Planning a Family Trip to Hanoi: Things to Know Before You Go
Planning a family trip to Hanoi might sound a little wild at first. But what if I told you it could be one of the most surprisingly kid-friendly trips your family takes this year?
As a mom who travels with kids across multiple age ranges, I know how important it is to find destinations that feel exciting and manageable. Our trips to Hanoi are always a success for everyone in our family.
Hanoi might not be the first place that comes to mind for families, but it’s packed with kid-approved food, safe places to explore, and eye-opening experiences. From slurping noodles on tiny stools to exploring peaceful lakes, it’s fun, chaotic, and surprisingly easy with kids.
In this guide, I’ll show you what to expect, what to avoid, and how to plan a family trip to Hanoi that’s smooth and memorable. Whether you’re wrangling toddlers or exploring with teens.
No time to read?
Save on Pinterest and read this article later!
About Hanoi
Hanoi is the vibrant capital of Vietnam, known for its rich history, colorful street life, and unique blend of French colonial charm and Southeast Asian culture. A much different vibe from the other huge, family friendly city Ho Chi Minh City.
From the chaotic streets of the Old Quarter to the serene shores of West Lake, Hanoi is a city that constantly surprises.
Motorbikes zip past temples, street vendors sell steaming bowls of pho and seniors are seen practising Tai Chi around Hoan Kiem Lake. Exciting and new, things you want to know more of when planning a family trip to Hanoi.
With four distinct seasons and a slower pace than Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi offers a welcoming and walkable introduction to Vietnam. And a great first stop of your Vietnam family trip itinerary.
The city is compact and filled with parks, lakes, and museums that make it both interesting and manageable for travelers with children.
Top Things to Do in Hanoi with Kids
There are lots of amazing things to do for families in Hanoi. Kids will love watching a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Theatre, paddling swan boats on West Lake, or exploring the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology’s outdoor play area.
Don’t miss Hoan Kiem Lake’s weekend walking street, where children can ride hoverboards, play giant Jenga, and join in on traditional Vietnamese games.
The Hanoi Train Street is another hit. Just make sure to go during permitted visiting hours for safety.
Why Hanoi is a great choice for a family visit
Southeast Asian countries are easy to navigate through via public transport and there are many things to do that cater to every family member of the pack. And Vietnam is certainly no exception.
The cities of Vietnam are filled with millions of inhabitants, which can be quite overwhelming, but the sights are not overrun by tourists yet. About 8.7 million people live in Hanoi, making it the second populous city after HCMC.
But don’t let that number exclude Hanoi from your Vietnam family trip. Hanoi is a fantastic choice for a family visit with kids because it offers a vibrant mix of cultural experiences, green spaces, and engaging activities—all in a safe and welcoming environment.
Whether you’re exploring bustling Old Quarter streets or relaxing by a lake, there’s always something to keep both kids and adults entertained.
Secondly, Hanoi is full of family-friendly outdoor spaces. Kids can burn off energy in parks like Lenin Park or around Hoan Kiem Lake, while parents enjoy the street food scene or a peaceful coffee.
Plus, Hanoi is the perfect base for day trips or longer adventures to places like Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, or Ba Vi National Park. Ideal for nature-loving families.
Hanoi with toddlers
Don’t fill up your suitcases with stashes of extra diapers or formula. You can get both in Hanoi and the quality is the same as at home.
If your toddler is still happy in a stroller, I’ve got some bad news. Hanoi is not built for strollers. The pavement is uneven in many areas and sometimes suddenly absent causing you to walk on the street. The curbs are also pretty high. Overall, my advice is not to bring a stroller, but a back carrier.
Is it safe to visit Hanoi with kids?
Kid friendly food and fun activities can be found all over Hanoi. I can’t praise it enough! Hanoi is in our family’s top 5 most favorite cities in the world. But there’s one thing that’s hard to get used to and can cause some anxiety: the traffic in Hanoi.
Hanoi’s hectic, fast and furious traffic
Millions of motorbikes, cars and (when in the Old Quarter) rickshaw’s roam the streets. There are lanes and traffic lights, but nobody uses them. Hold onto your kids and carry your small ones, keeping an eye on your surroundings and walk.
Whatever you do, don’t stop! It may not seem like the drivers have spot you, but they do and they anticipate when to pass you. In other words, a sudden stop will only add to danger.
When to visit Hanoi
April is the hottest month and the wet season is from June to October, with August being the wettest month. The best time to visit Hanoi is from November to March. Temperatures are cooler during these months.
Peak season is late October to late February when it’s cooler and drier, know that pre-booking is advised and the prizes are at its highest.
We visited late December and experienced temperatures between 15° and 25° Celsius, during our 5 days in Hanoi with kids. It was ideal weather for a city trip.
Let’s break it up into seasons for you.
Spring in Hanoi (March to May)
Spring in Hanoi is one of the most pleasant times to visit. From March to May, temperatures gradually rise from the mid-teens to the high twenties (°C), and the city comes alive with blooming flowers.
It’s warm but not yet humid, and this weather makes it perfect for outdoor family adventures. Rainfall is light to moderate, so packing a light raincoat is wise.
This is also the season for one of Vietnam’s most joyful celebrations: Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), which sometimes stretches into early March. While many businesses shut down briefly, the atmosphere is buzzing with cultural performances, lion dances, and colorful decorations. For families, it’s a chance to witness traditions like ancestor offerings and festive food markets. Just be sure to book accommodations and transport early, as it’s a peak domestic travel time.
Summer in Hanoi (June to August)
Summer in Hanoi is hot and humid, with daytime temperatures often reaching 35°C and frequent afternoon showers. It can feel sticky and intense, especially in July and August, but it’s manageable if you plan activities in the morning and take indoor breaks during the hottest parts of the day.
Many museums and cafes are air-conditioned, offering welcome respite from the heat.
There aren’t many major festivals in summer, but the Mid-Year Festival (Tet Doan Ngo) typically takes place in June. Though it’s a quieter celebration, you might spot families eating fermented sticky rice and fresh fruits to “ward off illness.”
Autumn in Hanoi (September to November)
Autumn is a magical time to visit Hanoi. Arguably the city’s most beautiful season. From September to November, the weather cools down to a comfortable 20–28°C, and the humidity begins to drop.
This season is packed with family-friendly festivals. The Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu), typically in late September or early October, is especially fun for kids. Think glowing lantern parades, lion dances, and mooncakes! Streets around Hanoi’s Old Quarter are beautifully decorated, and many community centers host lantern-making workshops and performances that little ones will love. Just be aware that popular areas can get quite crowded during the celebrations.
Winter in Hanoi (December to February)
Winter in Hanoi might surprise you. Temperatures can dip to 12–18°C, and the chill is made more noticeable by the damp air and lack of central heating in many places.
That said, it rarely snows or freezes, so it’s still a good time to explore the city on foot, especially with warm layers. The skies tend to be gray, and there’s often a mist hanging in the air, giving Hanoi a mysterious, almost poetic vibe.
We went to Hanoi in December and it was about 18°C so our vests came in handy.
There aren’t many traditional festivals during winter, but it’s a good time to experience local life without the crowds. The approach of Tet (Lunar New Year) in late January or early February brings quiet excitement, with flower markets popping up and homes being cleaned and decorated.
Families traveling during this time can take part in pre-Tet activities like crafting lucky envelopes or watching calligraphy artists at the Temple of Literature.
Food in Hanoi
The food in Hanoi is amazing. There’s always something your children can eat. Fresh fruits can be bought everywhere. And at street food stalls you can get spring rolls, non spicy soups and banh mi sandwiches.
For vegetarians there are a lot of options. Veggie noodle dishes and spring rolls can be found on most menus. You can also find some excellent vegan restaurants in Hanoi.
Hanoi is a foodie haven and a street food paradise. Even the pickiest eaters tend to fall in love with the fresh ingredients, simple seasoning, and noodle-heavy dishes.
Here are 5 kid-friendly dishes kids will love:
Phở Gà (Chicken Pho)
A mild non-spicy broth filled with soft noodles, and tender chicken. Like chicken noodle soup with a Vietnamese twist.
Bánh Mì
A warm, crusty French baguette filled with cold cuts, pate, grilled pork, pickled veggies and fresh herbs. You can pick your own condiments like sambal, mayo and Maggi.
Easy to eat on the go and picky eaters can point out what they want to exclude on their baguette.
Chả Cá
A Vietnamese dish you can only find in Hanoi and around. It’s grilled fish with dill and turmeric. Fun for kids because it’s served sizzling at the table in a hot skillet with noodles and herbs to mix themselves.
Gỏi Cuốn
Light rice paper spring rolls with shrimp, veggies, noodles, and herbs.
Kids will love dipping them in peanut sauce.
Bánh Cuốn (Steamed Rice Rolls)
Soft rice crepes that are filled with minced pork, shallots and mushrooms.
No strong flavors – just smooth, warm comfort food. You do however get a small bowl of nước chấm. Which is a mild, slightly sweet dipping sauce made out of fish sauce, lime, sugar and garlic.
Where to eat in Hanoi with kids
From local restaurants to garden cafés to wood-fired pizza, there are plenty of family-friendly options in Hanoi for you to enjoy.
Home Hanoi Restaurant | €€ | Check ratings
Home Hanoi offers elegant Vietnamese cuisine in a quiet villa in the Old Quarter. We loved the interior with the vivid colors of the brick walls all around us.
They have mild coconut curries, sticky rice and chicken skewers that kids will approve of.
They also have vegetarian and vegan dishes on the menu.
The inner courtyard is beautiful, you look out on the bright yellow exterior of the restaurant, surrounded by green plants. Kids can roam around safely here. High chairs are available.
Quán Ăn Ngon | €€€ | Check ratings
Quan An Ngon is mentioned in the MICHELIN guide, so you don’t need any other proof that you should check this place out. Do book ahead, because you don’t want to stand in line for hours with hungry kids.
Another restaurant with a beautiful courtyard, but with a more local feel.
They sell street food classics like Pho Bo, Banh Mi, Banh Xeo (the best we had during our family trip to Vietnam), spring rolls and fried rice with pork, shrimp or chicken. Perfect for families who want to eat street food, but prefer to eat it in a restaurant.
Kids might enjoy the pork skewers, shrimp dumplings, and the sweet dessert chè. You’ll find lots of noodle and rice dishes too.
KOTO Van Mieu | €€ | Check ratings
We love that KOTO Van Mieu is a non-profit restaurant training at-risk and disadvantaged youth. You can find it near the Temple of Literature. The atmosphere is laid-back and inspiring.
If you just want to stop for a coffee, this is a great place to do it. Vietnamese coffee, macchiato, cappuccino, latte, you can find it all here.
Kids might like their poke bowls (not very local, but delicious) or other international dishes. They also have banana fritters which are always a hit with the kids. But fried rice and noodle dishes are also on the menu.
You can also join a cooking class at KOTO.
And if you want to support the local kids you can buy merchandise like a vietnamese coffee filter and cup, aprons and t-shirts.
Maison Sen Buffet | € | Check ratings
A buffet style restaurant, Maison Sen is very popular so book a table in advance.
With over 100 dishes including Vietnamese, Japanese, and Western food, it’s highly unlikely you and your kids won’t find anything to your taste.
And the kids will love the dessert station and mini ice creams.
Coloring sheets and booster seats are available.
Like most buffet style restaurants it’s quite loud. But here the tables are spread out more than we often experience, so somehow it feels less crowded and there’s enough space to walk to and from the buffet. Still loud, but more manageable 😉 .
Pizza 4P’s Trang Tien | € | Check ratings
The best pizza in town. Seriously. Pizza 4p’s Trang Tien is Vietnamese-owned with a Japanese twist. You can find it near Hoan Kiem Lake.
They also sell different kinds of pasta, and house-made vanilla ice cream. So this can be a great option if you want to eat something different than local dishes for a day.
This is also a great compromise if some members of your family want to eat Italian and others Vietnamese. Because you can also order Vietnamese dishes here.
They offer a kids’ menu, coloring books, and high chairs.
Want to order in? That’s also possible, because Pizza 4P’s also delivers pizza to your rental home or hotel lobby.
Where to stay in Hanoi with kids
Here are the top family-friendly areas to stay in Hanoi, based on safety, walkability, and kid-friendly vibes.
West Lake (Tay Ho)
Looking for peace and space? West Lake is your spot.
This area is popular with expat families, filled with parks and playgrounds, and away from chaotic traffic. Perfect for families who want a quiet base but still want to explore
The lake has scenic walking paths, and cafes often have gardens or even play areas. So if you feel like Hoan Kiem Lake is to crowded, this is a great alternative.
French Quarter
A calmer, cleaner alternative to the Old Quarter. Being a former colony of France, this is the area where you experience that the most.
Wide sidewalks, colonial architecture, and close proximity to museums, the Opera House, and Hoan Kiem Lake. Less traffic (but still a lot….), and more stroller-friendly streets.
It’s ideal if you want to stay central without the chaos of motorbikes and party hostels.
Hoan Kiem (South Side)
Stay close to the southern part of Hoan Kiem Lake for a good mix of atmosphere and kid-friendly convenience.
On weekends and in the evenings, the area turns into a walking street with games, performances, and markets.
Nearby attractions include puppet shows, waterparks, and museums.
Avoid the northern backpacker zone and you’re golden.
Ba Dinh District
This is the diplomatic and governmental heart of the city. Quiet, organized, and safe. But you do pay more to stay in this area.
You’re near attractions like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Botanical Gardens, and the Temple of Literature. All must-sees when on a family trip to Hanoi.
There are wide roads, fewer honking horns, and lots of tree-lined streets.
More peaceful than the Old Quarter but still central.
Top places to stay in Hanoi with kids
Here are some of the top places to stay with your family. There’s something for everyone, because I opted for hotels in different price ranges and added a hostel as well.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi *****
Price: €€€€ | Area: French Quarter | Check Ratings
The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is located in a historic, French colonial-style building. A bit of luxury in the heart of the French Quarter.
It has spacious family suites, babysitting services, and a peaceful courtyard pool, surrounded by trees and plants, making it ideal for families with kids.
Lotte Hotel Hanoi *****
Price: €€€ | Area: Ba Dinh | Check Ratings
Lotte Hotel Hanoi is a modern luxury hotel with an indoor pool. This high-rise hotel has insane views and there’s a shopping center downstairs.
Kids will love the observation deck, while parents will appreciate the quality family amenities.
They offer family packages and spacious suites. Babysitting services are also available.
InterContinental Hanoi Westlake *****
Price: €€€ | Area: Tay Ho | Check Ratings
This is one of the most beautiful hotels in Hanoi. The InterContinental Hanoi Westlake is set on the water with villas on stilts. There’s also an outdoor pool overlooking the lake.
It has a calm vibe, great food options (kids under 12 eat free!), and family rooms are available.
La Siesta Classic Ma May ****
Price: €€ | Area: Old Quarter | Check Ratings
La Siesta Classic Ma May is a stylish and quiet hotel offering interconnecting rooms. The breakfast buffet is impressive and everything’s so tasty.
It’s located in the quieter end of the Old Quarter most sites in this area are a short walk away. This makes it the perfect location for exploring on foot, without the sensory overload that you might experience in the center of the Old Quarter.
The Chi Boutique Hotel ***
Price: €€ | Area: Hoan Kiem | Check Ratings
The Chi Boutique Hotel has a modern design and a rooftop terrace. They offer great breakfast! The rooms are extremely spacious, great when traveling with kids that sleep in cots.
It’s located in Hoan Kiem near the famous lake and St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
Splendid Star Grand Hotel **
Price: € | Area: French Quarter | Check Ratings
Close to the cathedral with spacious rooms, including large family suites. They also offer bicycle rental.
The Splendid Star Grand Hotel has a local feel to it. Breakfast was one of the best we had in VIetnam, with both local and international dishes on offer.
Little Charm Hanoi Hostel
Price: € | Area: Old Quarter | Check Ratings
Don’t be fooled by the word “hostel.” Little Charm Hanoi Hostel offers great private family rooms and an indoor pool.
It’s modern, fun, and clean. Perfect for older kids and budget travelers.
How to get to Hanoi
Fly
You can find lots of airlines flying internationally to Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport.
When you arrive at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, it’s about a 40 minute drive to the city centre.
If you are already in Southeast Asia and you’re flying to Hanoi from there, I highly recommend booking plane tickets via 12Go. They offer the best flight deals in Southeast Asia.
Train & bus
If you’re traveling to Hanoi by train or bus from other cities in Vietnam or internationally from neighboring countries, book your tickets via 12Go.
The trains are all in good condition, with comfortable beds and relatively clean. People eat a lot of food on the trains and cockroaches know that. So don’t be surprised if you spot one here and there.
Taking a night bus is a different story, where comfort is concerned. Yes, they’re clean and there’s air conditioning and a toilet on board. But sleeping in the beds is only fun if you’re below 1m70. It gets really uncomfortable if you’re longer than that.
You can also rent a car and drive around Hanoi, but because of the wild traffic it might be best to do that when you’re about to leave Hanoi and start your road trip through Vietnam.
How to get around in Hanoi
The entire city centre can be easily explored on foot. You can combine exploration of the Old Quarter en Hoan Kiem Lake, because they are situated next to each other.
From there you can walk to the Temple of Literature in about 30 minutes. 40 minutes with smaller children who walk by themselves. Just stop for drinks and food a few times during the day. To give those little legs some rest and also enjoy a yummy Vietnamese meal together.
We loved exploring Hanoi on foot. In the morning we called a Grab (comparable to Uber) to take us to our first point of interest and again at the end of the day to bring us back to our accommodation.
Speaking of Grab, they are the best option by car. Taxis are also quite cheap and trustworthy, because they always work with a meter. But we loved the Grab app and it just worked effortlessly.
There are also lots of buses driving around in Hanoi. But we couldn’t get the hang of the way it worked and the two bus drivers we spoke with, didn’t speak English. Maybe you have better luck when visiting Hanoi.
Traffic gets really crazy at rush hours, so avoid buses, Grabs or taxi’s at this time of day.
FAQs – Planning a Family Trip to Hanoi
Don’t have time to read this article? Read this FAQ to get answers to the most common questions about a family trip to Hanoi.
Is Hanoi suitable for children?
Absolutely! Hanoi is a vibrant, bustling city that offers a mix of cultural experiences and fun activities that can engage children of all ages. From its colorful markets and serene parks to the fascinating museums and lively street performances, there’s something to capture the imagination of every child.
Friendly locals often go out of their way to make families feel welcome.
The city is also home to several child-friendly attractions like the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, which showcases traditional Vietnamese puppetry in a way that’s sure to captivate kids.
Hanoi’s wide range of restaurants means that even the pickiest eaters will find something they like, whether it’s a local dish like Pho or more familiar Western options.
Overall, Hanoi is an exciting and rewarding destination for families traveling with children.
Is Hanoi safe with kids?
Hanoi is generally very safe for travelers, including families with children. The city has a low crime rate, and the most common issues tourists might encounter are petty crimes like pickpocketing, which are easily avoided by staying aware of your surroundings and keeping your belongings secure.
Is it safe to walk around Hanoi at night?
Yes, it is generally safe to walk around Hanoi at night, especially in the more central areas like the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the French Quarter.
These areas are often bustling with activity well into the evening, with night markets, food stalls, and street performances creating a lively and safe atmosphere. The city is well-lit, and you’ll find plenty of other people out and about, which adds to the sense of security.
However, like in any big city, it’s important to stay alert and be cautious of your surroundings. Stick to well-trafficked areas, and avoid wandering into less busy neighborhoods late at night.
When traveling to Hanoi with kids, it might be a good idea to end your evenings with a leisurely walk around the lake or a visit to one of the many night markets, which are both safe and entertaining for children.
What to do in Hanoi with kids?
Hanoi offers plenty of activities that will keep kids entertained and engaged. Read my post about the best things to do with children in Hanoi to find out what you should definitely add to your Hanoi itinerary.
What to avoid in Hanoi with kids?
While Hanoi is generally kid-friendly, there are a few things you might want to avoid. The chaotic traffic can be stressful, so it’s best to avoid peak traffic hours when crossing busy streets or navigating crowded areas.
Additionally, some street food stalls might not have the best hygiene standards, so be cautious about where you eat, especially with young children. Stick to well-known spots or restaurants with good reviews.
Also, while the Old Quarter is fascinating, it can be overwhelming for younger children due to the crowds, noise, and narrow streets. We visited it for the first time in the middle of the afternoon and our 10yo could barely cope with all the noise and scents. He loved it when we came back the next day around 9am. So, it might be better to visit during the early morning or late afternoon when it’s less busy.
How to get from Hanoi Airport to Hanoi city?
Getting from Noi Bai International Airport to Hanoi city center is pretty straightforward.
The most convenient way is to take a taxi or Grab (like Uber), which will take you directly to your accommodation in about 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Make sure to use a reputable taxi service like Mai Linh or Vinasun to avoid any scams.
Another option is the airport shuttle bus, which is affordable and drops you off at key locations in the city. The Express Bus 86 is particularly popular, offering a comfortable ride to various points in the Old Quarter.
Oh and check if your hotel offers private airport transfers. Because they can often be arranged in advance for a hassle-free experience, especially if you’re traveling with kids and lots of luggage.
Wrap-Up family trip to Hanoi
That’s a wrap on all the things you should know before you start your Hanoi family trip. Buy those plane tickets, book your accommodation and enjoy this diverse city, with it’s sweet people and delicious food.
Did you enjoy Planning a Family Trip to Hanoi?
If so, read more about family travel in Vietnam:
- Ultimate Vietnam Family Road Trip Itinerary
- 16 Things to Do In Hanoi with Kids
- Planning a Family Trip to Hanoi: Things to Know Before You Go
- 10 Things to Do In Ho Chi Minh City with Kids
- 8 Things to Do In Hue with Kids
- Planning a Family Trip to Hoi An: Things to Know Before You Go
- 24 Best Things to Do In Hoi An with Kids
- Halong Bay Cruise with Kids
Pin for Later
Other Vietnam Family Travel Posts
