Vietnam With Autistic Children - Autism Family Travel Guide

Vietnam is one of the most rewarding destinations we have visited as a family with autistic children. If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam with kids, it offers a unique mix of culture, structure and natural beauty — but it can also feel intense without the right planning.

This Vietnam travel guide walks you through how to plan a trip to Vietnam with an autistic child — from entry requirements and airport preparation to choosing the right base, selecting suitable activities and reducing day-to-day unpredictability.

Quick wins for visiting Vietnam with autistic children:

Choose one or two main regions instead of travelling the full country
Plan around heat and humidity — early mornings and evenings work best
Use private drivers or Grab instead of navigating transport under pressure
Stay in hotels or resorts with predictable layouts and quiet retreat space
Build in downtime between tours and long travel days

Step 1: Planning your Vietnam trip with kids – practical information

Before booking flights, there are a few practical things to look into about how to plan a Vietnam trip.

Entry requirements for Vietnam and visa

Vietnam has specific visa requirements depending on your passport. Always check current rules before travelling, as policies change.

Many nationalities require an e-visa, while some have visa exemptions for short stays. There is an official list of those exempt by the Vietnamese government with all of the countries whose passport-holders do not a visa to visit Vietnam.

Landing cards in Vietnam

Arrival procedures can change, so always confirm current requirements before departure. Some travellers may need to complete a digital arrival form, while cruise passengers may still be issued paper landing cards. When we arrived to Vietnam by cruise we got a paper landing form which we needed to have with us when we left the ship. Upon reboarding the ship, we would hand it back to officials or post it in a collection box. When you fly into Vietnam, your landing card is now part of the eVisa and the information they usually need for a landing card is collected as part of the visa process.

Vaccinations required for visiting Vietnam

There are no unusual vaccination requirements for most UK travellers, but always check up-to-date NHS guidance before travelling. Standard travel vaccines are usually recommended for South East Asia.

Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date before travelling. The most reliable source for up-to-date travel vaccination guidance is the FitForTravel by the NHS (which has now retired and is integrated into the standard NHS Inform website and the Travel Pro website).

Reliable vaccination information: NHS Inform travel vaccine information and TravelPro travel vaccine information

Currency used in Vietnam

The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Vietnam is still more cash-reliant than some other Asian destinations, especially outside major cities. Hotels and larger restaurants accept cards, but markets, smaller cafés and taxis often prefer cash.

I always travel with at least two payment methods. If you are moving between countries or cruise ports, card blocks can happen. A digital travel card with app control can reduce stress if something gets frozen mid-trip. I have had issues with my cards getting blocked when we travel around by cruise ship or turn off our sim cards and miss texts from the card companies – but one card that has been completely reliable is my Wise card. Not only do you get a digital card which is handy for emergencies, there is a reliable app where you can have a mix of currencies and track your spending.

If you want a travel card that reduces the risk of frozen transactions while travelling between countries, you can explore Wise using my referral link: Wise referral

* Wise was previously known as Transferwise

Language spoken in Vietnam

The official language of Vietnam is Vietnamese. Prepare key phrases in advance if your child finds language barriers stressful.

My guide about the importance of learning key phrases related to your disability before you travel includes a link to Lonely Planet’s free eBook with disability and accessibility travel phrases in 35 languages.

SIM cards and eSIM for Vietnam

Vietnam has strong mobile coverage in cities and tourist areas. You can buy a SIM at the airport or install an eSIM before travel. For autistic children who rely on devices for regulation, reliable data makes a significant difference to transitions and unfamiliar environments.

I use a mix of Trip.com eSims and Airalo. I like to use Trip.com for cheap and reliable local eSIMS, and Airalo for a regional eSIM when I know I will be travelling around a lot within a wider area (like South East Asia). If you fancy trying out Airalo you can use my referral code (NATASH7173) to get £2.50 off your first eSIM.

Travel insurance for Vietnam

Ensure your policy covers pre-existing medical conditions and any additional support needs. Make sure to declare all of your/your child’s health needs and diagnosis to ensure you are compliant with the terms and conditions of the insurance.

Medication rules

Always check rules regarding prescription medication before travelling — especially when travelling internationally with medication. Some countries do not allow certain medications to cross the border, and the consequences of bringing them can be catastrophic. Always do your research. Carry medicines in original packaging with a copy of your prescription.

Step 2: Booking flights and managing the airport

Most international visitors arrive via Tan Son Nhat International Airport in the south or Noi Bai International Airport in the north. If travelling to central Vietnam, you may arrive at Da Nang International Airport.

Airports in Vietnam are busy but generally structured. Expect queues at immigration. Having documents prepared in advance reduces stress significantly.

Consider:

Booking airport special assistance
Understanding airline disability codes
Using the Sunflower Lanyard for hidden disabilities
Preparing sensory supports for long-haul flights

Helpful guides:

Vietnamese airports can feel busier and louder than some East Asian hubs. This is especially noticeable compared to destinations like Japan or Singapore, so preparing in advance is key.

Step 3: Where to stay in Vietnam with kids

Vietnam is long and narrow. Distances between regions are significant. Choosing where to stay in Vietnam with kids is one of the most important decisions you will make.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is energetic, busy and modernising rapidly. It offers:

Large international-standard hotels
Shopping malls with predictable layouts
Organised tours to structured sites

Choose Ho Chi Minh City if you want:

Large international hotels with predictable layouts
Easy access to organised tours
Shopping centres and indoor retreat spaces
A fast-paced but structured city base

If you’re considering a city base, my guide to Ho Chi Minh City with autistic children explains what to expect and how to plan a manageable visit.

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is ideal if your child prefers nature and calmer scenery. An overnight cruise provides structure, cabins offer retreat space, and activities are clearly scheduled.

Choose Ha Long Bay if your child:

Prefers nature and open space
Benefits from a structured cruise itinerary
Enjoys water-based environments
Can tolerate consistent background noise (water, boats)

If you’re planning a nature-based experience, my guide to Ha Long Bay with autistic children explains how to choose the right cruise and prepare for the environment.

Da Nang

Da Nang is often easier than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. It has wide roads, beach space and resort-style accommodation.

If you’re considering a beach base, my guide to Da Nang with autistic children explains why it’s often one of the easiest destinations in Vietnam for families.

Choose Da Nang if you want:

Beach access and open space
A calmer alternative to larger cities
Resort-style accommodation
A balance of city and relaxation

Vung Tau and Phu My

If arriving by cruise ship, you may dock at Phu My with onward travel to Vung Tau or Ho Chi Minh City. If you’re visiting Southern Vietnam by cruise, my guide to Phu My with autistic children breaks down what to expect at port and how to plan your day. If you’re looking for a coastal day trip, my guide to Vung Tau with autistic children explains whether it’s the right fit for your family.

Choose Vung Tau or Phu My if you are:

Visiting Vietnam on a cruise
Looking for short, structured day trips
Staying close to port access

How to choose your Vietnam itinerary

Choose one main region if your child struggles with transitions
Choose city + beach if your child needs contrast for regulation
Choose cruise + guided tours if you prefer structured days
Avoid trying to cover north, central and south Vietnam in one trip

Step 4: Getting around Vietnam with kids

Getting around Vietnam with kids varies by region, and planning ahead makes a huge difference.

Domestic flights connect major cities quickly.
Trains run the length of the country.
Ride-hailing apps are widely used in cities.
Private drivers are affordable for day trips.

Traffic can be intense in large cities. If road noise is a trigger, factor that into accommodation choice.

Practical guide: Accessible transport in Vietnam – coming soon

Step 5: Things to do in Vietnam with kids

Vietnam offers a wide range of things to do with kids, from structured tours to outdoor and cultural experiences. The key is choosing activities that match your child’s sensory profile rather than trying to fit everything into one itinerary.

In Ho Chi Minh City:

In Nha Trang:

When choosing activities, consider:

Heat and humidity
Noise levels
Journey time
Indoor retreat options
Clear start and end times

Vietnam is busy — but it is organised busy when you plan properly.

Step 6: Visual planning and familiarisation

Before travelling to Vietnam with an autistic child, watch real-time walkthroughs of airports, hotels and daily routines. Seeing the environment before arrival can significantly reduce anxiety for autistic children.

Destination guides:

For cruise visitors: Holland America’s Far East Discovery cruise – visiting Halong Bay, Da Nang and Phu My.

Step 7: Visual supports and PECS

If your child uses visual communication, prepare in advance. Here are some of my resources for your trip to Vietnam with an autistic child:

I continue to create destination-specific PECS as we travel so other families can benefit.

Step 8: Practical guides for Vietnam

Accessible transport in Vietnam – coming soon
The Vietnam Arrival Card –coming soon
Cruising to Vietnam

These guides cover the practical details that reduce last-minute stress and help you know how to plan a trip to Vietnam.

Affiliate and booking information

Disclaimer: this post includes affiliate links. If you use one of them to make a purchase we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Where available, I link directly to activities via GetYourGuide. If you book something there, don’t forget to use my code AUTISMFAMILYTRAVELGUIDE5 for a discount.

This Vietnam travel guide is designed to help you move from uncertainty to clarity — but the next step is choosing the structure that works for your child.

For a full list, check out our Vietnam archives.