect way for you 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 teach our kids 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
As you can see, 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, no matter what your family chooses.
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, savour 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 necessary.
What activities are included in a day tour to the Mekong Delta?
A day tour to the Mekong Delta features boat rides, along with some experiences you’ll enjoy, such as fresh fruit or honey tasting, a noodle-making demonstration, and breakfast while on the boat, 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.
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.
