Things to Do in Haiphong with Kids on a Family Trip
There are plenty of things to do in Haiphong with kids, even though the city is better known for food and history than theme parks. Children love the open squares and lakes in the center, the riverside promenade, the old swing bridge, the beaches at Do Son and, above all, a boat day around Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay. Add friendly locals who adore children and plenty of mild, tasty food, and Haiphong makes a relaxed stop on a family trip through northern Vietnam.
This guide from the Haiphong Adventure team covers the best family activities by age, a sample two day plan, food tips for picky eaters, getting around with children and practical safety advice. Opening hours and prices change, so check details close to your visit, updated October 2026.
Why Haiphong Works For Families
- Compact center: the main sights are close together, so little legs do not tire too fast.
- Calmer than Hanoi: traffic is still busy, but the pace feels more relaxed.
- Gateway to nature: Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay are reachable in a day.
- Child friendly culture: Vietnamese people are warm with kids, and families are welcome almost everywhere.
- Good value: food, snacks and local transport are affordable.
If you are still choosing a tour style, our guide to choosing the best Haiphong tours for families explains the options.
Explore The City Center On Foot
Opera House and Le Chan statue squares
The wide squares around the Opera House and the golden Le Chan statue are perfect for a first outing. In the evening local kids ride electric toy cars, roller skate and chase bubbles, and your children will happily join in. It is free, safe and full of life.
Tam Bac Lake
This long lake in the heart of the city has walking paths, benches and colorful lights at night. On weekend evenings parts of the area often become a walking street, with snacks and small games for children.
Cau Quay swing bridge and mural street
Kids enjoy the old iron swing bridge with its railway tracks and the colorful murals nearby. Hold hands near the tracks and the road, and you will get great family photos.
>>> Free Things To Do In Haiphong For Budget Travel
Learn Through Museums And Heritage
Short, focused visits work best with children. Pick one or two places rather than a full day of culture.
- Haiphong Museum: housed in a handsome French era building, with displays on the city’s history and the sea. A good rainy day option for school age kids.
- Pagodas and communal houses: peaceful courtyards, incense, bells and carved roofs. Explain simple customs like taking off hats and speaking softly.
- Bach Dang River history: the story of wooden stakes hidden in the river to defeat invading fleets fascinates older kids.
Learn more about the culture you will see in our list of cultural things to do in Haiphong.
Beach Time At Do Son
Do Son, a seaside peninsula less than an hour from the center, is where Haiphong families go for sea air. The water is often brownish because of the nearby river mouths, but kids still love building sandcastles, paddling and eating fresh seafood by the promenade. Choose a calm day and swim only where locals swim and lifeguards are present.
Recommended tour
The Haiphong Street Food and City Tour
See the main city sights and taste local favorites with a friendly guide who can adjust the pace and dishes for children.
From $85 per person
A Boat Day On Cat Ba And Lan Ha Bay
For most families this is the highlight. Limestone islands rise from green water, floating fishing villages bob in sheltered coves and small sandy beaches appear between the cliffs.
- Boat trips: choose a day boat with shade, toilets and life jackets in children’s sizes.
- Kayaking: older kids can paddle with a parent in a double kayak in calm water.
- Beaches: small island beaches are great for a swim and a picnic.
- Wildlife: keep a safe distance from monkeys on some islands and never feed them.
Before you go, read our Lan Ha Bay kayaking safety tips and our look at Cat Ba Island caves and beaches.
>>> Best Way To Go Haiphong To Cat Ba With Luggage
Best Activities By Age
| Age | Great choices | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Toddlers (1 to 3) | Central squares, lake walks, short boat rides, beach play | Bring a light stroller or carrier, plan naps in the heat of the day |
| Young kids (4 to 7) | Toy cars in the squares, swing bridge, Do Son beach, a half day boat trip | Keep outings to 2 to 3 hours with snack breaks |
| Older kids (8 to 12) | Museum, Bach Dang history, kayaking with a parent, easy island hikes | Give them a camera or a list of things to spot |
| Teens | Street food tours, Cat Ba hiking, motorbike tours as passengers with experienced drivers | Let them choose one activity each day |
>>> Flora And Fauna Of Cat Ba National Park Guide
Eating Out With Kids In Haiphong
Vietnamese food is fresh and usually not too spicy until you add chili yourself. These dishes are popular with children:
- Com rang: fried rice with egg and vegetables.
- Pho or noodle soup: mild broth, soft noodles, easy to share.
- Banh mi: ask for no chili and no pate if your child prefers it plain.
- Nem (spring rolls): crispy and fun to dip.
- Fresh fruit and smoothies: mango, banana, watermelon and more.
- Banh da cua: Haiphong’s crab noodle soup, mild if you skip the chili.
Say khong cay to ask for no chili. Small plastic stools at street stalls are surprisingly comfortable for kids, and many eateries happily bring extra bowls for sharing.
>>> Banh Da Cua Ingredients What Makes It Special
Sample Two Day Family Plan
Day 1: City fun
- Morning: breakfast noodle soup, then the Opera House area and a short museum visit.
- Midday: lunch and a rest at the hotel during the hottest hours.
- Afternoon: Cau Quay swing bridge and the Cam River promenade.
- Evening: toy cars and snacks in the central squares, then a walk around Tam Bac Lake.
Day 2: Sea and islands
- Option A: half day at Do Son beach with a seafood lunch.
- Option B: full day trip to Cat Ba with a Lan Ha Bay boat ride, or stay a night on the island for a gentler pace.
Getting Around With Children
- Taxi and Grab cars: easy for short trips. Child seats are rare, so bring a travel booster if you need one.
- Private car with driver: the most comfortable option for Do Son and Cat Ba, with space for strollers and bags.
- Walking: pavements can be uneven and full of parked motorbikes. A carrier is often easier than a stroller.
- Crossing roads: hold hands, walk slowly and steadily, and let traffic flow around you.
Health And Safety Tips For Families
- Use sunscreen, hats and plenty of water, especially from May to September.
- Pack insect repellent for evenings and island trips.
- Drink bottled water and choose freshly cooked food.
- Carry wet wipes, tissues and hand sanitizer.
- Keep a card with your hotel address in Vietnamese in your child’s pocket.
- Check the weather before boat days. Trips may be cancelled in storms.
- Have travel insurance that covers children and know where the nearest international clinic or hospital is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Haiphong good for kids?
Yes. The compact center, lively squares, beaches nearby and easy access to Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay make it a pleasant stop for families.
What are the best things to do in Haiphong with kids?
Evening play in the central squares, walks around Tam Bac Lake, the Cau Quay swing bridge, Haiphong Museum, Do Son beach and a boat day in Lan Ha Bay.
Is Cat Ba suitable for young children?
Yes, with planning. Choose a comfortable day boat with life jackets, avoid long hikes for toddlers and keep away from wild monkeys.
What food can kids eat in Haiphong?
Fried rice, noodle soups, spring rolls, plain banh mi and fresh fruit are easy favorites. Ask for no chili.
How many days should a family spend in Haiphong?
Two to three days covers the city and a Cat Ba or Do Son trip at a relaxed pace.
Plan A Fun Family Trip To Haiphong
From toy cars in the squares to sandy coves in Lan Ha Bay, there are many easy and memorable things to do in Haiphong with kids. Keep days short, plan around the heat and leave room for spontaneous fun.
Haiphong Adventure designs family friendly haiphong tours, transfers and island days at a pace that suits children. Get in touch:
- WhatsApp, Viber, WeChat: +84(0)934.555.001
- KakaoTalk, Line ID: haiphongadventure
We look forward to welcoming your whole family.
