Hanoi with kids – Things to do the whole family can enjoy
Before visiting Hanoi with my kids, I was told that I would either love it or hate it. I did love it but I wouldn’t want to spend more than a week here as it’s a little chaotic. What I do know, is that you absolutely have to experience the excitement, culture and chaos that is Hanoi for yourself.
What to expect in Hanoi with kids
Foreign kids attract attention in Hanoi!
My favourite thing about visiting Hanoi with kids is that every single person you meet genuinely adores children. At first, you might feel like everyone is trying to steal your baby. I promise, they just want to cuddle and squeeze some cute chubby baby thighs.
It can be a bit overwhelming if you are not expecting it. My advice? Give in to the warm welcome! Where else will someone distract your grizzly baby whilst you are trying to eat a meal? Or play peek-a-boo with your grumpy toddler on the train? This “it takes a village” culture is a breath of fresh air and it’s a relief to know that kids are welcome everywhere.
You need to be extra careful crossing the road in Hanoi with kids!
There is a technique to crossing the road here that basically involves just walking out in front of oncoming traffic. You make eye contact, step out confidently, and the sea of scooters will parts around you. This isn’t so fantastic with younger kids in Hanoi as (1) they like to dawdle, and (2) they are harder for the driver to see.
It’s not as bad as it sounds! As long as you are aware that the traffic flows differently here and don’t let kids run off ahead, you will be fine. If you are unsure, just wait for a local and do as they do.
10 great things to do in Hanoi with kids
1. Explore the Old Quarter
Strolling around the Old Quarter, experiencing the sights and smells, and taking it all in is a great activity to do with kids in Hanoi. The Vietnam Lonely Planet has a useful self-walking guide within its pages if you need a plan of attack. Everyone is friendly but be warned, one section of the streets is filled with vendors selling toys and things can get a bit crazy if you parade the kids past it. There is also a night market to check out. Don’t forget to bargain!
2. Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is a beautiful lake in the old quarter, which is also home to the well-known Red Bridge (The Huc Bridge). It’s a fantastic place to take the kids in Hanoi to escape the chaos of the Old Quarter. There is a walking path all the way around and plenty of opportunities to rest or get an ice cream.
People-watching opportunities are endless here however, it is really pretty at night time so make sure you come back after dinner. At night, there are lots of Vietnamese couples, both young and old, taking a romantic stroll around the lake. There is something both old-fashioned and beautiful about these evening strolls.
3. See a water puppet show
Kids both young and old will love this in Hanoi. The shows usually go for around 45 minutes and are definitely worth seeing. The puppets are made of wood and the show is performed in a waist-deep pool of water. Puppeteers are often hidden behind a screen and control the puppets with large bamboo rods. It’s fascinating to watch!
4. Go on a cyclo tour of the city
A Cyclo tour of the city is one of those touristy things that you just have to do. All kids visiting Hanoi will find this exciting and it’s great to give your feet a break from walking the streets of the Old Quarter. It’s an easy way to check out the city and is quite nice if you head out at night time.
5. Pay a visit to Cong Vien Nghia Do Park
This park in Hanoi is really fantastic for those travelling with kids. There is a lake, incredible play area, walking tracks, a zipline and lots of fake grass. An entrance fee is payable but like most things in Vietnam, it’s not expensive. You can buy food and snacks on the way in if you didn’t bring any.
6. Stop for ice cream.
Vietnamese ice cream has some interesting flavours that are quite different to back home. Trying the new flavours is a lot of fun but if your kids are picky eaters, expect to get a lot of leftovers if you’ve ordered something a little out of their comfort zone.
7. Visit the temples and other buildings of interest
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a traffic-free area containing pagodas, parks and memorials. It’s an important place of pilgrimage and therefore usually fairly busy. The Temple of Literature is a popular visit as is Ngoc Son Temple which is located across the Red Bridge on Lake Hoan Kiem.
8. Try out a pedal-powered boat
Lenin Park (about 2km south of Hoan Kiem Lake) is a great place to escape the chaos of the Old Quarter and rest tired legs. Hire a pedal-powered boat and slowly make your way around Bau Mau Lake. This is one of those activities that both kids and the young at heart can enjoy in Hanoi.
9. Day trip to the Perfume Pagoda
The Perfume Pago is a complex of Buddhist shrines and pagodas built into the karst cliffs of Huong Tich Mountain. A day tour will see you being picked up from your accommodation, a boat trip, lunch, admission, and a cable car ride to the mountain top pilgrimage site. The landscape is particularly scenic consisting of rice paddies and karst cliffs.
10. Day trip down to Ninh Binh
Although I recommend spending a few days in Ninh Binh, if time is not on your side, it’s worth booking a day trip to From Hanoi. Both kids and adults alike will love the boat trip through the limestone karst cliffs and rice paddies.
Looking for more awesome family holiday destinations?
For more information on visiting Vietnam, make sure to visit our Vietnam page. Alternatively, head back to the home page for inspiration on more destinations worldwide.
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Resources for booking a family holiday to Vietnam
Flights
Most international flights will land in either Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. Search Trip.com for a great deal on flights to Vietnam.
Accommodation
We have stayed at and loved the following hotels and resorts in Vietnam:
- HOI AN – The Hoi An Beach Resort
- NINH BINH – The Legend Hotel
- PHU QUOC Island – Long Beach Resort
- HO CHI MINH CITY – The Grand Hotel Saigon
Unfortunately, I can’t recommend the hotel we stayed at in Hanoi as it was less than ideal!
Activities and tours
Viator is a great choice when it comes to selecting activities and tours. Just click on the banner below!
