Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 92 travelers

Exploring Hanoi: A Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary

Thursday, December 28: Arrival in Hanoi

Welcome to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam! After settling into your hotel, start your trip by taking a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake in the morning. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and visit Ngoc Son Temple situated on an island in the lake. In the afternoon, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the country's diverse cultural heritage. Wrap up the day with a Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, a unique and entertaining Vietnamese art form.

  • Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: Free, 2 hours
  • Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: 100,000 VND (approximately $4.50) per person, 2-3 hours
  • Thang Long Water Puppet Theater: 100,000 - 200,000 VND (approximately $4.50 - $9) per person, 1 hour
Friday, December 29: Exploring Historical Hanoi

Start your day by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex. Explore the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, and the One Pillar Pagoda. In the afternoon, head to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university. Experience the rich history and admire the traditional architecture. Finish your day at the Hanoi Old Quarter, a bustling area with narrow streets, delicious street food, and local markets.

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Temple of Literature: 30,000 VND (approximately $1.50) per person, 1-2 hours
  • Hanoi Old Quarter: Food and shopping expenses vary, 2-3 hours
Saturday, December 30: Cultural Immersion

Immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture today. Start your morning by visiting the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts, where you can admire traditional and contemporary artworks. In the afternoon, take a cyclo tour around Hanoi's French Quarter, exploring the charming architecture influenced by the French colonial period. The evening calls for a traditional water puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.

  • Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts: 40,000 VND (approximately $1.80) per person, 1-2 hours
  • Cyclo Tour: 200,000 - 300,000 VND (approximately $9 - $13) per person, 1-2 hours
  • Thang Long Water Puppet Theater: 100,000 - 200,000 VND (approximately $4.50 - $9) per person, 1 hour
Sunday, December 31: Day Trip to Halong Bay

No visit to Hanoi is complete without experiencing the stunning beauty of Halong Bay. Take a day trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site and marvel at the limestone karsts and emerald waters. Enjoy a boat cruise, explore the caves, and savor a delicious seafood lunch on board. Return to Hanoi in the evening and spend New Year's Eve at your leisure. Many hotels and venues in Hanoi organize special celebrations for this occasion.

  • Halong Bay Day Trip: Prices vary depending on the package, approximately $50 - $100 per person, full day
Monday, January 1: Tranquil Gardens and Traditional Crafts

Welcome the new year with a visit to the peaceful and picturesque Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on the shores of West Lake. Afterward, explore the serene ambiance of the Temple of Jade Mountain (Ngoc Son Temple) in the morning. In the afternoon, head to the Bat Trang Ceramic Village, known for its traditional pottery craftsmanship. Participate in a pottery-making workshop and bring home a unique souvenir.

  • Tran Quoc Pagoda: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Temple of Jade Mountain (Ngoc Son Temple): Free, 1-2 hours
  • Bat Trang Ceramic Village: Workshop prices vary, 2-3 hours
Tuesday, January 2: Discovering Hanoi's Gardens and Parks

Begin your day by visiting the serene and beautifully landscaped Ho Tay Water Park. Enjoy a leisurely walk or rent a bike to explore the park's lush greenery. In the afternoon, head to the Vietnam National Museum of Nature for an educational and interactive experience. Culminate your day with a visit to the Thanh Chuong Viet Palace, an art space showcasing Vietnamese culture through paintings, sculptures, and traditional architecture.

  • Ho Tay Water Park: Free admission, bike rental prices vary, 2-3 hours
  • Vietnam National Museum of Nature: 30,000 VND (approximately $1.50) per person, 2-3 hours
  • Thanh Chuong Viet Palace: 100,000 VND (approximately $4.50) per person, 2-3 hours
Wednesday, January 3: Farewell Hanoi

On your final day in Hanoi, spend the morning exploring the vibrant and bustling Dong Xuan Market, where you can find an array of local products, souvenirs, and street food. Take a cyclo ride around the city to soak up the last sights and sounds of Hanoi. In the afternoon, relax at a local coffee shop, enjoying a traditional Vietnamese coffee. Bid farewell to Hanoi and cherish the memories created during your family-friendly adventure.

  • Dong Xuan Market: Free, shopping and food expenses vary, 2-3 hours
  • Cyclo Ride: 200,000 - 300,000 VND (approximately $9 - $13) per person, 1-2 hours
  • Traditional Vietnamese Coffee: Prices vary, 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

When in Hanoi, be sure to visit the Vietnam Museum of Women, which showcases women's contributions to Vietnam's history. Consider a day trip to the Perfume Pagoda, a complex of Buddhist temples nestled in a beautifully scenic landscape. Families may also enjoy a visit to the Thanh Xuan Peace Village, which offers interactive experiences related to peace education and environmental consciousness.

Don't forget to check Kayak to find the best hotel and flight deals for your trip to Hanoi!

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version