For our last summer holidays, we chose to fly to Southeast Asia to live a truly special human experience. We were looking for an itinerary that could combine a sense of adventure, cultural discovery, and quality family time. That is how we designed this Vietnam Cambodia Package 14 days family trip. Between the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, imperial cities, and the mystical temples of Angkor, these 14-day Vietnam Cambodia family holidays were a real life lesson for our children. This story answers a question many parents ask themselves: what to do in Vietnam and Cambodia with kids to make a successful trip? Here is the travel diary of our journey during this Vietnam Cambodia family travel.
We started our trip in Hanoi, a city that may seem intense at first but is full of treasures for families. For a first discovery, we explored the Old Quarter, known as the “36 streets”, by cyclo, a relaxing and fun way to dive into the colorful noise of the city. Then, we attended a water puppet show at Thang Long Theater, which lasts about one hour and truly fascinates children with its dragons, dancers, and traditional music. Among the cultural activities, we visited the Museum of Ethnology, where the children loved exploring the traditional houses in the outdoor garden. A walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and a family cooking class were also great ideas for this first immersion.
We left for one of the highlights of our Vietnam Cambodia package 14 days family trip: one night on a junk boat in Ha Long Bay. We chose a family-friendly cruise with suitable activities, such as kayaking in calm lagoons, exploring impressive caves like Sung Sot (Surprise Cave), and swimming if the weather allowed. Many boats also offer cooking classes, for example making spring rolls, or squid fishing at night, which the children really enjoyed. For more comfort and a cozy atmosphere, we selected a medium-sized junk boat with family cabins.
After a flight to Da Nang, we discovered Hoi An, the city of lanterns, which is perfect for a package holidays to Vietnam and Cambodia. We joined a lantern-making workshop, where the children left with their own creation as a unique souvenir. For a more active discovery, we rented bicycles for an easy ride to An Bang Beach or through the peaceful rice fields of Cam Thanh village. The historic center, with no cars, is easy to visit on foot, and it was also a great opportunity to taste local dishes and enjoy the creative charm of the town.
After several busy days of sightseeing, we dedicated these two days to family relaxation. We enjoyed the sun and the sea at My Khe Beach, famous for its fine sand and calm atmosphere. Between swimming, relaxing moments, and resting at the hotel, these days were perfect to slow down and recharge our batteries before continuing our journey in Vietnam and Cambodia with kids.
We took a flight to the south and plunged into the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. The excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels was fascinating for the children, who could explore the narrow passages more easily than adults and understand this part of history in a very concrete way. Then, we continued with an immersion in the Mekong Delta, where a boat trip took us to lively floating markets and tropical orchards.
The flight to Siem Reap marked the beginning of the Cambodian part of our Vietnam Cambodia package 14 days family trip. We explored the Angkor site at a slow pace, starting with the sunrise over Angkor Wat, a truly magical moment. The children loved the Bayon with its 216 smiling faces, and Ta Prohm, where giant tree roots embrace the ruins like in an adventure movie. To keep a good balance, we alternated temple visits in the morning with lighter activities in the afternoon, such as swimming in the hotel pool or visiting the floating village of Kompong Phluk on Tonle Sap Lake. We also did not miss the Phare Circus, an impressive acrobatic show performed by a troupe of young people from difficult backgrounds. It is both entertaining and meaningful.
To prepare your Vietnam Cambodia package 14 days family trip properly, here is our essential information.
To travel from Hanoi to Da Nang, and from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, flying is the fastest option. On site, a private car with a driver offers comfort and flexibility.
Car safety: Even if Vietnamese law will only be fully applied in 2026, it is strongly recommended to seat children under 10 years old (or under 1.35 m) in the back seat with an appropriate child seat. A recent tragic accident in Central Vietnam reminds us of the importance of these precautions.
By motorbike or scooter: It is strongly discouraged to carry children on a motorbike, except for very short distances and with a suitable helmet. Regulations strictly limit the transport of children and provide heavy fines in case of violations.
Our budget for four people was around €280-350 per day. This included 3-4-star hotels with a swimming pool, domestic flights, private cars, activities, and a guide in Angkor. It is quite possible to reduce the budget to €180-220 per day by choosing family guesthouses and limiting flights (for example, by taking a night train to Hue).
Where to stay in Hanoi ? We recommend 4-star hotels in the Old Quarter or near Hoan Kiem Lake, so you can easily explore the city on foot. We stayed at La Siesta Classic Ma May Hotel during our time in Hanoi, and it was an excellent choice that I highly recommend considering.
Ha Long Bay: We chose La Regina Royal Cruise, a 2-day Halong Bay cruise, which we really enjoyed for its comfort and quality of service.
Hoi An: One of our favorite hotels was Anantara Hoi An Resort, a 4-star hotel in Hoi An that we truly enjoyed during our stay. Calm, elegant, and perfectly suited for family travel as well as relaxing stays, it also has a great location close to the historic center and sometimes offers fun activities.
Da Nang: In Da Nang, we stayed at Sofiana My Khe Hotel & Spa. What we especially liked about this hotel was its direct sea view and the very airy and bright style of the rooms. The atmosphere is so exotic that it sometimes feels like being in the Maldives, while still staying in Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City: In Ho Chi Minh City, we chose The Myst Dong Khoi, a hotel with a unique charm that mixes modern design and Vietnamese spirit.
Siem Reap: We stayed at Memoire D'Angkor Boutique Hotel, a charming and well-located hotel. The famous Angkor Wat temple complex (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is accessible in about 15 minutes by car.
To stay healthy during the trip (especially with children), it is better to plan a few simple measures in advance:
Vaccinations up to date: In addition to DTP and Hepatitis A, consider vaccines for typhoid and tetanus. Depending on your travel plan and areas visited, consult a travel doctor to discuss rabies or Japanese encephalitis. It is recommended to visit a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.
Mosquito protection: In both countries, mosquitoes can transmit dengue, Zika, and sometimes malaria or Japanese encephalitis, depending on the areas. Use an effective repellent (DEET 20% or more), wear covering clothes, and use mosquito nets if necessary.
Water and food: Drink only sealed bottled water, avoid ice from unknown sources, and choose well-cooked food. Avoid raw vegetables that are not peeled or washed with tap water.
Sun protection and hydration: Use SPF 30+ sunscreen, wear hats, and drink water regularly to avoid heatstroke and dehydration.
General child safety: Watch children closely near water (beaches, swimming pools) and make sure they wear life jackets if needed. In cities, keep an eye on personal belongings and choose busy and secure places.
First-aid kit: Bring basic medicines (pain relief for children, antiseptic, electrolytes) and consult a local doctor if necessary.
In conclusion, if you are still hesitating about organizing a Vietnam Cambodia package 14 days family trip, we have only one piece of advice: go for it. Traveling in Southeast Asia with kids is a deeply enriching experience that opens minds, strengthens family bonds, and creates unforgettable memories. Between cultural discoveries, relaxing moments, and kind human encounters, this journey transformed us as much as it amazed our children. With the support of a travel agency in Vietnam like Autour Asia, everything becomes easier, smoother, and more peaceful. Vietnam and Cambodia welcomed us with open arms and a rare sense of humanity that we will never forget.
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