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Family-Friendly Things to Do in Hanoi
Written by Nick Rudd
Make your family holiday to Vietnam’s captivating capital unforgettable with these exciting activities.
With wonderous markets, lakeside adventures and zipping trains, Hanoi is home to a multitude of unexpected delights for curious kids and eager explorers of all ages.
Read on to discover our pick of the best family-friendly things to do in Hanoi.
Step back in time in the Old Quarter
Hanoi’s ancient heart is a maze of 36 streets, sure to enchant both kids and adults. Kickstart your family adventure early to beat the heat as you wander through the narrow lanes, each named after its traditional trade. Watch as artisans craft everything from tin toys to paper lanterns, and don’t miss a stop at Dong Xuan Market, where the sights, sounds and smells create an unforgettable sensory experience. Fun tip: make wandering the Old Quarter even more exciting for the kids by turning it into a treasure hunt – can they spot the street signs named after bamboo, silk and silver?
Experience puppet masters and water magic
No family trip to Hanoi is complete without a visit to Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre by Hoan Kiem Lake. This unique Vietnamese art form, which dates back to the 11th century, originated as entertainment for villagers in flooded rice paddies. Today, talented puppeteers stand waist-deep in water behind a bamboo screen, skillfully bringing wooden puppets to life as they dance and leap across the surface. Performances are held multiple times daily and tickets cost less than A$10, making this cultural experience appealing to kids and your holiday budget.
Splash into lakeside adventures and local life
Don’t miss Ngoc Son Temple while you’re at Hoan Kiem Lake. This19th-century attraction sits on Jade Island, a small piece of land nestled within the lake. Connected to the shore by the scarlet Cau The Huc (Rising Sun Bridge), the temple welcomes visitors with a beautifully decorated gate featuring carvings of tigers, fish and turtles. Inside, you’ll find two preserved Swinhoe softshell turtles, both of which once lived in the lake. The turtles were a critically endangered species and only two remaining alive today, one in China and one in Vietnam.
Delight tiny tastebuds with tasty discoveries
Don’t let Hanoi’s street food scene intimidate you – it’s perfect for families! Start with kid-approved favourites like pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) and banh mi (crusty baguettes packed with fresh ingredients). For adventurous little foodies, join a guided street food tour where experts can lead you to the best family-friendly spots. The cafes along what is colloquially known as ‘Train Street’ offer an unforgettable dining experience where you can sip fresh fruit smoothies while watching trains squeeze past narrow homes. Be sure to stop by Trang Tien Ice Cream, a local spot serving unique flavours since the 1960s.
Get stuck into Vietnam’s living history
Turn learning into adventure at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where interactive exhibits and traditional games keep young minds engaged on an insightful journey about Vietnam’s 54 diverse ethnic groups. In the outdoor section, life-sized traditional houses invite kids to step inside and imagine life centuries ago. Head over to the Temple of Literature, the nation’s first university, where little ones can stretch their legs in lush gardens while parents soak up the ancient architecture.
Shop for souvenirs at the Hanoi Night Market
As the sun sinks behind Hanoi’s rooftops, the city transforms into a neon-lit wonderland that sets the scene for a family shopping spree. Head to the weekend night market along bustling Hang Dao Street, where stalls overflow with handicrafts and artisan souvenirs. Pause for steaming bowls of pho or a fresh sugarcane juice, then continue your stroll through the maze of twinkling lights and cheerful vendors.
Escape to Hanoi’s green spaces
When the busy streets of Hanoi get a bit too much, the city has many peaceful pockets for family downtime. West Lake offers a relaxing change from Hoan Kiem Lake and its 17km loop is great for cycling. Rent bikes and take breaks at lakeside cafes like Hanoi Roastery. Nature-loving kids will enjoy exploring the botanical gardens, and in Thong Nhat Park, you can paddle around a lake in swan- and dragon-shaped boats.
Discover Hanoi
