Why Vietnam is one of the best destinations for multi-generational travel in 2026

The Mekong River, Vietnam. The Mekong River of Vietnam, with mountains in the background.

Choosing a holiday that genuinely works for grandparents, parents, and children on the same trip is no small feat. Vietnam, with its layered landscapes, gentle pace, and deep cultural richness, has quietly emerged as one of the most natural fits for families travelling across generations. In 2026, with long-haul travel surging and multi-generational trips firmly on the rise, the timing couldn't be better.

Features

by Guest Writer

- February 20, 2026

A growing demand for family-friendly travel experiences

According to several travel trends reports, multi-generational trips and family memory-making are among the defining themes shaping how UK travellers are planning their holidays this year. Families are looking for immersive experiences that hold meaning for every age group, not just action-led itineraries designed for one generation. Family-oriented Vietnam tours are exceptionally well-suited to this demand, blending cultural workshops, scenic river cruises, and accessible sightseeing in a way that invites participation from grandchildren and grandparents alike.

A destination that appeals to every age group

Few countries offer the same breadth of accessible experiences as Vietnam. Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts can be explored at an easy pace aboard a traditional junk boat, making it as rewarding for older travellers as it is awe-inspiring for younger ones. The ancient streets of Hoi An are manageable on foot and endlessly engaging, whilst the Mekong Delta’s waterways lend themselves to unhurried boat trips that require no physical exertion. Imperial cities, traditional markets, and coastal towns offer a wide variety without demanding the kind of stamina that can exclude older or younger members of a group. Vietnam’s accessibility across ability levels is one of its greatest strengths as a multi-generational destination.

Experiences perfect for multi-generational bonding

The slow travel movement, prioritising depth over distance, has found a natural home in Vietnam. Cooking classes in Hue, guided walks through terraced rice fields, homestays with local families along the Mekong, and gentle cycling through the countryside around Hoi An all create the conditions for genuine connection. These are experiences that sit in the memory precisely because they are shared. Research cited in ABTA’s 2026 Travel Trends Report shows that UK travellers are increasingly drawn to slower, more immersive forms of travel, a preference that Vietnam is uniquely positioned to meet.

A strong fit with UK travellers’ 2026 long-haul preferences

Long-haul travel is firmly back on the UK travel agenda. ABTA’s data shows that 48% of UK travellers are interested in visiting destinations they have never seen before, with Asia Pacific among the beneficiaries of this renewed appetite for discovery. Vietnam combines the cultural richness that experience-led travellers seek with the practical advantages of a well-developed tourism infrastructure, a 45-day visa-free entry for UK passport holders, and a wide choice of itineraries to suit different group dynamics. For families looking to create shared memories that stretch across generations, it offers something rare: a destination where everyone arrives home with the same stories.

Vietnam’s appeal for multi-generational travel is the combination of accessibility, cultural depth, and natural pace that sets it apart. For UK families planning a meaningful long-haul trip in 2026, it deserves serious consideration.

Image credit – dreamstime