4-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Hanoi in July 2023

1. Day 1: Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter
   30 minutes (15 km) from Noi Bai International Airport

   In the morning, take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a beautiful and peaceful spot in the heart of Hanoi. Visit Ngoc Son Temple, a small pagoda sitting on an island in the lake. In the afternoon, explore the Old Quarter, a maze of streets filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Check out Dong Xuan Market, the largest indoor market in Hanoi, or visit the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre for a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show. In the evening, try some delicious street food in the Old Quarter.

2. Day 2: Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
   20 minutes (5 km) from Old Quarter

   Spend the morning at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university and a beautiful complex of ancient buildings and gardens. Learn about Vietnamese history and culture as you explore the grounds. In the afternoon, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of Vietnam's revolutionary leader. Make sure to dress respectfully and follow the rules of the mausoleum. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

3. Day 3: Bat Trang Pottery Village and Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
   40 minutes (15 km) from Old Quarter

   Take a trip to Bat Trang Pottery Village in the morning, a traditional village that has been producing ceramics for centuries. Spend some time watching artisans at work and try your hand at making your own pottery. In the afternoon, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which showcases the country's diverse ethnic groups and their cultures. Learn about traditional customs, dress, and crafts. In the evening, sample some local beer at a microbrewery.

4. Day 4: Halong Bay Cruise
   3.5 hours (165 km) from Hanoi

   Spend a day cruising around the stunning Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the limestone karsts and islands rising out of the emerald waters. Take a swim in the bay and explore some of the caves and grottoes. Enjoy a seafood lunch on board before returning to Hanoi in the late afternoon. In the evening, relax at a spa or enjoy a final dinner in Hanoi.

Recommendations

Consider taking a day trip to the ancient capital city of Hoa Lu, or visiting the Duong Lam Ancient Village to experience rural life in Vietnam. To maximize your fun, try taking a cooking class to learn how to make Vietnamese dishes, or take a bike tour around Hanoi to see the city from a different perspective.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Ngoc Son Temple (1 hour, free)
• Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre (1 hour, 100,000-200,000 VND)
• Dong Xuan Market (1-2 hours, free)
• Temple of Literature (1-2 hours, 30,000 VND)
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (1 hour, free)
• Bat Trang Pottery Village (2-3 hours, free)
• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (2-3 hours, 40,000 VND)
• Halong Bay Cruise (10 hours, 1,500,000-2,500,000 VND)
• Local beer at a microbrewery (1 hour, 30,000-50,000 VND)
• Spa treatments (1-2 hours, 500,000-1,500,000 VND)
• Total Estimated Costs: 2,200,000-3,300,000 VND (100-150 USD)

Check hotel and flight prices here.