<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"> <channel> <title>World Travel Ambitions - Family Travel</title> <description>Family-friendly travel tips, destinations, and experiences for traveling with children.</description> <link>https://worldtravelambitions.com//categories/family-travel/</link> <language>en-US</language> <managingEditor>melissa@worldtravelambitions.com (Melissa)</managingEditor> <webMaster>melissa@worldtravelambitions.com (Melissa)</webMaster> <lastBuildDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:10:08 GMT</lastBuildDate> <generator>Astro RSS Generator</generator> <image> <url>https://worldtravelambitions.com//images/logo.png</url> <title>World Travel Ambitions - Family Travel</title> <link>https://worldtravelambitions.com//categories/family-travel/</link> <width>144</width> <height>144</height> </image> <!-- Self-referencing link --> <atom:link href="https://worldtravelambitions.com//categories/family-travel/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <!-- Additional links --> <atom:link href="https://worldtravelambitions.com//rss.xml" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="World Travel Ambitions - All Posts" /> <item> <title><![CDATA[Worldschooling in Hoi An: Our 5-Year Vietnam Journey from Accident to Intention]]></title> <link>https://worldtravelambitions.com//blog/worldschooling-hoi-an-vietnam-5-year-journey-accident-to-intention/</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://worldtravelambitions.com//blog/worldschooling-hoi-an-vietnam-5-year-journey-accident-to-intention/</guid> <pubDate>Sun, 28 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate> <lastBuildDate>Sun, 28 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT</lastBuildDate> <description><![CDATA[Starting as accidental worldschoolers in Hoi An, Vietnam, we became hooked on this Central Vietnam village and love the worldschooling community here. We've been living in Hoi An off and on over the past five years, and share our worldschooling journey with real costs, accommodation options, and what actually works for long-term family travel in Hoi An.]]></description> <content:encoded>< - [The Accidental Beginning (2020)](#the-accidental-beginning-2020) - [The First Worldschooling Community (2021)](#the-first-worldschooling-community-2021) - [The Search for More Communities (2022-2023)](#the-search-for-more-communities-2022-2023) - [The Reality Check (2023-2024)](#the-reality-check-2023-2024) - [The Return and New Beginnings (2024-2025)](#the-return-and-new-beginnings-2024-2025) - [Cost of Living in Hoi An, Vietnam (2020-2025)](#cost-of-living-in-hoi-an-vietnam-2020-2025) - [Accommodation and housing](#accommodation-and-housing) - [Utilities: Electricity, water and internet](#utilities-electricity-water-and-internet) - [Food](#food) - [Transport](#transport) - [Our Worldschooling Accommodation Evolution](#our-worldschooling-accommodation-evolution-how-our-housing-choices-changed) - [Should We Worldschool in Da Nang or Hoi An?](#should-we-worldschool-in-da-nang-or-hoi-an) - [The 2025 Hoi An Scene: Current Reality](#the-2025-hoi-an-scene-current-reality) - [Who Should Consider Worldschooling in Hoi An?](#who-should-consider-worldschooling-in-hoi-an) - [Planning your Vietnam Worldschool adventure](#planning-your-vietnam-worldschool-adventure) - [Visas](#visas) - [Best time to join Worldschooling Hoi An](#best-time-to-join-worldschooling-hoi-an) - [Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions) > **Love worldschooling content?** Check out our [worldschooling guides](/tags/worldschooling/) and [Vietnam family travel resources](/tags/vietnam/). ## Our Vietnam Evolution: 2020-2025 ### 🗺️ Our Worldschooling Journey (Brief Overview) Over the past 5 and a half years, we've worldschooled in 15+ countries, from Vietnam to Bulgaria to New Zealand. We've joined communities, learned what works (and what doesn't), and discovered that Hoi An offers the perfect balance of community, affordability, and family-friendly living for long-term worldschooling families. *[Read our complete journey timeline here](/categories/worldschooling/) - coming soon!* ### The Accidental Beginning (2020) We never planned to start **slow traveling and worldschooling in Vietnam**. Our journey unfolded as a result of the 2020 travel restrictions. #### Our Initial Plan vs Reality We'd planned to stay only a month in Vietnam. However, we continued to extend our stay in this amazing country because neighbouring countries weren't open and we weren't keen on returning to our 'home' country that we hadn't lived in since 2011. #### Finding Our Rhythm After our first six or so months travelling Vietnam, we slowed right down. We landed in [Phong Nha](/blog/ultimate-7-day-phong-nha-itinerary-caves-culture-adventure-2025/) and stayed four months, then got cold, so moved down to [Phu Quoc](/blog/best-things-to-do-in-phu-quoc-vietnam/) for three months. Then we started thinking about community and what we could do longer term that would be better for our three children. ### The First Worldschooling Community (2021) It was 2021, and at the time, our children were ages 4, 12 and 13. Most travel families had moved on. New families couldn't enter Vietnam, and there weren't many options to leave Vietnam either. We discovered the original **Worldschooling hub in Hoi An** which was run by a family who lived in [An Bang Beach](/blog/best-family-stays-in-an-bang-beach-vietnam/). With two girls around the same age as my older children, they had a very awesome set up. Activities were planned and it was a 'choose your adventure' style community. My older children joined in on art classes, sewing, woodwork, surfing, skateboarding, lego, volleyball, and beach hang outs. It was a special time for us. We enjoyed six months from March to August joining with the 2021 worldschooling Hoi An community and it was an experience that spurred us to seek other worldschooling communities. <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/worldschooling-hoi-an-vietnam-2021-optimized.webp" alt="Worldschooling community workshop in Hoi An, Vietnam 2021 - families and children working together on creative projects with tools and materials on outdoor tables" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>The 2021 worldschooling community in Hoi An offered creative projects and workshops</em> </div> > **💬 What Our Kids Say About Worldschooling in Hoi An:** > > *"It's cool to be here because the beach is nice, and the food here is good. It's good to meet other teens who understand this worldschooling, travel lifestyle."* - Noah, 18 > > *"The worldschooling community here is great because there a lot of nice kids here, and a lot of sports that I like, such as volleyball, basketball and soccer."* - Elijah, 9 > > *"I like it here because it feels like home to me."* - Aaliyah, 17 ### The Search for More Communities (2022-2023) It was this experience that led us to return in 2023 after spending time in Turkey, Greece, Spain and Bulgaria. While in the Bulgaria Families community, we heard of another family setting up a Phu Quoc hub that anyone could join, so we decided to return to Phu Quoc, and had the rough idea that we would re-join the Hoi An Worldschooling community. ### The Reality Check (2023-2024) When we finally made it to Hoi An, we discovered the original Worldschooling Hoi An family had made plans to move to Australia, and most of the 2020 community had already left. For a couple of months, we saw families who came through from Phu Quoc and other South East Asian countries, but by mid summer, most had gone again. <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/worldschooling-hoi-an-2023-optimized.webp" alt="Worldschooling community in Hoi An, Vietnam 2023 - families and children during the transition period when original community had moved on" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>The 2023 worldschooling community in Hoi An - before the travel families moved on</em> </div> We felt isolated, and, by this time, our teens were craving more of a home base. As the rainy season approached, we made a plan to make our home base in New Zealand (spoiler alert, this plan didn't last, read about it in my post [When the Teens want a home base blog](/blog/when-the-teens-want-to-go-home/)). ### The Return and New Beginnings (2024-2025) After quickly recognising New Zealand wasn't going to work for the lifestyle we were now in love with, we started making more international plans with some of the families we'd met along the way. Then we heard whispers about a Canadian family we'd met first in 2023 at the Phu Quoc hub, and then again in Hoi An afterwards. They'd also gone through the 'go home to realise they didn't want to be home' phase, and had decided to return to Hoi An to develop a worldschooling community base. As we departed New Zealand in September, 2024, we were filled with excitement that a worldschooling village would form in Hoi An, one of our favourite parts of the world. <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/new-zealand-september-2024-optimized.webp" alt="Family departing New Zealand September 2024 at international departures airport terminal - ready for next worldschooling adventure" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>Departing New Zealand in September 2024 - ready for our next worldschooling adventure</em> </div> After our whirlwind trip around the world, we landed in Japan in January 2025. I locked in a Hoi An home base, and we travelled again back to Phu Quoc to warm up, followed by Hoi An in April 2025. ## Cost of Living in Hoi An, Vietnam (2020-2025) One really fantastic thing about living in Vietnam in general is the cost of living for the quality. We've lived in many places around the world, and An Bang Beach, Hoi An is one place we will continue to return to. ### Accommodation and housing As far as housing goes, you can realistically find two bedroom properties from around 10,000,000 vnd ($580 AUD / $660 NZD / $380 USD) per month. For a three + bedroom house, usually you can find something starting around 15,000,000 all the way up to 40-50,000,000 per month. There is a lot of variety here. While food prices haven't skyrocketed as we noticed in other countries, the accommodation cost is still creeping up more than what it was during the years we were here from 2020-2023. This is because tourism has returned and land lords can rent for more than previously. For example, in 2021, we were able to rent a two-bedroom by the beach for 8,000,000 vnd. Now, that same place is likely to be closer to 13-15,000,000 per month. <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/an-bang-beach-alleys-hoi-an-vietnam-optimized.webp" alt="Charming alleyways near An Bang Beach in Hoi An, Vietnam showing local architecture and tropical vegetation" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>The charming alleyways near An Bang Beach showcase the authentic local architecture and tropical setting that makes Hoi An such a special place for families to live and explore.</em> </div> > **⚠️ High Season Warning:** If you arrive in the high season, around June or July, it's possible there may not be many houses available for families. During this time, you can expect to pay significantly more for accommodation and there may be very little choice. We do have contacts, both agents, and staff at The Pearl Resort, and know families getting some very good prices compared with the housing supply over summer months. Reach out if you would like to stay longer term and are stuck! ### Utilities: Electricity, water and internet In most cases, your monthly lease amount will cover your water, and internet charges. You'll likely need to cover your electricity bills. Depending on the house situation, how much aircon you use and if you have a pool, this cost can also vary greatly. We have paid less than 500,000 vnd a month for electricity in a house with lots of shade and no pool, and closer to 6,000,000 a month in our house in the height of summer with a pool and running 4 airconditioners. > **💡 Pro Tip:** To keep your electric bill down, take notice of the hot water switches and only turn them on for ten to fifteen minutes before you shower. This can raise your bill a lot if you leave the hot water boiler switch on! ### Mobile phone and data Mobile phone costs in Vietnam are incredibly affordable. I pay 130,000 VND per month for my mobile plan, which includes unlimited calling, SMS, and 150GB of mobile data (5GB per day). This is more than enough for most people's needs, including video calls, streaming, and general internet usage. ### Electricity outages and backup options During storms, sometimes the electricity will go out. Generally, the outages don't last too long. However, in a major catastrophic storm, you may lose electricity for longer than usual. We've always managed to get by with mobile data. From time to time, the electricity company works on the lines. In these cases, electricity may be out for most of the day. If you get stuck, there are usually places around with generators that you can work from. ### Food Food is always really affordable here. We don't cook very often because it's usually not really worth it. There are plenty of excellent places who cook local meals that feel home cooked for excellent prices. In the areas surrounding the Old Town (Cam Chau, Cam Thanh), you will find some of the best prices for food anywhere in Vietnam, you can easily find pho and cau lau for 20-30,000 vnd. You can take a look at some of my Hoi An food recommendations [here](/blog/the-ultimate-hoi-an-family-food-guide/). Near the Old Town and along the beaches, you can still find bargain food, but you're likely to find prices a little higher. In saying that, you can still get a nice bowl of clam porridge for about 20,000 vnd. I've got a great guide for the best spots to eat in An Bang [here](/blog/an-bang-family-food-guide/). <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/Waffles-The-Happy-Bird-An-Bang-Beach-World-Travel-Ambitions-scaled.jpeg" alt="Delicious waffles with fresh fruit toppings at The Happy Bird restaurant in An Bang Beach, Hoi An Vietnam" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>Fresh waffles with tropical fruit at The Happy Bird - one of our favorite family-friendly spots in An Bang Beach</em> </div> ### Transport Getting around in Vietnam is really easy. As a foreigner, you won't be able to rent a car, but you will be able to rent motorbikes (check your insurance cover as international drivers licenses are not recognised here), or e-bikes. It's very common to hire a private driver, or use Grab (a ride hailing service) to travel. > **🏍️ Vehicle Rental Costs (2025):** > - **Motorbike hire:** 1,500,000 VND per month > - **E-bike hire:** 1,000,000 VND per month Costs around Hoi An for example: An Bang to areas in Hoi An generally will be around 60-100,000 vnd. The price varies depending on where you're going and weather. If it's raining, you can expect to pay more. Hoi An or An Bang to Da Nang is generally about 250,000-300,000 vnd one way. You can often get a deal if you need to travel there and back in a day. If you need to go further, I highly recommend getting a private driver. You can find out more about this in [Everything you Need to Know About Travelling to Hoi An: The Ultimate Family Guide](/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-travelling-to-hoi-an-the-ultimate-family-guide/). ## Bicycles Most homestays offer bicycles. Keep in mind, if you are travelling with smaller children, it's advisable to use a child seat. Many children (including my own), have caught their feet in the spokes of the back wheels. Some were badly injured, our Elijah was very lucky to escape with bruising. Read more about this story in [Everything you Need to know about Travelling to Hoi An](/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-travelling-to-hoi-an-the-ultimate-family-guide/). > **🚲 Bicycle Purchase Costs:** > - **First bicycle:** 1,000,000 VND > - **Second bicycle (2025):** 1,500,000 VND ## Our Worldschooling Accommodation Evolution: How Our Housing Choices Changed When we initially arrived in Vietnam, we had planned relatively fast-paced travel. We opted for homestays and guesthouse style accommodation. As we arrived into Da Nang and travel restrictions kicked in, we realised we would likely need to start choosing longer term options. Our first stay was two interconnecting rooms in a beautiful villa on the edges of the rice paddies in Cam Chau. We loved this location, with easy travel to the Old Town, and access to Ba Le Markets for local food. We then discovered some wonderful beach villas available, and after our month in Cam Chau, moved to An Bang Beach. This place captured our hearts and we realised this was our place. We stayed in two great beach front villas, sadly, one no longer stands, the other now has long term tenants. Our new home is just around the corner from these places. <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/best-family-stays-an-bang-vietnam-optimized.jpg" alt="Family-friendly accommodation options in An Bang Beach, Vietnam showing tropical bungalows and beachfront villas perfect for long-term stays" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>An Bang Beach offers beautiful family-friendly accommodation options, from beachfront villas to charming bungalows surrounded by tropical gardens</em> </div> Back in 2020, I was trying to work on this travel blog, but since big bloggers weren't making an income, it seemed like a bit of a silly place to start. I had to pivot to a remote job and this also changed the way we choose our homes. These days, we look for comfortable accommodation, in quiet areas and a place to work. I usually aim for 4* accommodation when we're away from our base. When we're in An Bang, we have our home base that has my full remote work set up, the kids toys, our bikes and things we like to return to. > **🏠 Accommodation Tips for Long-Term Rentals:** > > If you're looking to rent longer term in Hoi An or An Bang, here's some things to consider: > > **🔊 Noise Considerations:** > - **Check for karaoke** - living next to loud parties is not fun > - **Chicken noise** - if you're a light sleeper, you may want to look out for chickens, we have them next door, I am a light sleeper, but they don't seem to bother me too often. We make it work. > > **🏠 Property Quality:** > - **Mold and leaks** - look out for mold and leaks. In one of our houses we think there was black mold that the owners may have painted over and our baby was constantly sick. > - **Flooding areas** - keep in mind that many of the houses in Vietnam do leak, so finding something without leaks can be a challenge! > > **📍 Best Areas to Consider:** > - **Popular areas in Hoi An:** Cam Chau, Cam Thanh, Cam Ha (look out for areas that may flood near rivers and islands). > - **Popular areas near An Bang:** Tra Que, Casamia Calm and Tan Thanh. ## Should We Worldschool in Da Nang or Hoi An? A lot of people ask, 'Should I choose Hoi An or Da Nang?' and a lot of the people who say, 'Choose Da Nang', are people whose only experience in Hoi An is staying in the Ancient Town / Old Town area. **Here's how I explain it:** If you like laid back, relaxed, small village vibes, then you will definitely prefer Hoi An over Da Nang. You would opt for areas like Cam Chau or Cam Thanh if you want to be amongst rice fields or An Bang, Tan Thanh or Tra Que if you want to be close to the ocean. The only time you're not going to enjoy Hoi An is if you base yourself right in the main tourist centre of old town. You'll like that for about a week (or maybe even less), which is fine if you're just passing through. But for longer stays you're just not going to love this as your base. <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/an-bang-worldschooling-hoi-an-vs-da-nang-optimized.webp" alt="Charming traditional Vietnamese architecture in An Bang Beach area showing the laid-back village atmosphere that makes Hoi An perfect for worldschooling families" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>The charming traditional architecture and laid-back village atmosphere in An Bang Beach area - perfect for families seeking a relaxed worldschooling environment</em> </div> If you prefer city life, access to mega marts and want to be close to all the malls, then choose [Da Nang](/blog/danang-family-travel-guide/). It also has a beach, and you'll likely be able to get an apartment in one of the tall high-rise buildings overlooking the ocean. ## The 2025 Hoi An Scene: Current Reality What can I tell you about the **worldschooling Hoi An community in 2025**? ### 📊 Community Statistics (2025) **Family Demographics:** - **30+ families** currently based in Hoi An - **6-10 teenagers** (ages 15-18) in the teen community - **15+ children** in the 7-12 age group - **Multiple toddlers** and younger children - **International diversity:** Families from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile, Argentina, UK, US, and more **Community Growth:** - Started building in **October 2024** - **Peak season:** 40+ families (June-August) - **Off-season:** 20-25 families (September-May) - **Average stay:** 3-6 months per family In 2025 we've enjoyed a fantastic community since April. Families began arriving around October 2024. There are at least 30 or more families based here with children of all ages. We have a teen community with at least 6-10 teens ages 15-18 and truckloads of toddlers and kids in the 7-12 age group. My kids are happy to have friends they can connect with. There are plenty of activities happening. There are two groups here you can enter into. Both offer a selection of activities for a range of age groups. There are classes for art, martial arts, writing, badminton, basketball, soccer (football), volleyball, dance, and almost everything else you can think of. For the parents, there is a regular mums night which I love, hot herbal baths, sauna, plunge pool (and ice baths for those who are brave). The dads are plenty active with regular meet ups for pickleball, dad spa nights, and they have a guys night out. > **💰 Activity Costs in Hoi An (2025):** > > **📝 Educational Activities:** > - **Writing workshops:** 100,000 VND per class > - **Chess:** 50,000 VND per class > > **⚽ Sports Activities:** > - **Soccer (football):** 2,500,000 VND (full program) > - **Basketball:** 150,000 VND per class > - **Volleyball:** 150,000 VND per class > - **Badminton:** &lt;100,000 VND per class > > **🎮 Community Activities:** > - **Games meet ups:** Free > - **Teen meet ups:** Free <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/worldschooling-hoi-an-vietnam-beach-volleyball-optimized.webp" alt="Worldschooling community beach volleyball game in Hoi An, Vietnam - families and children playing together at Silk Beach Resort with traditional Vietnamese fishing boats in background" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>The worldschooling community in Hoi An - beach volleyball brings families together at Silk Beach Resort</em> </div> A highlight for us is that most families we've spoken to are here for a long time. I meet families staying here for a few months, which makes my heart happy. It's much harder to make connections with the families that are on rapid fire gap years and only have a week or ten days in one place. That gets tiring, as most anyone on the road more than a couple of years will tell you. <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/worldschooling-hoi-an-families-2025-optimized.webp" alt="Worldschooling families community in Hoi An Vietnam 2025 - group of parents and children enjoying evening together showing the strong community bonds" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>The 2025 worldschooling community in Hoi An - families building lasting friendships and creating meaningful connections. Photo credit <a href="https://meetthearshads.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Meet the Arshads</a>.</em> </div> Once you've travelled for a few years, you crave a lot of slow travel. It's easier, more natural and you're not forever in decision fatigue. Constantly planning where to go, visas, accommodation, booking transport: it get's tiring after a while. And to constantly do that for more than six months is just draining. I'm always grateful for having our brakes slammed on in 2020 because of all the restrictions. It's turned us into very slow travellers who prefer lengthy stays to soak up a place. Of course, from time to time, we will speed up a section, but we are always looking forward to slowing down after a few weeks on the road! ## Who Should Consider Worldschooling in Hoi An? What we discovered since setting off around the world in February 2020, is that each family has different needs. For us, we know we like to travel slowly. This helps all of our family members adjust. After visiting Europe, we realised we enjoy Europe, but it's too far away from our parents and siblings, so we don't want to permanently base that far away. We finally made it to Central and South America, and we realised we didn't like how far it felt from our families who live in New Zealand and Australia. We also didn't appreciate the cost for what we perceive to be a lower standard of living (based on our time in Martinique, Dominican Republic and Colombia) than we experience in Vietnam. Factor in the safety factor, and we realised just how special Vietnam is for us. <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/an-bang-beach-meet-up-hoi-an-worldschooling-optimized.webp" alt="Worldschooling families meet-up at An Bang Beach in Hoi An Vietnam showing children playing in the ocean during sunset with mountains in background" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>Worldschooling families enjoying a beach meet-up at An Bang Beach - the relaxed community atmosphere that makes Hoi An special for families</em> </div> For your family, if you're looking for a lower cost of living, with a wide range of accommodation options, great laid back worldschooling community that is more of a community than an organised hub, Hoi An is well worth a look. It's one of the best communities we've lived in during our almost six years abroad. ## Planning your Vietnam Worldschool adventure ### Visas There are two main visas depending on the passports you're travelling from. Regardless of what I've written below, ALWAYS double check as visa requirements here are known to change relatively frequently without much notice. The best source for information is the Vietnam Immigration Website. For more detailed visa information, check out our [Vietnam travel guide](/blog/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-travelling-to-vietnam/). 1. **Evisas** are up to 90 days with single entry ($25 USD) and multi-entry ($50 USD) option available. Apply at [evisa.gov.vn](https://evisa.gov.vn) 2. Citizens travelling on some passports may be able to travel **visa-free**. In most cases it will be 45 days on arrival, with some exceptions (from Chile? You get to enjoy a 90 day visa waiver and I'm so jelly). 3. Phu Quoc special visa is 30 days. Note this is only available when you fly directly to Phu Quoc from another country. If you need to enter via Saigon or Hanoi, you'll need to check which visa option is best for your passport. If you fly directly to Phu Quoc from another country, you'll also need to fly directly out of Phu Quoc to another country. You cannot apply for a Vietnam visa within Vietnam. You'll need to allow at least three business days to process an e-visa, allow for more as often it works out to four business days. If there are issues, you'll often need to pay to start again, or pay a visa agent for an urgent service. If you want to apply for a new visa, generally, you will need to leave the country for at least a week. In some cases, you can hire an agent and do a land border run. It's a long day where you'll travel overland to the Lao Bao border, pay for a Laos visa, then return to Hoi An all in one day. I have done it only once, and that was once enough for my family! ### Airport Entry Points When you fly into Vietnam, if possible, try to make your international entry point **Da Nang International Airport**. This is because you'll find the immigration queues here reasonably quick and simple. If you have to enter via Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) or Hanoi, be prepared for longer waits (around an hour is likely). **⚠️ Important Ho Chi Minh Airport Warning:** If you're entering via Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), be extremely wary of taxi scams at the airport. Only use **Mai Linh** or **VinaSun** taxi companies, and if possible, it's safer to have your accommodation arrange a transfer. Grab cars are also a reliable option. The taxi scams at Ho Chi Minh are notorious - we know people who were harassed and subjected to intimidation tactics when they refused to pay inflated fares demanded by scam taxi drivers. Alternatively, you could use a [Fast Track Service](https://gyg.me/7cPFg6zv). I haven't personally tried this service, but I do notice some very good reviews. <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/optimized/da-nang-airport-worldschooling-hoi-an.JPG-optimized.webp" alt="Da Nang International Airport tarmac with Hong Kong Airlines and Korean Air planes - the preferred entry point for worldschooling families visiting Hoi An" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>Da Nang International Airport - the preferred entry point for worldschooling families visiting Hoi An, with shorter immigration queues and easier access to the worldschooling community</em> </div> ### Best time to join Worldschooling Hoi An To be fair, the climate isn't our favourite thing about Hoi An. The best months of the year are from mid to late February until the temperatures start heating up in May. The summer months can be very hot with very little rain. If you come during the months of May to August, you need to find a place with airconditioning. And if you're like me and want sanity, a pool is a good choice. I love September in Hoi An. The rains generally start, but they aren't too persistent. You'll get a mix of cooler days, but also still have a lot of hot days. In October, it's officially typhoon season. In the years we've been here at this time (2020, 2023 and 2025 is off to a wild start), it's been pretty wet and a decent number of typhoons have rolled through. Contrary to what many people believe about Vietnam, it does actually get cold here in the central regions. From October to February, it will be cool. You'll likely want socks (and if you're like me, slippers), jeans, warmer jackets and decent shoes (gumboots might be a better idea). <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/phong-nha-fire-place-2020.jpg" alt="Cozy indoor scene with woman and child playing chess by a warm fireplace in Phong Nha, Vietnam - showing the cooler months when families gather indoors" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>During the cooler months in Vietnam, we stay cozy with activities like chess by the fireplace</em> </div> The community that arrived in October 2024, says that it wasn't too wet that year. However, February was unusually stormy. The community is around pretty much all year. In the extreme heat of summer there will be a few less activities to do. Some families will take off for a month or two to escape the heat. There'll be beach meet ups until the typhoons destroy the beaches, and when the beaches return, so do the beach meet ups. There are a range of sports opportunities that are completely independent of the worldschooling community and these are run almost all year round. Some will pause from time to time, but you'll need to contact the individual coaches who live here about these activities. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### **Is Hoi An safe for families?** Yes, Hoi An is generally very safe for families. We've lived here for extended periods with our children and found it to be one of the safest places we've traveled anywhere in the world. The local community is welcoming to families, and the worldschooling community provides additional support. ### **What's the best time of year to visit?** The best time is during the dry season (February to August). The rainy season is from September to January and sometimes this can feel hard to leave the house. Flooding can occur. However, at the moment, we see a dedication to keep activities running as long as it's safe to travel to the meet up locations. ### **Do I need to speak Vietnamese?** While it's helpful to learn basic Vietnamese phrases, many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas. The worldschooling community is primarily English-speaking, so you'll have plenty of support. ### **How do I find accommodation?** Start with Facebook groups like "Hoi An Rental Property, Houses & Apartments for Rent" or contact local agents. We also have contacts who can help families find suitable long-term rentals. Check out our [Hoi An family accommodation guide](/blog/best-family-stays-in-hoi-an-vietnam/) for detailed recommendations. ### **What about healthcare?** Hoi An has good medical facilities, and Da Nang (30 minutes away) has excellent hospitals. Many doctors speak English, and healthcare costs are very affordable compared to Western countries. Tip: make sure you have insurance when you travel! <div class="flex justify-center my-8"> <div class="safetywing-price-widget" data-safetywingaffiliateid="24787092" data-scale="1.0"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/safetywing-static/widget/safetywing-price-widget.js"></script> ## Related Vietnam Family Travel Resources - [Ultimate Hoi An Family Guide](/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-travelling-to-hoi-an-the-ultimate-family-guide/) - [Vietnam Travel Guide: Essential Tips for Family Travel](/blog/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-travelling-to-vietnam/) - [Best Family Stays in Hoi An](/blog/best-family-stays-in-hoi-an-vietnam/) - [Hoi An Family Food Guide](/blog/the-ultimate-hoi-an-family-food-guide/) - [Phong Nha Family Adventure](/blog/ultimate-7-day-phong-nha-itinerary-caves-culture-adventure-2025/) - [Phu Quoc Family Activities](/blog/best-things-to-do-in-phu-quoc-vietnam/) ## Worldschooling and Alternative Education Resources - [Learning While We Travel](/blog/learning-while-we-travel-the-world/) - [The Social Life of Unschoolers](/blog/the-social-life-of-unschoolers/) - [Amateur Homeschooling Travel Mishaps](/blog/amateur-home-schooling-travel-mishap-1/) --- *Ready to start your own worldschooling journey? Check out our [complete Vietnam family travel resources](/tags/vietnam/) and [worldschooling guides](/tags/worldschooling/) for everything you need to know about educational travel with kids.*]]></content:encoded> <author>melissa@worldtravelambitions.com (Melissa)</author> <category>asia</category> <category>worldschooling</category> <category>slow-travel</category> <category>family-travel</category> <category>worldschooling</category> <category>central-vietnam</category> <category>hoi-an</category> <category>vietnam</category> <category>family-travel</category> <category>slow-travel</category> <category>location-independent</category> <category>digital-nomad-family</category> <category>educational-travel</category> <category>vietnam-communities</category> <category>long-term-travel</category> <category>family-communities</category> <category>alternative-education</category> <category>travel-with-kids</category> <category>vietnam-long-term</category> <category>south-east-asia</category> <enclosure url="https://worldtravelambitions.com/https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/worldschooling-hoi-an-vietnam-beach-volleyball-optimized.webp" type="image/jpeg" /> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[The Ultimate 14-Day Turkey Road Trip Itinerary: From Ancient Ruins to Hot Air Balloons]]></title> <link>https://worldtravelambitions.com//blog/14-day-turkey-road-trip-itinerary-family-guide/</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://worldtravelambitions.com//blog/14-day-turkey-road-trip-itinerary-family-guide/</guid> <pubDate>Sat, 27 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate> <lastBuildDate>Sat, 27 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT</lastBuildDate> <description><![CDATA[]]></description> <content:encoded>< - [Day 1: Kas to Dalyan](#day-1-kas-to-dalyan) - [Day 2: Dalyan](#day-2-dalyan) - [Day 3: Dalyan to Ephesus](#day-3-dalyan-to-ephesus) - [Day 4: Ephesus (Extra Day)](#day-4-ephesus-extra-day) - [Day 5: Ephesus to Pamukkale](#day-5-ephesus-to-pamukkale) - [Day 6: Pamukkale](#day-6-pamukkale) - [Day 7: Pamukkale to Lake Eğirdir](#day-7-pamukkale-to-lake-eğirdir-isparta) - [Day 8: Lake Eğirdir to Konya](#day-8-lake-eğirdir-to-konya) - [Day 9: Konya to Göreme, Cappadocia](#day-9-konya-to-göreme-cappadocia) - [Day 10: Cappadocia](#day-10-cappadocia) - [Day 11: Cappadocia (Extra Day)](#day-11-cappadocia-extra-day) - [Day 12: Cappadocia to Konya](#day-12-cappadocia-to-konya) - [Day 13: Konya to Side](#day-13-konya-to-side) - [Day 14: Side back to Kas](#day-14-side-back-to-kas) - [Complete Accommodation Guide](#complete-accommodation-guide) - [Turkey Road Trip Tips for Families](#turkey-road-trip-tips-for-families) - [What We'd Do Differently](#what-wed-do-differently) - [Turkey Road Trip Map](#turkey-road-trip-map) - [Final Thoughts](#final-thoughts) We usually like to **travel slow**. I work remotely, and most often, this means we can get out and about locally most days. We love connecting with the locals and living in the towns and villages with the people. This was one of our greatest blessings from 2020 - we were forced to slow our travels right down. However, I had a couple of weeks leave from work, and we only had a bit of time left before our visas in Turkey would end. So we decided to make the most of my holiday time and **road trip across Turkey**! This is the route we took with recommendations on how we'd change it. We started and finished in **Kas, Antalya**, but for most families, I'd recommend actually starting and finishing this one in **Dalyan** (because most likely, if you were to follow this loop, you'd fly to Dalaman airport, which is quite close to Dalyan). ## Turkey Road Trip Overview - **Duration:** 14 days - **Distance:** Approximately 2,000 km - **Best time to visit:** April-June or September-November - **Travel style:** Family road trip with kids - **Start/End:** Kas, Antalya (or Dalyan for easier airport access) - **Pace:** Relaxed with extra time for exploration ## Day 1: Kas to Dalyan We kicked off our Turkey adventure with a scenic drive from Kas to Dalyan. This charming town on the Dalyan River is the perfect introduction to Turkey's natural beauty. The town is famous for its thermal springs, ancient rock tombs, and the protected Iztuzu Beach where loggerhead sea turtles nest. It's an ideal destination for families looking to experience authentic Turkish culture while enjoying outdoor activities. We also found it to be less touristic than other places like Fethiye and Kas. <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/dalyan-tombs-turkey-roadtrip-optimized.webp" alt="Ancient Lycian rock tombs in Dalyan, Turkey - World Travel Ambitions" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>Ancient Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs overlooking the Dalyan River - October 2021</em> </div> <h4>Getting Around</h4> <p>Dalyan is a small town that's easily walkable, but renting a bicycle is a great way to explore the surrounding countryside. The boat trips along the Dalyan River are a must-do activity.</p> ## Day 2: Dalyan We chose to visit Dalyan to call in and see a friend we met in Phong Nha, Vietnam. During our day here, we went for a walk along the river and had lunch with our friend. We'd already done boat tours from Kas, so we weren't too concerned about missing the boat trip at Dalyan. I'm very tempted to return and spend longer in this village! <div class="grid grid-cols-2 gap-6 my-8"> <div> <h3>Planning Your Dalyan Stay</h3> **What to do in Dalyan:** - Take a boat trip along the Dalyan River - Visit the ancient rock tombs carved into the cliffs - Relax on Iztuzu Beach (famous for its loggerhead sea turtles) - Explore the mud baths and thermal springs **Family tip:** The boat trips are perfect for kids - they love spotting the turtles and the rock tombs are fascinating for all ages! <h4>Best Time to Visit</h4> <p>Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) offer the best weather for exploring Dalyan. Summer can be quite hot, while winter brings cooler temperatures but fewer crowds.</p> </div> <div> <div id="adgshp-876973156"></div> <script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn0.agoda.net/images/sherpa/js/sherpa_init1_08.min.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> {` var stg = new Object(); stg.crt="3540344269219";stg.version="1.04"; stg.id=stg.name="adgshp-876973156"; stg.width="320px"; stg.height="640px";stg.ReferenceKey="tHBlby+X5yT1Yskgb3GoqQ=="; stg.Layout="TallCalendar"; stg.Language="en-us";stg.Cid="1881363"; stg.DestinationName="";stg.OverideConf=false; new AgdSherpa(stg).initialize(); `} </script> </div> </div> ## Day 3: Dalyan to Ephesus **Route:** Dalyan → Akyaka → Didim (Temple of Apollo) → Kuşadası → Ephesus For the full route map, [click here](#turkey-road-trip-map). We drove via **Akyaka** (could've stayed a night here - it's beautiful!), then **Didim** to see the **Temple of Apollo**, and then **Kuşadası** before reaching Ephesus. **What we learned:** Ephesus deserves more time! The ancient city is absolutely massive and incredibly well-preserved. <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/temple-of-apollo-turkey-road-trip-optimized.webp" alt="Ancient Temple of Apollo at Didim, Turkey - World Travel Ambitions" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>Ancient Temple of Apollo at Didim - October 2021</em> </div> ## Day 4: Ephesus (Extra Day) **Why we added this day:** Ephesus is absolutely massive and deserves at least two full days to explore properly! With the extra day, you can: - **Explore the Terrace Houses** (well worth the extra ticket) - these are incredibly well-preserved Roman homes - **Visit the Ephesus Museum** in Selçuk to see artifacts from the site - **Take a guided tour** of the main archaeological site (highly recommended for families) - **Visit the House of the Virgin Mary** (Meryem Ana Evi) - believed to be where Mary spent her final years - **Explore the Basilica of St. John** - built over the traditional burial site of John the Apostle - **Visit the Temple of Artemis** (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) - **Take a break at a local café** and try authentic Turkish cuisine **Family tip:** The Terrace Houses are fascinating for kids, but some areas might be challenging for very young children. If you're bringing a smaller child, I totally recommend a front-pack over a stroller! <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/ephesus-turkey-road-trip-optimized.webp" alt="Family at Ephesus ancient ruins, Turkey - World Travel Ambitions" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>Exploring the ancient ruins of Ephesus - October 2021</em> </div> **Ephesus highlights:** - The magnificent Library of Celsus - The Great Theatre (seats 25,000 people!) - The Terrace Houses (well worth the extra ticket) - The Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders) After our time in Ephesus, we headed over to **Mary's House** (Meryem Ana Evi) - believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her final years. ## Day 5: Ephesus to Pamukkale On our road trip, we headed to Pamukkale after our day exploring the Ephesus ruins. I'd recommend returning to Ephesus and spreading out your time, maybe visiting Mary's House in the morning before the next leg of driving. <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/ephesus-theature-turkey-road-trip-optimized.webp" alt="Family at the Great Theatre of Ephesus, Turkey - World Travel Ambitions" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>Exploring the magnificent Great Theatre of Ephesus - October 2021</em> </div> ## Day 6: Pamukkale On the fifth day of our roadtrip adventure around Turkey, we spent the day exploring the **thermal waters and travertine terraces** of Pamukkale. This had been a bucket list place for as long as I could remember - I was so happy to visit! <h4>Pamukkale Experience</h4> <p>We visited in October and the temperatures were already starting to cool. We started at the top, the South Gate, and explored the ancient city of Hierapolis at the top before heading to the terraced areas. I highly recommend taking this route if you have small children who aren't fond of walking up slippery mountains.</p> <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/hierapolis-theater-pamukkale-turkey-family-road-trip-optimized.webp" alt="Ancient Roman theatre at Hierapolis, Pamukkale, Turkey - World Travel Ambitions" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>The magnificent ancient Roman theatre at Hierapolis, overlooking the Pamukkale landscape - October 2021</em> </div> <p>Regarding the travertines themselves, make sure you check a map. We somehow managed to go half way down one side before we realized we'd missed the really photographic terraces. At that point, it was too late to go back. I guess we'll have to return.</p> <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/pamukkale-turkey-road-trip-optimized.webp" alt="Pamukkale white travertine terraces, Turkey - World Travel Ambitions" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>Pamukkale's stunning white travertine terraces - October 2021</em> </div> <p>I noticed the waters weren't as warm as I'd expected. Being from <a href="/blog/rotorua-new-zealand-locals-guide-geothermal-wonderland/">Rotorua</a>, we're used to really hot pools. They were more mild than hot.</p> <p>In the evening, the temperature cooled quickly. I recommend taking warm clothing to put on if you don't enjoy being cold. It's definitely worth staying for the sunset, the white travertine terraces are absolutely stunning and watching the hills reflect the sun as it goes down is unforgettable. Magical even.</p> <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/pamukkale-sunset-turkey-road-trip-optimized.webp" alt="Pamukkale sunset with woman on white travertine terraces, Turkey - World Travel Ambitions" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>Sunset at Pamukkale - the magical moment when the white terraces reflect the golden light - October 2021</em> </div> <p>Keep in mind you need to take your shoes off to walk along the terraces. It can be slippery in places. You'll need to keep an eye on younger children!</p> #### Accommodation: We decided to stay two nights in Pamukkale. We knew it would be a long day in the pools and we also had a long day of driving ahead. We found [Venus Suite Hotel](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1881363&hid=2990503) was a great place for our family. Very comfortable and spacious room with a peak at the white terraces of Pamukkale. <div class="flex justify-center my-6"> <div class="max-w-md rounded-lg shadow-lg overflow-hidden"> <a href="https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=10&cid=1881363&hid=2990503" target="_blank"> <img src="//q-xx.bstatic.com/xdata/images/hotel/max500/69437404.jpg?k=a1c569daef889ca134e5b417e9066870202b7333c3c4528793c97b3c8da4059a&o=" srcset="//q-xx.bstatic.com/xdata/images/hotel/max500/69437404.jpg?k=a1c569daef889ca134e5b417e9066870202b7333c3c4528793c97b3c8da4059a&o= 1x, //q-xx.bstatic.com/xdata/images/hotel/840x460/69437404.jpg?k=a1c569daef889ca134e5b417e9066870202b7333c3c4528793c97b3c8da4059a&o= 2x" alt="Venus Suite Hotel Pamukkale - Book your stay" class="w-full h-auto object-cover hover:opacity-90 transition-opacity duration-300" /> </a> <div class="px-4 py-3 bg-gray-50"> <p class="text-sm text-gray-600 text-center italic">Venus Suite Hotel - Comfortable accommodation with views of Pamukkale's white terraces</p> </div> </div> </div> ## Day 7: Pamukkale to Lake Eğirdir, Isparta On day six, after a fairly long day of driving, we arrived at a local place, Lake Egirdir, in Isparta. **Lake Eğirdir highlights:** - Beautiful mountain lake setting - Authentic local accommodation - Incredible home-cooked Turkish meals - Peaceful atmosphere perfect for families ### Accommodation: We found an apartment [Hannapart Otel](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1881363&hid=7896723) which was perfect for our stay. The rooms were large, and being a few days in, we were in desperate need of a washing machine. This apartment saved the day! <div class="flex justify-center my-6"> <div class="max-w-md rounded-lg shadow-lg overflow-hidden"> <a href="https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=10&cid=1881363&hid=7896723" target="_blank"> <img src="//q-xx.bstatic.com/xdata/images/hotel/max500/430112839.jpg?k=dad80fc07b1ed6cfb86d834b1b491e3a099df3101d95ef63b8c16768f017487b&o=" srcset="//q-xx.bstatic.com/xdata/images/hotel/max500/430112839.jpg?k=dad80fc07b1ed6cfb86d834b1b491e3a099df3101d95ef63b8c16768f017487b&o= 1x, //q-xx.bstatic.com/xdata/images/hotel/840x460/430112839.jpg?k=dad80fc07b1ed6cfb86d834b1b491e3a099df3101d95ef63b8c16768f017487b&o= 2x" alt="Hannapart Otel Lake Eğirdir - Book your stay" class="w-full h-auto object-cover hover:opacity-90 transition-opacity duration-300" /> </a> <div class="px-4 py-3 bg-gray-50"> <p class="text-sm text-gray-600 text-center italic">Hannapart Otel - We loved the view from the breakfast dining area.</p> </div> </div> </div> ## Day 8: Lake Eğirdir to Konya Another long driving day, but thanks to a mix of Google maps and my 'off the beaten path' attitude, we found the **world's best organic strawberries** (according to me and my children) in a field in the middle of nowhere (somewhere near [this location](https://maps.app.goo.gl/1jhv8MT7nRcuNSyW8)). <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/best-strawberries-turkey-roadtrip-optimized.webp" alt="Fresh organic strawberries at roadside stand in Turkey - World Travel Ambitions" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>Find this lady's roadside stand for the world's best organic strawberries - October 2021</em> </div> By the time we arrived into Konya, we were quite tired and decided to sleep early. However, if you were planning to stay a couple of nights there is plenty to see and do. **Konya highlights:** - Visit the Mevlana Museum (tomb of Rumi) - Explore the traditional Turkish architecture - Try authentic Anatolian cuisine <div data-gyg-href="https://widget.getyourguide.com/default/activities.frame" data-gyg-locale-code="en-US" data-gyg-widget="activities" data-gyg-number-of-items="3" data-gyg-cmp="turkey-roadtrip" data-gyg-partner-id="DHFT5GH" data-gyg-tour-ids="959582,367315,820120"><span>Powered by <a target="_blank" rel="sponsored" href="https://www.getyourguide.com/konya-l124282/">GetYourGuide</a></span></div> ## Day 9: Konya to Göreme, Cappadocia On day 8 we arrived at what I would describe as the place that motivated me to make this Turkey trip happen. A long time ago, I saw amazing photos of **hot air balloons floating in the air** behind my friend's family eating breakfast. That was the moment I knew I had to hurry up and make my dream trip happen. In [my original plan](/blog/our-round-the-world-with-kids/), we had planned to be in the area 4-8 May, 2020. Finally, in 2021, we would get to see this spectacular place during a time where few people were travelling. It was an incredible opportunity. <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/capapadocia-balloons-turkey-roadtrip-optimized.webp" alt="Family watching hot air balloons at sunrise in Cappadocia, Turkey - World Travel Ambitions" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>Our family watching the hot air balloons at sunrise in Cappadocia - October 2021</em> </div> **Cappadocia arrival:** - The fairy chimney rock formations are even more incredible in person - The landscape is like nothing else on earth - Perfect for families who love adventure and unique experiences <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/uchisar-cappadocia-turkey-roadtrip-optimized.webp" alt="Family at Uchisar sign in Cappadocia, Turkey - World Travel Ambitions" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>Our family at the iconic Uchisar sign in Cappadocia - October 2021</em> </div> ## Day 10: Cappadocia We woke the kids up early for the views of balloons from our rooftop. No-one was impressed (typical kids!), but the sight was absolutely magical for us. Elijah was four at the time. Even now, he still remembers. After breakfast, we walked **Pigeon Valley**. I thought it would just be a short walk, then turn around and return to our cosy cave. In usual Melissa style, we ended up walking UP the valley all the way to the top. <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/hike-pigeon-valley-turkey-roadtrip-optimized.webp" alt="Hiking through Pigeon Valley in Cappadocia, Turkey - World Travel Ambitions" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>Hiking through the stunning Pigeon Valley in Cappadocia - October 2021</em> </div> **Pro tip:** It's not that long, but you should take a car to the 'end' and walk DOWN, not up, if you have kids. Much easier for kids and pregnant mums! <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/top-pigeon-valley-cappadocia-turkey-road-trip-optimized.webp" alt="Decorative heart frame at top of Pigeon Valley, Cappadocia, Turkey - World Travel Ambitions" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>We loved the view from the top of Pigeon Valley - October 2021</em> </div> **Cappadocia must-dos:** - Hot air balloon ride (weather permitting) - Explore the underground cities - Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum - Try pottery making in Avanos - Hike through the valleys <div data-gyg-href="https://widget.getyourguide.com/default/activities.frame" data-gyg-locale-code="en-US" data-gyg-widget="activities" data-gyg-number-of-items="3" data-gyg-cmp="turkey-roadtrip" data-gyg-partner-id="DHFT5GH" data-gyg-tour-ids="26992,527824,480053"><span>Powered by <a target="_blank" rel="sponsored" href="https://www.getyourguide.com/cappadocia-l1400/">GetYourGuide</a></span></div> Keep in mind that there are often age restrictions on the hot air balloon rides. I couldn't go up because I was pregnant. Manaia looked at the photos while I was writing this and told us she wants to visit so she can sit on dad and watch the balloons. I can't wait to be back. ## Day 11: Cappadocia (Extra Day) **Why we added this day:** Cappadocia deserves more time! With the extra day, you can: - **Explore underground cities** like Derinkuyu or Kaymakli - **Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum** (UNESCO World Heritage Site) - **Try pottery making in Avanos** - a fun activity for kids - **Hike through Love Valley** or Rose Valley - **Take a sunset ATV tour** through the valleys - **Visit Uçhisar Castle** for panoramic views **Family tip:** The underground cities are fascinating for kids, but some areas might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. ## Day 12: Cappadocia to Konya On day 11, it was another early start for me and Rimaha. We let our kids sleep in and went up to the roof to enjoy our final morning watching the balloons at sunrise. <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/cappadocia-balloons-melissa-turkey-roadtrip-optimized.webp" alt="Melissa enjoying breakfast while watching hot air balloons at sunrise in Cappadocia, Turkey - World Travel Ambitions" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>Our final morning in Cappadocia - enjoying breakfast while watching the balloons at sunrise - October 2021</em> </div> After breakfast, we packed again, and set off on our drive back to Konya. ### Accommodation In Cappadocia, we knew we wanted a special stay in a cave. After hunting through countless hotels (some were very pricey) we settled on [Tulip Cave Suites](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1881363&hid=2171024). This is a smaller cave hotel, with fewer rooms. Interestingly, the hotel incorporates an early-Christian chapel dating back to the 5th century, adding a unique historical charm to our stay. One that we'd looked at was [Sultan Cave Suites](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1881363&hid=28272844) but I noticed there were a lot more rooms and some of the reviews seemed people were a bit unhappy at having to line up behind quite a few influencers to get a nice shot. We didn't have this issue and really enjoyed our stay with a very similar view. ## Day 13: Konya to Side <div class="grid grid-cols-2 gap-6 my-8"> <div> This was one of those most memorable drives. It was long and winding, but the landscapes were wildly different to the earlier drives from Ephesus to Cappadocia. **Side highlights:** - Ancient Roman ruins right by the sea - Beautiful Mediterranean beaches - Another incredible dinner - deconstructed kebabs were epic! </div> <div> <div id="adgshp-1988149681"></div> <script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn0.agoda.net/images/sherpa/js/sherpa_init1_08.min.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> {` var stg = new Object(); stg.crt="3574775554257";stg.version="1.04"; stg.id=stg.name="adgshp-1988149681"; stg.width="320px"; stg.height="420px";stg.ReferenceKey="wqod+/500oY7yXhgfruNLw=="; stg.Layout="SquareCalendar"; stg.Language="en-us";stg.Cid="1881363"; stg.Area="28975"; stg.City="20663"; stg.DestinationName="Antalya-Side, Manavgat, Türkiye";stg.OverideConf=false; new AgdSherpa(stg).initialize(); `} </script> </div> </div> ## Day 14: Side back to Kas We finished our loop by driving along the **Turkish Riviera coast** from Side, Antalya back to Kas. What an amazing adventure this was! **Final day highlights:** - Scenic coastal drive - Beautiful Mediterranean views - Perfect ending to an incredible journey ## Complete Accommodation Guide Here's a consolidated list of all the accommodations we stayed at during our Turkey road trip: ### **Dalyan (2 nights)** - **Location:** Dalyan town center - **Why we chose it:** Perfect base for exploring the Dalyan River and ancient tombs - **Family-friendly features:** Close to boat trips, thermal springs, and turtle beach ### **Ephesus (2 nights)** - **Hotel:** [Ephesus Centrum](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1881363&hid=31470303) - **Why we loved it:** Great location, comfortable beds, warm and cozy atmosphere. I chose this place because of the great ratings and the low price tag. - **Family tip:** Perfect for families who want to spend two full days exploring Ephesus and surrounding sites ### **Pamukkale (2 nights)** - **Hotel:** [Venus Suite Hotel](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1881363&hid=2990503) - **Why we loved it:** Spacious family rooms with views of Pamukkale's white terraces - **Family tip:** Perfect for families who want to spend a full day exploring the thermal pools ### **Lake Eğirdir (1 night)** - **Hotel:** [Hannapart Otel](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1881363&hid=7896723) - **Why we loved it:** Large rooms, washing machine (essential for road trips!), beautiful breakfast views - **Family tip:** Great for families who need to do laundry mid-trip ### **Konya (2 nights)** - **Hotel:** [Pasapark Collection Selcuklu Hotel](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1881363&hid=1157055) - **Why we chose it:** Convenient stopover between Lake Eğirdir and Cappadocia and the Antalya coast, comfortable accommodation for families. We stopped here one night either side of our Cappadocia stay. - **Family tip:** Good base for exploring Mevlana Museum and traditional Turkish architecture. Perfect for breaking up the long drive between Cappadocia and Side. ### **Cappadocia (3 nights)** - **Hotel:** [Tulip Cave Suites](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1881363&hid=2171024) - **Why we loved it:** Authentic cave hotel with fewer rooms, incorporates 5th-century chapel - **Alternative:** [Sultan Cave Suites](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1881363&hid=28272844) (larger, more popular with influencers - be warned, you may have to line up for photos) - **Family tip:** Book early for the best cave rooms with balloon views ### **Side (1 night)** - **Why we chose it:** A great coastal stop with beautiful beaches on the way to Kas - **Family tip:** Great for families who want to combine history with beach time <WorldNomadsAd1 /> ## 💡 Turkey Road Trip Tips for Families ### **Best Time to Visit** - **Spring (April-June):** Perfect weather, fewer crowds - **Autumn (September-November):** Great weather, harvest season - **Avoid:** July-August (too hot) and December-February (cold in some areas) ### **Driving in Turkey** - **International driving permit required** - **Roads are generally good quality** look out for the chicken lane (lane in the middle of the road for both sides to use as a passing lane) - **Don't stop abruptly if lights change to orange** it's totally normal for traffic, in particular large vehicles, to run the red light. If you have cars behind you, make sure they can see you stopping, be prepared to speed through if needed to avoid rear-ending. - **Toll roads are well-maintained** - **Download offline maps** for remote areas ### **Family Accommodation** - **Book family rooms in advance** - **Many hotels offer connecting rooms** - **Consider apartments** for longer stays ## 🎯 What We'd Do Differently 1. **Spend more time in Ephesus** (2-3 nights instead of 1) ✅ *Included in our 14-day version* 2. **Add a night in Akyaka** (beautiful coastal town) - *highly recommend this addition* 3. **Book hot air balloon ride in advance** (weather dependent) 4. **Plan more time in Cappadocia** (3-4 nights minimum) ✅ *Included in this itinerary* 5. **Start and end in Dalyan** for easier airport access 6. **Consider adding Antalya** as a final stop before returning to Kas ## 📍 Turkey Road Trip Map <div class="flex justify-center my-8"> <iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m76!1m12!1m3!1d6499503.433852457!2d25.737552382509453!3d37.30495267391293!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m61!3e0!4m5!1s0x14c1da54a506cf4d%3A0xcfbf502fb3cb4db3!2zS2HFnywgQW5kaWZsaSwgMDc1ODAgS2HFny9BbnRhbHlhLCBUdXJrZXk!3m2!1d36.199912999999995!2d29.63955!4m5!1s0x14bf87d9a39c1afd%3A0x84dd3564569e4dd2!2sDalyan%2C%20Ortaca%2FMu%C4%9Fla%2C%20Turkey!3m2!1d36.834258!2d28.642606999999998!4m5!1s0x14be812f666d0f35%3A0xc46d79d017ddd1ab!2sHisar%2C%20Temple%20of%20Apollo%2C%20Didim%2FAyd%C4%B1n%2C%20Turkey!3m2!1d37.3852969!2d27.257294299999998!4m5!1s0x14b94d7d342277b5%3A0x639257300886ff30!2zQXRhdMO8cmssIEVQSEVTVVMgQ0VOVFJVTSwgMTAxNi4gU29rYWsgRDpubyA6MTksIFNlbMOndWsvxLB6bWlyLCBUdXJrZXk!3m2!1d37.948834999999995!2d27.371482999999998!4m5!1s0x14c713c95620da2f%3A0xb1190f5f451efcd6!2sPamukkale%2C%20Denizli%2C%20Turkey!3m2!1d37.9136957!2d29.1187097!4m5!1s0x14c5a1221d6bf1a7%3A0xaa7438e9a4b2b961!2sE%C4%9Firdir%2C%20Isparta%2C%20Turkey!3m2!1d37.874066899999995!2d30.850889!4m5!1s0x14d08568d615f745%3A0x240dd0fc08060967!2sKonya%2C%20Turkey!3m2!1d37.8746429!2d32.4931554!4m5!1s0x152a6879d36bd1ab%3A0x466c4e17a23fae50!2zR8O2cmVtZSwgTmV2xZ9laGlyIE1lcmtlei9OZXbFn2VoaXIsIFR1cmtleQ!3m2!1d38.643056!2d34.828889!4m5!1s0x14d08568d615f745%3A0x240dd0fc08060967!2sKonya%2C%20Turkey!3m2!1d37.8746429!2d32.4931554!4m5!1s0x14c1da54a506cf4d%3A0xcfbf502fb3cb4db3!2zS2HFnywgQW5kaWZsaSwgS2HFny9BbnRhbHlhLCBUdXJrZXk!3m2!1d36.199912999999995!2d29.63955!5e0!3m2!1sen!2snz!4v1758895721895!5m2!1sen!2snz" width="100%" height="450" style="border:0; max-width: 800px;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"> </iframe> </div> *Interactive map showing the complete route from Kas to Dalyan, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Lake Eğirdir, Konya, Cappadocia, Side, and back to Kas* If you want to open this map in Google Maps, [click here](https://goo.gl/maps/iPAscGU9cnXSjz1Y6). ## 🏆 Final Thoughts Our **14-day Turkey road trip** was absolutely incredible. From the ancient ruins of Temple of Apollo, to Ephesus to the magical hot air balloons of Cappadocia, then from the thermal terraces of Pamukkale to the beautiful Turkish Riviera, Turkey offers an amazing variety of experiences perfect for families. These are the kinds of experiences your children will remember forever. The country is **incredibly family-friendly**, with welcoming locals (I can't tell you how many times people invited us for Turkish tea), delicious food, and attractions that captivate both kids and adults. Whether you're exploring ancient history, floating in hot air balloons, lounging on boats cruising the turquiose waters, or simply enjoying the stunning landscapes, Turkey has something for everyone. **Would we do it again?** Absolutely! But next time, we'd spend more time in each location and maybe add a few more stops along the way. --- *Have you done a road trip through Turkey? What were your favorite stops? Let us know in the comments below!*]]></content:encoded> <author>melissa@worldtravelambitions.com (Melissa)</author> <category>turkey</category> <category>asia</category> <category>itineraries</category> <category>family-travel</category> <category>turkey road trip</category> <category>turkey</category> <category>family travel turkey</category> <category>cappadocia</category> <category>ephesus</category> <category>pamukkale</category> <category>turkey itinerary</category> <category>travel with kids</category> <category>turkish riviera</category> <category>14 day turkey itinerary</category> <enclosure url="https://worldtravelambitions.com/https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/turkey-road-trip-cappadocia-balloons-optimized.jpg" type="image/jpeg" /> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[When Our Little Guy Got a Fever in Vietnam During COVID: A Family Travel Story]]></title> <link>https://worldtravelambitions.com//blog/when-our-little-guy-got-a-fever-in-vietnam-during-covid/</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://worldtravelambitions.com//blog/when-our-little-guy-got-a-fever-in-vietnam-during-covid/</guid> <pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate> <lastBuildDate>Sun, 10 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT</lastBuildDate> <description><![CDATA[When our 3-year-old got a fever in Vietnam during COVID, we learned valuable lessons about travel health, insurance, and staying calm. Read our story and essential family travel tips.]]></description> <content:encoded><, because we were worried we might not be covered. Fortunately we were. Perhaps we were super lucky with the timing, but we had staff call us twice a day that first day, then once a day for the next three days to make sure he was ok. It was such a relief to know we had people caring about our son and ready to give us advice or help in some way if we needed it. ### What Our World Nomads Policy Covered: - ✅ **Emergency medical expenses** for our son's hospital visit - ✅ **Daily check-ins** from medical staff (twice daily initially) - ✅ **24/7 emergency assistance** and support - ✅ **Trip interruption coverage** if needed - ✅ **Peace of mind** during a stressful time **We loved the service we received with World Nomads.** If you are travelling soon, we highly recommend you check out World Nomads. You can get a quote below or [click here](/blog/travel-insurance-for-nomad-families/) to read more about them. ## The Emotional Toll: Living Through Uncertainty The week that followed was tough for us, mainly emotionally and mentally. Elijah was fine, the fever only lasted that one day. He got a cough, we all did, but we felt like it was from the air con more than anything. We mostly stayed inside, and only really ventured out (masks on) to stroll along the beach – away from everyone. There was a lingering worry that if we were a family carrying Covid, we didn't want to be spreading it around everywhere. We had received emails from the New Zealand Government advising us to return home and the world was turning upside down, changing daily. We had some really tough decisions to make. ## What We'd Do Differently Next Time Looking back, here's what we learned from this experience: ### Essential Travel Health Kit for Families When traveling with kids, especially during uncertain times, always pack: - **Digital thermometer** (we wish we had one!) - **Children's paracetamol/acetaminophen** - **Digital copies of all medical records** - **Emergency contact list** (local and international) - **Travel insurance policy details** (printed and digital) ### Key Takeaways 1. **Always have comprehensive travel insurance** - [World Nomads](/blog/travel-insurance-for-nomad-families/) saved us 2. **Stay calm and make informed decisions** - don't let panic guide you 3. **Have a local contact for emergencies** - our friend in Da Nang was invaluable 4. **Prepare for the unexpected** - health issues can happen anywhere We decided to stay! And we are so grateful we did because the past couple of months have been a different adventure than we imagined, but our travel has been more fulfilling because of it. <div class="blog-image-personal"> <img src="https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/World-Travel-Ambitions-Family-Life-Outside-the-Box-Ba-Na-Hills-Vietnam-March-2020-scaled.jpg" alt="Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills Vietnam during family travel with children in March 2020" title="Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills Vietnam - Family Travel March 2020" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="blog-image-personal-caption"> <em>The Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills - a moment of beauty during an otherwise stressful week of travel health concerns.</em> </div> ## Planning Your Next Family Adventure? Don't let health concerns stop you from exploring the world with your family. Here's how to travel safely and confidently: 1. **Get comprehensive travel insurance** - [Get a quote with World Nomads](/blog/travel-insurance-for-nomad-families/) 2. **Read our Vietnam family travel guide** - [Everything you need to know about Vietnam](/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-travelling-to-hoi-an-the-ultimate-family-guide/) 3. **Join our community** - Follow us on [Instagram @fulltimefamilytravel](https://instagram.com/fulltimefamilytravel) for daily travel tips More stories coming soon!]]></content:encoded> <author>melissa@worldtravelambitions.com (Melissa)</author> <category>asia</category> <category>family-travel</category> <category>vietnam-travel</category> <category>family-travel-health</category> <category>covid-travel</category> <category>travel-insurance</category> <category>family-travel-tips</category> <category>vietnam-with-kids</category> <category>travel-safety</category> <category>world-nomads</category> <category>asia</category> <enclosure url="https://worldtravelambitions.com/https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/ba-na-hills-vietnam-fever-2020-optimized.webp" type="image/jpeg" /> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Covid Testing in Hoi An Vietnam: Family Travel Experience 2020]]></title> <link>https://worldtravelambitions.com//blog/getting-tested-for-covid-in-hoi-an-vietnam/</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://worldtravelambitions.com//blog/getting-tested-for-covid-in-hoi-an-vietnam/</guid> <pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate> <lastBuildDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT</lastBuildDate> <description><![CDATA[Our family's experience getting mandatory Covid tests in Hoi An, Vietnam during the 2020 pandemic. What to expect, testing process, and results.]]></description> <content:encoded>< - [The Testing Process: What to Expect](#the-testing-process-what-to-expect) - [Getting Through the Tests with Kids](#getting-through-the-tests-with-kids) - [Waiting for Results: The Anxiety](#waiting-for-results-the-anxiety) - [Our Test Results and Relief](#our-test-results-and-relief) - [Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions-about-covid-testing-in-hoi-an) - [Practical Tips for Families](#practical-tips-for-families-getting-covid-tests) - [Related Vietnam Travel Resources](#related-vietnam-travel-resources) ### Why We Needed Covid Testing in Vietnam Toward the end of our time in Da Nang, Elijah was still a little tired but ok (he'd come down with a high fever the day we had travelled there - conveniently during the Covid panic in Vietnam). We were ready to head off and enjoy the next leg of our trip in Hoi An where we intended to stay a few days before beginning to make our way down the coast back toward Saigon. At that time, we held hope that we would be able to continue our journey through Cambodia to Singapore and Turkey. Back then Turkey still had zero cases, and Cambodia still seemed fine. On arrival into Hoi An, our plans began to derail. We spent a few nights on Cam Nam Island with the wonderful [Kiwi Family Adventures](https://www.instagram.com/kiwifamilyadventures/), who told us about the hazmat suits and temperature checks at the train stations. We were watching in disbelief as this Covid pandemic was changing the travel world very quickly. Places around the world were closing borders and shutting down faster than I ever imagined. We realised a lockdown of some sort was likely to happen very soon and we needed to make sure if (or when) it happened we were in a place we wanted to be. We ditched our plan to return to Saigon, and made a new plan to stay put for a month. Most tourists had gone home, so our plan turned out to be a good one. We found a nice villa with bikes and a pool located just outside Hoi An town and close to the best Hoi An cheap family eats. ### The Testing Process: What to Expect Within a week of moving, our host advised that there was **mandatory Covid testing for people who arrived to Vietnam after 1st of March**. This was different to other regions where it was only mandatory after the 7th of March. I felt a mixture of fear and relief. We would know for certain if we had picked something up... But what would happen if we had Coronavirus? We had no idea. <InstagramEmbed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-eIVobFcAZ/" caption="A post shared by World Travel Ambitions Family (@worldtravelambitions)" /> <InstagramEmbed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-GFNowFz7c/" caption="A post shared by World Travel Ambitions Family (@worldtravelambitions)" /> Within a week of moving, our host advised that there was mandatory Covid testing for people who arrived to Vietnam after 1st of March. This was different to other regions where it was only mandatory after the 7th of March. I felt a mixture of fear and relief. We would know for certain if we had picked something up... But what would happen if we had Coronavirus? We had no idea. ### Getting Through the Tests with Kids Our testing day came around, we ate breakfast and rode our bikes around the corner to the testing site. There were barely any people there. It was a very hot morning, so we found a spot under a tree to sit and fill out our forms. There were nurses dressed in hazmat suits with goggles taking the samples. We observed people getting their tests taken, a blood test, followed by a throat swab and then a nose swab. I was very nervous, my daughters anxiety had kicked in and my youngest didn't want another blood test, he was still upset about the last one a few weeks before. **The Covid testing process in Hoi An included:** - Blood test - Throat swab - Nose swab - Temperature checks - Form completion When it was our turn, I was so grateful for our host coming along with us. My daughter was panicking, my youngest son was clinging to me and the nurses were trying to herd our older kids over to them while we were still finishing our paperwork. I had to ask her to explain to the person doing the forms that my daughter was anxious and my youngest wanted only me, so we would have to do the tests together. I was grateful that the nurses were so patient with us. We were holding up the queue badly. Myself, my husband and oldest son breezed through the tests and then I sat with my daughter and gently encouraged her to get her tests taken. She really didn't want them done and it was really tough. I had to put my foot down though because we didn't seem to have any other choice. I didn't want them pinning her down to take the tests and I still had to get the little guy through the tests too. My daughter got through it with a few tears. Then it was Elijahs turn. Getting the blood test seemed to be the easy part. He really wasn't keen to do the throat test, which wasn't that bad. He moved as they did it, which hurt a bit, so he really put his foot down against anything going right up his nose. The poor nurses didn't know what to do. He was crying and very difficult. I was down to bribery, "If you do it for us, we will get an ice cream", and he says, "NOOO". Then I was offering two ice creams. Still no luck. They asked me if I wanted to take the sample for them, he still wouldn't let me get close. It was so hard for me to stay calm and easy. In the end I had to hold his head in my arms and get them to take the test. It was really awful. He came right after a few minutes. We were the last ones left, the staff and nurses had been waiting for us to pack up and return home. We called in for an ice cream and a toy as we rode our bikes home. ### Waiting for Results: The Anxiety Next up was the waiting game. There was worry about what would happen if we tested positive. We had no idea. All we knew was that the test results would take a few days to come back to us. That first night I had fear that the Vietnamese military might turn up at 10pm and just take us to some unknown place. Trust me, I was imagining all the worst possible outcomes so I could be mentally prepared if any of them actually happened. After getting through the first night, and then the second, I felt much better. I figured that we must've been ok, because surely they would've collected us quickly if we had tested positive. ### Our Test Results and Relief On the fourth day of waiting, we finally got our results. We survived our tests. It was such a relief to know for certain we didn't have Coronavirus. A huge weight lifted and we felt truly free. Just in time for the restrictions to come into place. Winning. I'll save that for another day. ## Related Vietnam Travel Resources If you're planning to travel to Vietnam, check out our other family travel guides: - [Complete Vietnam Family Travel Guide](/blog/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-travelling-to-vietnam) - [Best Family Stays in Hoi An Vietnam](/blog/best-family-stays-in-hoi-an-vietnam) - [Saigon Family Travel Guide](/blog/saigon-family-travel-guide) - [Danang Family Travel Guide](/blog/danang-family-travel-guide) ## Final Thoughts Getting tested for Covid in Hoi An was one of the most stressful experiences of our family travel journey, but it was also a necessary part of navigating the pandemic while traveling. The Vietnamese healthcare workers were incredibly patient and understanding with our children, and we're grateful for their professionalism during such a challenging time. If you're planning to travel to Vietnam or any destination during uncertain times, always stay informed about local health requirements and be prepared for unexpected changes to your itinerary. --- *Planning your Vietnam family adventure? Follow our journey on [Instagram @worldtravelambitions](https://instagram.com/fulltimefamilytravel) for real-time travel updates and family travel inspiration.* categories: - "asia" - "lifestyle" tags: - "vietnam" - "hoi-an" - "covid-travel" - "travel-health" - "travel-resources" - "travel-tips" - "mandatory-testing" - "family-covid-testing" --- ## Ready to Plan Your Vietnam Family Adventure? If you're considering traveling to Vietnam with your family, make sure to check out our comprehensive guides: - **[Complete Vietnam Family Travel Guide](/blog/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-travelling-to-vietnam)** - Everything you need to know before you go - **[One Month Vietnam Family Itinerary](/blog/one-month-vietnam-family-travel-itinerary)** - Perfect route for families - **[Best Family Stays in Hoi An](/blog/best-family-stays-in-hoi-an-vietnam)** - Where to stay in Hoi An - **[Vietnam Family Food Guides](/blog/the-ultimate-hoi-an-family-food-guide)** - Kid-friendly dining options **Subscribe to our newsletter** for more family travel tips, destination guides, and real-time travel updates from our adventures around the world. **Follow us on social media:** - [Instagram @worldtravelambitions](https://instagram.com/fulltimefamilytravel) - [Facebook World Travel Ambitions](https://facebook.com/worldtravelambitions) - [YouTube Travel Channel](https://youtube.com/worldtravelambitions)]]></content:encoded> <author>melissa@worldtravelambitions.com (Melissa W)</author> <category>vietnam-travel</category> <category>covid-travel</category> <category>family-travel</category> <category>vietnam</category> <category>hoi-an</category> <category>covid-travel</category> <category>travel-health</category> <category>travel-resources</category> <category>travel-tips</category> <category>mandatory-testing</category> <category>family-covid-testing</category> <enclosure url="https://worldtravelambitions.com/https://cdn.worldtravelambitions.com/images/hoi-an-during-covid-2020-optimized.webp" type="image/jpeg" /> </item> </channel> </rss>