Are you looking for the best things to do in Hanoi with kids?
Encapsulating a range of diverse experiences that make a trip to Vietnam truly unforgettable; Hanoi is a unique destination of the country. The city is home to ancient temples, busy markets, natural landscapes, towering lookouts, and plenty more, ultimately attracting travellers from all walks of life
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, spanning over 3,329 square kilometres and housing a population of over 7.5 million. The city is located in the northern region of the country and is known for its old architecture, energetic heart, and mouth-watering street food. Its evident French, Chinese, and South-East Asian influences on the city’s culture make it a unique destination within Vietnam.
Embarking on a family trip to Hanoi? Looking for some entertaining things to do with kids? Here’s a few exciting activities and attractions that are worth your time.
Airport Transfers
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SIM Card
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Ha Long Bay
Arguably one of the most popular attractions throughout Vietnam; Ha Long Bay is a natural treasure on the cusp of Hanoi. Attracting travellers from all walks of life, Ha Long Bay features up to 1,600 diverse limestone islands generously sprinkled throughout the bay. To float above the water, weaving between these monstrous natural formations at sunset is a simple highlight that can be gained through a visit.
Many movie fanatics are drawn to Ha Long Bay as it has provided the backdrop in countless films throughout the years. This includes Pan, Kong: Skull Island, and James Bond: Tomorrow Never Dies.
Ha Long Bay is simple to reach, with buses and cars departing from Hanoi. Day tours and multi-day tours from Hanoi are also available. Alternativlety, spend 2 days in Hanoi and then go on to Ha Long Bay. The region is located near the border of China.
Get your trip here.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Located in the historical centre of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake is the perfect place to escape the bustle of the city without having to venture past the outskirts. Situated in the centre of the lake is the Ngoc Son Temple – a pagoda occupying a small island, built in the 13th century. The temple is accessible by the Hub Bridge or Rising Sun Bridge.
The area is one of the most well-known places in Hanoi to unwind and relax. With plenty of shade in the parkland, it proves to be an ideal spot to enjoy a picnic and escape the energy of Hanoi. Plus, due to its central location, it’s effortless to access. Make your way down Old Quarter Road, toward the main post office. To purchase a ticket for the temple, head to the booth on the left-hand side of the bridge.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (8 am to 5 pm)
Address: Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
One Pillar Pagoda
The One Pillar Pagoda is an ancient structure of Hanoi, with construction dating back as early as 1058. The legend surrounding the structure claims the pagoda was built following a dream of the fatherless emperor of the time in which Avalokiteshvara brought him a son upon a lotus flower. It was after this dream that the emperor planned for the One Pillar Pagoda’s construction, with its creation to resemble the lotus flower.
Over time, the One Pillar Pagoda has been rebuilt on multiple occasions due to many different reasons. In 1955, the structure’s base was destroyed as the French evacuated.
Behind the temple is another popular spot among tourists – a bo tree given from India in 1958. It is said to be an offshoot of the tree that the Buddha reached enlightenment under. The One Pillar Pagoda is located toward the heart of the city.
Price: Free
Hours: Monday to Sunday (8 am to 11:30 am) Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday (2 pm to 4 pm)
Address: Chùa Một Cột, Đội Cấn, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Website: Click here
Tay Ho District
The Tay Ho District is a lively area of Hanoi, home to a number of different experiences for the family to choose from. Although the area is most known for being home to the largest freshwater lake in Hanoi (West Lake), there’s plenty of other attractions that continue to draw in tourists, ranging between historical sites to upbeat restaurants.
Many travellers are drawn to the lake in the afternoons, with boats available for hire. Some historical sites that many tourists find the time to visit in the district include the Quan Thanh Temple and the Tran Quoc Pagoda.
Those looking to grab a bite to eat gravitate to the southern border of West Lake, with plenty of seafood dining options available. The northern region is home to hotels as well as various neighbourhoods.
The Tay Ho District is simple to reach, located only 15 minutes from the Hanoi Old Quarter.
Bat Trang Pottery Village
Home to an array of talented local artists; a trip to the Bat Trang Pottery Village is a simple, interactive journey the entire family can enjoy. The village lies alongside the Red River and is known to be the spot to shop ceramics. Not only can tourists browse through the abundance of ceramic stores, housing unique vases, plates, and more, but they can also witness these goods crafted before their eyes.
The Bat Trang Pottery Village is also the perfect place to get involved and create your own masterpiece with pottery-making workshops available, The village is located about 13 kilometres south-east of the city and can be reached via a day tour, taxi, or public transport.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (8 am to 5:30 pm)
Address: Bát Tràng, Gia Lâm, Hanoi, Vietnam
Website: Click here
Lotte Observation Deck
Offering tourists the chance to perch themselves high above the city of Hanoi to admire the ever stretching views of the city in every direction; the Lotte Observation Deck is a must-experience venture of Hanoi. The observation deck sits on the 65th floor and is home to many different features, including the Bamboo Road, the Skywalk, and the Sky Gallery.
It’s important to note that prices fluctuate depending on the time of day – prices tend to be more expensive during the day as opposed to the evening, so if you’re hoping to save some money on your Vietnam tour, consider stopping by in the evening.
Get your Klook voucher here.
Price: Adult – VND 230,000. Child – VND 110,000
Hours: Monday to Sunday (9 am to 10 pm)
Address: 54 Liễu Giai, Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Website: Click here
Ho Tay Water Park
If you’re looking to escape the heat and cool off, the Ho Tay Water Park may be your best option. The amusement park is located north of Hanoi and features a range of colourful attractions that ultimately makes it feel like you’re stepping into a completely new world. Including pools, water slides, 10 water features, a lazy river, game zones, a roller coaster, Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and so much more, there’s a little something to suit every member of the family.
The Ho Tay Water Park is only open between April and November and is closed on Tuesdays. It’s recommended to visit during the week as weekends can become crowded with both locals and tourists. The park can be reached via car or public transport.
Price: VND 80,000
Hours: Monday to Friday (8 am to 8 pm) Saturday and Sunday (7:30 am to 8 pm)
Address: 614 Lạc Long Quân, Nhật Tân, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Website: Click here
Hanoi Weekend Night Market
Tourists eager to couple the city’s shopping experience and bustling night-life often make their way down to the Hanoi Weekend Night Markets, open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The markets are located in the Old Quarter District and offer a plentiful range of goods in the form of handcrafted items, clothes, and street food. As bartering is a popular practice of these markets, tourists are usually eager to sharpen their skills and pick up a bargain
Those eager to try some traditional street food dishes can keep an eye out for banh mi, bun cha, or bun thang. To top it off, local shows can also be seen while strolling through the stalls, including costumes and music. The Hanoi Weekend Night Market starts from 7 pm and runs from Hang Dao Street to the Dong Xuan Market.
Hours: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (6 pm to 12 am)
Address: Hàng Đào, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Tran Quoc Pagoda
The Tran Quoc Pagoda is an ancient icon of Hanoi, dating back as early as the 6th century. The Buddhist Shrine stands at 15 metres and is comprised of 11 levels. Surrounding the colourful structure are smaller museums for travellers eager to delve into the fascinating history surrounding the pagoda, as well as an incense burning house.
Although the Tran Quoc Pagoda lies on the border of West Lake, this isn’t its original location. The structure was located on the cusp of the Red River, however, it was moved as the river began to intrude.
When visiting the Tran Quoc Pagoda, it is important to dress conservatively as this is a place of worship.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (7: 30 am to 6 pm)
Address: Thanh Niên, Yên Phụ, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Website: Click here
Quang Ba Flower Market
The Quang Ba Flower Market is a vibrant, energetic destination of Hanoi, with plenty of alluring scents and pleasing floral combinations to stroll among and admire. The market primarily offers Hanoi’s floral stores with the stock they require for that day. Locals also make their way down to the markets for flowers to decorate their homes. To embrace the markets to its full capacity, visiting in the earlier hours of the morning is recommended.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: 236 Âu Cơ, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Website: Click here
Hanoi Train Street
The Hanoi Train Street, is a must see when you visit Hanoi, boasting an active railway where a tran comes speeding through up to 3 times a day, but when the train isn’t en route to pass through anytime soon, you can walk over the tracks, along with the local kids, the chickens sitting on the tracks, the dogs and the other tourists.
Bach Ma Temple
Tourists eager to gain a cultural perspective of Hanoi often make their way to the Bach Ma Temple. The Buddhist temple is said to be the oldest in the city, initially being constructed in the 9th century. Although the temple currently lies in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, it was originally located on the Long Do Mountains. However, it was moved to help guard Thang Long.
Tourists often visit the Bach Ma Temple to admire the remarkable, colourful design and to catch a glimpse of worshippers practicing their beliefs. The temple is located north-east of Hanoi and can be reached via car or public transport.
Price: Free
Hours: Monday to Sunday (7 am to 5 pm)
Address: 76 Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Website: Click here
Thu Le Zoo Hanoi
Located in Thu Le Park and housing an impressive collection of creatures great and small; a visit to the Thu Le Zoo can entertain the kids for hours upon end. The facility is home to over 90 species of different animals, including tigers, leopards, elephants, monkeys, tropical fish, turtles, and more.
The Thu Le Zoo also has a large lake with swan pedal boats available for hire. Exploring the zoo by calmly floating above the water is an entertaining activity that won’t soon be forgotten. Thu Le Zoo is located about 5 kilometres west of the city.
Hours: Monday to Sunday 7 am to 10 pm)
Address: Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
Website: Click here
Best things to do in Hanoi with kids
Hanoi is home to a generous range of experiences that makes a trip to Vietnam all the more memorable. The city continues to attract travellers from all walks of life, with ancient temples,
vibrant parklands, lively markets, natural landscapes, and towering lookouts all within reach.
Those looking to embrace the cultural side of Hanoi have plenty of options to choose from, including the iconic Tran Quoc Pagoda as well as the One Pillar Pagoda and Bach Ma Temple. Otherwise, travellers eager to embrace the energetic side of Hanoi can head over to the Tay Ho District, the Quang Ba Flower Market, or the Hanoi Weekend Night Market.
Hanoi is also home to a plentiful range of activities for families to enjoy, including the Thu Le Zoo and Ho Tay Water Park. So, next time you’re exploring Vietnam’s capital of Hanoi and are looking for something exciting to do with the kids, consider visiting some of these memorising points of interest.
