It’s hard to say! Depends on your preferences. But if you enjoy small-scale places with authenticity then I do like to recommend Phong Nha. Some of the cave attractions in Phong Nha might be less ideal for a young kid as they are a bit adventurous, but there are at least two caves for all ages. Your son might also really enjoy a farm stay in Phong Nha. Then again the boat ride would be a good activity in Ninh Binh. It’s a busier place but a bit easier for a tourist with more restaurants etc.

I will be heading to Vietnam in September. I will be travelling with my 4yo son. I was wondering whether you’d recommend heading to Phong Nha or Ninh Binh. Unfortunately, I don’t have time to do both so need to chose between the two.

Sorry for my late reply! I noticed several of the accommodations in Trang An rented out their own bicycles. Lots of tourists were on bicycles, so if not in Trang An then you can definitely find them in Tam Coc. I wouldn’t worry about pre-booking such things as they are almost always possible to sort out locally. I personally opted for a moped. I’d probably go for this if you have 2 days so you can move around more easily.

Hi Dorotea! I would definitely book ahead around Tet since it’s huge for domestic travel. Apart from special dates like this, it’s easy to book things a day or two ahead of time and play it by ear to some degree. If you’re not extremely picky with accommodation, there are almost always some good options to choose from. This is the way I always travel in Vietnam myself.

What comes to mind for your parents is a tuk-tuk or cyclo tour through Hanoi and a cruise to Ha Long Bay (it involves walking at various stops along the way, but otherwise you’re comfortably on a boat… you could even do a 3-day cruise to make the most use of this). There are also cyclos in Hoi An (this is when someone tours you around on a bicycle, you don’t have to paddle yourself) and in Hue the main the citadel is very walkable and you can probably get a private taxi or a tour van to take you around the different pagodas outside the city. Transportation is widely available and inexpensive in Vietnam so it should still be possible to do a lot. Hope this helps!

Yesterday I realized that it’s Tet/New Years holiday when me and my parents land in Hanoi 10/2. I’ve read different things about this and then I thought you might know something about this. Do you think we should book everything (first week or so) in advance or do you think it’s possible to come up with spontaneous plans/routes like two or three days in advance even though it’s a holiday?

Our plan is to explore Hanoi for a couple of days and then heading north to Ninh Binh and of course Ha Long bay.
My parents are elderly and not very mobile, walking shorter distances is ok but overall we have to explore Vietnam the boring way by taxis or something like that I guess. Boats also of course when it’s possible.

Maybe you have any tips for disabled traveling in Vietnam? Though, I suppose it’s the complete opposite of your usual travel method.
Ex, any sights or places that should be easier to explore?
They love gardens and botanical flowers, birds, nature, landscape but of course also great food, night-markets, cosy hang-arounds, people, history and culture.
Our plan is to spend 20 days in total; first Hanoi and north, then Hue/Da Nang/Hoi An and at last Ho Chi Minh and the Mekhong delta.

So many questions- I’m sorry, if it’s possible for you to answer anything of all of them I’d really appreciate that! ✨

Thank you Mark.

Glad it’s been helpful Matt! I haven’t yet been in October, but I would go for November as the weather conditions are generally better in this month.