Summary
This travel guide offers a comprehensive itinerary for families visiting Hanoi, highlighting cultural, historical, and fun activities suitable for children. It balances sightseeing with relaxation, ensuring an engaging experience for all family members.
Day1: Explore Hoan Kiem Lake
Begin your Hanoi adventure with a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene escape from the city's hustle, perfect for a family walk and exploration of nearby temples.
Hoan Kiem Lake
A peaceful retreat in the heart of Hanoi, offering wide footpaths and temples like Ngoc Son Temple, ideal for family walks.
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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Exploring Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi Vietnam \ud83c\uddfb\ud83c\uddf3", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFTC4thYPk0", "channel": { "name": "TravelingFrogman"}, "published_date": "Apr 8, 2024", "length": "17:04" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, Hanoi", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIw5LkllRsA", "channel": { "name": "Enjoying Retirement"}, "published_date": "1 month ago", "length": "7:34" }</div>
Tips
Visit on weekends when the surrounding road is closed to traffic for a more relaxed experience.
Day2: Discover Old Quarter
Immerse in the vibrant history and architecture of Hanoi's Old Quarter, a compact area perfect for exploring and getting lost in its charm.
Old Quarter
A historic area with a mix of French, Vietnamese, and Chinese architectural styles, offering a glimpse into Hanoi's past.
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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "First Day Exploring HANOI! (The Old Quarter is CRAZY!) \ud83c\uddfb\ud83c\uddf3", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZf0iX2h8C8", "channel": { "name": "josie lifts things"}, "published_date": "Dec 21, 2022", "length": "14:30" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Exploring The Old Quarter In Hanoi, Vietnam", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0OBAhl92A0", "channel": { "name": "Global Treats"}, "published_date": "Oct 4, 2024", "length": "39:49" }</div>
Tips
Explore the streets named after traditional trades and enjoy the local shops and eateries.
🎭 Day 3: Cultural Shows and Train Street
Experience the unique water puppet show and the thrilling Train Street, where trains pass close to cafes and homes.
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🎭 Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Immerse yourself in the centuries-old tradition of water puppetry at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Located next to Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, this cultural experience offers a mesmerizing display of Vietnamese folklore and traditions through skillful puppetry.
Tips
To secure your seats, it's recommended to book tickets on the day of the show from the kiosk outside the theatre. Arrive early to ensure the best viewing experience for you and your kids.
🚂 Hanoi Train Street
Visit the unique Hanoi Train Street, where the old and new Vietnam converge as trains pass in close proximity to cafes and homes. This thrilling experience provides a glimpse into the daily lives of locals living alongside the railway tracks.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Trying the famous TRAIN STREET in Vietnam", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVzwn3-1NiM", "channel": { "name": "DownieLive"}, "published_date": "Aug 24, 2024", "length": "7:41" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "What it is like to experience Train Street in Hanoi", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zz7_ipIk3yg", "channel": { "name": "totraveltoo"}, "published_date": "Mar 3, 2024", "length": "6:50" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Life Along Hanoi Train Street", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUXMREIzv_Q", "channel": { "name": "Roger B Stillz"}, "published_date": "Sep 5, 2019", "length": "3:12" }</div>
Tips
Before visiting, it's essential to check the train schedules in advance to witness the trains passing through. For easier access, consider joining a guided street food tour that includes a visit to Train Street, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
🌍 Day 4: Historical Insights
- Visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature for a deep dive into Vietnam's history and culture.
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🕌 Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum
Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum is a significant site where the preserved body of the Independence Leader and former Prime Minister, Ho Chi Minh, is displayed. It continues to attract many visitors, serving as a place of pilgrimage for the Vietnamese people.
Tips
To make the most of your visit, it's advisable to arrive early to avoid the crowds, especially on weekends and public holidays. Additionally, it's essential to check if the tomb is open, as it closes annually for maintenance, typically for a month or so.
🏛️ Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature, dating back to the 11th century, is a serene and beautiful temple dedicated to Confucius. It offers a peaceful escape with its series of courtyards, making it an ideal place to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam.
Tips
For a more tranquil experience, consider arriving early or late to avoid the crowds and fully appreciate the secluded and shaded areas within the gardens. The Temple of Literature is open from 8 am to 5 pm, and an entrance fee of VND30,000 is applicable.
🏛️ Day 5: Prison Relic and Food Tour
Explore the Hoa Lo Prison Relic for historical insights and enjoy a food tour to discover Hanoi's culinary delights.
<div class="-md-ext-markdown-card"> { "content": "Travel Time Tips\n\n\n> Hoa Lo Prison Relic\n>\n> \u2b07\ufe0f (2.4 km, \ud83d\ude98 11 min, \ud83d\ude87 27 min)\n>\n> Hanoi Food Tour\n>\n", "color": "#232425", "background": "#FFF9F2", "darkmodeColor": "#e0e0e0", "darkmodeBackground": "#333"} </div>
🏛️ Hoa Lo Prison Relic
Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the "Hanoi Hilton," is a preserved museum that offers a poignant glimpse into Vietnam's tumultuous past. The exhibits vividly portray the harsh conditions endured by both Vietnamese and American prisoners, shedding light on the complex history of the site.
Tips
Best suited for older children due to the heavy information content, it is advisable to plan the visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and fully absorb the historical significance of the site.
🍲 Hanoi Food Tour
Embark on a guided food tour through the bustling streets of Hanoi to uncover the rich tapestry of Vietnamese cuisine. Delve into the vibrant culinary scene, sampling an array of delectable dishes while gaining insights into the local food culture.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "The ULTIMATE Vietnamese FOOD TOUR in Hanoi! (Trying ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWz0Gwd2Ppo", "channel": { "name": "Adventures of A+K"}, "published_date": "Apr 30, 2023", "length": "19:08" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Vietnamese Food Tour with a Local | What and Where to Eat ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEGOEz7OQdI", "channel": { "name": "Adventures of Matt and Nat"}, "published_date": "Sep 29, 2024", "length": "33:05" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Eating like a LOCAL - STREET FOOD Tour in Hanoi, Vietnam ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxmBPLUtd2g", "channel": { "name": "Rhea & Sam"}, "published_date": "Jun 23, 2024", "length": "22:23" }</div>
Tips
These immersive tours typically last around three hours, providing ample time to explore hidden gems within the Old Quarter. Perfect for families, the tours offer a delightful opportunity to savor new and exciting flavors while navigating the city's culinary landscape.
🎈 Day 6: Family Fun and Relaxation
Spend a day at Tini World for indoor fun and VinWonders Wave Park for outdoor excitement, perfect for kids to unwind.
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🏰 Tini World at Aeon Mall
Tini World at Aeon Mall is a vibrant soft-play center located at Aeon Mall Long Bien, offering a plethora of activities for kids, including trampolining, climbing walls, football, and basketball courts. It provides an ideal break from sightseeing, allowing children to let off steam in a safe and enjoyable environment.
Tips
For a quieter experience, it is advisable to visit Tini World on weekdays. Additionally, for a small fee, children can enjoy riding the four small coaster-rides, adding an extra element of excitement to their visit.
🌊 VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park
VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, situated 30km from Hanoi, offers a thrilling water park experience with an array of slides and a sandy beach. Styled as a seaside resort within the city, it provides an ideal setting for a fun family day out, allowing kids and adults to enjoy the outdoor activity courses and various levels of slides.
Tips
To fully enjoy all the attractions, plan for a half-day visit to VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, where the whole family can revel in the excitement and create lasting memories.
