Vietnam- A Holiday our kids didn’t want to come back from!
Vietnam with Kids: A Journey That Stayed With Us (Part 1 – Sapa)
The last evening in Vietnam is still vivid in my mind.
We were packing up, folding clothes, zipping suitcases, mentally preparing to return to routine life. And then, my younger one quietly walked up to me—eyes glistening, voice trembling—and asked, “Can we stay in Vietnam a little longer?”
That moment stayed.
It touched me deeply. There was a quiet happiness in that question—a reassurance that this trip had been more than just a holiday. It had been meaningful, wholesome. Something my children would carry with them.
A lot of credit goes to my husband for planning this journey so thoughtfully, but also to Vietnam itself. A country that gives so generously. Vietnam, in its truest sense, is a multi-sensory travel experience. It awakens every sense and somehow manages to touch your soul. It’s a melting pot of culture, raw nature, kind people, excitement, adrenaline, and food that caters to every palate.
And that’s exactly why I wanted to pen this down: so if you’re looking for a trip that re-energises you deeply, this might just help you plan one.
Planning the Itinerary
Vietnam is geographically vast and incredibly diverse, so we decided to focus on places that would also keep our young kids engaged and excited.
Our route:
- Sapa (North)
- Ba Na Hills (central/ west)
- Hoi An (central)
I’ll break this into two parts.
Part 1: Sapa
Part 2: Ba Na Hills & Hoi An (coming next!)
Day 1: Singapore to Sapa – Into the Clouds
We started on 3rd April, taking a morning Singapore Airlines flight to Hanoi. From there, we took a 5-hour car ride to Sapa (We booked the car with help of the Hotel front desk: refer to the glossary for important contacts).
That drive itself felt like a transition—from city life into something calmer, greener, and more magical.
Day 2: Fansipan – The Roof of Indochina
The next morning, we visited Fansipan Legend—and honestly, this was one of the most breathtaking experiences of the trip.
The Journey to the Summit
- Train/funicular to base station
- Cable car ride up the mountains
- Final funicular / short trek to the summit (3,143 m)
Approx Ticket Prices (for reference)
- Funicular (town to cable station): ~150,000–200,000 VND
- Cable car: ~800,000–900,000 VND (adult), ~550,000–700,000 VND (kids)
- Final funicular to peak: ~150,000–200,000 VND (you can opt not to take this as walking is much more fun)
The Experience
Floating above valleys, with clouds drifting around us, was surreal. At times, it felt like we were walking through the sky. At the summit stood a magnificent Buddha statue, surrounded by ancient-style architectural structures, temples and pagodas—built at an altitude that makes you pause and wonder:
How did they even build this here?
The entire project, completed around 2018, is nothing short of an engineering marvel.
There’s even a café at the top—Cafe du Soleil (Fansipan Summit Café)—where you can sip a warm drink while soaking in the panoramic views. It’s the perfect pause after the climb.
⏱️ Time needed: Half a day is sufficient.
Day 3: Village Exploration & Cultural Immersion
We explored nearby villages like Ta Van , Lao chai and Ta Phin, known for their beautiful paddy fields, skilled weavers, and handcrafted textiles and hillside cafes.
This was a beautiful way for the kids to experience local life: seeing village homes, playing in open fields, and interacting with locals including the cute elderly weavers and kids alike.
Late Lunch & Evening Thrills
We returned by afternoon and had a late lunch at Bollywood Spice (Sapa)—a great Indian restaurant with both veg and non-veg options, reasonable pricing, and lovely mountain views. A few other restaurants we backed on were: Gujrat
Evening Highlight: Alpine Coaster
In the evening, we tried the Alpine Roller Coaster in Sapa.
- Adult: ~350,000 VND
- Kids (4 and above): slightly lower
It was magical—riding through mountains, surrounded by mist and greenery. It honestly felt like gliding through clouds.
Side note: There’s a similar coaster in Ba Na Hills at a cheaper price—but the Sapa views are unmatched.
Everyday Indulgence: Spas & Wellness
One of Sapa’s biggest surprises?
Spas. Everywhere. Wherever you turn, you ll find a spa/ massage center/ wellness center/ beauty salon.
From budget to premium, the options are endless—and incredibly affordable. We made it a ritual to unwind every day.
For anyone living in a fast-paced city, this is exactly the kind of reset your body and mind crave. The best amongst them all would recommend ” Relax spa” especially as they could help keep our kids entertained and looked after while we were busy.
Food That Awakens Your Senses
Sapa’s food scene was unexpectedly incredible.
Must-Try: Su Vegan (Sapa)
This was more than a meal—it was an experience.
- Stunning ambiance
- Unique sand-and-gravel flooring
- Thoughtfully curated decor
- Delicious vegan spread
It engaged every sense—taste, texture, smell, even how you physically experience the space. Located uphill, it requires a bit of a climb—but it’s absolutely worth it.
Day 4 :
Day 4: Cat Cat Village
Cat Cat Village is essentially a beautifully curated Vietnamese cultural village, designed for visitors but still rich in authenticity. Entry fee at Cat Cat Village is typically around 150,000 VND per adult and 70,000 VND per child.
What You Can Do:
- Explore scenic walking paths
- Traditional performances
- Dress up in Vietnamese attire
- Photography at stunning backdrops
Highlight: Rainbow Slide 🌈 This was a HUGE hit with the kids.
- Ticket: ~50,000–100,000 VND per ride
You sit on tyre seats and slide down a track built into the hills—safe, thrilling, and offering panoramic views. The kids loved it so much, they went multiple times (and honestly, we didn’t mind—the tickets are quite affordable!).
Where We Stayed
KK Sapa Hotel
Pros:
- Central location
- Easy access to restaurants
- Helpful staff
- Good spa services
- Great for families
Close to cafés and food options—don’t miss Cong Cafe (Sapa) for its unique vibe.
Cat Cat Hill Resort & Spa
A completely different experience:
- Nestled in the mountains
- Peaceful and scenic
- Perfect for unwinding
Not too far from town, yet gives you a sense of solitude.
Slow Moments That Made It Special
Between all the major activities, what truly made Sapa magical were the little things:
- Café hopping
- Mango smoothies on repeat
- Street shopping at Sapa market
- Evening spa sessions
- Sitting on the balcony as clouds drifted in to greet us.
CHALLENGES: Language barrier: Not everyone can speak or understand English. Not to worry as people are well versed with using the interface of phone based translator apps 🙂
TIPS: Places we didn’t visit but overhyped in Cafe Moana. A cafe that has many photo spots with valleys and mountains in the backdrop. You can get similar backdrop with different props at Cat Cat village without spending separately for it.
All in all, It felt dreamy. Almost unreal. Sapa—often called a “spa city”—truly lives up to its name. It’s a town tucked into the clouds, offering both adventure and deep relaxation. Sapa gave us everything—adventure, peace, culture, and connection.
And if you think this was special… Part 2 gets even more exciting.
Would you like to read about our experiences in Ba Na Hills and Hoi An? 😊
Glossary:
