Ho Chi Minh City with Kids: Family Travel Guide | Homejourney

Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam with Kids: Quick Family Guide

Planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam with kids is absolutely doable, even if you’re travelling from Singapore with young children, as long as you plan around heat, traffic and nap times. From child-friendly museums and theme parks to Mekong Delta day trips, this Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam with Kids: Family Travel Guide focuses on safe, practical and realistic experiences for Singapore-based families and international travellers.[1][2][3][5]

This guide is part of Homejourney’s wider Asia lifestyle and relocation content and links back to our main pillar on regional travel and property opportunities . As a Singapore real estate platform that prioritises safety and trust, Homejourney helps you look at Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam not just as a holiday destination, but also in context with Singapore’s stable property market if you’re considering a second home or long-term base in Asia.

1. Destination Overview: Why Ho Chi Minh City with Kids

Ho Chi Minh City (still often called Saigon Vietnam) is Vietnam’s largest city, known for its energy, history and incredible food.[1][2][9] For families, it offers a compact city centre (District 1), easy access to the Mekong Delta and multiple indoor, air-conditioned attractions for mid-day heat breaks.[2][3][5]

Best time to visit with kids

For Singapore-based families, the most comfortable period is the dry season from roughly December to March, when rain is lower and humidity slightly less intense, similar to a very warm day in Singapore but with more direct sun.[9] The mid-year months (May–September) are hotter and wetter, which can be tougher with toddlers in strollers.

Getting there from Singapore

From Changi, direct flights to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) are about 2 hours, similar to flying to Bangkok. Budget carriers sometimes sell return fares from around S$150–S$250 per adult outside peak school holidays (subject to season and promos). With kids, aim for mid-morning departures to avoid very early wake-ups.

Insider tip from a Singapore-based traveller: with young children, avoid very late-night arrivals into SGN because immigration queues can be long when multiple regional flights land together. Earlier afternoon arrivals mean shorter queues and easier transfers into town.

Currency and exchange

The local currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Everyday family costs (meals, taxis, attractions) are generally lower than Singapore, but you will handle large numbers (e.g. 100,000–500,000 VND notes).[2][7] Many Singaporeans prefer to change SGD to VND at reputable money changers in District 1 or withdraw from ATMs attached to major banks.

For families and investors comparing budgets across Asia, Homejourney supports multi-currency views (including VND and SGD) to help you estimate what your travel budget or potential property payments look like when converted across both markets .

2. Top Family-Friendly Attractions & Experiences

Many core HCMC attractions work well with kids if you time them for mornings or just before sunset. Here are family-tested options, including some that work even with a stroller.[1][2][3][5]

Central city highlights (District 1)

Ben Thanh Market – A classic first stop where older kids can marvel at stalls selling snacks, souvenirs and clothes.[2] Go before 11am to avoid heat and crowds, and keep valuables secure as you would in any busy Asian market.
Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office – Right next to each other, these landmarks are easy photo stops and give kids a sense of French colonial architecture.[2] Combine with an ice cream or café stop nearby.
Ho Chi Minh City Museum – A good introductory museum with child-friendly exhibits showing the city’s history and daily life, about 5–10 minutes’ drive from Ben Thanh Market.[3]

Specifically kid-friendly experiences

Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater – One of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City with kids, this traditional puppetry show over water keeps even toddlers engaged with music and colourful characters.[1] Shows are usually in the late afternoon/early evening; pre-book if you’re travelling during school holidays.
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens – One of the oldest zoos in the world, with wide paths, shaded areas and a small playground; great for kids needing nature and space to run.[1][5]
Tao Dan Park – A central green space with playgrounds and open lawns where children can play or scooter; locals bring kids here in the early morning and late afternoon to avoid the heat.[3]
Suoi Tien Theme Park – A large, culturally themed amusement park with rides, a water park and mythology-inspired statues about 30–40 minutes’ drive from the centre.[3] Plan at least half a day here.

Day trips from HCMC with kids

Cu Chi Tunnels (half to full day) – Fascinating for older kids and teens who can handle war history and confined spaces.[1][2][6] Choose tours that clearly mark which tunnels are suitable for children and skip the firing range if your kids are sensitive to noise.
Mekong Delta boat trips – Many family-friendly tours include short boat rides, cycling through villages and fruit tasting.[1][4][8] For kids, choose shorter routes (not 12-hour marathons) and confirm lifejackets are provided in child sizes.

For more ideas beyond this family overview, you can also read Homejourney’s dedicated activity guide: Complete Guide to Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Complete Guide to Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Homejourney .

3. Practical Travel Tips for Families

Visa requirements

Visa rules change periodically, so always double-check via official Vietnam embassy or consulate websites before booking. Singapore passport holders currently benefit from visa exemptions for short stays, but non-Singaporean family members may have different requirements depending on nationality; check this early when planning multi-generational trips.

Getting around safely

Traffic is busier and more chaotic than Singapore, but families can still get around safely with some planning.

Ride-hailing – Apps like Grab are widely used and often the safest option with kids compared with motorbike taxis. Most cars have basic seatbelts; if you want a child seat, consider bringing a portable one from Singapore.
Walking – In District 1, main sights are often within 10–20 minutes’ walk of each other, but pavements can be uneven. A sturdy stroller is useful for younger children.
Crossing roads – Cross slowly with a steady pace so motorbikes can flow around you, and keep all kids holding hands. Avoid sudden stops in the middle of the road.

Health, safety and scams

Water & food safety – Stick to bottled water and avoid ice from unknown street-side stalls. Many families eat happily from busier street vendors where turnover is high; if you’re cautious, choose indoor eateries or food courts first.[2][7]
Heat management – Midday sun can be stronger than in Singapore because you may be outdoors more. Use hats, sunscreen and schedule indoor breaks from 12–3pm.
Common scams – As in any major city, be wary of very insistent street sellers, ‘photo with snake’ offers or unmetered taxis. Confirm prices before agreeing to cyclo (trishaw) rides.

Homejourney’s focus on verified information and user feedback means we regularly review and update our international guides to flag safety-related issues, much like we do for Singapore neighbourhood and project data on our projects directory Projects Directory .