4-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Hanoi: Food, Culture & Nature on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Explore Historic Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with a delicious bowl of traditional Pho at Pho Gia Truyen, known for its rich broth and fresh ingredients.
Head south on Hang Dao Street and turn left onto Bat Dan Street.
CURRENCY40,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake; enjoy the serene environment and take a family photo by the iconic Turtle Tower.
Walk east from the restaurant, which is approximately 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Old Quarter

Discover the vibrant streets of the Old Quarter filled with shops, street food stalls, and colonial architecture.
Continue walking northwest from the lake into the Old Quarter.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Ta

Savor some Bun Cha, grilled pork served with rice noodles, at Bun Cha Ta, a local favourite.
Located in the Old Quarter, a 10-minute walk south.
CURRENCY60,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Immerse your family in Vietnam’s rich cultural diversity through engaging exhibits at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
Take Bus No. 7 or 14 from the Old Quarter.
CURRENCY40,000/person, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Enjoy a unique Hanoi specialty, Cha Ca (grilled fish), in a family-friendly setting.
Take a taxi or local bus back towards Hoàn Kiếm district.
CURRENCY100,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Watch a Water Puppet Show

End the day with a mesmerizing traditional Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
It is a short walk from the restaurant (approx. 10 minutes).
CURRENCY100,000/person, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Delights of Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Xoi Yen

Dive into a hearty breakfast of Sticky Rice at Xoi Yen, perfect for energizing your family for a day of adventure.
Follow a short walk to the restaurant nearby.
CURRENCY30,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to learn about Vietnam’s history and pay respects to its beloved leader.
Take a local bus or taxi from your accommodation.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kebab Ho Tay

Try the delicious grilled kebabs at Kebab Ho Tay, located near West Lake, a perfect spot to relax.
Take the bus or walk towards West Lake area.
CURRENCY80,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda

Take a leisurely walk around West Lake, and visit the historic Tran Quoc Pagoda.
Continue walking around the lake (15 min).
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Fine Arts Museum

Discover Vietnamese art through various exhibits at the Fine Arts Museum, making it a perfect family educational trip.
Take a taxi or a local bus back to Hoan Kiem.
CURRENCY40,000/person, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Banh Mi 25

Savor a famous Banh Mi sandwich for dinner at Banh Mi 25, a great spot to grab a quick bite.
Located within walking distance from the museum.
CURRENCY30,000, 1 hour
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Day 3: Nature Trip to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at Local Cafe

Grab a quick breakfast at a local cafe near your accommodation to fuel your day trip.
Find a small cafe nearby.
CURRENCY30,000, 30 min

7:00AM

Take Train to Ninh Binh

Catch an early train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and witness beautiful rural landscapes during the journey.
Head to Hanoi Train Station, take the train to Ninh Binh.
CURRENCY60,000/person, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Tam Coc

Experience Tam Coc with a boat ride through stunning limestone karsts and lush rice paddies.
From Ninh Binh train station, take a taxi to Tam Coc.
CURRENCY150,000/boat, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tam Coc Restaurant

Enjoy Vietnamese dishes like goat meat and fried rice at a local restaurant in Tam Coc.
Walk back from the boat docks to a nearby restaurant.
CURRENCY80,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore the beautiful Bich Dong Pagoda, an essential part of your experience in Ninh Binh.
Take a short taxi ride from Tam Coc.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Head Back to Hanoi

Return to Ninh Binh station for your train ride back to Hanoi, reflecting on the stunning nature you’ve experienced.
Taxi back to Ninh Binh station.
CURRENCY60,000/person, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Bun Bo Nam Bo

Have a delicious Bun Bo Nam Bo for dinner upon arriving back in Hanoi, tasting the unique flavors of Northern Vietnam.
Walk to the restaurant from the station.
CURRENCY70,000, 1 hour
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Day 4: Relax and Discover Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Giang

Start the day with a traditional Egg Coffee at Café Giang, offering a delightful twist of Hanoi’s coffee culture.
Short walk from your accommodation.
CURRENCY35,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore the ancient Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, which is full of history and a peaceful atmosphere.
Take a bus or walk to the temple.
CURRENCY30,000/person, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Hanoi Opera House

Take pictures and admire the architecture of the legendary Hanoi Opera House, showcasing French colonial influence.
Walk 15 minutes from the Temple of Literature.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Chả Cá Lã Vọng

Enjoy a family feast of Chả Cá Lã Vọng, a must-try dish unique to Hanoi, featuring grilled fish with herbs.
Head east back toward Hoàn Kiếm Lake, about 20 minutes.
CURRENCY120,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Last-minute Shopping at Dong Xuan Market

Stroll through the lively Dong Xuan Market for souvenirs and a taste of local life, perfect for final shopping.
Walk back to the Old Quarter towards the market.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Green Farm Restaurant

Savor fresh farm-to-table dishes at Green Farm Restaurant, a great way to round off your family trip.
A short taxi ride from Dong Xuan Market.
CURRENCY100,000, 1.5 hours
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