5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Hanoi, Vietnam

Day 1: Cultural Immersion

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Thin

Start your day with a bowl of traditional Pho at Pho Thin, famous for its rich broth and tender beef.
Head south on Le Thanh Tong Street for a 10-minute walk.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Take a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, enjoying the fresh air and picturesque views.
Walk 15 minutes east to the lake.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Ngoc Son Temple Tour

Explore the Ngoc Son Temple located on an islet in the lake and learn about its historical significance.
Cross the red bridge to reach the temple.
VND 30,000, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Dig into a plate of Bun Cha, a local grill-pork dish, in the same restaurant where President Obama dined!
A quick 5-minute taxi ride will take you there.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover Vietnam's diverse cultures through interactive exhibits and outdoor displays ideal for kids.
Take a taxi for about 20 minutes.
VND 40,000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Old Quarter

Head back to the vibrant Old Quarter for some shopping and to experience local street life.
Grab a taxi back to the Old Quarter.
VND 50,000, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Savor Hanoi's famous Cha Ca, a pan-fried fish dish with dill and turmeric, sitting right in the heart of the Old Quarter.
Walk a few minutes within the Old Quarter.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Adventure and Nature

Hanoi, Vietnam

7:30AM

Breakfast at Dinh Tien Hoang

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of xoi (sticky rice) at this charming local spot.
Located within the Old Quarter, a short 5-minute walk.
VND 70,000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore the well-preserved Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university, which offers beautiful gardens that kids will love.
Take a 15-minute taxi ride.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Water Puppet Show

Enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre, thrilling for both adults and children.
A short walk from the Temple of Literature, about 10 minutes.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Green Tangerine

Try the fusion dishes at this restaurant that combines Vietnamese and French cuisines, perfect for a family-friendly setting.
Take a cab for 5 minutes.
VND 180,000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Get an insight into Vietnam’s history by visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, while kids learn about the nation's beloved leader.
Take a 10-minute taxi ride.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Vietnam Fine Arts Museum

Wander through the art galleries that showcase Vietnamese culture and art, with exhibits that are engaging for all ages.
Just a 10-minute walk from the Mausoleum.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Hotel

Take a break at your hotel before heading out for dinner.
A 10-minute taxi ride back to the Old Quarter.
VND 50,000, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Dinner at KOTO

Dine at KOTO, a restaurant that supports disadvantaged youth, offering great Vietnamese dishes.
Located a 10-minute taxi ride away.
VND 180,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Historical Insights

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Baker Street

Indulge in a delightful breakfast and pastries at this popular bakery loved by locals.
A 10-minute walk from the hotel.
VND 90,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hoa Lo Prison

Explore the historical site Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the ‘Hanoi Hilton,’ where you'll learn about Vietnam's tumultuous history.
Take a 10-minute taxi ride.
VND 30,000, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Old Quarter Streets

Wander through the maze of the Old Quarter, discovering its unique shops and street food vendors.
Walk back to the Old Quarter.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Pho 10

Enjoy another delicious bowl of pho, which locals claim is among the best in Hanoi.
A short 5-minute walk from the Old Quarter walking area.
VND 100,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Water Puppet Theater

Catch a Water Puppet show in the afternoon at the Thang Long Theatre.
A 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
VND 100,000, 1 hour

4:30PM

Vietnam National Museum of History

Explore the National Museum and learn about Vietnam’s rich past through fascinating exhibits.
Walk or take a 5-minute taxi ride.
VND 40,000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Savor a variety of Vietnamese dishes in a vibrant setting, perfect for a family meal.
Take a 10-minute taxi ride.
VND 200,000, 2 hours
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Day 4: Outdoor Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam

7:30AM

Breakfast at Ba Dinh

Start your day at Ba Dinh with their excellent coffee and traditional Vietnamese breakfast.
Located a 5-minute walk from the hotel.
VND 90,000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Trip to Hanoi Botanical Garden

Take the kids to Hanoi Botanical Garden where they can explore lush green spaces and let off some steam.
A 10-minute taxi ride.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Cyclo Ride through the Streets

Enjoy a fun cyclo ride through the streets of Hanoi, a unique experience for the whole family.
Arrange with local cyclo operators near the Botanical Garden.
VND 200,000, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Hanoi Social Club

Relax and have lunch at this beautiful café offering homemade food that caters to families.
A 10-minute walk from where you end the cyclo ride.
VND 150,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relax at West Lake

Spend the afternoon at West Lake, where you can rent pedal boats for extra fun.
Take a few minutes’ taxi ride.
VND 50,000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Hotel

Relax back at the hotel and recharge for dinner.
Cabs available in the area, about a 10-minute ride.
VND 50,000, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Sen Tay Ho

Dine at this buffet restaurant with an extensive selection, ensuring there’s something for every family member.
Take a taxi for about 15 minutes.
VND 250,000, 2 hours
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Day 5: Final Day Adventures

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Giang

Try the famous egg coffee and pastries at Cafe Giang, a must-visit in Hanoi!
Take a short 10-minute walk from the hotel.
VND 80,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hanoi Citadel

Explore the ancient citadel and learn about its significance in Vietnam’s history.
A quick 10-minute taxi ride.
VND 50,000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Old Quarter Markets

Shopping in the Old Quarter markets can be a lively experience with lots of local crafts and souvenirs.
Walk back to Old Quarter.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Madame Hien

Relish traditional Vietnamese dishes in a cozy atmosphere perfect for families.
A short 10-minute walk.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Lotte Observation Deck

Enjoy stunning views of the city from the Lotte Observation Deck, allowing children to marvel at the skyline.
Take a taxi for about 15 minutes.
VND 200,000, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to Hotel for Checkout

Prepare for your departure, packing your cherished memories of Hanoi.
Taxies available for a 10-minute ride.
VND 50,000, 30 minutes
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