16 Things to Do In Hanoi with Kids
Hanoi might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think family vacation, but trust me, it should be.
It’s chaotic in the best way: scooters weaving through alleys like it’s Mario Kart, street vendors selling snacks your kids can’t pronounce (but will hopefully eat), and ancient temples peeking out between trendy coffee shops.
We’ve explored Hanoi with our teen twice and can’t wait to travel back to this city. We’ve done so much here that it’s time to share the best things to do in Hanoi with kids with you.
I’ll walk you through what actually worked for our family: which spots kept the kids curious (and not cranky), which museums didn’t feel like punishment, and yes, where to find a bathroom before someone says it’s an emergency.
These 16 experiences aren’t in any particular order, but every one of them was kid-tested and parent-approved (with a Vietnamese coffee nearby for survival).
So if your idea of a good day is watching your kids learn something without even realizing it, and maybe grabbing a Vietnamese coffee on the way, Hanoi’s going to surprise you. Let’s dive into the best family-friendly things to do in Vietnam’s wild and wonderful capital.
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Top Tours in Hanoi with Kids
Best 16 Things to Do In Hanoi with Kids
When planning your Hanoi family trip you’re probably looking for the best things to do in this beautiful city. Let’s find out the best things to do on your Hanoi family trip! In no particular order, the top 16 activities are revealed below.
NOTE: all prices and opening hours were updated in September 2026.
1. Get Lost in the Old Quarter of Hanoi
No one can deny the charm of the Old Quarter of Hanoi. The streets are filled with endless amounts of shops that sell anything you could possibly need. And you can find hundreds of small restaurants here with a little street food cart in front, selling mouthwatering Vietnamese dishes. Walking around this old part of Hanoi is an incredible cultural experience.
The Old Quarter is one of the reasons why Hanoi is a thrilling city to visit with kids. There’s so much to see, taste and hear. In other words, you won’t get bored!
36 Old Streets
The Old Quarter of Hanoi is also known as 36 Old Streets. There are more than 36 streets in the old town. The number 36 refers to something else. And that is 36 guild locations that existed since the 15th century.
Han Gai is the street where you can get tailor made silk clothing. Hang Thinh is the wood turner’s street and Hang Ma sells paper products.
You’ll notice the street names all start with Hang. Hang means shop or merchandise. It’s really fun to see if you can find out what kind of merchants you can find with your children, when here.
Top Tours In Hanoi Old Quarter
2. Dive Into Hanoi’s Coffee Culture
Vietnam serves some amazing coffee. In fact, one of the best in the world. Coffee plantations can be found all over the country. Did you know Vietnam is the second-largest coffee producer in the world?
Coffee lovers visiting the country can quite easily spend their entire holiday in Vietnam visiting different cafes and in the end you won’t even scratch the surface of what’s on offer.
Hanoi is one of the cities in Vietnam with some of the hippest and trendiest cafes.
So while roaming around the Old Quarter or French Quarter and ready for a break, visit one of the coffee shops and get a mug filled with deep, bitter coffee while soaking in the local atmosphere.
And definitely don’t skip the famous Hanoi Egg coffee!
Top Coffee Tours In Hanoi
3. Stroll Around Hoan Kiem Lake
After exploring the bustling streets of the Old Quarter it’s time for a bit of nature. There are two scenic lakes in Hanoi, West Lake and Hoan Kiem Lake. Our favorite is absolutely the Hoan Kiem Lake (Hồ Hoàn Kiếm).
Right in the middle of the city you’ll find Hoan Kiem Lake. When walking around the lake you’ll experience peace and serenity when looking to your right. On your left side you’ll see the chaos in the streets, shops filled to the brim with stuff and shoppers and street food stalls catering to rows of people. A weird contrast, albeit a fascinating one.
Things to See Around Hoan Kiem Lake
If you’re looking for cheap things to do in Hanoi with kids, walk around Hoan Kiem Lake. This fun family activity in Hanoi is completely free.
Around the lake you’ll find plenty of trees and shady spots that offer an escape from the busy city life. In the middle of the lake you’ll see a mini island with a tower on it, Turtle Tower.
You can also pay a visit to the Ngoc Son Temple, for a small fee. More on that later.
All around the lake you’ll find artisans offering their crafts, locals practicing Tai Chi and vendors selling local snacks.
The pagoda, temple and the bridge are beautifully lit at night. So if you’re looking for a place in Hanoi to take a nice evening stroll, head out to Hoan Kiem Lake.
Lake of the Returned Sword
Hoan Kiem Lake means Lake of the Returned Sword. Legend has it that Emperor Le Loi, after having defeated Ming China, was boating here when a Golden Turtle God came to the surface. The turtle asked Le Loi for his magic sword. Le Loi concluded that the turtle wanted to reclaim the sword that its master, the Dragon King, had given the emperor to defeat Ming China. The turtle wanted to give the sword back to the gods.
He gave the turtle the sword back and renamed the lake in honor of his meeting with the turtle. The name changed from Green Lake to the Lake of the Returned Sword, or Sword Lake. He also had a tower made on a small island in the lake and named it Turtle Tower.
You can also pay a visit to the Ngoc Son Temple, for a small fee. More on that later.
All around the lake you’ll find artisans offering their crafts, locals practicing Tai Chi and vendors selling local snacks.
The pagoda, temple and the bridge are beautifully lit at night. So if you’re looking for a place in Hanoi to take a nice evening stroll, head out to Hoan Kiem Lake.
4. Take a Selfie with the Plastinated Turtles In the Ngoc Son Temple
While you’re at Hoan Kiem Lake you can’t skip a visit to the Ngoc Son Temple. This temple was built in the 18th century on Jade Island on Hoan Kiem Lake. You get there by crossing a beautiful scarlet bridge, Cau The Huc (or Rising Sun Bridge).
The Temple of the Jade Mountain, the English translation of the name, is Hanoi’s most visited temple. The gate is beautifully ordained. You will spot tigers, fish and turtles on the gate and around the pathway leading you to the temple.
Inside the temple you will see two plastinated turtles. The first one has been on display since 1968. The second became its neighbor in 2016. They used to live in Hoan Kiem Lake. Both are Swinhoe softshell turtles, a critically endangered species. There are only two turtles left of this kind. A female that lives in China and one in Vietnam, its gender is unclear.
The turtles are huge and impressive to look at. Ideal subjects for a selfie.
💡 TIP: Finding public restrooms is always a challenge in big cities. There’s a reasonably clean public bathroom near Ngoc Son Temple entrance (₫1,000 (about €0.03/$0.04 USD). A lifesaver for post-coffee emergencies.
Opening Hours and Ticket Info
The temple opens at 8am and closes at 6pm on weekdays, and at 9pm at Saturdays and Sundays.
Tickets can be purchased at the booth at the left-hand side in front of the red Huc Bridge and cost ₫50,000 (about €1.70/$1.90 USD) per person. Kids under 16 are free.
5. Join a Cyclo Tour
A cyclo was the most popular mode of transportation during the French colonial times. It’s now seen as a cultural icon and you can hop on a trishaw cyclo, meaning it’s a three-wheeled vehicle, enjoying the highlights of Hanoi.
The cyclo is pedal-powered, so a human is pedalling you around. The driver in the back and the passengers in the front.
Be Reasonable and Split up in Multiple Cyclos – Travel Ethically
Please keep in mind that an actual person is driving you around! I’ve seen lots of families pushing the drivers to keep the family together. Vietnamese are very polite and won’t say ‘no’.
Just think about it this way: if you were the one pedalling, would you want to drive around 2 adults and 2 children on their laps? I think not! The reasonable amount per cyclo is 2 adults. So if you’re a family of 4, split up. If you’re a family of three and your kid is old enough to safely sit beside you, split up. And please always tip them after the ride.
We always check the tour operators’ ethics. Our cyclo driver explained how he’s licensed through the city and gets fair wages (and yes, we tipped generously).
Top Cyclo Tours in Hanoi
6. Buy Tickets for the Water Puppet Theatre show
Water puppetry is a true Northern Vietnamese art form and Hanoi is the best place to see it. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is known all over the country for having the best puppeteers. They stand behind a temple facade and move their wooden puppets through and over the water.
The story is told via song, musicians and singers perform live, right next to the stage. And everything is beautifully lit. Our 9-year-old was mesmerized by the fire-breathing dragon puppet, until it splashed him, and we all laughed so hard we missed the next scene.
A water puppet show lasts about 50 minutes and costs ₫100,000 to ₫200,000 (about €3.40 to €6.70/$3.80 to $7.70 USD), depending on your seat. Money very well spent!
Top Water Puppet Show Tours
7. Marvel At the Size of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Hồ Chí Minh is the President that is responsible for the independence of Vietnam and is seen as a hero in Vietnam. Under his reign the French, Japanese and Americans were defeated. He’s seen as a revolutionary leader and you can find his face on money, buildings and many pieces of art all over the country.
They even renamed Saigon after him in 1967. It’s now known as Ho Chi Minh City, also worthy of a visit, because HCMC offers lots to do for families.
His final resting place is not in Ho Chi Minh City, but can be found in Hanoi. In the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This mausoleum was built at the exact same place where Ho Chi Minh read the declaration of independence in September 1945.
The mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh looks like a colossal cube and consists of marble from the Marble Mountain in Da Nang. Right in the heart of the cube you will see a glass coffin with the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh inside.
Checking out his body might not be an activity you want to do with young kids. But in any case you should definitely head out to this square and check out this impressive mausoleum. Even if it’s only from the outside.
Dress and Behave Appropriately
If you do want to go in, then dress appropriately. Like when you visit a temple. Long sleeves and long shorts or dress. Open toe shoes are also not allowed, so don’t wear your flip flops, wear decent shoes instead.
When traveling with kids there are moments when their patience is tested and they tend to get a little rowdy. Especially at a site like this, where it’s not out of the ordinary that you have to wait in line for a bit before entering. Know that this is a place of worship for many Vietnamese. They still regard Ho Chi Minh as their great leader.
While slowly making your way towards the mausoleum it’s very important that talking loudly or laughing out loud will lead to guards sending you away.
It totally depends on the (time of) day and your kids character if they’re up for this kind of formal visit.
Opening Hours and Ticket Info
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum can be visited for free if you’re Vietnamese. Foreigners pay a small fee of ₫25,000 (about €0.85/$0.95 USD) per person.
The mausoleum is open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7.30am to 10.30am from April to October. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays it stays open until 11.00am.
From November to March the mausoleum is open on the same days, but from 8.00am to 11.00am, and until 11.30am on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
8. Check Out the One Pillar Pagoda
The One Pillar Pagoda is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hanoi and a must-see for families exploring the city. Originally built in 1049, this small temple rises from a single stone pillar in the middle of a lotus pond, meant to represent a lotus blossom, a symbol of purity.
Located near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, it’s a peaceful spot to walk around, take photos, and soak up a bit of Vietnam’s spiritual history.
Kids might enjoy the cool architecture, because it looks like the pagoda is floating. There’s also plenty of space around the pagoda to stretch legs, watch koi fish in the pond, and feed the pigeons nearby. It’s a quick stop and near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Opening Hours and Ticket Info
The One Pillar Pagoda is open daily from 7.00am to 6.00pm all year round. Tickets cost ₫25,000 (about €0.85/$0.95 USD) per person if you’re a foreigner.
9. Ho Chi Minh Museum
While you’re in the neighborhood, you should check out some other attractions. The Presidential Palace and the One Pillar Pagoda, for instance. Or the Ho Chi Minh Museum, also known as the Bao Tang Ho Chi Minh.
This museum is dedicated to the life of the Vietnamese leader.
For kids, this museum might feel like a mix between a history lesson and a cool art installation. It really depends on how interested your kids are in visiting museums if they’ll like it here.
There are some interactive parts and large sculptures to explore. Our son loved the spiral walkway. It felt like climbing into a time capsule of Vietnam’s past.
For younger kids this might be a boring visit, so maybe do something after that’s more fun for them.
Opening Hours and Ticket Info
The museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, from 8.00am to 12.00pm and then 2.00pm to 4.30pm. It’s closed on Mondays and Fridays.
Tickets cost ₫40,000 (about €1.35/$1.50 USD) per person for international visitors.
10. Join A FREE Walking Tour
One of the best ways to get to know Hanoi as a family is by joining a FREE walking tour. These tours are often run by local university students eager to practice their English, and they’ll take you through the Old Quarter, around Hoan Kiem Lake, or even to hidden cafes and historical spots. It’s an excellent way to get insider knowledge while keeping costs low.
Kids will love having a friendly young guide to chat with, and many of these student guides go out of their way to make the experience fun for little ones. Since the pace is slower and the vibe more casual than a commercial tour, it’s much more family-friendly. Plus, there’s usually a chance to stop for street food or ice cream!
Most free walking tours need to be booked in advance online, our go to when it comes to free walking tours all over the world is GuruWalk, because they have the most tours on offer, including fully locally run tours. We also booked our Hanoi walking tour via GuruWalk.
Tours usually run in the mornings or afternoons, depending on the guide’s availability.
Tipping the Tour Guide
Tours are technically free, but it’s customary (and appreciated) to tip your guide at the end. Around ₫100,000 to ₫150,000 (about €3.40 to €5/$3.80 to $5.80 USD) is a fair amount for a family.
Top FREE Walking Tours In Hanoi
11. Visit the Temple Of Literature
Next on this list of 10 things to do in Hanoi with kids is a cultural treasure: the Temple of Literature. This temple is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Van Mieu in Vietnamese, is considered to be the birthplace of Vietnamese higher education. Founded about a thousand years ago. You can still see lots of Vietnamese students admiring the grounds. Or graduates taking group pictures in front of the beautiful buildings.
After entering the complex via the gorgeous gate you get to enjoy the nature around Van Lake. Then another gate brings you to the next courtyard. And another, and another. A total of four courtyards and equally as many gates eventually bring you to the Shrine Area.
When entering the courtyard in the Shrine Area, you’ll see the Dai Bai Durong house and the Upper Shrine. The latter is a place to worship the masters of Confucianism. You’ll find an altar here in honor of Confucius, as well as beautiful thrones and ancient artifacts.
When visiting the Temple of Literature, know that there’s a dress code. Cover up knees and elbows and wear shoes that don’t show your toes.
Opening Hours and Ticket Info
The temple is open every day from 8.00am to 5.00pm, all year round.
On Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, you can also visit from 6.00pm to 10.00pm.
Tickets cost ₫70,000 (about €2.40/$2.70 USD) and kids under 16 are free. You can get your tickets at the booth right next to the entrance.
12. Thang Long Imperial Citadel
Not far from the Temple of Literature Hanoi, about a 10 minute walk, you’ll find another world heritage site. The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.
If you’re history buff’s and you have the time you should definitely visit this site. It’s filled with archaeological digs, remains of palaces and French colonial buildings and military bunkers. It’s this diverse because the first buildings were built in the 7th century and different dynasties have since then left their marks on this site.
Opening Hours and Ticket Info
You can visit the Thang Long Imperial Citadel World Cultural Heritage site every day from 8.00am to 5.00pm.
Tickets cost ₫100,000 (about €3.40/$3.80 USD) per person and kids under the age of 16 are free.
13. Eat Street Food In the Backpacker District
Right on the edge of the Old Quarter, at the point where it meets Hoan Kiem Lake, you’ll find the Backpacker District. Here you’ll find fellow travelers meeting each other over food and drinks. A great place to share Vietnam travel tips with other travelers.
The area around Beer Street is filled with bars, restaurants and street food carts. The name of this street might suggest that it’s highly inappropriate with kids, but that’s only partially so. From breakfast to about 4pm/5pm this is a great place to share stories with others about your Vietnam family vacation over breakfast and/or lunch. After that the first drunk tourists can be spotted and it’s time to go.
So how do you know the food is safe to eat and not laying in the sun for hours waiting to be cooked? Stick to stalls with lots of locals. We had zero tummy troubles.
Sit down on the incredibly low, but quintessential for street life in Vietnam, plastic chairs and look around. Enjoy cheap and delicious Vietnamese dishes like a Banh Mi sandwich, Pho noodle soups and spring or summer rolls. After a meal here your family is all fueled up and ready to continue exploring Hanoi.
14. Buy Souvenirs At the Hanoi Night Market
The Hanoi Night Market is located right in the heart of the Old Quarter. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6.00pm to 11.00pm you can find this night market at a 3km long street from Hang Dao Street to the gate of Dong Xuan Market.
Thousands of stalls sell souvenirs, groceries, toys, crafts, art and of course street food. It’s a vibrant atmosphere and quite busy. But if your kids can handle the crowds and the late hours, don’t skip it.
On Saturday nights you can check out traditional performances on both ends of the market.
15. Join a Food Tour
You probably already noticed from reading this article, but Hanoi is very much known for great food.
Much like the rest of Vietnam, food is extremely important in Hanoi. Warm dishes are eaten multiple times a day. You will spot locals eating hearty soups at 8am for breakfast.
You can book countless of food tours, from hours long experiences to 45 minute tours. The latter being more appropriate for smaller kids, since it’s not that long. Make sure to ask your local guide to add some child friendly places to the itinerary and it will be a great experience for all. What kid will turn down a fluffy pancake?
Top Hanoi Food Tours
16. Watch Out For the Train in Train Street
This list is not complete without me mentioning a visit to a very special street known as Train Street. Right in the middle of a narrow street with houses built on either side, you can spot a train track. This is not just for show. A train runs through it multiple times a day.
The railway runs from through the Old and the French Quarter and Train Street is one of the places it runs through. People sell food and groceries along the tracks and at the sound of the honk, they quickly pick up their stuff and move it away, so the train can pass.
This free activity is a must on your Hanoi with kids vacation. It’s thrilling and fun. Just make sure you know when the train arrives and follow everyone’s lead. Once people start moving then something is about to happen. Best thing is to just sit at a cafe or restaurant, enjoy a drink and wait for the train to pass.
In the evening the shops will be closed, but cafes and restaurants will be open for a large part of the evening.
This is not an activity I would recommend with young kids. We went with the teen and it was quite overwhelming, because you sit or stand so close to the train.
And while it only goes 10-15km/h the speed and the size of the train might make be to scary for the little ones. It also honks a lot while passing through, so if your kids are sensitive to sound, it’s good to know that.
And while we didn’t see anything out of the ordinary happen. Sometimes people get to close to the track, and have to be pulled away or vendors didn’t pull the tables back the right way causing them too fall with drinks and food and all.
So is this a great activity for all ages? I don’t think so. It’s fun with older kids, but always use common sense and keep your kids close at all times.
Check If Train Street is Open!
The popularity of train street has raised safety concerns. Periodic closures occur. Ask around if train street is open when you’re in the area.
Timetable (September 2026)
Trains pass by daily at 9.00am, 11.20am, 11.45am, 3.20pm, 5.30pm, 6.00pm, 7.00pm, 7.45pm, 8.30pm, 9.15pm, 10.00pm and 11.00pm.
Get there at least 45 minutes before the train arrives. This gives you enough time to find the safest spots for your family and order a drink or snack. Also note that there may be variation in change in the weekends.
Also know that trains can get cancelled, so if you’re really set on seeing this, make sure you don’t plan it on your last day here, so you can try again later.
NOTE: timetables change regularly, so check if these times are still correct during the time of your visit
If you want to check out the complete top 16 in one visit, make sure you have at least 4 days here. Or read the following info to decide what things to fit into your itinerary depending on how much time you have.
5 Things to Do In Hanoi with Kids
If you only have less than 3 days in Hanoi with kids or if you want to take it a little slower, pick the top 5 things to do in Hanoi with kids. Our 5 must sees when in this beautiful city:
- Get lost in the Old Quarter of Hanoi
- Visit the Ngoc Son Temple and check out the view of Hoan Kiem Lake
- Go to the Water Puppet Theatre show
- Visit the Temple Of Literature
- Eat street food in the Backpacker District
Things to Do Around Hanoi
Now that you know the must sees in Hanoi for your family vacation, I’d like to share another tip. Traveling through Vietnam with kids is relatively easy so it’s no wonder lots of parents opt for a Vietnam family road trip. The two most popular and frankly best places to start your road trip through Vietnam are Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon) and Hanoi.
Hanoi As a Base to Explore the Region
If you decide to start your road trip in Hanoi and you’re jet lagged you might opt for a base to stay for longer than a few days. And explore parts of North Vietnam from Hanoi. It’s right in the center. We rented an AirBnb for a full week. Explored Hanoi for 4, left our luggage safely in the AirBnb and went on a Halong Bay Cruise with just our daypacks. When we returned back to Hanoi, we already had a place to stay and spend the last night. The next morning we woke up well rested, packed up our stuff, checked out and traveled to the next destination of our Vietnam road trip.
This is just one example. You can do the same with Sapa and even Ninh Binh. There are lots of multi day tours starting in Hanoi that you can book to nearby destinations.
How Much Time Do You Need In Hanoi When It’s Your Base?
If Hanoi is your home base while exploring Northern Vietnam, spend at least a 8 days here. The ideal mix being 4 days of exploring Hanoi, before taking a sleeper train to Sapa and spend 2 days here. Then, head back to your pad in Hanoi for a night to get ready for a trip out to sea, by spending 1 or 2 nights on a boat in Ha Long Bay.
Start Your Vietnam Itinerary In Hanoi
Hanoi is also a great starting point for a family road trip through Vietnam. Start in the North of Vietnam and work your way down to the South, ending in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong River region.
Hanoi Itinerary For Families
We’ve already got you covered with this list of top things to do on your family trip to Hanoi.
Just to help you plan out your own perfect Hanoi city trip itinerary, I’ll now break down what the must-sees are looking at the days you have available. The daily itineraries are based on the distance between the sights. This way you get the most out of your time in Hanoi.
5 Day Hanoi Itinerary
In five days you can easily explore this entire list of things to do in Hanoi with kids. If you have 5 days we highly recommend spending 4 days in Hanoi and spend the 5th day outside of the city.
Day 1
- Hanoi Old Quarter. Check out the Old City Gate, Bach Ma Temple and Backpackers street
- Hoan Kiem Lake
- St Joseph Cathedral
- Hanoi Night Market
Day 2
- Temple of Literature
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- One Pillar Pagoda
- Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
Day 3
- Dong Xuan Market
- Thang Long Water puppet show
- Hanoi Train Street
Day 4
- Food tour
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology or the Vietnam National Museum of History
Day 5
Pick one of the following destinations and book a full day tour to get the most out of your day:
- Ninh Binh and Trang An
- Halong Bay (arrive back in Hanoi around midnight)
- Perfume Pagoda and Yen Stream in bamboo boat
4 Day Hanoi Itinerary
In four days you can also explore this entire list of things to do in Hanoi with kids. The top 10 can be done in 3 days, but if you like a slower pace, then you can take 4 days to see it all.
If you like to add a few activities to your itinerary then follow this mini guide:
Day 1
- Hanoi Old Quarter, check out the Old City Gate, Bach Ma Temple and Backpackers street
- Hoan Kiem Lake
- St Joseph Cathedral
- Hanoi Night Market
Day 2
- Temple of Literature
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- One Pillar Pagoda
- Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
Day 3
- Dong Xuan Market
- Thang Long Water puppet show
- Hanoi Train Street
Day 4
- Food tour
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology or the Vietnam National Museum of History
3 Day Hanoi Itinerary
The following list of 10 things to do in Hanoi with kids is perfect if you have 3 days in the city. I wouldn’t tweak a thing if I were you, because it will probably be too much if you add more.
Day 1
- Hanoi Old Quarter, check out the Old City Gate, Bach Ma Temple and Backpackers street
- Hoan Kiem Lake
- Hanoi Night Market
Day 2
- Temple of Literature
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- One Pillar Pagoda
- Food tour
Day 3
- Dong Xuan Market
- Thang Long Water puppet show
- Hanoi Train Street
2 Day Hanoi Itinerary
If you only have 2 days in Hanoi, these are the best things to do.
Day 1
- Hanoi Old Quarter and Backpackers street
- Food tour
- Hoan Kiem Lake
- Thang Long Water puppet show
Day 2
- Temple of Literature
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- One Pillar Pagoda
- Night Market
1 Day Hanoi Itinerary
With one day in Hanoi with children you’re limited to what you can explore. I would stick to the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake.
This way you get a chance to try great street food and coffee, get a feel of the vibe of Hanoi and do some shopping. A stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake gives you the chance to check out the Ngoc Son Temple and some peace and quiet in an otherwise loud city.
If you have time choose between a visit to the Temple of Literature or a water puppet show.
FAQ
How many days in Hanoi with kids is ideal?
For a family trip to Hanoi, 3 to 4 days is ideal. This gives you enough time to explore the city’s main attractions without feeling rushed.
On the first day, you can get a feel for the city by visiting Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, which are perfect for family friendly activities like a stroll and street food tasting.
The second day could be dedicated to exploring some of Hanoi’s cultural sites like the Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
By the third day, you might want to take a more relaxed pace. Spend time at a park or visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which has outdoor exhibits that are fun and educational for kids.
If you have a fourth day, consider a short day trip to places like the Bat Trang pottery village, where kids can try their hand at making their own pottery. This itinerary strikes a good balance between sightseeing and downtime, making it perfect for families.
If you have 5 days in Hanoi with kids or even more you can use Hanoi as a base to explore other destinations in the area. Like Halong Bay, Ninh Binh and Sapa.
What to do in Hanoi with kids?
If you don’t have time to read my blog post right now you might want to safe it for later (click the button at the top of the article to do so).
This is the short answer to your question:
Hanoi offers plenty of activities that will keep kids entertained and engaged. Start with a visit to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, where you and your kids can enjoy a unique traditional puppet show that’s performed over water. It’s a fascinating experience for all ages.
Another great spot is Hoan Kiem Lake, where kids can feed the turtles, watch street performances, or just enjoy a boat ride on the lake.
Walk towards backpackers street after your stroll around the lake and have some street food and do some souvenir shopping.
Don’t miss the chance to explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum.
For a more active day, take a trip to West Lake, where you can rent bicycles or swan-shaped paddle boats.
And if your kids need some downtime, Hanoi’s parks, like Lenin Park, offer open spaces where they can run around and play.
What not to miss in Hanoi with kids?
When in Hanoi with kids, make sure you don’t miss the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the surrounding complex, including the One Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace. These sites offer a peek into Vietnam’s history and culture in a way that’s accessible and interesting for children.
Another must-see is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, where kids can explore beautiful gardens and ancient architecture.
The Old Quarter is also a must-visit. Wander through its narrow streets filled with shops, street food vendors, and cafes. It’s a great place for kids to see and try new things, from traditional toys to fresh fruit smoothies.
Lastly, make time for a water puppet theater show, a visit to the Bat Trang pottery village or the Hanoi Train Street, where you can safely watch a train pass just inches away from local homes and cafes. A thrilling experience for kids!
Is 3 days in Hanoi with kids enough?
Yes, 3 days in Hanoi is enough to get a good feel for the city and see many of its highlights, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
In three days, you can explore the Old Quarter, visit key historical sites like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature, and even catch a traditional water puppet show. It also gives you enough time to enjoy some local cuisine and experience the vibrant street life.
While 3 days won’t allow you to see everything, it’s a good amount of time to cover the essentials without feeling rushed.
Planning Your Hanoi Family Trip
Hanoi is extremely diverse and has lots to offer to families. You can easily enjoy a week here without getting bored.
Wondering where you should stay, eat and what else there is to know before you go? Check out our Hanoi planning guide.
👉 Planning a Family Trip to Hanoi: Things to Know Before You Go
Did you enjoy the Best Things to Do In Hanoi with Kids?
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
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