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, Visa and Passport Validity
Vietnam has specific visa requirements depending on your passport. Always check current rules before travelling, as policies change. Check out the passport validity rules for travellers before heading to Vietnam.
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 from the standard NHS Inform website and the Travel Pro website.
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.
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.
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 for Travelling to Vietnam
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 or a doctors letter. My guide explains what to include on a doctors letter when travelling with medication.
Time Difference in Vietnam
Vietnam operates on UTC time + 6 hours. This is the time in Vietnam right now.
Step 2: Travelling to Vietnam 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:
- How to get help at the airport as a disabled person
- Airport and airline disability codes
- The Sunflower Lanyard
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 With Kids
- 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:
- Cu Chi Tunnels tour (morning or afternoon)
- Mekong Delta small group tour
- Saigon River boutique cruise
- Water puppet show
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.
Visual Planning and Familiarisation Resources for Visiting Vietnam With Autism
Saigon:
Ha Long Bay:
Da Nang:
More of Vietnam:
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. Learn more about our partnership with GetYourGuide on my page about GetYourGuide.
Vietnam Travel With kids FAQ
Is autism recognised in Vietnam?
Yes – autism is recognised in Vietnam, although awareness and support can look very different compared to the UK. In major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, hotels, airports and larger attractions are generally more familiar with supporting families who need extra patience or flexibility. Formal hidden disability support is less common than in Europe, so planning ahead and explaining needs clearly is often more helpful than expecting official autism services.
Is Vietnam disability friendly?
Vietnam can be manageable for disabled travellers, but accessibility varies a lot depending on where you go. Large airports and major hotels are usually much easier to navigate than smaller towns or older streets with uneven pavements. For autistic families, Vietnam often works best when you focus on structured hotels, private transfers and predictable routines rather than relying heavily on public transport. Beach destinations and resort areas are usually much easier than very busy city centres.
Are there any resources for travelling Vietnam with autism?
Yes – the best resources are usually practical guides that focus on airports, medication, transport and choosing the right base rather than autism-specific official schemes. Preparing airport special assistance, understanding medication rules, using visual supports and choosing quieter destinations like Da Nang or beach resorts can make a huge difference. My Vietnam guides focus on exactly this — helping families reduce uncertainty before they travel rather than trying to solve problems at the airport.
What part of Vietnam is best to visit with kids?
Da Nang is often one of the easiest places to start because it combines beaches, modern hotels, good airport access and a calmer pace than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Hoi An also works well for slower-paced family travel with walkable streets and less traffic. Families who prefer city structure may choose Ho Chi Minh City, while beach-loving children often do best in Da Nang, Nha Trang or Phu Quoc.
Is Thailand or Vietnam better for family holiday?
Both can work well, but Thailand is usually easier for first-time long-haul family travel because it has stronger tourist infrastructure, easier resort options and more familiar family holiday systems. Vietnam can feel more intense and less predictable, but it often feels more peaceful and slower-paced once you are in the right area. If your child needs very clear routines and resort-style predictability, Thailand may be easier. If they regulate well with quieter scenery and slower travel, Vietnam can be amazing. My guide to visiting Thailand with autistic children can help you plan your trip if you do opt for Thailand.
Family itinerary for Vietnam trip with kids?
For most families, I would keep it simple: start with one main city and one calmer beach base rather than trying to cover the whole country. For example, 3–4 nights in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, followed by 5–7 nights in Da Nang, Hoi An or Phu Quoc works really well. This gives you a mix of sightseeing and regulation time without constant moving. Slower itineraries almost always work better for autistic children than trying to fit in every major destination.
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.
Continue Planning Your Asia Itinerary With Kids
- Start with planning your overall Asia family trip, including flights, pacing, transport and choosing destinations that suit your child’s needs
- Looking for easier first-time Asia destinations? Consider visiting Japan with kids for clean transport, family facilities and predictable routines
- Prefer beaches and slower travel? Find out more about Thailand with children for resort stays, nature and flexible family days out
- Planning big city adventures? Discover what to expect in Hong Kong with autistic children
- Hoping to Island hop? Learn more about visiting the Philippines with autistic kids
Continue Planning Your Trip With Autistic Children
- Find out about the help available if you are travelling through an airport
- Discover whether a cruise with an autistic child would work for your family
- Find out how to make travelling with ADHD manageable
- Learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard
- Check out guides to all of the different destinations we have travelled to with autistic children
- Learn step-by-step how to set up the accessibility feature on Google maps
- Learn more about our favourite sensory toys for travelling
- Discover an app that helps you locate a playground anywhere in the world
- Always alerted at the last minute that the little one needs a toilet? Find a toilet anywhere with this app
Continue Planning Your Accessible Trip With My Guides
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