HANOI

Shop, eat and repeat in historic Hanoi. The elegant and historic Sofitel Metropole welcomes families. It’s the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets after a cyclo tour, browsing art galleries, marveling at the French colonial architecture, and shopping. The delish Vietnamese lunch buffet at Spices offers a taste of all the local dishes. Yum!  Entertainment?  Be sure to snap up tickets to the famous Vietnamese Water Puppets!  Want more?  Click here for the Little Steps Guide To Hanoi!

Sofitel Metropole, 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District, 10000 Hanoi, Vietnam, Website

Thang Long Water Puppets, 57B Pho Dinh Tien Hoang, Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam, www.thanglongwaterpuppet.org

HALONG BAY

For a truly spectacular family experience, book your own private 5-star junk for an overnight cruise on Halong Bay. The whole family will be amazed at the rock formations (the crew often point out the formations that resemble animals) while peacefully cruising the Bay. Be sure to stop at the caves! For bigger groups and families looking for cruising, book the Emeraude. Book in advance!

Halong Violet, halongviolet.com

Indochina Junk, Website

Orchid Cruise, Website

Emeraude, sales@emeraude-cruises.com, Website

HOI AN

Heading to Hoi An with the kids?  Hoi An is an ancient town located in the central province of Quang Nam and is known for its World Heritage Site status from UNESCO.  It's truly an example of a well preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port of the 15th and 19th centuries.  Stroll the charming riverside Old Quarter to get a gander at the historic and colonial buildings, shop, and enjoy tasty local treats. Pick up a fresh coconut juice at the outdoor market, enjoy a cooking class with the kids, and bike through the rice paddies!  Want more?  Click here for the Little Steps Guide to Hoi An!

Family-Friendly Hotels in Hoi An, Click here

Family-Friendly Hotels in Danang, Click here

HUE

Book ahead to secure a well-appointed room at the colonial La Residence Hotel & Spa with views of the river and the Citadel. Walk or hire a cyclo to cruise inside the walls of the Citadel. Or hire a bike to ride the trail along the shore of the Perfume River. To get an insider’s tour, hire a private guide. If you are more into the countryside, book a spacious room or family suite at the Pilgrimage Village hotel.

La Résidence Hôtel & Spa, 5 Le Loi Street, Hue City, Vietnam, +84054 3837 475, resa@la-residence-hue.com

Pilgrimage Village, 130 Minh Mang road, Hue, Vietnam, +84 54 3 885 461, info@pilgrimagevillage.com, www.pilgrimagevillage.com

HO CHI MINH

Big city Vietnam has plenty of fabulous eateries, shopping gems, five-star stays, and historical adventures.  Book the Park Hyatt or Asiana Saigon for luxury sleeping or play and stay at the more boutique Nguyen Du Park Villas complete with a THANN Sanctuary Spa and serviced apartments ideal for families.  Be sure to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and hire the man with the van to take you there...Mr. Thang!

Park Hyatt: 2 Lam Son Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam. +84 8 3824 1234, www.saigon.park.hyatt.com