As a parent, exploring Hanoi with your little ones can be an unforgettable adventure.
From cultural experiences to thrilling attractions, the city offers many family-friendly attractions with kids that cater to all ages.
Here are my top picks for family fun in Hanoi:
Hoan Kiem Lake
Start your day with a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a quiet, serene oasis in the heart of Hanoi.
Legend has it that a giant turtle lives in the lake, adding a sense of mystery and excitement for kids.
Take a break at the lake’s Turtle Tower, cross the Huc Bridge to visit Ngoc Son Temple, and enjoy the scenic views.
Hanoi Old Quarter
Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of the Hanoi Old Quarter, where small, narrow streets are filled with bustling markets, ancient temples like Bach Ma Temple (The entrance is free!), and traditional Vietnamese houses like Hanoi Ancient House.
Let your kids experience the hustle and bustle of this historic area while sampling local street food and shopping for souvenirs.
Shopping at Dong Xuan Market & Hanoi Night Market
Treat your little shoppers to a unique experience at Dong Xuan Market, where they can find an array of goods, from clothes to souvenirs.
Head to the Hanoi Night Market in the evening for a lively atmosphere and more shopping opportunities.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Delight your children with a traditional water puppet show at the Thang Long Puppet Theatre.
Watch in awe as colorful puppets dance and glide across the water, depicting Vietnamese folklore and legends.
Day trip to Ninh Binh and Mua Cave
Escape the city for a day and explore the picturesque landscapes of Ninh Binh.
Take a boat ride with a Vietnamese man or woman who rows using his two legs instead of his hands through the stunning limestone karsts and visit the Mua Cave for panoramic countryside views.
Ha Long Bay Cruise
Embark on a memorable cruise on Ha Long Bay, one of the most beautiful and unique places in Vietnam and the world.
It is a proud UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, known for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands.
Kids will love kayaking through caves and swimming in the bay’s calm waters.
Hanoi 24-Hour Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour
Explore Hanoi at your own pace with a hop-on-hop-off bus tour instead of walking so much with your children on Hanoi’s street.
Visit attractions like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hanoi Opera House, Flag Tower of Hanoi, Hoa Lo Prison, and more hidden gems like Frog Garden Fountain (Vườn hoa Diên Hồng).
Hanoi Old Quarter Trishaw Cyclo Tour
Experience the charm of the Old Quarter on a trishaw cyclo tour.
Let your kids enjoy this historic area’s sights, sounds, and smells while riding in a traditional cyclo.
Ho Tay Water Park
Beat the heat at Ho Tay Water Park, where slides, pools, and water activities await.
This wonderful water park offers visitors a wide range of beautiful attractions suitable for all ages, from small children to big kids, ensuring a fun day for the whole family.
Bao Son Paradise Park
Immerse yourself in Nature at Bao Son Paradise Park, where lush gardens, playgrounds, and amusement rides await.
Children can play and enjoy various activities here, from zip-lining to pedal boating.
Aquarium
Discover the wonders of the underwater world at the VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium Times City or Lotte World Aquarium.
Kids will be fascinated by colorful fish, exotic marine life, and interactive exhibits.
Lotte Observation Deck
Get a bird’s eye view of Hanoi from the Lotte Observation Deck.
Kids will love spotting famous landmarks from above and taking in the panoramic city views.
Bat Trang Pottery Village
Unleash your creative side at Bat Trang Pottery Village, where you can try making pottery.
Kids will enjoy getting messy and creating their unique masterpieces.
West Lake
Take a relaxing boat ride on the peaceful and quiet West Lake, the largest lake in Hanoi.
Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest temple in Hanoi (1,500 years old!), located on a small island in the lake, is a must-visit for its ancient architecture and cultural significance.
For excitement, head to the West Lake Water Park, where kids can splash around in pools and zoom down water slides.
Cycling along the tree-lined streets surrounding the lake is another popular activity, providing a great way to explore the Tay Ho District and enjoy outdoor fun.
With its cultural attractions, excellent outdoor activities, and scenic beauty, West Lake offers something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Temple of Literature
Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and a symbol of education and learning.
Kids will be fascinated by this iconic site’s ancient architecture and history.
Thu Le Park & Zoo
Spend a day at Thu Le Park & Zoo, where kids can see various animals, including elephants, giraffes, and tigers.
The park also has playgrounds and picnic areas, perfect for family days.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Dive into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
Kids can learn about the country’s diverse ethnic groups through interactive exhibits and traditional artifacts.
Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural
Marvel at the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural, a 4-kilometer-long artwork that depicts Vietnam’s history and culture.
Kids will enjoy spotting this unique mosaic’s intricate details and vibrant colors.
Duong Lam Ancient Village
Step back in time at Duong Lam Ancient Village, a well-preserved ancient village located on the outskirts of Hanoi.
Kids can explore traditional houses and learn about rural Vietnamese life.
Hanoi Instagram Tour
Embark on an Instagram-worthy tour of Hanoi, where you can capture the city’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
Kids can strike a pose against colorful street art and historic buildings, creating lasting memories of their trip to Hanoi.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Hoan Kiem Lake | Serene Lake with a legend of a giant turtle, perfect for a stroll. |
| Hanoi Old Quarter | Explore narrow streets filled with markets, temples, and traditional houses. |
| Dong Xuan Market & Hanoi Night Market | Shopping and street food experiences in bustling markets. |
| Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre | Traditional water puppet show depicting Vietnamese folklore. |
| Ninh Binh and Mua Cave | Day trip to stunning limestone karsts and caves. |
| Ha Long Bay Cruise | UNESCO World Heritage Site with emerald waters and limestone islands. |
| Hanoi 24-Hour Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour | Explore Hanoi’s attractions at your own pace. |
| Hanoi Old Quarter Trishaw Cyclo Tour | Experience the charm of the Old Quarter on a traditional cyclo. |
| Ho Tay Water Park | Water slides, pools, and activities for a fun day out. |
| Bao Son Paradise Park | Amusement park with gardens, playgrounds, and rides. |
| Aquarium | Discover the wonders of the underwater world. |
| Lotte Observation Deck | Get panoramic views of Hanoi from above. |
| Bat Trang Pottery Village | Try pottery making and explore traditional houses. |
| Thu Le Park & Zoo | See a variety of animals and enjoy playgrounds. |
| West Lake | Boat rides, cycling, and picnicking around the lake. |
| Temple of Literature | Explore Vietnam’s first university and its history. |
| Vietnam Museum of Ethnology | Learn about Vietnam’s ethnic groups through exhibits. |
| Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural | Admire a 4-kilometer-long mosaic depicting Vietnam’s history. |
| Duong Lam Ancient Village | Step back in time to a well-preserved ancient village. |
| Hanoi Instagram Tour | Capture the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems. |
