Travel Hanoi with Kids

Is it good to visit Hanoi with kids

Hanoi can be a fascinating destination for family travel with children. It offers a rich cultural experience, delicious food, and several family-friendly attractions. Here are a few factors to consider when planning a trip to Hanoi with kids:

Attractions: 

Hanoi offers various attractions suitable for children, such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Hanoi Water Puppet Theatre. These places provide educational and entertaining experiences for kids.

Food: 

Vietnamese cuisine offers a diverse range of flavors, and while some dishes may be unfamiliar to children, there are plenty of options that are child-friendly. Noodle dishes, spring rolls, and fresh fruits are usually well-received by kids.

Safety: 

Like any travel destination, it's important to prioritize safety when traveling with kids. Be cautious of traffic when exploring the city and ensure that accommodations and public spaces are child-friendly.

Planning and pacing: 

Consider the age and interests of your children when planning activities and sightseeing. Be mindful of balancing sightseeing with downtime for rest and relaxation.

Transportation: 

Getting around Hanoi can be challenging due to traffic congestion. Consider using public transportation, such as taxis or ride-sharing services, or opt for private transportation to make it easier to navigate the city with children.

Health and hygiene: 

Ensure that you and your children have the necessary vaccinations and follow standard hygiene practices, such as washing hands and drinking safe water, to stay healthy during your trip.

Ultimately, traveling to Hanoi with kids can be a rewarding experience as long as you plan accordingly, choose age-appropriate activities, and prioritize their safety and well-being.

Top things to do in Hanoi with kids

Watch a Puppet Show

Photo credit : Jonas Muscat

For first timers, especially, enjoying a puppet show is one of the most highlighted experiences in Hanoi. This art involved in north Vietnam from 16th century and depicts the local rural life in a very attractive way. Each show lasts for about 1 hour exposing a perfect blend of on-water screen performance with traditional folk music. Each movement of the puppetry will make your kids exciting. Tickets are often fully booked, make sure you get the ticket at Thang Long Theatre. 

Take part in a cooking class

Vietnamese foods are famous with Pho or Banh Mi. However, from cooking to tasting, it is a very different journey. On a trip to Hanoi, cooking class is good treat to your kids as they will have chance to learn how to make the delicious Nem ( spring roll ), Bun Cha and many other authentic dishes. The cooking class often involves with a market visit which provides a true sense of local interaction for your kid. If you know that Vietnamese love kid, you will surely let your kid taking this class. If you do not have much time, Hanoi Food Tours could be a perfect alternative.

Visit Art Museum

Vietnamese arts may not well recognized in the world but it has own values. The art museum in Hanoi displays wide range of art works and artifacts from ancient time to the modern days. It is a big school for your family to learn about Vietnamese art development. 

Suggested Read: Vietnam Culture Tours

Get fun at Museum of Ethnology

Another place to do Museum Hopping in style. Basically, the museum is a beautiful place where you get the introduction of Vietnamese ethnicity, the diverse lifestyles from mountain to beach. Apart from the colorful collection, each month there is a themed exposition to let visitors understand more about cultural faces of Vietnam. For kids, the museum has spacious playground which showcases folk games as well painting area which can keep your kids occupied up to 2 hours.

Biking the Red River Delta / West Lake

If you expect an active tour in Hanoi with kids, a cycling tour is just a brilliant idea. Either it is for a half day or full day biking, your family will be greeted by friendly locals at their farms or traditional villages. Other highlights of this intrigue adventure are the opportunities to see rice plantation, quaint workshops that you may not see elsewhere.

Our suggestion: for half day tour, opt the ride to Red River Island. For full day cycling, make your way to Hanoi countryside ! 

See also : Vietnam Family Tours

Navigating the old quarter on a Cyclo

When you are tired of walking through the busy streets, cyclo is a beautiful alternative to observe Hanoi`s life. This mood of transportation has been serving travelers since centuries ago and it is still one of the best ways to appreciate the vibrant markets, small corners of Hanoi.

Ionah Show

This show just appears to the Hanoi activity maps recently. It is a feast of eyes for families, mixing beautifully circus, music, 3D mapping and lighting performances.