Essential Cambodia and Vietnam Travel Tips for Family Holidays

Why Vietnam and Cambodia are Ideal for Family Holidays: Planning a family trip to Vietnam and Cambodia means mixing culture, fun, and relaxation in two of Southeast Asia’s most exciting destinations. With kid-friendly activities, comfortable hotels, and fascinating history, these countries offer something for every generation.

Best Time to Visit with Kids

Cool & Dry Season (Oct to March): Comfortable weather for outdoor adventures—ideal for sightseeing with children.
School Holidays (Jul–Aug): Lush green landscapes, fewer crowds, and manageable afternoon showers.
June & July: Sometimes Extremely hot, which can be tough for young children. Please note that time is the summer in Vietnam and Cambodia. Or start early and have a break at noon time, it will be fine with all the destinations in both countries. If you travel during that time, followings are the best destinations to travel with kids:
- Vietnam: Halong bay, Sapa, Danang, Hoian & the Mekong delta
- Cambodia: Angkor Wat

Why Families Love Vietnam & Cambodia: Kid-Friendly Experiences, Comfort & Convenience

Halong Bay cruises with kayaking, swimming, and cave exploration.
Hoi An lantern-making workshops and gentle boat rides.
Mekong Delta visits with fruit tasting, local crafts, and cycling through villages.
Angkor Wat treasure hunts and tuk-tuk rides around the temples.
Tonle Sap floating villages—an eye-opening experience for children.
Phnom Penh’s riverfront parks and cultural shows.
Affordable private drivers and guides—flexible schedules to suit kids.
Family-friendly hotels with pools and connecting rooms.
Plenty of international and local food options (with mild dishes for kids).

Whether you’re interested in gentle-paced sightseeing, relaxing river cruises, or cultural immersion,Vietnam tours for family with seniors offer the perfect balance of comfort and discovery.

Top Destinations for Cambodia and Vietnam Trips

North Vietnam: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa, Ninh Binh
Central Vietnam: Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Phong Nha caves
South Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc Island
South Cambodia: Phnom Penh Capital - Royal Palace, Killing Fields, and buzzing riverfront, Kampot/Kep coast
North Cambodia: Angkor Wat - Iconic temple complex; largest religious monument in the world

Cambodia and Vietnam tourist map to plan your Cambodia and Vietnam tour package with Deluxe Vietnam Tours

Hightlights of Cambodia and Vietnam Tours

Kid-Friendly Experiences with little walks

Halong Bay overnight cruise (comfortable cabins, gentle pace).
Hoi An walking tours + lantern boat ride.
Ninh Binh boat trip in Trangan or Tamcoc.
Mekong Delta cultural visits (with private boat).
Angkor Wat sunrise with private driver (visit main temples, avoid crowded trekking routes).
Phnom Penh river cruise at sunset.

Avoid May to July if possible: Extremely hot and humid, which can be tiring for seniors & kids.

Best Time to Visit Cambodia: November to March

Cambodia is a year-round destination, but the experience changes with the seasons. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the ideal time for your trip:

Weather: Temperatures rise above 35°C (95°F)
Why to Travel: Despite the heat, this season brings vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations. Clear skies, lower humidity, very little rain.
Highlights of the time: Khmer New Year (April) – Cambodia’s biggest holiday with nationwide festivities. Lush sunsets and fewer tourists compared to the cool season.

Hot Season in Cambodia: April to July

- If you do not mind the heat or you can start the tour early each day, have the break at noon time and continue at 15pm to late afternoon. This is also the best time to visit Cambodia. Especially explore Angkor Wat with sunrise and sunset.

Cool & Dry Season (November – March) – Best Overall
Weather: Comfortable temperatures (21–32°C / 70–90°F), low humidity, and clear skies.
Why to Travel: Perfect conditions for exploring Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, and the countryside.
Highlights of Cambodia: Angkor Wat International Half Marathon (December). Peak season for travel—expect lively energy but book in advance.

Wet Season (June – October) – Lush & Quieter

Weather: Afternoon showers refresh the landscape; mornings are often clear.
Why Go: The temples look stunning surrounded by greenery, and crowds are thinner.
Perks: Frequent rain, lush scenery, fewer tourists, Lower hotel rates and a serene atmosphere. July & August are great for families—manageable showers, vivid landscapes, and summer school holidays.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam:

Spring (March–April) and Autumn (September–November) offer pleasant weather across most regions. Avoid peak rainy season in the Central coast (Oct–Nov), but Oct & Nov offer wonderful time in the Northern and Southern Vietnam.

Cambodia and Vietnam tour map to plan your Cambodia & Vietnam tour package with Deluxe Vietnam Tours

Travel Vietnam at Any Time, You Will Have A Unforgettable Experience

Visa & Entry Requirements for Vietnam and Cambodia

Most travelers need a visa. Options include: E-visa (valid for 90+ countries) via Vietnam Immigration Portal. Visa on arrival (with pre-approval letter) Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Vietnam e-Visa: Vietnam offers an online e-visa system (tourist e-visas up to 90 days — fees and rules apply). Confirm country-specific rules before travel. evisa.gov.vn
Cambodia e-Visa / Visa on Arrival: Cambodia operates an official e-visa system and still allows visa-on-arrival at many entry points; passport validity and photo rules apply. Use the official evisa site to avoid scams. evisa.gov.kh
Tip: Always check official embassy/e-visa pages shortly before booking — visa rules and fees can change.

Types of Cambodia and Vietnam Tour Packages

Classic Cambodia and Vietnam Tours: These travel packages cover the iconic cities and natural wonders from North to South, such as Angkor Wat, Tonle Sap lake, Phnom Penh, Hanoi, Ninhbinh, Halong Bay, Hue, Danang, Hoian, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta.
Cultural & Heritage Tours: Focusing on UNESCO sites, ancient temples, and vibrant local life.
Adventure & Nature: Tours that emphasize hiking in Sapa or exploring the beautiful landscapes of Northern Vietnam.
Culinary Tours: Designed for food lovers to experience the local cuisine.
Beach & Relaxation: Packages that include island destinations like Phu Quoc for a beach vacation.
Luxury Tours: Customizable, high-end packages that offer premium accommodations and seamless travel logistics.
Small group tours of Vietnam and Cambodia
Private tours in Vietnam & Cambodia are customized tours to fit your specific interests and pace
Farm tours in Vietnam and Cambodia are customized tours to visit farms & meet the farmers and iconic natural wonders
Multi-Country Tours: Combine Vietnam with neighboring countries like Cambodia (for Angkor Wat) or Thailand.

Must-Try Dishes

Phở – Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup
Bún chả – Grilled pork with noodles (Hanoi specialty)
Bánh mì – French-inspired Vietnamese sandwich
Cà phê sữa đá – Strong iced coffee with condensed milk

Getting Around Vietnam & Cambodia

Domestic flights are fast and affordable (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, Bamboo Airways). Trains offer scenic routes (e.g., Hanoi to Hue). Buses and Grab (ride-hailing app) are great for short distances.

Cambodia and Vietnam flight map to plan your Cambodia & Vietnam tour package with Deluxe Vietnam Tours

Flight Routes in Vietnam

Packing & Practical Tips

Lightweight, breathable clothing
Good walking shoes for trekking and city tours
Sunscreen, bug spray, and a reusable water bottle
Power adapter (Vietnam uses Type A, C, and D plugs)
SIM / connectivity: buy local eSIM or physical SIM at the airport for cheap data.
Electricity: 220V in both countries; bring a universal adapter.
Book Angkor sunrise tickets & Halong Bay cruises in advance during peak season.
Respect dress codes at pagodas/temples — shoulders and knees covered.
Bargain politely in markets; confirm taxi fare or use metered/ride-hailing apps.

Cultural Etiquette

Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas Remove shoes before entering homes or sacred places Avoid public displays of affection Learn a few phrases in Vietnamese—locals appreciate the effort!

Quick facts (at-a-glance)

Language: Vietnamese (Vietnam); Khmer (Cambodia). English widely used in tourist areas.
Currency: Vietnamese đồng (VND); Cambodian riel (KHR) — US dollar widely accepted in Cambodia.
Time zones: Vietnam UTC+7; Cambodia UTC+7.
Passport: Both countries generally require ≥6 months validity on entry.

Emergency & embassy contacts

Save the contact for your country’s embassy/consulate in both Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) and Phnom Penh (Cambodia). Local emergency number: 115 (Vietnam medical), 117/118 vary locally—confirm before travel.

Health & Safety

International hospitals in major cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap).
Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Heat and humidity require regular breaks, hydration, and sun protection.

Travel Tips for Seniors & Kids

Choose half-day tours with free afternoons for rest.
Book direct flights or short domestic flights to reduce long road travel.
Request ground-floor rooms or hotels with lifts when booking.
Pack lightweight clothing, a wide-brim hat, insect repellent, and sturdy walking shoes.