'The perfect family holiday spot we will keep coming back to'

If you're looking for a new spot to take your next family holiday, look no further than Vietnam.

The Southeast Asian country has it all: epic food, bustling cities, secluded beaches, amazing culture and history, and it's very budget-friendly.

In fact, according to Skyscanner, Vietnam is one of the cheapest holiday spots that Aussies can fly to this Easter.

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I last visited Vietnam in 2024 - it was one final getaway for me and my partner before welcoming our firstborn a few months later.

Though we'd both been a few times before, Vietnam was a no-brainer. It had everything we each wanted in a holiday: beaches, great food, interesting culture, friendly locals, golf for him, massages for me, and a really vibrant, welcoming vibe. Plus, it was a direct flight.

And, of course, best of all, it's easy on the wallet.

The only tricky thing about a trip to Vietnam, though, is trying to figure out where to visit. We visited Da Nang, Hoi An, Hanoi, and took a cruise around Halong Bay.

To help you out in planning your dream itinerary, Vietnam tour specialist BestPrice Travel has put together a list of the top five family-friendly spots in Vietnam.

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1. Hanoi

This city is Vietnam's beating heart, and a perfect way to introduce kids to everything that the country is about.

It's high-energy but relatively walkable - if you're brave enough to navigate the scooter-clogged streets.

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The street food here is world-class, and there are many great ways to dive into Vietnamese history through interactive experiences (not just boring museums).

Must-do experiences in Hanoi:

• Take a food tour to try pho, bun cha, goi cuon and more.
• Grab a drink at Train Street, where massive trains pass just centimetres from your table.
• Head to the 65th-floor Lotte Observation Deck for a glass-floored "Sky Walk" over the city.
• Visit the Museum of Ethnology, with full-scale traditional houses kids can climb into and explore.

2. Ninh Binh

If you need a reset button after the chaos of Hanoi, Ninh Binh is the answer. The rural area is peaceful and scenic - think rice paddies and limestone cliffs instead of traffic and bustling streets.

Cycle through rice fields, float down the river taking in the scenery, and stroll through the Mua cave gardens.

Must-do experiences in Ninh Binh:

• Take a boat tour in the UNESCO-listed Trang An, through caves and past ancient temples.
• Rent a bike (baby seats available!) to ride through the countryside spotting water buffalo.
• Climb the 500 steps at Mua Caves for the best view of the valley.
• See rare langurs and gibbons at Cuc Phuong National Park.

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3. Da Nang

This is where the city meets the sea. It's a clean, modern city that's perhaps the most family-friendly in Vietnam. With great infrastructure, like wide sidewalks and big green spaces, plus beautiful beaches, it's the best of both worlds.

It's also the gateway to iconic sights like the Golden Bridge and Hoi An.

Must-do experiences in Da Nang:

• Visit Sun World at the Ba Na Hills with a massive theme park and one of the world's longest cable cars.
• Watch the Dragon Bridge light up with fire and water on weekends at 9pm.
• Head to the hidden caves of the Marble Mountains that feel like Indiana Jones come to life.
• Stop by the Helio Center, an indoor night market/amusement park specifically geared toward families with kids.

4. Phu Quoc

For a classic island getaway, Phu Quoc delivers in spades. No longer just a sleepy island beloved by tourists for its amazing beaches, there are now plenty of entertainment options geared toward families.

While there are still quiet beaches, the north and south ends of the island offer tons to do when you're bored with endless beach days.

Must-do things in Phu Quoc:

• Take the record-breaking 8km long Hon Thom Cable Car to Aquatopia Water Park.
• Go on an island-hopping boat tour and find secluded snorkel spots.
• Head to the night markets to try all kinds of Vietnamese street food.
• Spend a day at VinWonders, Vietnam's largest theme park.

5. Nha Trang

Another sun-drenched coastal spot, this is a good place for a truly relaxing beachside holiday. On the south coast, it has calm water and stays warm year-round, making it an ideal family spot.

Must-do things in Nha Trang:

• Head to the VinWonders on the island of Hon Tre, with a water park, zoo, and gardens
• Splash around in the mud baths at Thap Ba.
• See reef sharks, turtles, and lionfish at the National Oceanographic Museum.
• Take a speedboat tour and go island hopping for a day of swimming and snorkelling.

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