Vietnam stretches from north to south, with mountains, beaches, historic towns and bustling cities to explore. Here is how to choose the right transportation for your family, with practical examples for different travel situations.
1. Take Domestic Flights for Long Distances
If your family wants to explore several regions of Vietnam within one or two weeks, domestic flights are usually the most time-efficient option.
Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air are two airlines to consider for routes connecting Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc. A flight from Hanoi to Da Nang takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes, making it much easier than spending most of a day traveling overland.
Noi Bai International Airport
For example, a family planning a 10-day holiday could spend three days in Hanoi, visit Ninh Binh for two days, then fly to Da Nang to explore Hoi An and enjoy the beach. This itinerary offers a mix of culture, nature and relaxation without spending too much time on transportation.
Remember to account for airport transfers, check-in time and baggage fees when comparing flight prices. For families with young children, direct flights are generally more convenient than journeys involving connections.
2. Choose a Private Car for Family Day Trips
A private car with a driver is often one of the best ways to travel Vietnam with family, especially when visiting attractions outside major cities.
Unlike public transportation, a private car allows you to choose your departure time, carry luggage more easily and stop when children need a break.
For example, the journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh takes approximately two hours by car. A family can visit Trang An, explore Tam Coc and return to Hanoi without changing buses or carrying strollers between stations.
Private car for Vietnam travel
As a price reference, one private transfer provider advertises Hanoi to Ninh Binh rides from around VND 1,200,000 per vehicle one way. The final price depends on the vehicle, pickup location and service inclusions.
Companies such as Vietnam Private Car and local chauffeur services offer private transfers on popular tourist routes. When booking, confirm luggage capacity and request a suitable child seat in advance, as child seats are not always standard equipment in Vietnam.
Private cars are particularly useful for families with toddlers, grandparents or several suitcases.
3. Travel by Train for a Scenic Family Experience
Train travel is a good choice for families who want to enjoy the journey instead of rushing between destinations.
Vietnam Railways operates trains along the North-South railway, connecting cities such as Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Hue, Da Nang and Nha Trang.
One particularly enjoyable route is Hue to Da Nang, which takes around three hours and passes through the scenic Hai Van Pass. Children can look out at the mountains and coastline while parents enjoy a more relaxed journey.
Hue to Da Nang train ride
For longer overnight trips, such as Hanoi to Hue, consider booking a four-berth sleeper cabin if available. A family can rest during the journey without needing to keep young children seated for the entire trip.
However, trains are slower than flights on long routes. If your family has only a week in Vietnam, it may be better to fly between distant regions and choose a train for one scenic section.
4. Use Ride-Hailing Apps to Get Around Cities
In Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, ride-hailing services make short journeys much easier.
Grab is a practical option for traveling between your hotel, restaurants, shopping areas and attractions. The app displays an estimated fare before you confirm a ride, although prices can change with traffic and demand. Grab also operates in many Vietnamese cities and tourist destinations.
For example, if your family is staying in central Hanoi and wants to visit the Temple of Literature, booking a Grab car can be more convenient than walking a long distance with young children.
Choose a larger vehicle when traveling with four or more people and luggage. Avoid assuming that every vehicle has a child seat, and check whether the service can accommodate your family's needs before booking.
Walking is still a good way to explore compact areas, such as Hoi An Ancient Town, but taxis or cars are more useful when traveling between distant attractions.
5. Are Sleeper Buses a Good Choice for Families?
Sleeper buses are generally more affordable than private cars and can connect destinations such as Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Giang and central Vietnam.
Operators such as FUTA Bus Lines and The Sinh Tourist serve various tourist routes. However, the quality of seats, cabin layouts and journey times varies by service.
For families with older children, a shorter daytime bus journey may be perfectly reasonable. For example, a limousine bus from Hanoi to a nearby destination can be an economical alternative to hiring a private car.
For families with toddlers or babies, overnight sleeper buses may be less comfortable. Space is limited, and the sleeping arrangement may not suit every child. In these cases, a private car or train is often worth considering, even if it costs more.
What Is the Best Vietnam Itinerary for Families?
The best transportation plan depends on your family's needs and the time available.
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For a 7-day trip with young children, focus on one or two regions rather than trying to cover the entire country. Hanoi and Ninh Binh work well together, while Da Nang and Hoi An offer a combination of beaches, cultural attractions and family-friendly activities.
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For a 10 to 14-day trip, you can combine Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Da Nang and Hoi An, using a private car for nearby excursions and a domestic flight between northern and central Vietnam.
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For families traveling with grandparents or several generations, reduce hotel changes and choose door-to-door private transfers where possible. This makes it easier to manage luggage, rest stops and different walking speeds.
The key is to allow enough time at each destination instead of spending every day moving between places.
Family Vietnam tour with New Asia Tours
Planning transportation, accommodation and activities for the whole family can take time, especially when you are visiting Vietnam for the first time. New Asia Tours offers private Vietnam tours and tailor-made itineraries that can be arranged around your family's interests, travel pace and schedule.
Whether you want to explore Hanoi and Ninh Binh, enjoy the beaches of Da Nang, discover Hoi An or combine several regions in one trip, our team can help arrange suitable transportation and a more comfortable travel experience.
Contact New Asia Tours to start planning your family holiday in Vietnam!
