🐾 Traveling to Vietnam with Pets
Pet-Friendly Vietnam
Vietnam is increasingly welcoming to pets, particularly in urban areas and beach resorts. While not as widespread as in Europe, many hotels, restaurants, and tours accommodate well-behaved animals, especially dogs and cats, making it a viable destination for pet owners exploring Southeast Asia.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
Health Certificate & Microchip
Dogs, cats, and other pets need a veterinary health certificate issued within 7 days of arrival, confirming no infectious diseases.
All pets must have an ISO-compliant microchip; include the number on all documents for verification at entry.
Rabies Vaccination
Mandatory rabies vaccination required, administered at least 30 days before travel and valid for the stay.
Proof of vaccination must be endorsed by your country's veterinary authority; boosters needed every 1-3 years.
Import Permit
Obtain an import permit from Vietnam's Department of Animal Health at least 7 days before arrival.
Submit application with pet details, vaccination records, and health certificate; processing fee around 500,000 VND.
Non-Approved Countries
Pets from rabies-endemic countries may need a 30-day quarantine upon arrival in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Check the approved country list with Vietnam's embassy; additional tests like rabies titer may be required.
Restricted Breeds
Certain aggressive breeds like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers may be restricted or require special approval.
Always declare breed upon application; muzzles and leashes mandatory in public areas regardless.
Other Pets
Birds, fish, and exotic animals have strict import rules; CITES permits needed for endangered species.
Small mammals like rabbits require similar health checks; consult Vietnam's agriculture ministry for specifics.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across Vietnam on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like pet beds and walking areas.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Hotels (Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City): Urban hotels like Hanoi La Siesta and Saigon Domaine welcome pets for 200,000-500,000 VND/night fee, with nearby parks and rooftop areas.
- Beach Resorts (Da Nang & Phu Quoc): Coastal resorts such as Furama Resort Da Nang allow pets in select rooms at no extra charge, offering beach access and pet-friendly dining.
- Vacation Rentals & Villas: Airbnb listings in Hoi An and Nha Trang frequently permit pets, providing space for animals to roam in private gardens or poolsides.
- Homestays & Guesthouses: Rural homestays in Sapa and Mekong Delta often welcome pets alongside local farm animals, ideal for cultural immersion with families.
- Campsites & Eco-Lodges: Sites in Cat Ba National Park and along Ha Long Bay are pet-friendly, with trails and water activities; basic facilities for 300,000 VND/night.
- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: High-end resorts like Six Senses Ninh Van Bay provide pet amenities including spa services, gourmet treats, and dedicated handlers.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
Mountain Trails & Parks
Sapa's rice terraces and Cat Ba's hiking paths are pet-friendly with leashed dogs allowed on most trails.
Keep pets away from wildlife and check for seasonal restrictions during monsoon periods.
Beaches & Islands
Phu Quoc and Con Dao beaches have pet-designated areas for swimming and relaxation.
My Khe Beach in Da Nang allows leashed pets; avoid crowded sections and respect local rules.
Cities & Markets
Hanoi's Hoan Kiem Lake and Ho Chi Minh City's Tao Dan Park welcome leashed pets for walks.
Outdoor markets like Ben Thanh allow pets; street food areas are casual but watch for traffic.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
Vietnamese coffee shops in cities often have outdoor seating welcoming pets with water bowls.
Pet cafes in Hanoi and Da Nang specialize in dog-friendly environments with treats available.
City Walking Tours
Outdoor tours in Hoi An's ancient town and Hanoi's old quarter accept leashed pets for free.
Focus on street-level sights; indoor temples and pagodas generally prohibit pets.
Boat Trips & Cruises
Ha Long Bay day cruises allow small pets in carriers for 100,000-200,000 VND fee.
Mekong River tours may permit pets on open decks; confirm with operators in advance.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- Trains (Vietnam Railways): Small pets travel free in carriers; larger dogs require a ticket (50% fare) and must be leashed/muzzled in non-AC cars.
- Buses & Urban Transport: City buses in Hanoi and HCMC allow small pets free; larger ones 50,000 VND with carrier. Motorbike taxis (xe om) not recommended for pets.
- Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Use Grab app to select pet-friendly rides; most taxis accept with notice for 20,000-50,000 VND extra. Avoid peak hours.
- Rental Cars & Scooters: Car rentals like Vietravel allow pets with deposit (500,000 VND); scooters not suitable. Opt for vans for family and pet comfort.
- Flights to Vietnam: Airlines like Vietnam Airlines permit cabin pets under 7kg for 1,000,000-2,000,000 VND. Book early and review IATA guidelines. Compare flight options on Aviasales to find pet-friendly airlines and routes.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar, and Cathay Pacific allow in-cabin pets (under 7kg) for 1,500,000 VND each way. Larger pets in cargo with health certificate.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24-hour clinics like Animal Doctors International in Hanoi and HCMC Vet in Ho Chi Minh City handle emergencies.
Travel insurance recommended; consultations cost 300,000-800,000 VND; bring international records.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
Pet shops like Pet Mart in major cities stock food, meds, and accessories; international brands available.
Pharmacies carry basic pet treatments; import specialized meds or use vet prescriptions.
Grooming & Day Care
Urban pet spas in Da Nang and Hanoi offer grooming for 200,000-500,000 VND per session.
Daycare services in tourist areas; book via hotels or apps like PetBacker for reliability.
Pet-Sitting Services
Platforms like PetBacker and local services in HCMC provide sitting for day trips at 300,000 VND/day.
Resorts often arrange pet minders; inquire at front desk for trusted recommendations.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in cities, beaches, and national parks; off-leash only in designated private areas.
- Muzzle Requirements: Large or restricted breeds need muzzles on public transport and in crowded markets; carry one always.
- Waste Disposal: Clean up immediately; bins available in parks but scarce in rural areas. Fines up to 500,000 VND for violations.
- Beach & Water Rules: Pets allowed on most beaches but not during high season crowds; keep away from swimming zones.
- Restaurant Etiquette: Outdoor seating common for pets; indoor areas rare. Ensure pets are calm and not disruptive.
- National Parks: Leash required; some areas like Phong Nha restrict pets to protect ecosystems. Follow ranger instructions.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Vietnam
Vietnam for Families
Vietnam offers vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and interactive experiences perfect for families. Safe streets, affordable activities, and welcoming locals make it ideal for kids, with water parks, puppet shows, and boat rides keeping everyone entertained.
Top Family Attractions
Dam Sen Water Park (HCMC)
Thrilling slides, lazy rivers, and kid zones in Ho Chi Minh City for all ages.
Tickets 150,000-250,000 VND; open daily with shaded areas and family picnic spots.
Vinpearl Safari (Nha Trang)
Open safari with drive-through animal viewing, shows, and interactive feeding.
Tickets 600,000 VND adults, 450,000 VND kids; combine with cable car for full adventure.
Imperial City (Hue)
Historic citadel with dragon gates, museums, and boat rides kids enjoy exploring.
Tickets 200,000 VND adults, free for under 15; guided tours add storytelling fun.
Hanoi Ethnology Museum
Outdoor exhibits of Vietnamese houses, crafts, and cultural shows for hands-on learning.
Tickets 40,000 VND adults, 20,000 VND kids; perfect rainy-day activity with playground.
Ba Na Hills (Da Nang)
Fantasy park with world's longest cable car, golden bridge, and amusement rides.
Tickets 800,000 VND adults, 600,000 VND kids; all-day fun with French village theme.
Water Puppet Theatre (Hanoi)
Traditional shows with puppets on water, music, and folklore stories captivating children.
Tickets 100,000-200,000 VND; 45-minute performances multiple times daily.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across Vietnam on Viator. From Ha Long Bay cruises to cooking classes, find skip-the-line tickets and age-appropriate experiences with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Hotels (Hanoi & HCMC): Properties like Melia Hanoi offer interconnecting rooms for 1,500,000-3,000,000 VND/night with kids' clubs and pools.
- Beach Family Resorts (Phu Quoc): JW Marriott Phu Quoc provides family suites, childcare, and kids' activities for 4,000,000 VND/night all-inclusive.
- Homestays (Hoi An): Riverside homestays with family meals and bike rentals for 800,000-1,500,000 VND/night, including cultural experiences.
- Vacation Apartments: Self-catering units in Da Nang with kitchens and beach access, ideal for longer stays at 1,000,000 VND/night.
- Budget Guesthouses: Clean family rooms in Sapa for 500,000-800,000 VND/night with breakfast and trekking guides.
- Resort Villas: Private villas in Nha Trang like Six Senses with pools and nannies for luxury family getaways.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
Hanoi with Kids
Water puppet shows, Hoan Kiem Lake boat rides, train street viewing, and cycling tours.
Street food adventures and temple explorations make the capital exciting for young explorers.
Ho Chi Minh City with Kids
Cu Chi Tunnels (family version), Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Zoo, and river cruises.
War Remnants Museum has kid-friendly exhibits; rooftop playgrounds add modern fun.
Da Nang & Hoi An with Kids
Marble Mountains climbing, lantern-making workshops, My Son Sanctuary, and beach days.
Ba Na Hills fantasy park and cooking classes engage creativity and adventure.
Central Highlands (Dalat)
Cable car rides, flower gardens, easy hikes, and strawberry picking farms.
Cool climate perfect for outdoor play; adventure parks with zip lines for older kids.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- Trains: Kids under 5 free; 6-10 half fare on sleeper trains with family cabins available.
- City Transport: Grab family rides or cyclos for short trips; 100,000 VND/day passes in cities.
- Car Rentals: With driver recommended (1,000,000 VND/day); child seats 200,000 VND extra, mandatory under 12.
- Stroller-Friendly: Urban areas improving with sidewalks; beaches and resorts fully accessible, but watch for motorbikes.
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: Pho, spring rolls, and rice dishes for 50,000-100,000 VND; high chairs in tourist spots.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Beach cafes and hotel buffets welcome kids with play areas and Western options.
- Self-Catering: Markets like Dong Xuan sell fresh fruits, baby food; Big C supermarkets for diapers.
- Snacks & Treats: Banh mi sandwiches and tropical fruits keep kids happy on the go.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: In malls, hotels, and airports; public restrooms improving in cities.
- Pharmacies: Stock formula, diapers, meds; English labels common, staff helpful.
- Babysitting Services: Resorts offer for 300,000 VND/hour; apps like Care.com for cities.
- Medical Care: International clinics in Hanoi/HCMC; vaccinations advised, insurance essential.
♿ Accessibility in Vietnam
Accessible Travel
Vietnam is progressing in accessibility, with urban improvements, wheelchair-friendly hotels, and inclusive tours. Major sites offer ramps and guides, though rural areas vary; plan with local operators for barrier-free experiences.
Transportation Accessibility
- Trains: Sleeper trains have accessible compartments; request assistance at stations for ramps and priority boarding.
- City Transport: GrabWheel for wheelchair taxis in HCMC; buses adding low-floor options, elevators in metros.
- Taxis: Accessible vans available via apps; standard taxis fit folding chairs for 100,000 VND/ride.
- Airports: Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat provide wheelchairs, ramps, and assistance services free of charge.
Accessible Attractions
- Museums & Sites: Hoi An ancient town has ramps; Hanoi Opera House accessible with guides.
- Historic Sites: Imperial City in Hue offers wheelchair paths; Cu Chi adapted tours available.
- Nature & Parks: Ha Long Bay cruises with accessible boats; beaches in Da Nang with ramps.
- Accommodations: Hotels indicate accessible rooms on Booking.com; look for roll-in showers, wide doorways, and ground-floor options.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
Dry season (December-April) for north/central; south best May-October. Avoid typhoon season (September-November).
Shoulder months offer mild weather, festivals, and fewer crowds for relaxed family travel.
Budget Tips
Family tickets at attractions save 20-30%; street food and markets keep meals under 200,000 VND/person.
Use multi-day passes for transport; homestays cheaper than hotels for longer stays.
Language
Vietnamese official; English common in tourist areas, apps help with translation.
Locals patient with kids; basic phrases like "xin chào" appreciated for interactions.
Packing Essentials
Light clothes, rain gear, sunscreen, insect repellent; comfortable shoes for walking.
Pet owners: familiar food, leash, muzzle, waste bags, vaccination papers, and tick prevention.
Useful Apps
Grab for transport, Google Translate, Vietnam Railways for tickets, and PetBacker for services.
XE Currency for conversions; Trip.com for bookings and real-time updates.
Health & Safety
Very safe for families; drink bottled water, get hep A/B vaccines. Pharmacies everywhere.
Emergency: 115 ambulance, 113 police. Travel insurance covers medical and evacuations.