Hanoi with Kids: 10 Best Things to Do + Family Tips

Before visiting Hanoi with kids, I was told I’d either love it or hate it. I ended up loving it, although after a few days of busy streets, constant traffic and sensory overload, I was also ready for somewhere a little quieter.

Hanoi is chaotic, fascinating and unlike anywhere else we visited in Vietnam. From exploring the Old Quarter and watching a traditional water puppet show to slowing down beside Hoan Kiem Lake, there are plenty of things to do in Hanoi with kids. It’s a city I think families should experience at least once – even if you don’t need a whole week to do it.

What is Hanoi like with kids?

Hanoi can feel a little overwhelming with kids at first. It’s busy, noisy and there always seems to be a scooter coming from somewhere you weren’t expecting. But once you settle in, the chaos becomes part of the experience.

We found Hanoi to be incredibly welcoming towards families, and our kids attracted plenty of attention wherever we went. The traffic takes some getting used to, though, particularly when you’re trying to cross the road with younger children.

Vietnamese people are incredibly welcoming towards kids

One of my favourite things about visiting Hanoi with kids was how warmly they were welcomed. People would smile at them, play peek-a-boo and sometimes want to give them a cuddle or squeeze their chubby little arms and legs.

It can be a bit overwhelming if you’re not expecting this level of attention, particularly if your children are shy. For us, though, it was a lovely part of travelling in Vietnam. Where else will someone happily distract your grizzly baby while you’re trying to eat a meal or entertain your grumpy toddler on the train?

We found that kids were genuinely welcomed rather than simply tolerated, which made travelling as a family that little bit easier.

Crossing the road in Hanoi with kids takes some getting used to

Crossing the road in Hanoi is an experience in itself. Traffic doesn’t always stop for pedestrians in the way you might be used to at home, and you’ll often find yourself faced with what looks like a never-ending stream of scooters.

This is particularly challenging with younger kids, who have a tendency to dawdle and are also harder for drivers to see. Keep them close, don’t let them run ahead and take your time.

When we weren’t confident about crossing, we simply waited for a local to cross and followed their lead. After a while you start to understand how the traffic flows, but crossing Hanoi’s busy streets with kids is definitely something to be prepared for.

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Things to do in Hanoi with kids

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From exploring the chaotic streets of the Old Quarter to watching water puppets dance across a stage, there are plenty of things to do in Hanoi with kids. These are some of the best activities and attractions to add to your family itinerary.

#1. Explore the Old Quarter

Simply wandering through Hanoi’s Old Quarter is an experience in itself. The narrow streets are packed with shops, street food vendors, scooters and seemingly endless activity, making it a great place to introduce kids to the sights, sounds and smells of Hanoi.

Don’t feel like you need to rush around ticking off particular attractions here. Allow some time to wander, stop for something to eat and see where you end up.

There are plenty of shops to tempt kids along the way, so be prepared for requests to buy toys and souvenirs. If you’re shopping at markets or stalls where prices aren’t fixed, bargaining is part of the experience.

The Old Quarter is also worth exploring after dark, when the streets take on a completely different atmosphere.

#2. Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake

When you need a break from the busy streets of the Old Quarter, head for Hoan Kiem Lake. Located right in the heart of Hanoi, the lake is a lovely place to slow down for a while and give the kids a break from sightseeing.

A walking path runs around the lake, with plenty of places to stop along the way. The bright red Huc Bridge, which leads across to Ngoc Son Temple, is one of Hanoi’s most recognisable sights.

We also loved people-watching here. Come back after dinner if you can, as the lake is particularly pretty when it’s lit up at night and locals come out to walk and socialise.

#3. Watch a traditional Water Puppet Show

A water puppet show is one of those uniquely Vietnamese experiences that’s particularly well suited to families.

The wooden puppets perform on a water-covered stage while puppeteers remain hidden behind a screen, controlling them using long bamboo rods beneath the water. Traditional music accompanies the performance and you don’t need to understand Vietnamese to enjoy the spectacle.

Shows are relatively short, which also makes this a good activity for younger kids who aren’t going to sit through a lengthy theatre performance.

#4. Take a Cyclo Tour through Hanoi

Yes, it’s touristy, but taking a cyclo ride through Hanoi is also a lot of fun with kids.

After you’ve spent hours exploring the Old Quarter on foot, being pedalled through the streets while you sit back and watch the chaos unfold is a welcome change. It’s also an easy way to see more of central Hanoi without adding even more walking to your day.

I’d choose a tour where the route, duration and price are clear before you set off rather than negotiating once you’re already sitting in the cyclo.

#5. Take a break at Nghia Do Park

If the traffic and sightseeing are starting to wear everyone out, Nghia Do Park gives families some much-needed green space away from the Old Quarter.

The large park has a lake, walking paths and play areas for kids, making it somewhere you can visit without having another monument or museum on the agenda. It’s particularly useful if you’re travelling with younger children who simply need some time to run around and play.

Entry to Nghia Do Park is free.

#6. Visit the Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is one of Hanoi’s most important historic sites and a good choice for families with school-age kids and teenagers.

Founded in 1070 and later home to Vietnam’s first national university, the complex has courtyards, traditional architecture, gardens and stone stelae recording the names of successful scholars.

It’s a good opportunity to introduce older kids to some of Vietnam’s history without committing to hours inside a museum. The grounds also provide a welcome change of pace from Hanoi’s busy streets.

#7. Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

If you’re going to choose one museum to visit with kids in Hanoi, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is a strong contender.

The museum explores the cultures and everyday lives of Vietnam’s 54 recognised ethnic groups through clothing, household items, tools, musical instruments and other exhibits.

For families, one of the highlights is the outdoor Architecture Garden, where traditional buildings from different parts of Vietnam have been reconstructed at full scale. There are also discovery spaces designed specifically for children, with interactive and hands-on ways to learn about Vietnamese and world cultures.

The museum is closed on Mondays, so keep this in mind when planning your Hanoi itinerary.

#8. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

For older kids learning about Vietnam’s history, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex is another worthwhile stop.

The large precinct includes the mausoleum itself as well as gardens, historic buildings and other important sites connected with Ho Chi Minh. It’s very different from the colour and chaos of the Old Quarter and gives families another perspective on Vietnam’s capital.

Remember that the mausoleum is an important national site rather than simply a tourist attraction. Dress respectfully, follow instructions from staff and check current opening arrangements before visiting, as access to the mausoleum can be restricted.

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Day trips from Hanoi with kids

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If you have a little more time in Hanoi, there are some fantastic places to visit beyond the city. These two day trips offer a completely different experience from Hanoi’s busy streets.

#9. Take a day trip to the Perfume Pagoda

The Perfume Pagoda is a large complex of Buddhist temples and shrines set amongst the limestone mountains outside Hanoi.

Getting there is part of the experience, with day tours generally combining the journey from Hanoi with a boat ride through the surrounding landscape before continuing towards the pagodas.

It’s a long day compared with the attractions in central Hanoi, so I’d consider the ages and patience levels of your kids before adding this one to your itinerary.

#10. Visit Ninh Binh

If there’s one place I’d encourage you to spend more than a day, it’s Ninh Binh. However, if your Vietnam itinerary doesn’t leave enough time for an overnight stay, you can visit from Hanoi on a day trip.

The spectacular limestone karsts and rice paddies are a complete contrast to Hanoi, and taking a small boat through the landscape is an experience both kids and adults can enjoy.

We spent longer in the region, so you can read our Ninh Binh Guide for more information if you’re considering staying for a few days.

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Planning a trip to Hanoi with kids

A little planning goes a long way when visiting Hanoi as a family. It’s a busy city and can feel overwhelming when you first arrive, but choosing a convenient place to stay and not trying to squeeze too much into each day makes exploring Hanoi with kids much easier.

Where to stay in Hanoi with kids

For a first family trip to Hanoi, the Old Quarter and the area around Hoan Kiem Lake put you within walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions, restaurants and shops. The trade-off is that the Old Quarter can be busy and noisy, so check recent accommodation reviews carefully if you’re travelling with younger kids or light sleepers.

Families who prefer somewhere a little quieter may want to look outside the heart of the Old Quarter while remaining close enough to reach the main sights easily by taxi or Grab.

We weren’t particularly impressed with the hotel we stayed at in Hanoi, so it’s not one I’d personally recommend. If I returned, I’d prioritise a central location, family-sized room and good recent reviews over simply choosing the cheapest option.

How many days do you need in Hanoi with kids?

I’d allow around three to four days in Hanoi with kids. This gives you enough time to explore the Old Quarter, see the main sights, watch a water puppet show and have some downtime without trying to cram everything into one day.

You could easily stay longer and use Hanoi as a base for day trips, but I personally wouldn’t spend an entire week in the city. Hanoi is fantastic, but after several days of traffic, noise and crowds, we were ready to experience a quieter side of Vietnam.

If you have extra time, I’d much rather add a few nights in Ninh Binh than squeeze it into a long day trip from Hanoi.

Getting around Hanoi with kids

Walking is one of the best ways to explore the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, although Hanoi’s traffic and footpaths can make getting around with kids more challenging than the distance on a map might suggest.

For longer journeys, taxis and Grab are convenient options. A cyclo ride can also double as both transport and a fun Hanoi experience, although it’s better suited to sightseeing than simply getting from A to B.

Whichever way you get around, allow more time than you think you’ll need. Crossing busy roads with children takes patience, and younger kids can quickly tire in the heat and humidity.

Visiting Hanoi with young kids

You can absolutely visit Hanoi with young kids, but expect it to be a little more challenging than destinations with wide footpaths, quiet streets and lots of open space.

The traffic is probably the biggest adjustment. Keep young children close when walking and hold their hands when crossing roads. Hanoi’s busy footpaths make using a stroller impossible, so consider whether a baby carrier might be useful as an alternative.

Try not to overschedule your days either. Mix temples, museums and sightseeing with activities younger kids can simply enjoy, such as a water puppet show, time at the park or a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake. Having some downtime built into your itinerary can make Hanoi much more enjoyable for everyone.

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More Vietnam family travel guides

Hanoi was one of the most chaotic places we visited in Vietnam, but that’s also what made it so memorable. It’s a city where simply walking down the street can feel like an adventure, and there are enough things to do in Hanoi with kids to easily fill a few days.

If you’re planning a longer family trip, don’t stop at Hanoi. Vietnam has some fantastic destinations to explore with kids, from the limestone landscapes around Ninh Binh to the beaches and historic towns further south.

Start with our Vietnam Family Travel Guide for ideas on where to go, when to visit and how to plan your trip.

You may also find these guides useful:

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Hanoi with kids FAQs

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