The 5 Best Preschools in Vietnam Where Kids Actually Thrive
Choosing the right preschool feels like one of the first truly high-stakes decisions of parenting.
Finding a safe drop-off spot at a preschool is easy. However, finding an environment where they thrive and master social skills alongside their ABCs takes more effort.
Vietnam’s early education scene is growing so fast. The number of options, including sprawling international campuses and cozy bilingual centres, can be overwhelming.
To help you choose a great preschool for your child, I’ve cut through the marketing noise to find the best preschools in Vietnam that meet their promises.
How much does a preschool cost in Vietnam?
If you are looking at international or high-quality bilingual preschools in cities like Ho Chi Minh City, prepare for a wide range of price tags.On the more affordable end, you might find decent bilingual programs starting around 100 million VND per year. However, if you are eyeing fully international curricula with expat teachers and sprawling campuses, you are looking at anywhere from 200 million VND up to over 450 million VND annually. Your choice depends on your preference for a half-day versus a full-day program, and if you need extras like bus services or meal plans included.
1. SmartKids International Kindergarten (Thao Dien)
Website: https://smartkidsinfo.com/
Address: 26 Đ. Số 10, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Contact: 0903-957-316
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM–5:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
Expat families in Thao Dien frequently recommend SmartKids International Kindergarten because of its child-led philosophy.
Their play-based philosophy is heavily influenced by Reggio Emilia and Montessori, which means your child directs their own learning.
Instead of forcing kids to sit still, they encourage exploration in a very leafy, green environment that feels more like a garden than a school.
The campus features calm, vertical classrooms where mixed-age interaction fosters strong social skills. Many educators believe mixed-age groups can support social development, though some parents may prefer strictly age-segregated classes.
While the fees are higher, the curriculum offers a European approach that prioritises student independence over rote memorisation.
Customer Reviews
Small class sizes and individual focus
The experience at SmartKids International kindergarten has been exceptional. The teachers are truly invested in my child’s development & education. Small class sizes and individual focus have enabled my child to gain confidence, be independent and soon primary school ready.
- Linh Giang Phan | Google Review
The setup encourages active play and exploration
I’m a huge fan of the playgroup on Thursday mornings at SmartKids. The setup encourages active play and exploration. There are both indoor and outdoor spaces, which is a big plus for me since the air quality isn’t always the best. Overall, it has a warm and welcoming atmosphere that my child loves! I highly recommend it!
- Michelle Tegelbeckers | Google Review
2. Victoria Preschool System HCMC (Campus 1)
Website: https://victoria-preschool.com/en
Address: 29 Sử Hy Nhan, Phường Thạnh Mỹ Lợi, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Contact:
- 028-3535-0159
- 0967-168-058
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM–7:00 PM
Victoria Preschool is inspired by UNESCO’s Happy Schools framework, creating a low-pressure environment that prioritises emotional well-being alongside academic growth.
Teachers at this preschool treat emotional well-being with the same importance as traditional learning. Their curriculum is designed to nurture a balanced mindset, ensuring children feel secure, happy, and motivated to participate in their own development.
The school’s infrastructure also offers impressive value for the cost. The facilities are modern and well-maintained, featuring expansive classrooms that avoid overcrowding.
There’s also has a large, well-equipped playground that encourages active exploration rather than simple recreation.
As a newer institution, it is still establishing a long-term reputation compared to the city’s older schools. In practical terms, they are likely still smoothing out their daily operations, so you may not find the same level of consistency that comes with years of experience.
However, feedback regarding the level of care is very positive. The atmosphere is designed to feel less like a rigid institution and more like a supportive, home-like environment.
Customer Reviews
The teachers actually care and love kids
Big playground for children. Everyday they organize different activities for them. And the teachers actually care and love kids. I am a happy parent so far!
- Tuyet Hong | Google Review
They go above and beyond for the kids
Victoria has exceeded our expectations, they go above and beyond for the kids. Every single teacher is cheerful and caring, the children feel loved and safe. When we moved our daughter to this school she started to look forward to school instead of resisting school, she even asked to go on weekends. She’s been so happy here we are very sad that she has reached the end and has to leave. Highly recommend this school, they focus on all the right things. Thank you for the memories Victoria 🥹🥲🥰
- Hannah Jefferys | Google Review
3. Kids Club Saigon (My Tu 2 Campus)
Website: https://www.kidsclubsaigon.com/
Address: 12/4 Đ. P, Khu đô thị Phú Mỹ Hưng, Quận 7, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Contact: 028-3916-5566
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Kids Club Saigon in District 7 anchors its program in a creative, American-style curriculum.
The program successfully balances academic preparation with active play, utilizing excellent facilities to encourage physical activity and engagement. The overall atmosphere is vibrant, designed to foster enthusiasm for learning.
A minor drawback is the noise, as some parents noted. The focus on high-energy creativity can make the environment loud and chaotic.
While this spirited setting is ideal for outgoing children, it may present challenges for those with high sensitivity to noise.
Fortunately, the teachers at Kids Club Saigon know how to manage this energy. They turn potential chaos into productive learning moments, making it a top choice for families prioritising a lively educational experience.
Customer Reviews
The curriculum is tailored for each age group
This is such a wonderful place. My two children have studied here for many years, and I am consistently impressed with how the teachers care for them and guide them to become more confident and compassionate. The curriculum is tailored for each age group, and I was amazed that after just one year, my child was already communicating confidently in English
- Kim Luong | Google Review
An exceptional place for young children
Kids Club Saigon is an exceptional place for young children. The teachers and staff are warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in each child’s growth. The environment is loving, nurturing, and thoughtfully designed to help kids explore, learn, and thrive. Every day my daughter feels joyful and full of positive energy thanks to KCS!
- Linh Hoang | Google Review
4. Trường mầm non Montessori Vietnam Canada Preschool
Website: https://vncaps.edu.vn/
Address: 54E đường 4, Phường Trường Thọ, Thành phố Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Contact: 0903-631-000
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM
Trường mầm non Montessori Vietnam Canada Preschool runs a bilingual program where structured independence meets language development.
By integrating the self-directed, hands-on learning approach of the Montessori method with a dual-language curriculum, the school aims to foster both cognitive independence and linguistic proficiency in young learners.
The campus features a spacious design and amenities, including swimming pools that provide essential relief from the local Saigon heat.
Do note that a common critique of strict Montessori schools like this is the transition to traditional schooling later on.
Students accustomed to self-directed work may struggle to adapt to the rigid, desk-based structure of standard primary education.
Despite valid concerns regarding future adaptability, the curriculum remains highly effective for building a strong foundation of independence during the early years.
Customer Reviews
The school provides excellent education
The school provides excellent education following the Montessori system. Facilities are modern and well taken care of. Staff is professional, careful and enthusiastic.
- Lemay | Google Review
There are many activities for the children
I really like this school. From the facilities, the campus is spacious and airy. There are many activities for the children, the teachers are very cute and dedicated. There is also an indoor swimming pool for the children, a salt water pool and a warm water pool so the children can rest assured to learn to swim without worrying about the rain or wind.
- AN Nguyen | Google Review
5. Kinderland International Preschool @Vista Verde
Website: https://kinderlandvietnam.com/
Address: 2 Phan Văn Đáng, Phường Thạnh Mỹ Lợi, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Contact: 0984-131-380
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Kinderland International Preschool is defined by its signature music-infused curriculum. This is a unique educational mode that, research suggests, links early musical training to improved literacy and cognitive development.
Their methodology provides students with a distinct academic head start, combining structured learning with creative musical expression.
The Vista Verde campus is modern, secure, and has a vibrant atmosphere for the kids. It caters heavily to families living in the nearby high-rise complexes.
However, unlike smaller, more flexible centres, the school maintains rigid policies regarding deposits and absences, which can feel somewhat corporate to some parents.
Despite the strict policies, graduates leave Kinderland well-drilled for the discipline of primary school.
Customer Reviews
My son enjoyed going to the school
My child starts his schooling at Kinderland. They are professional at both acedemics and child care. My son enjoyed going to the school…We had a Best experience at Kinderland. Excellent Preschool
- Brinda Vinod | Google Review
Teachers are caring
My little girl enjoyed the time with teacher, friends, and the all activities that Kinderland given. Teachers are caring much on kids. Thanks so much
- Hassan Mustapha | Google Review