8 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City with kids

Ho Chi Minh City is a chaotic, joyful whirlwind of a place — loud, busy, full of life, and packed with things to see, eat and explore. It’s the kind of city that hits all five senses at once. But with kids in tow, figuring out the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City — the activities that are genuinely worth your time, money and energy — is where things get tricky.

During our family gap year we spent several weeks travelling through Vietnam, and HCMC was one of those places that surprised us again and again. Yes, it’s hectic. Yes, the traffic is wild. But it’s also one of the most exciting, culturally rich and delicious cities we visited — and the boys absolutely loved it.

From motorbike street food tours to incredible history lessons, from cooling off at waterparks to exploring huge markets, these are the tried-and-tested, parent-approved activities we recommend for families. Each one is something we personally did with our kids (7 and 9 at the time), and we’ve included ages, prices, honest impressions and parent tips to help you plan the perfect HCMC itinerary.

Quick Picks: Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City With Kids

Short on time?
Here are our top, tried-and-tested activities in HCMC — based on what our boys loved most and what we think offers the best value for families.

🏆 Best Overall Family Experience

Motorbike Street Food Tour
The perfect mix of food, culture, city exploring and kid-friendly adventure.
👉 Book our recommended street food tour here

🎓 Best Educational Activity

Cu Chi Tunnels
Hands-on history, fascinating tunnels and engaging guides.
👉 Book the tour we did here

🧭 Best Short Cultural Activity

🌆 Best View of the City

Landmark 81 SkyView
Panoramic skyline views and a brilliant low-effort activity for all ages.
👉 Get Landmark 81 tickets here

💦 Best Fun Activity for Kids

Dam Sen Waterpark
Perfect for cooling off after sightseeing — lazy river, slides and great value.
👉 Book your Dam Sen Waterpark tickets

🐱 Best for animal lovers

Catfe
Chill out with some gorgeous cats for a few hours.
👉 See the exact location here

🍉 Best Shopping Experience

🚤 Best Day Trip From HCMC

Mekong Delta Tour
Boat rides, coconut candy, villages and shaded canals — a great contrast to city life.
👉 Book a family-friendly Mekong tour

1. Street Food tour on motorbikes

If you’re just stopping over in Ho Chi Minh City, or are REALLY short on time, then this should be your number one activity. In one go you get to combine a city tour with some simply amazing food. Plus you’ll experience the thrill of weaving through HCMC’s infamous traffic on the back of a motorbike.

Nervous about sticking your kids on the back of a motorbike in a mega-city? I DEFINITELY was! But the tour guides for the street food tour we took were brilliant, and the whole thing actually felt incredibly safe. Helmets are provided, bikes are top quality and the tour guides are very skillful at navigating the Ho Chi Minh City traffic in a careful, safe way.

Our boys (7 and 9 at the time) might have been a bit tentative on the bikes at first, but after the first five minutes they were having the time of their lives!

We stopped at the memorial to the burning monk for a lesson on Vietnamese history, saw the flower market and we toured the oldest apartment block in HCMC which was really interesting. The guides are so, so lovely and knowledgeable and were fab with the kids.

And then there’s the food. We tried nine different Vietnamese dishes in total from a whole host of little street food sellers. It was such a good way to get the insider scoop on where to find the best food in Ho Chi Minh City.

The tour lasted around four hours. You can read our full review here for more in-depth info. I would highly recommend booking on to the tour we did as the guides were just fabulous. This is absolutely our top pick of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.

🛵 Book your Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour here – foodie heaven!

2. Learn about the Vietnam-US conflict at the War Remnants Museum

I’ll start off by saying that I don’t think either of the boys would rate this as their favourite day out on our travels. The War Remnants Museum gives you a pretty deep-dive into the 1970s conflict between the US and Vietnam, and there’s no shying away from the horrific nature of war. 

HOWEVER. If (like us) you think that part of travel is to understand other countries, people and cultures better then a few hours at the War Remnant Museum is pretty vital in understanding Vietnam. 

There’s a lot here that kids can engage with and info they can absorb. There’s military vehicles like tanks, small planes and armoured jeeps in the outside area that kids will enjoy seeing in real life. Inside, there’s maps, weapon displays and an excellent audio guide to help keep kids engaged.

What really hits home though are the personal stories and details of the impact on the Vietnamese people. Some of the images – especially those in the Agent Orange exhibit – are extremely disturbing. Whilst we as adults took turns to view this part of the museum, we swerved it with the kids as we felt it was too much for them to take in.

To really take your time you’ll need around 3-4hours here; however we found that the boys were quite overwhelmed after a couple of hours. If anyone needs a bit of a time out there’s a little open air cafe which we ducked in to to recharge with cold drinks and ice creams partway through our visit (which definitely seemed to help!).

If you can, try and visit before a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. The info here really helps put the tunnels in to a bit of context which makes them even more interesting.

🚁 Find out more about the War Remnant Museum and check out full reviews here

3. Visit the Chu Chi Tunnels

If you want a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City to get an even more in-depth insight into the Vietnam-US conflict, then you really shouldn’t miss a trip to see the Chu Chi Tunnels.

This underground maze of tunnels (that in places stretched all the way to Cambodia!) makes for a fascinating and really educational day out. You can really get a sense of how the war was fought on the ground and the conditions that the Vietnamese fighters lived in.

And if you book on to a tour here, not only do you get loads of info from a knowledgeable guide, you also really get to experience the underground tunnels for yourself. You can climb down in to one of the tiny, hidden dugouts beneath all the foliage. And then you get to crawl through a section of tunnel too (which is much longer than you might think).

This was definitely the highlight for our boys, who weren’t worried at all about crawling around in the pitch black underground (unlike me, who was quickly left behind!).

Guided tours pick up from Ho Chi Minh City and generally include a meal at a local restaurant on the way home.

Whilst our kids really enjoyed our visit, there are some pretty gruesome traps and devices on display here. Entering the tunnels is completely optional so if you or your kids don’t fancy it then you can stay above ground. 

There is also an extremely loud firing range here where you can have a go at shooting rifles. Our kids are not too sensitive to noise but they did struggle with this part of the tour – it is very, very loud.

Read our full, in-depth review of our tour to Cu Chi Tunnels here for more info.

🎫 Book the exact family-friendly tour we went on to Cu Chi Tunnels here

4. Go souvenir shopping at Ben Thanh Market

Be prepared for sensory overload. The huge Ben Thanh Market somehow manages to combine charm and chaos under one roof. It’s packed full of souvenir stalls selling all kinds of wares, from silk scarves to lucky cats. 

It’s incredibly easy to get lost in the maze of stalls so keep hold of younger kids’ hands. You’ll quickly notice that many of the stalls sell very similar products. Haggling is the accepted way of the world here – we were told to always go in at 50% less than their initial starting price.

There’s also street food stalls inside and around the outside of the market. The cold drinks and the fresh coconuts are a winner. However, we felt like the street food was much better elsewhere in the city. 

It might be overwhelming but it is also a real experience navigating this kind of market in a big Asian city. We enjoyed wandering the stalls and buying the odd souvenir, though after around an hour the kids were happy to move on to somewhere else.

🛍️ Check out the exact location of Ben Thanh Market on Google Maps here

5. Marvel at the Cityscape at the Top of Landmark 81

If you want to show your kids just how enormous Ho Chi Minh City really is, the Landmark 81 SkyView deck is the place to do it. As Vietnam’s tallest building, Landmark 81 gives you a panoramic view over the city that stretches for miles — the tangled motorbike-filled streets below suddenly look tiny, and even the Saigon River winds through the city like a thin ribbon.

We visited on a slightly hazy afternoon, and even then the views were spectacular. The boys loved trying to spot where we were staying and pressing their faces up against the floor-to-ceiling windows. The high-speed elevators are an experience in themselves. 

Inside, the observation deck is modern, spacious and wonderfully air-conditioned (a big win after a day in HCMC’s heat). There are photo spots, glass-floor areas and seating where you can take a breather and let the kids marvel at just how high up they are.

Plus then there’s the VR experience (included in admission). Our boys are ALWAYS up for a bit of VR so this made the visit even better for them.

This isn’t the cheapest activity in HCMC, but it’s definitely one of the most memorable, and it’s an easy, low-effort outing if you’re in District 1.

🏙️ Get a birds-eye view of HCMC – book your Landmark 81 SkyView tickets here

6. Cool off at Dam Sen Waterpark

A lot of the things to do in Ho Chi Minh City are interesting and hugely educational. But this one is just pure fun!

We tried out as many waterparks as we could during our family gap year, particularly in South East Asia. Wildlife spotting aside, waterparks were probably the boys absolute top pick for a day out. After a few hot days in Ho Chi Minh City we were definitely ready to cool off a bit. 

There’s all the usual things you would expect – waterslides, a lazy river, a splash area for smaller kids and a wave pool. There’s definitely plenty to keep the kids occupied for a full day. 

Whilst this wasn’t our fave waterpark (for an absolute top banger of a waterpark I would highly recommend Aquatopia on Phu Quoc Island) – it’s very good value and only 20mins in a Grab taxi from District 1.

💦 Escape the heat and cool off for the day – book your Dam Sen Waterpark tickets here

7. Visit the gorgeous rescue cats at Catfe

Everywhere we go we always have to look up local cat cafes for my youngest, cat-obsessed child. We visited several across South East Asia during our travels but this is the place he still dreams of going back to.

There were dozens of gorgeous, well-cared for cats across three storeys of dedicated space. Each cat has a coloured collar that identifies whether they like attention or not, plus there’s an info board with background info on all the cats. There’s loads of room to relax and hang out with any cats that decide they want some fuss!

There is an entrance fee, but once you’re inside you have access to unlimited soft drinks and snacks. Which kept our two kids happily fed, watered and surrounded by cute cats all afternoon.

🐱 You can find Catfe on Google Maps here

8. Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta

If you have a full day to spare, a trip to the Mekong Delta is one of the best ways to escape the intensity of HCMC and show your kids a completely different side of Vietnam. The Delta is peaceful, green, slow-paced and full of life — wooden houses on stilts, fruit orchards, coconut candy workshops, women weaving mats by hand, and longboats cruising through narrow canals.

The classic Mekong Delta day tour might be a long day (especially for younger kids), but if you’re not planning to visit the delta separately on your travels through Vietnam it is a great way to see a more rural side of the country. Kids will love the boat rides — especially the narrow sampan boats where you glide through shaded waterways lined with palm fronds. 

The day usually includes:
✔ A speedboat or bus transfer from HCMC
✔ A longtail boat across the river
✔ A sampan ride through small canals
✔ A local lunch
✔ Plenty of stops to explore villages

Be prepared for lots of moving between boats, short walks and a fair amount of heat — but if your kids enjoy new experiences, it’s incredibly rewarding.

🚤 Book your family-friendly Mekong Delta tour here

Ho Chi Minh City with Kids: Final Thoughts

Ho Chi Minh City can feel overwhelming at first glance, but once you peel back the chaos, it’s one of the most fascinating and family-friendly cities we visited during our travels through Vietnam. From hands-on history lessons to thrilling food adventures and peaceful escapes into nature, there truly is something here for every age.

If you’re planning your own HCMC trip and want a smooth, memorable family itinerary, these are the tours and activities to book.

👉 Book our absolute favourite things to do in Ho Chi Minh City here

• Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour
• Cu Chi Tunnels Tour
• Mekong Delta Day Trip
• Landmark 81 SkyView
• Dam Sen Waterpark

And if you’d like more family-focused travel guides, honest reviews, and behind-the-scenes updates from our gap year adventures, join our newsletter:

👇 Sign up for our family travel newsletter here

We’d love to help make your travels easier, more exciting, and a whole lot more fun!

⭐ FAQ: Visiting Ho Chi Minh City With Kids ⭐

1. Is Ho Chi Minh City good for families?

Yes — HCMC is surprisingly family-friendly. It’s busy and chaotic, but it’s also full of history, amazing food, hands-on experiences and fun day trips. With the right mix of activities, it’s an incredibly rewarding city to explore with children.

2. How many days do you need in Ho Chi Minh City with kids?

Ideally 3–4 days. This gives you enough time to cover:

• A street food tour
  
• War Remnants Museum
  
• Cu Chi Tunnels
  
• A market
  
• One “fun” activity like Dam Sen Waterpark or Landmark 81
  
• (Optional) a day trip to the Mekong Delta
  

Families on a tight schedule can still do a brilliant “48-hour HCMC itinerary”.

3. Is Ho Chi Minh City safe for children?

Yes — with normal big-city precautions. The biggest safety challenge is traffic, especially the sheer number of motorbikes. Our experience:

• We held the kids’ hands tightly on pavements
  
• Used pedestrian crossings carefully
  
• Chose Grab taxis for longer distances
  

Tourist areas like District 1 feel very safe for families.

4. Is the street food safe for kids?

Generally, yes — especially on guided food tours. Street food is a huge part of the city’s culture, and the guided tours take you to trusted vendors. The boys tried nine different dishes on our tour and loved every moment. If your children have sensitive stomachs, start gently and stick to busy, popular stalls.

5. What’s the best age for kids to enjoy Ho Chi Minh City?

HCMC works for all ages, but the sweet spot is 6–12.

• Under 5s may struggle with the heat, noise and long walking days
  
• Ages 6–12 get the most out of the history tours and food
  
• Teens tend to love the energy, shopping and skyline views
  

6. How hot is HCMC for sightseeing?

It’s hot year-round, usually 28–35°C. Humidity can be intense. We found the best rhythm was:

• Mornings: sightseeing
  
• Afternoons: waterpark, museum, pool time
  
• Evenings: markets, food tours, walks
  

Always pack water and hats.

7. What is the best tour to do in Ho Chi Minh City with kids?

The motorbike street food tour was our #1 activity. It combines:

• Incredible food
  
• A guided city tour
  
• The thrill of riding through the traffic behind skilled drivers
  
• Cultural stops and storytelling
  

Our boys said it was one of their favourite experiences in Vietnam.

8. Is the War Remnants Museum suitable for kids?

Parts of it, yes — but not all.

• Outdoor exhibits (tanks, planes, helicopters) are great for all ages.
  
• Exhibits on Agent Orange and war atrocities are extremely graphic.
  

We took turns viewing the more intense adult sections to avoid overwhelming the kids.

9. How far is the Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City?

Around 1.5 hours by car or minibus.
Most tours include transport, lunch and a guide. The tunnels are educational, fascinating and surprisingly hands-on for kids — but the firing range is very loud, so bring ear defenders if your child is noise-sensitive.

10. What should families budget for a day out in HCMC?

Typical costs per activity:

• Street food tour: £22/US$29
  
• War Remnants Museum: £1/US$1.50
  
• Cu Chi Tunnels tour: £10/US$13
  
• Mekong Delta tour: £12/US$16
  
• Landmark 81: £20/US$26
  
• Dam Sen Waterpark: £8/US$10.50
  

Compared to many major cities, HCMC offers excellent value for family travel.

Need even more Vietnam travel info?

If you’re looking for more ideas of where to go in Vietnam, what to see and tips for travelling with kids, then check out our other posts:

• Phu Quoc with Kids
• Best places to stay in Phu Quoc for families
• 9 best things to do in Phu Quoc with kids
• Cu Chi Tunnels Tour with Kids
• HCMC Street Food Tour Review
• Where to eat in Phu Quoc