Ho Tram is one of the easiest beach trips you can do with kids from Saigon. It’s close enough that nobody gets carsick, the resorts are self-contained (no crossing highways to reach the beach), and the water is usually calm. But there are a few things worth knowing before you book.
Why Ho Tram Instead of Phu Quoc or Nha Trang?
Phu Quoc and Nha Trang are great — but they require flights. With kids, that’s another airport, another security line, another round of ‘are we there yet.’ Ho Tram is a 2-hour drive from the airport. You land, get in a car, and you’re there. No domestic connection. No extra baggage drama.
Compared to Vung Tau — the other driveable beach — Ho Tram wins on beach quality and resort quality. Vung Tau’s beach gets crowded and the water isn’t as clean. Here’s the full comparison if you’re torn.
Which Resort? Quick Picks
We wrote a full family resort guide — here’s the 30-second version:
- Melia Ho Tram: Best for families with young kids. Huge pool with shallow zones, solid kids’ club, 88 pool villas.
- Grand Ho Tram (Holiday Inn Resort): Best for families who want dining options and activities. 10+ restaurants, kids’ club, more casual.
- Angsana: Skip it. Beautiful but built for couples.
Practical Stuff Parents Care About
- Beach safety: The water is generally calm — no big surf, no rip currents. But there are NO lifeguards. This isn’t a patrolled beach. Watch your kids.
- Pool depth: Melia’s main pool has graduated depth — good for different ages. Ask your resort about pool depth before booking if you have non-swimmers.
- Mosquitoes: They’re around at dusk. Most resorts fog regularly but bring repellent. The strong stuff — DEET. This is coastal Vietnam.
- Medical: No major hospital in Ho Tram. Nearest proper medical facility is in Vung Tau (~40 min) or Ba Ria (~30 min). Pack a basic first aid kit.
- Food for picky eaters: Melia has a kids’ menu (chicken fingers, pasta, etc). The Grand’s food court has the most variety — pizza, burgers, pho, Korean food. Angsana has the least kid-friendly menu.
- Car seats: If you need one for the airport transfer, request it when booking. Not all drivers carry them by default.
What to Pack
- Water shoes. Some stretches have small shells/pebbles near the waterline. Kids with sensitive feet will complain.
- Floaties / pool toys. Resort shops sell them at 3x normal price.
- Snacks from Saigon. Resort convenience stores have limited selection.
- Downloaded shows. Cellular data is patchy on the coastal road. Download before the drive.
- Mosquito repellent + sunscreen. Both are available but marked up at resorts.
The Short Version
Ho Tram is a solid family beach destination — closer than Phu Quoc, cleaner than Vung Tau, with resorts that actually cater to kids. Book Melia if they’re young, Grand (Holiday Inn) if they’re older and want variety. Get a private transfer from the airport — with kids and luggage, you don’t want to negotiate with Grab drivers at Arrivals.
Questions? WhatsApp +84 70 6666 520 or contact us. We can recommend resorts based on your kids’ ages and handle the transfer. More: Ho Tram guide | family resort picks | resort comparison.
