Hanoi, Vietnam
1. Explore Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
Take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can see the iconic Turtle Tower and visit the historic Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island. The temple, dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao, who defeated the Mongols in the 13th century, offers insight into local culture. Kids can enjoy playing traditional Vietnamese games in the nearby park. Admission to the temple is 30,000 VND (about $1.30) for adults and free for children under 16, making this a budget-friendly cultural stop.
2. Watch a Water Puppet Show
Introduce your family to one of Vietnam’s most unique art forms with a visit to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Puppets dance on the surface of water, telling ancient tales accompanied by traditional Vietnamese music. Shows run daily, and with affordable tickets at 100,000 VND (about $4.30) for adults and 60,000 VND (about $2.60) for children, this is an enjoyable and budget-friendly cultural experience. Be sure to book in advance, as the shows often sell out.
3. Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Learn about Vietnam’s rich cultural diversity through this museum dedicated to the country’s 54 ethnic groups. The museum’s indoor and outdoor exhibits feature traditional costumes, crafts, and reconstructed homes. Kids will especially enjoy the outdoor area with interactive traditional games. Admission is only 40,000 VND (about $1.70) for adults, and free for children under 16. It’s both an educational and affordable family outing.
4. Take a Family-Friendly Cooking Class
Get hands-on with Vietnamese cuisine by joining a family-friendly cooking class. Classes often start with a visit to a local market to buy fresh ingredients, followed by step-by-step instructions to prepare traditional dishes like pho and spring rolls. Prices range from $30-$40 per person, making it a more premium experience, but one that offers unforgettable memories as your family learns new culinary skills together.
5. Wander the Old Quarter
Explore the vibrant Old Quarter, where narrow streets are filled with bustling shops, markets, and street food vendors. Let your family discover traditional Vietnamese handicrafts, clothing, and unique souvenirs. While walking through the chaotic streets, stop for a refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee or try banh mi or pho. The Old Quarter is a free and lively area to explore at your own pace.
6. Visit the Temple of Literature
Step back in time at the well-preserved Temple of Literature, which was Vietnam’s first national university, founded in 1070. The architecture is beautiful, with peaceful courtyards and lotus ponds. Admission is 30,000 VND (about $1.30) for adults and free for children under 16, making it an inexpensive yet educational activity for the whole family.
7. Take a Day Trip to Ninh Binh
Escape the city with a day trip to Ninh Binh, known for its breathtaking karst landscapes and tranquil rivers. Families can take boat rides through the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Day tours from Hanoi cost between $30-$50 per person, offering both relaxation and adventure at a reasonable price.
8. Experience Hanoi Train Street
Take a walk along the famous Hanoi Train Street, where trains pass just inches from homes and cafes. Visitors can watch the train pass by or grab a coffee at one of the nearby shops. Be sure to check the train schedule to arrive at the right time. This unique and free experience offers a perfect opportunity for memorable photos.
9. Visit the Vietnam National Museum of History
This museum takes visitors on a journey through Vietnam’s history, from prehistoric times to the modern era. It features fascinating exhibits on ancient artifacts, royal treasures, and Vietnam’s cultural heritage. Admission is just 40,000 VND (about $1.70) for adults and free for children under 16, making it a great value for families interested in history.
10. Take a Cyclo Tour
For a fun and traditional way to explore Hanoi, hop into a cyclo, a three-wheeled bicycle taxi. Let the driver navigate the chaotic streets while your family enjoys the sights of the Old Quarter, French Quarter, and around Hoan Kiem Lake. Cyclo rides typically cost between $5-$10 per person, making it an affordable way to relax and see the city.
11. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex
Pay your respects to Vietnam’s most revered leader, Ho Chi Minh, by visiting his mausoleum in Ba Dinh Square. The complex includes the One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and his former stilt house. Admission is free, but make sure to dress conservatively, as the mausoleum is a sacred site.
12. Explore Bat Trang Ceramic Village
Take a short drive from Hanoi to Bat Trang, a traditional village famous for its ceramics. Visitors can watch artisans create pottery, browse shops selling unique ceramics, or even participate in pottery-making workshops. A half-day trip is ideal for families and costs between $30-$50 per person for organized tours.
13. Visit the Hanoi Citadel
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Hanoi Citadel is a place where families can explore ancient buildings, including the iconic Flag Tower. Learn about Vietnam’s imperial history and enjoy the spacious grounds. Admission is just 30,000 VND (about $1.30) for adults, with free entry for children under 16.
14. Take a Street Food Tour
Dive into Hanoi’s vibrant food scene with a guided street food tour. Sample iconic dishes like pho, banh mi, and bun cha while walking through bustling streets and markets. Tours typically cost between $20-$30 per person and offer an affordable way to explore local flavors as a family.
15. Visit the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum
This museum houses an impressive collection of Vietnamese art, including ceramics, lacquerware, and contemporary works. Admission is 40,000 VND (about $1.70) for adults and free for children under 16, making it a budget-friendly outing for art-loving families.
16. Take a Day Trip or cruise to Halong Bay
Cruising through Halong Bay’s limestone islands is one of the most iconic experiences in Vietnam. Day trips from Hanoi include boat rides, visits to caves, and a seafood lunch, with prices ranging from $50-$100 per person depending on the boat and inclusions. The cruises can be a few hundred dollars per person, but do include meals and some excursions.
17. Visit the Hanoi Opera House
The Hanoi Opera House is one of the most stunning examples of French colonial architecture in Vietnam. Families can admire its grandeur from the outside or join a guided tour of the interior for 100,000 VND (about $4.30) per person. The opera house also hosts traditional Vietnamese music, dance, and theater performances, offering an enriching cultural experience.
18. Explore Hoa Lo Prison Museum
Known as the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War, Hoa Lo Prison Museum offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s history of struggle and resilience. Visitors can explore the prison cells, including areas where American POWs were held. Admission is 30,000 VND (about $1.30) for adults and free for children under 16. This museum is a somber yet important stop for families interested in Vietnam’s wartime history.
19. Visit the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural
Stretching over 3.5 kilometers along the Red River dyke, this vibrant mural is the longest ceramic mosaic in the world. It depicts scenes from Vietnamese history, folk culture, and daily life. Walking along this mural is free, and it’s a colorful and engaging activity for the whole family to enjoy, offering plenty of photo opportunities.
20. Take a Cooking Class at the Hanoi Cooking Centre
For families who love food, the Hanoi Cooking Centre offers hands-on cooking classes where you can learn to prepare Vietnamese classics like pho, spring rolls, and banh mi. Classes include a market visit to shop for fresh ingredients and last half a day, costing around $30-$40 per person. It’s an engaging way to deepen your appreciation of Vietnamese cuisine as a family.
21. Visit the Vietnam Military History Museum
This museum is a must-visit for history buffs, featuring military vehicles, weapons, and exhibits that detail Vietnam’s military history from ancient times to the present. The highlight is Tank 390, the tank that famously crashed through the gates of the Presidential Palace in Saigon in 1975. Admission is 40,000 VND (about $1.70) for adults, and it’s free for children under 16, making it both affordable and educational. One thing to note is that they do not call it the Vietnam war as we know it in the USA, but the American war. It is important to try and see it from their perspective while in their country.
22. Take a Day Trip to Perfume Pagoda
The Perfume Pagoda is a complex of Buddhist temples nestled in the picturesque Huong Tich Mountains. Families can take a boat ride along the scenic Yen Stream, then explore the temples and caves by foot or cable car. Day tours from Hanoi range from $50-$100 per person, but the stunning natural surroundings and peaceful atmosphere make it a worthwhile excursion from the city.
23. Visit the Hanoi Museum
For a modern take on Hanoi’s rich history, visit the Hanoi Museum. This contemporary museum offers exhibits on the city’s art, architecture, and everyday life. It features an impressive collection of ceramics and a scale model of ancient Hanoi. Admission is 40,000 VND (about $1.70) for adults and free for children under 16, making it an affordable and educational visit for the whole family.
