I’m looking for recommendations for Vietnam and Japan.
There will be two families with kids ranging from 7 to 15 years old whole will be traveling to Vietnam over the course of two weeks in March 2020. The kids can handle some history. We generally enjoy nature, adventure, cooking classes, snorkeling, boating, biking, canoeing, etc. I’m just curious as to what would be the correct amount of time to spend in each area (from Hanoi down to the Mekong delta) and what the must-d… See more

We were there in March, travelled from north to the south. My favorite place was Danang. Clean city, english speaking, beautiful beaches. Also must do is a trip to Ba Nah Hills, and golden hands bridge. You ride the longest gondola ride in the world. It takes about 40 min. over beautiful jungle. If you are thinking about riding the train while in Vietnam, it's recommended that you book your tickets at least two months in advance. We did trail from HCMC to Mu Nei, first class , private 4 bed bunk. Super cheap, and great way to see some of the country.

it might be quite of a busy trip if you add japan in 2 weeks. we did korea and Japan in 2 weeks and we were exhausted. Just a suggestion.

Natalie Yes, but if we add Japan, we would not shorten Vietnam. We would just increase our trip to 3 weeks total. Any suggestions on Japan?

Janet ohh. thats good. lol. depends where you like to go!! history and historical culture i recommend kyoto and nara. but honestly you can spend 1 week in tokyo and still do tons. let me know if you need more specific suggestions.

Natalie Thank you!

Janet nara city. Feed the deer. Lots of Japanese school children visiting the sights. It is a walkable City, from the speed train. Nono Nara hotel, by the train station. Starbucks, food court, grocery store, street food- right beside it. Also a 5 story computer games kids play place. English speaking volunteer guides, right there, who will walk with you.

Def check out Oedo Onsen in Tokyo (near Odaiba) It's kooky and wonderful. Women/Men segregated and fully nude - so be aware if your group would be uncomfortable. We we went as a family and loved it.

If your kids are into Pokemon, the Pokemon cafe is a nice experience. You have to book reservations online in advance. But it's not hard to get a weekday reservation. They are in Nihonbashi, east of Tokyo Station.

I would also recommend the Sumo Restaurant in Ryogoku. Go when thry have a sumo demo, which usually is twice a week.

And Asakusa, with the temple and the shopping street.

Cherry blossoms opened March 21, 2019 so if you could be there say 25th 2020 you should be in luck to see and celebrate the cherry blossom festivities. I’ve been to Japan a dozen times and no other time is better!

Darlene Whelan Lee great!

We loved Hanoi! You should do an overnight boat cruise in Ha Long Bay, it’s amazing!

Kristy Perfect. That’s on our list.

Janet The kids would probably like the water puppet show, we saw one as part of our boat tour package. I thought it would be kind of lame/touristy, but actually my husband and I enjoyed it. There’s a theatre in Hanoi where you could see a show!

We went to Hanoi, took a 2 night cruise through Ha Long Bay, flew south and went to Hoi An, then we we went to Ho Chi Minh, and then Phu Quoc. We liked Hanoi the best and also the boat cruise (but in March the weather wasn’t hot for sunbathing on the cruise or swimming). We didn’t care for Phu Quoc (lots of garbage). I would go to the Mekong delta and do some kind of tour if I went again. We usually go to Thailand, but we loved Vietnam... and the food is so cheap and delicious!!!

Kristy Thank you! Yes, we’ve done Thailand as well. Your Vietnam suggestions are great. Thanks again.

What company do you recommend for the overnight boat trip in Ha Long Bay? Thanks!

Our family loved our side trip to Hakone from Tokyo. Here is our blog: https://lifamilytraveltips.weebly.com

Michelle agreed on Mt. Hakone. Worth the short trip from Tokyo.

Michelle Brenda Bodgar Great!

Janet its a fun circle route for kids with train, tram, funicular and boat if you want.

The open air art museum was amazing

That's a lot of ground to cover in Vietnam with only 2 weeks. You might want to focus on only the north or the south. I preferred Hoi An and the south especially the Mekong Delta.

Was just in Hanoi with my 10 and 12 year old in December. The old prison was interesting and there is lots to do on foot (we stayed in the Old Town). There’s also a great night market. Spend a couple of days there. Went to Halong Bay for a couple of days and while very beautiful it was grossly over-commercialized. The previous time I was in Hanoi I went to Cuc Phuong National Park. Also a beautiful part of the country (quite remote).

What is the name of the place where you stayed and would you recommend it? Thanks!

Jenny which place? In Hanoi?

Lisa Yes, where did you stay in Hanoi?

Jenny I stayed at Lotus Boutique Hotel. Fairly inexpensive and good
location for walking around.

Apply for the Evisa for Vietnam. $25usd

Hello. I am just starting to do research for our trip to Vietnam. Do Canadians need a visa to visit Vietnam? Thanks!

less time in Hanoi, junk boat in Halong Bay, more in Ho Chi Min and def Hoi An. Do a Mekong delta cycling tour...fantastic and our kids loved it