Living in Vietnam with Children: Complete 2026 Guide

Thinking about moving to Vietnam with your children? This bold decision naturally raises plenty of questions: will the education be good? Is the healthcare system suited to families? Will your children adapt easily?

The good news: Vietnam has become a favorite destination for expat families. With top-tier international schools, an advantageous cost of living and an exceptional quality of life, the country offers an ideal setting for raising children.

This complete guide walks you through every aspect of life in Vietnam with children: from schooling to extracurricular activities, including healthcare, family-friendly housing and social integration. You'll find out why so many families now choose Vietnam as their destination for moving abroad.

01Education in Vietnam: International Schools and French-Language Options

Education is naturally the first concern of expat parents. Vietnam has an excellent network of international schools, particularly well developed in big cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.

International Schools: Excellence and Diversity

International schools in Vietnam follow various internationally recognized curricula: American, British (Cambridge/IB), French (AEFE), Australian or Singaporean. Tuition fees vary considerably by city and school:

In Ho Chi Minh City:

• British International School (BIS): 450-650 million VND/year (16,500-24,000€)
• International School of Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC): 550-750 million VND/year (20,000-27,500€)
• Lycée Français International Marguerite Duras: 200-350 million VND/year (7,400-13,000€)

In Hanoi:

• United Nations International School (UNIS): 600-800 million VND/year (22,000-29,500€)
• Lycée Français Alexandre Yersin: 180-320 million VND/year (6,600-11,800€)

In Da Nang:

• International School of Danang (ISD): 250-400 million VND/year (9,200-14,800€)
• European International School Danang: 180-300 million VND/year (6,600-11,000€)

Tip: Waiting lists can be long at the best schools. Contact schools 6 to 9 months before you arrive. Some companies negotiate reserved places for the children of their expat employees.

The French Education System: The AEFE in Vietnam

French-speaking families often favor AEFE-accredited schools, which guarantee continuity with the French curriculum and make a possible return to France easier. The network includes:

• Lycée Français International Marguerite Duras (HCMC): 2,400 students, from preschool to high school
• Lycée Français Alexandre Yersin (Hanoi): 1,100 students
• L'Odyssée (Da Nang): partner school, 200 students

These schools offer the advantage of French-English bilingualism and prepare students for French exams (Brevet, Baccalauréat). Fees are generally lower than at English-language international schools, especially if your employer covers part of them.

For more information on the practical side of moving abroad, see our complete guide to moving to Vietnam.

Homeschooling and Alternative Education

Some families choose homeschooling (known in France as IEF, instruction en famille), which is perfectly legal in Vietnam. This option particularly appeals to digital nomad families or those looking for an alternative teaching approach (Montessori, Steiner, etc.).

Homeschooling resources include:

• CNED (the French National Center for Distance Learning): the complete French curriculum
• Cours Académiques de France, Hattemer, Sainte-Anne: private distance-learning schools
• English-language platforms: Khan Academy, Time4Learning, Outschool

The CNED costs 800 to 1,500€/year depending on the grade level, a substantial saving compared with international schools.

02Health and Medical Care for Children in Vietnam

Your children's health is obviously the priority. Vietnam has modernized its healthcare system considerably in recent years, with very good international hospitals in the big cities.

International Hospitals and Clinics

The following facilities have international-standard pediatric departments:

Ho Chi Minh City:

• Family Medical Practice: French- and English-speaking pediatricians, consultation 1.5-2 million VND (55-75€)
• Franco-Vietnamese Hospital (FV Hospital): an excellent pediatrics department, French-trained doctors
• Raffles Medical: Singaporean standards, consultation 2-2.5 million VND (75-90€)

Hanoi:

• Vinmec International Hospital: cutting-edge technology, consultation 1.2-1.8 million VND (45-65€)
• Family Medical Practice Hanoi: same network as in HCMC

Da Nang:

• Family Medical Practice Danang: opened in 2021, international team
• Hoan My Danang Hospital: international standards, English-speaking staff

Tip: Build a relationship with a pediatrician as soon as you arrive. Preventive check-ups let you build up a medical file and quickly identify a doctor you trust in case of an emergency.

International Health Insurance: Essential for Families

International family health insurance is absolutely essential. Rates for a family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children) vary depending on coverage:

The main insurers for expat families include April International, Allianz Care, Cigna Global and AXA Global Healthcare. Be sure to check maternity coverage if you're planning more children.

Vaccinations and Prevention

The Vietnamese vaccination schedule differs slightly from the French one. Recommended vaccines for children in Vietnam include:

• Universal vaccines: DTP, MMR, hepatitis B (the same as in France)
• Hepatitis A: strongly recommended (2 doses)
• Typhoid: from age 2 for long stays
• Japanese encephalitis: recommended if living in a rural area or staying >1 month
• Rabies: if in frequent contact with animals

Vaccines are available at international hospitals, with stocks that meet WHO standards. Allow 800,000-1.5 million VND (30-55€) per vaccine.

03Family Housing: Finding the Ideal Setting

Choosing child-friendly housing means considering several specific criteria: safety, proximity to school, green spaces and the expat community.

Family Neighborhoods by City

Ho Chi Minh City:

• District 2 (Thao Dien): the expat neighborhood par excellence, many international schools, Western restaurants, green spaces. 3-bedroom rent: $1,000-2,000/month
• District 7 (Phu My Hung): secure residences, modern infrastructure, several schools. Rent: $800-1,500/month
• Binh Thanh: more local, close to the center, mid-range prices. Rent: $600-1,200/month

Hanoi:

• Tay Ho (West Lake): the historic expat neighborhood, village life, international schools. Rent: $1,200-2,200/month
• Cau Giay: modern, close to offices and schools, well connected. Rent: $900-1,600/month
• Long Bien: up-and-coming, more affordable, a growing community. Rent: $700-1,300/month

Da Nang:

• An Thuong/My An: seaside, quiet, international schools nearby. Rent: $600-1,200/month
• Ngu Hanh Son: family residences, beaches, green spaces. Rent: $500-1,000/month
• Hai Chau: city center, convenient but denser. Rent: $400-900/month

Find out why Da Nang is ideal for expat families in our dedicated guide.

Criteria for Choosing Family Housing

Beyond the neighborhood, here are the essentials to check:

Safety:

• Residence with a 24/7 guard
• Intercom and access control
• Secured windows (bars or railings on upper floors)
• A working, well-maintained elevator

Child-friendly spaces:

• A pool in the residence (check cleanliness and supervision)
• A playground or shared garden
• A gym or clubhouse
• Secure parking for bikes/scooters

Proximity to services:

• School less than 20 minutes away (ideally with a school bus service)
• International supermarket (Metro, Lotte, VinMart)
• International hospital or clinic 15-20 minutes away at most
• Parks or green spaces within walking distance

Tip: Visit the neighborhood on a Wednesday afternoon or a Saturday morning to observe local family life, the noise level and the general atmosphere. Talk to other expat parents if you can.

04Activities and Leisure for Children in Vietnam

Vietnam offers an exceptional range of activities for children, mixing cultural discovery, sports and creative pastimes.

Sports and Physical Activities

Expat children in Vietnam have access to a wide variety of sports:

Water sports:

• Swimming: lessons from 6 months old at international hospitals or private clubs (400,000-800,000 VND/month, or 15-30€)
• Surfing and bodyboarding: in Da Nang and Nha Trang, schools for children from age 6
• Sailing and kayaking: nautical clubs in coastal cities

Team sports:

• Soccer: many international clubs, 1.5-3 million VND/month (55-110€)
• Basketball: growing, especially in international schools
• Rugby: several clubs welcome children from age 5

Martial arts and individual sports:

• Taekwondo and karate: very popular, 800,000-1.5 million VND/month (30-55€)
• Vovinam (Vietnamese martial art): excellent cultural immersion
• Tennis: courts available in upscale residences
• Climbing: modern gyms in HCMC and Hanoi

Cultural and Creative Activities

Vietnam naturally stimulates children's creativity:

Arts and crafts:

• Pottery and ceramics classes: 500,000-1 million VND/month (18-37€)
• Painting and drawing: weekly workshops at cultural centers
• Vietnamese calligraphy: a unique cultural introduction
• Traditional lanterns: workshops in Hoi An (a town 30 min from Da Nang)

Music and performing arts:

• Piano, guitar, violin: international teachers, 400,000-800,000 VND/hour (15-30€)
• Singing and musical theater: theater troupes for children
• Classical and modern dance: professional schools in the big cities
• Traditional Vietnamese instruments: dan tranh (zither), dan bau

Languages:

• Vietnamese classes for children: strongly recommended for integration, 300,000-600,000 VND/month (11-22€)
• Mandarin: increasingly popular
• Other languages: Japanese, Korean, Spanish depending on demand

Family Outings and Discoveries

Vietnam is an extraordinary playground for families:

Nature and adventure:

• National parks: Phong Nha (spectacular caves), Cat Ba, Cuc Phuong
• Family beaches: My Khe (Da Nang), Nha Trang, Phu Quoc
• Family-friendly hikes: Sapa, Dalat (an ideal temperate climate)
• Ha Long Bay cruises: an unforgettable experience for children

Amusement parks and leisure:

• VinWonders (Phu Quoc, Nha Trang): world-class theme parks
• Dam Sen Water Park (HCMC): a popular water park
• Asia Park (Da Nang): a Ferris wheel and rides for all ages
• Suoi Tien (HCMC): a unique cultural and water park

Cultural experiences:

• Water puppet shows: fascinating for children
• Visits to craft villages: Bat Trang pottery, Van Phuc silk
• Family Vietnamese cooking classes: many workshops available
• Traditional festivals: Tet (New Year), the Mid-Autumn Festival (lanterns)

To better understand the real cost of these activities, see our detailed analysis of the family budget.

05Social Integration and the Expat Community

Your children's social adjustment is crucial to the success of your move. Fortunately, Vietnam has a lively, welcoming expat community.

Groups and Associations for Families

Many organizations make it easier for expat families to fit in:

Active Facebook groups:

• "Expat Parents in Vietnam": 8,000+ members, advice and mutual support
• "Ho Chi Minh City Mums": 12,000+ members, organized outings
• "Hanoi Kids": activities and recommendations for children
• "Danang Expat Families": a smaller but very close-knit community

French-speaking associations:

• Accueil des Français au Vietnam (AFV): regular family events
• Alliance Française: cultural activities for children
• Parents' associations at the French lycées

International clubs:

• International Women's Club: present in the big cities
• Hash House Harriers: family runs on weekends
• Rotary and Lions Club: charity events with family components

Playgroups and Regular Meetups

Playgroups are essential for young children:

• Bamboo Shoots Playgroup (HCMC): for ages 0-5, weekly meetups
• Little Sprouts (Hanoi): Montessori activities in English
• Beach Babies (Da Nang): parent meetups at the beach

These groups let children socialize and parents swap advice and experiences. Participation is usually free or for a token contribution (100,000-200,000 VND/session, or 4-7€).

Children's Cultural Adjustment

Children generally adapt faster than adults, but you can make the process easier:

Learning the language: Encourage your children to learn Vietnamese, even just the basics. It makes integration much easier and shows respect for the local culture. Children under 10 pick up language skills very quickly.

Local friendships: Encourage interactions with Vietnamese children through:

• Sports in mixed clubs (expats and locals)
• Vietnamese classes in small groups
• Taking part in neighborhood festivals
• Inviting classmates over

Cultural understanding: Help your children understand cultural differences:

• Respect for elders (a fundamental Vietnamese value)
• Etiquette (taking off your shoes, greeting with both hands)
• Festivals and traditions (Tet, Buddha's birthday, the Mid-Autumn Festival)
• Local food (encourage them to try new dishes)

Tip: Organize "cultural exchange days" where your children present French culture to their Vietnamese friends, and vice versa. It values their bicultural identity.

06A Realistic Budget for a Family in Vietnam

Let's talk concrete numbers. Here's a realistic monthly budget for a family of 4 (2 adults + 2 school-age children) at different standards of living:

Comfortable Budget (Middle-Class Expats)

Premium Budget (Expat Executives)

For families with a full expat package:

Optimized Budget (Independent Families)

For families adopting a more local lifestyle:

These budgets don't include annual international flights to France (allow 800-1,500€/person depending on the season) or one-off expenses.

07Challenges and Solutions for Expat Families

To give you a realistic picture, here are the main challenges expat families face and proven solutions:

Challenge 1: The Language Barrier

In the first months, children arriving at an international school where everything happens in English may understand very little.

Solutions:

• Intensive English classes during the vacation before you arrive
• One-on-one tutoring for the first 3 months (budget: 300,000-500,000 VND/hour, or 11-18€)
• A buddy system at school (pairing with a bilingual student)
• Fun apps: Duolingo, Babbel Kids
• Total immersion: cartoons, books and games only in English at home

Challenge 2: Being Far from Family

Not seeing grandparents, cousins and friends in France regularly anymore is often the hardest part for children.

Solutions:

• Scheduled weekly video calls (Sunday morning Vietnam time = Saturday evening in France)
• Sending packages and handwritten letters (children love it)
• A trip back to France every summer (6-8 weeks)
• Inviting the grandparents to Vietnam (1-2 times a year)
• Creating a shared digital "family album"
• Taking part virtually in birthdays and family events

Tip: Some families organize "French Fridays" when they cook French dishes, speak only French and watch French films to maintain the cultural connection.

Challenge 3: Minor Injuries and Tropical Diseases

A tropical illness such as dengue can be very stressful, especially when you don't yet know the healthcare system well.

Solutions:

• Systematic mosquito repellent (cream + spray on clothing)
• Mosquito screens on windows and nets over beds
• Long clothing in the evening (light pants, long sleeves)
• Getting rid of standing water around the house
• The pediatrician's number saved in your favorites + a telemedicine app
• A complete first-aid kit at home
• Knowing the warning signs of tropical diseases

Important: dengue, while unpleasant, is very treatable if diagnosed early. Severe cases are rare with proper medical follow-up.

Challenge 4: Reverse Culture Shock on Trips Back to France

Children may come to consider Vietnam their "home". Trips back to France can then become complicated: they find everything expensive and people in a hurry, and they miss their Vietnamese friends.

Solutions:

• Prepare children psychologically before each return
• Maintain French friendships through social media
• Plan special activities in France (amusement parks, cultural visits)
• Highlight the positive aspects of both cultures
• Keep a bicultural journal
• Accept that your children are becoming "third culture kids"

This bicultural identity is ultimately an extraordinary asset that will prepare them for a globalized world.

08Administrative and Legal Matters for Families

Beyond day-to-day life, several specific administrative procedures concern expat families in Vietnam.

Visas and Residence Permits for Children

Children also need an appropriate visa:

Main options:

• TT visa (family member): for children of work visa or residence card holders, 12 months maximum per visa (Law 51/2019/QH14); 25 USD fee for a child under 14 (Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC)
• Temporary residence card (TRC): same length as the sponsoring parent's
• Student visa: issued through the international school, renewable annually

International schools generally help families with these procedures. Budget: $100-200/child in administrative fees.

To understand the different types of visas available, see our detailed guide.

Consular Registration and Schooling

Register your children in the Register of French Nationals Abroad at the consulate:

Benefits:

• Makes administrative procedures easier (passports, national ID cards)
• Lets you vote in elections (by proxy or by mail)
• Access to AEFE school grants (means-tested)
• Consular assistance in an emergency

School grants: French families can apply to the AEFE for help with school fees. The grants cover 25% to 100% of fees depending on income. The application must be submitted by the end of January for the following school year.

Eligibility criteria:

• The child is a French national
• Habitual residence in Vietnam
• Family income below the ceilings (which vary by city)
• Enrollment in an AEFE-accredited school

Social Security Coverage and Family Benefits

The social security situation of expats with children needs particular attention:

Caisse des Français de l'Étranger (CFE): You can pay voluntary contributions to the CFE to keep your French social security rights. 2026 rates (approximate):

• Adult: 200-300€/quarter
• Child: 100-150€/quarter

It must be supplemented with private insurance (the CFE only covers the basic scheme).

Family allowances: French family allowances are generally not maintained for expats, except in specific situations (seconded civil servants, certain contracts).

See our complete guide to expat taxes to optimize your situation.

Schooling If You Return to France

Plan ahead for a possible return:

Equivalences:

• French AEFE schools: automatic equivalence
• International schools (IB, Cambridge): generally recognized, but check case by case
• Homeschooling: expect placement tests depending on the school district (académie)

Reintegration: Children who followed an international curriculum may need support with written French (spelling, grammar) when they return. Plan ahead with extra French classes during your last 6 months in Vietnam.

Tip: Keep copies of all report cards, diplomas and school enrollment certificates. Build a complete school file that will make any future procedure easier.

09Da Nang: The Ideal Destination for Families

Although this guide applies to all of Vietnam, we particularly want to highlight Da Nang as a top destination for expat families.

Why Da Nang for Families?

Da Nang combines all the advantages for a successful family move:

Exceptional quality of life:

• A human-scale city (1.2 million inhabitants): less stress than in HCMC or Hanoi
• Beautiful beaches 10 minutes away
• Cleaner air than in Vietnam's megacities
• A relaxed pace of life, perfect for children
• Excellent safety, even for children

Family infrastructure:

• Quality international schools (ISD, European International School)
• Recently built international hospitals (Family Medical Practice, Hoan My)
• Many parks and green spaces (Asia Park, beaches, the Han River)
• Modern shopping malls (Vincom, Lotte)
• Water sports available year-round

An optimal cost of living:

• 20-30% cheaper than HCMC or Hanoi
• Spacious housing at affordable prices
• Less expensive international schooling
• Excellent restaurants for every budget

A welcoming expat community:

• Big enough to socialize easily
• A friendly atmosphere and mutual support
• Many family events
• Active Facebook groups (Danang Expat Families, Danang Mums)

A strategic location:

• International airport with direct flights to Bangkok, Singapore, Seoul
• Close to Hoi An (30 min): a UNESCO-listed town with craft workshops
• Easy access to the mountains (Ba Na Hills) and nature
• A central hub for exploring Vietnam

Discover how to make your move to Da Nang a success.

10FAQ: Your Questions About Living in Vietnam with Children

Is it dangerous to live in Vietnam with children?

No, Vietnam is a very safe country for families. The crime rate is low, and Vietnamese people adore children (especially Western children, who attract a lot of friendly attention). The main precautions concern road traffic (teach children to be very careful) and tropical diseases (mosquito prevention). In expat neighborhoods, security is excellent, with guards, cameras and access control. Thousands of expat families have lived in Vietnam for years without any major problems.

How much does an international school really cost?

Fees vary considerably by city and school. As a guide for 2026: in Ho Chi Minh City, allow 16,000-27,000€/year/child at the best English-language schools, 7,000-13,000€ at the French lycées. In Da Nang, fees are gentler: 6,000-15,000€/year/child. These fees generally include tuition, textbooks and some activities, but rarely the school bus ($300-500/year extra), the uniform ($100-200) or school trips. Some employers cover 50% to 100% of fees in expat packages. AEFE grants can cover 25% to 100% for eligible French families.

Can my child follow the French curriculum remotely?

Absolutely! The CNED (the French National Center for Distance Learning) offers every level from preschool to high school for 800-1,500€/year depending on the level. Other private schools offer distance-learning programs: Cours Académiques de France, Hattemer, Sainte-Anne. This option is particularly suitable for digital nomad families or those who prefer an alternative approach to teaching. Homeschooling is legal in Vietnam. Be aware, though: it requires significant parental involvement (at least 3-4 hours a day) and can limit the child's socializing. Make up for it with regular group activities (sports, playgroups, clubs).

Which tropical diseases should you worry about for children?

The main tropical diseases in Vietnam are dengue, malaria (rare in cities), and gastrointestinal infections. Dengue is transmitted by tiger mosquitoes (active during the day): systematically use repellent, mosquito nets and long clothing in the evening. Symptoms include high fever, headache and joint pain. See a doctor immediately if these symptoms appear. Malaria has practically disappeared from the big cities. For digestive infections: bottled water only, avoid ice in small local restaurants for the first few months, and wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly. Good international health insurance and a pediatrician you trust are essential. With basic precautions, most expat children stay in excellent health.

How do children adapt socially?

Children generally adapt much faster than adults! Under-10s pick up English (or Vietnamese) in a few months through immersion. International schools are used to welcoming new students mid-year and set up buddy systems. The expat community organizes many activities (playgroups, sports, outings) that make it easy to meet people. The first few weeks can be hard (homesickness, language frustration), but after 3-6 months, most children are fully integrated and thriving. Keys to success: a positive attitude from parents, learning a few words of Vietnamese, active participation in school and extracurricular activities, and keeping the connection with France through video calls. Children often develop an enriching bicultural identity.

11Conclusion: Vietnam, an Extraordinary Life Choice for Families

Living in Vietnam with children is much more than a simple move abroad: it's offering your family a transformative life experience. With quality international education, an advantageous cost of living, reassuring safety and exceptional cultural openness, Vietnam ticks all the boxes for a successful family move.

Of course, there are challenges: language adjustment, distance from family, cultural differences. But with proper preparation and professional support, these obstacles become opportunities for the whole family to grow. Your children will develop an open mind, adaptability and a cultural richness that will stay with them all their lives.

Whether you choose the buzz of Ho Chi Minh City, the historic charm of Hanoi or the easygoing lifestyle of Da Nang, Vietnam will welcome you with its legendary warmth and modern infrastructure suited to international families.

Your new life in the sun starts here.