Family-Friendly Guide to Hanoi: Top Spots For Shopping, Dining, And Fun

Family-friendly Hotels In Hanoi: Hanoi With Kids

As one of the most visited tourist destinations in Vietnam, Hanoi is packed with hotels for all budgets. Whether you need a luxury stay or are looking for a budget boutique hotel, the city provides everything.

The Sofitel Legend Metropole

The Sofitel Legend Metropole is worth the splurge for those looking for a unique historical stay! It is situated steps from the Opera House in Hanoï's French Quarter. Mom and Dad can sip cocktails at the famous Bamboo Bar while the kids splash in the gorgeous pool. Be sure to book a chocolate buffet and tea in the afternoon, a massage at the gorgeous spa, and, of course, a hotel tour where kids can explore the hotel's bomb shelter used during the days of war. Connecting rooms, baby amenities, and cots are all available on request.

Sofitel Metropole, 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District, 10000 Hanoi, Vietnam, www.sofitel.accor.com/en/hotels

Other Family-Friendly Hotels In Hanoi

Movenpick Hotel Hanoi

Movenpick is a 4.5-star hotel in the city centre, close to attractions like the Old Quarter. It offers spacious family rooms, a fitness centre, a spa, and a kids' club to ensure a comfortable stay. Parents can have quality time in Lounge 83 and Cabana Club.

Movenpick, 83A Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 10000, Vietnam, +842438222800, hotel.hanoi@movenpick.com, www.movenpick.accor.com/en/asia/vietnam/hanoi/hotel-hanoi

Intercontinental Westlake Hanoi

Situated on the serene waters of Westlake, this luxurious hotel offers elegant rooms with stunning lake views. The property features multiple dining options, a beautiful outdoor pool, and a fitness centre. It is perfect for families looking for a tranquil escape. The hotel provides babysitting services and has a kids' club to entertain your children.

Intercontinental Westlake Hanoi, 5 Tu Hoa Street, Tay Ho district, Vietnam, +842462708888, res.hanoi@ihg.com, www.hanoi.intercontinental.com

Apricot Hotel Hanoi

Apricot offers elegant rooms overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake, blending Vietnamese art with modern luxury. The hotel has been nominated for the World Luxury Hotel Awards numerous times. Its rooftop pool, fine dining, and proximity to attractions make it an excellent choice for art enthusiasts and luxury seekers.

Apricot Hotel Hanoi, 136 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam, +842438289595, info@apricothotels.com, www.apricothotels.com

Apartments/Large Rooms

Fraser Suites

Located in the upscale Westlake area, the property offers a pool, fitness centre, and easy access to shopping and dining. These spacious serviced apartments are perfect for large families, and they feature 2-3 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and modern amenities.

Fraser Suites, 51 Xuan Dieu Street, Quang An, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, Vietnam, +84243719 8877, sales.hanoi@frasershospitality.com, www.frasershospitality.com/en/vietnam/hanoi/fraser-suites-hanoi

Somerset

This property offers executive apartments near the Old Quarter. It provides spacious accommodations with kitchen facilities, ideal for extended stays. Guests can enjoy a pool and fitness centre close to Hanoi's cultural attractions. Kids will have fun in their themed suits.

Somerset, No 49 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hanoi, Vietnam, +84243934 2342, enquiry.hanoi@the-ascott.com, www.discoverasr.com/en/somerset-serviced-residence

Things To Do: Hanoi With Kids

Kids love Cong Vien Nghia Do Park, which has fun equipment to play on, including a zip line! The water puppet show is a must for kids of all ages. Explore the Old Quarter, where families can navigate the quaint winding streets. Be sure to visit the night market with its street food and stalls selling all manner of knick knacks.

Cong Vien Nghia Do Park

Cong Vien Nghia Do Park is a peaceful green oasis in Hanoi, perfect for families and nature lovers. The park features beautiful landscapes, a child-appropriate “zip-line”, walking paths, playgrounds, and a serene lake. It’s an excellent spot for a stroll, a picnic, or simply to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Cong Vien Nghia Do Park, 2QRW+5XF, Nguyen Van Huyen Ha Noi, Hanoi City, 100000, Vietnam

Thang Long Water Puppets

You can't miss this puppet show when in Hanoi for a unique cultural experience with traditional Vietnamese water puppetry. It features colourful puppets that appear to dance on the water's surface, with traditional music and narration. Some shows are The Little Match Girl, Street Rhythm, and Dragon Dream. Ask your hotel to arrange tickets for you!

Thang Long Water Puppets, 57B Pho Dinh Tien Hoang, Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam, +8424 38249494, marketingthanglongwpt@gmail.com, www.thanglongwaterpuppet.com

Hanoi Night Market

After the day, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Hanoi Night Market, located in the heart of the Old Quarter. Explore many local handicrafts, street food stalls, and lively entertainment. Shopping with your kids is a great way to make them happy.

Hanoi Night Market, Old Quarter, from P Hang Giay to P Hang Dao. Open from 6 pm - 11 pm from Friday - Sunday.

Other Activities To Enjoy With Kids In Hanoi

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: 1 Hung Vuong, Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, 02438455124, vanphong@bqllang.gov.vn, www.bqllang.gov.vn
• Temple Of Literature: No. 58, Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi, 02438 452917, tthdvhkhvmqtg_sovhtt@hanoi.gov.vn, www.vanmieu.gov.vn/vi
• Hanoi Old Quarter: Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam- hire a cyclo or 2 to cruise you around!
• Hoa La Prison Museum: 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi, 0822446116, bqldtnthl_sovhtt@hanoi.gov.vn, www.hoalo.vn
• Vietnam Museum Of Ethnology: Nguyen Van Huyen str., Cau Giay Dist., Hanoi, +842437562193, information@vme.org.vn, www.vme.org.vn/en

Where To Shop: Hanoi With Kids

Shopping in Hanoi can be fun for everyone! For those looking for the top galleries, browse the streets of Hang Gai and Hang Bong and visit Apricot Gallery, Green Palm, Ngan Pho Gallery, Mai Gallery, and Thang Long Gallery. For unique antiques from all over Vietnam, visit 54 Traditions Gallery. Of Course, the Old Town has many boutiques with traditional lacquer and handicrafts. Our tip? Negotiate with the cycle drivers to take your clan around while you shop along Hang Gai, Hang Bong, and Hang Bun streets.

Embroidery, Silks, & More In Hanoi

Hang Gai, also known as "Silk Street," is a bustling hub for textile enthusiasts in Hanoi. This charming street showcases an array of shops offering exquisite embroidery, high-quality silks, and traditional Vietnamese crafts. From the renowned Da Lat Su Quan to the stylish Tan My Design, you can explore various textiles and fashion items, blending traditional techniques with modern designs.

Hang Gai: visit Da Lat Su Quan (13), Tan My Design (61), Hanoi Hannah (64), Tan My Design (66), Metiseko (71), Hanoi Moment (101), Khai Silk (113)

Art Galleries In Hanoi

Hanoi's art scene flourishes along its historic streets, with several notable galleries concentrated in the Old Quarter. These spaces exhibit a richness of Vietnamese art, from traditional paintings to contemporary works. You can immerse yourself in the local culture through diverse artistic expressions from established galleries listed below.

• Green Palm Gallery, 39 Hang Gai Street, Hanoi, Vietnam, +842438288298, info@greenpalmgallery.com, www.greenpalmgallery.com/en
• Thang Long Gallery, 41 Hang Gai Street, Hanoi, Vietnam, +842438250740, info@thanglongartgallery.com, www.thanglongartgallery.com
• Apricot Gallery, 40B Hang Bong Street, Hanoi, Vietnam, +842438288965, info@apricotgallery.com.vn, www.apricotgallery.com.vn
• Mai Gallery, 113 Hang Bong Street, Hanoi, Vietnam, +84909180870, maigalleryhanoi@gmail.com, www.maigallery-vietnam.com

Antiques In Hanoi

54 Traditions Gallery is a treasure trove of antiques and cultural artefacts for those seeking a glimpse into Vietnam's past. This specialised gallery offers a curated collection of genuine antiquities from various ethnic minorities across Vietnam including traditional items, textiles, and artworks.

54 Traditions Gallery, 44B Hang Bun Street, Hanoi, Vietnam, +84912321487, 54traditionsgallery@gmail.com, www.54traditions.vn

Family-friendly Restaurants: Hanoi With Kids

Hanoi is one of Asia's great food cities. This city has it all whether you want to try a local favourite or a fusion hot spot. For street eats, head to Ca Cha La Vong (pictured) where they serve one fish dish and it is delish! Kids will enjoy putting veggies in the hot pot. More lunch faves include street food delights from Bun Cha and Quan Com Pho (huge space and menu). For dinner, there are too many fantastic options to count! A few family-friendly favourites include Madame Hien (complete with a kid's menu) and rockin' ambience, La Badiane, Au Lac House, and Green Tangerine.

Best Cafes In Hanoi

Cong Càphê

Cong is a popular local cafe chain known for its unique Vietnamese-inspired decor and delicious coffee drinks. It offers a cosy atmosphere and a range of light bites. The cafe's signature style features vintage furniture, bookshelves, and traditional Vietnamese elements, creating a warm and inviting ambience.

Cong Càphê, 101 Hoang Cau Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi, +842437339966, info@congcaphe.com, www.congcaphe.com

Lunch In Hanoi

Cha Ca La Vong

A historic culinary landmark in Hanoi, this modest eatery claims to be the birthplace of the iconic Cha Ca dish over a hundred years ago. The Doan family's establishment offers a glimpse into the past with its preserved decor and traditional ambience. While some diners appreciate the authenticity, others have expressed concerns about the service quality. Despite mixed reviews, it remains a significant stop for those interested in Hanoi's culinary heritage.

Cha Ca La Vong, 14 Cha Ca Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam, +84438253929

Bun Cha Ta

Bun Cha Ta serves traditional Hanoi street food, specialising in bun cha—grilled pork with noodles. It's a cosy spot in the Old Quarter, known for its flavorful dishes and inviting atmosphere. Enjoy fresh spring rolls and a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes.

Bun Cha Ta, 21 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Old Quarter of Hanoi, Vietnam, bunchata21@gmail.com, www.bunchata.com

Dinner In Hanoi

Madame Hien

Madame Hien, housed in a charming French colonial villa, serves exquisite Vietnamese cuisine crafted by celebrated chef Didier Corlou. The restaurant combines traditional flavours with a refined touch, offering a memorable dining experience with green mango salad and banana flower salad.

Madame Hien, 48 Hang Be Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Vietnam, www.facebook.com/MadameHienHanoi/

La Badiane

La Badiane is a French fine-dining restaurant that blends Vietnamese and French culinary techniques. Its impeccable service complements dishes like foie gras and lamb rack. The downstairs area features a black-and-white tiled floor and a welcoming atmosphere, while the rooms upstairs are cosier.

La Badiene, 10 P. Nam Ngư, Cửa Nam, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam, +842439424509, labadiane.booking@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/labadiane/

Au Lac Family Restaurant

Located near Hoan Kiem Lake, Au Lac Family Restaurant is a beautiful restaurant offering a serene dining atmosphere. It focuses on Vietnamese cuisine, and the extensive menu includes traditional dishes like cha ca and bun thang. You along with kids have fun and enjoy the local food.

Au Lac Family Restaurant, 23 Ngo Huyen Hoan Kiem, Hanoi 100000 Vietnam, +84927707490

Side Trips From Hanoi: Halong Bay

For a truly spectacular family experience, book your private 5-star junk for an overnight cruise on Halong Bay. The whole family will be amazed at the rock formations (the crew often point out the formations that resemble animals) while peacefully cruising the Bay. Be sure to stop at the caves! For bigger groups and families looking to go cruising, book the Emeraude. Book in advance!

• Halong Violet, 5 Floor, HTK Building, 98 Nguyen Van Cu Str, Long Bien dist, Hanoi, Vietnam, +842439429444 -, www.halongviolet.com
• Indochina Junk, 25 Pham Hong Thai Str Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi, Vietnam, +84964343322, info@indochina-junk.com, www.indochina-junk.com
• Orchid Cruise, Asia Sky Building, 73 Ly Nam De Str, Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi, Vietnam, +8424 37593098, sales@orchidcruises.com, www.orchidcruises.com
• Emeraude, Level 3, 46 Nguyen Truong To Street, Hanoi, Vietnam, +84965 890499, sales@tmgroup.vn, www.emeraude-cruises.com/en