Hanoi Travel Guide: TOP 30++ Attractions for Families and Youth

Are you wondering what to do and where to go in Hanoi? The city offers not only ancient, historic streets but also a vibrant mix of amusement parks, unique cafes, and eco-tourism spots. This curated list of over 30 locations will ensure you have an unforgettable experience in the capital.

1. Check-in & Sightseeing Spots

• Hoan Kiem Lake & The Old Quarter: The heart of Hanoi, featuring the iconic Turtle Tower, the red Huc Bridge, and Ngoc Son Temple. You can stroll through the 36 old streets and enjoy local specialties like Pho, Bun Cha, and Banh Cuon.

  • Reference Cost: Free for the lake walk; parking is around 20,000 – 30.000 VND; Ngoc Son Temple entrance is about 50,000 VND/person.

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Ba Dinh Square: The resting place of Vietnam's beloved leader, located next to the historic Ba Dinh Square where the Declaration of Independence was read in 1945. Nearby attractions include the One Pillar Pagoda and the Ho Chi Minh Museum.

  • Reference Cost: Free entrance to the Mausoleum; parking is 5,000 – 10,000 VND.

• Temple of Literature (Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám): Vietnam’s first university, symbolizing the country's rich tradition of education. It houses doctor laureates' stone steles, Khue Van Cac pavilion, and peaceful courtyards.

  • Reference Cost: 70,000 VND for adults; 35,000 VND for Vietnamese students/elderly.

• Imperial Citadel of Thang Long: A UNESCO World Heritage site preserving over 1,000 years of history, featuring the Flag Tower of Hanoi, Doan Mon Gate, and Kinh Thien Palace.

  • Reference Cost: 100,000 VND for standard tickets; 50,000 VND for students/elderly.

• St. Joseph's Cathedral (Nha Tho Lon): A late 19th-century Gothic Revival church in the Old Quarter, heavily reminiscent of Notre-Dame de Paris. The surrounding area is famous for street-side lemon tea (trà chanh).

  • Reference Cost: Free entry; parking is 10,000 – 20,000 VND.

• Long Bien Bridge: A historic cantilever bridge across the Red River built during the French colonial era, offering a nostalgic look and great sunrise/sunset views.

• Hoa Lo Prison Relic: Once dubbed "Hell on Earth," this former prison used by French colonialists (and later for US pilots during the war) is now a museum displaying moving historical artifacts.

  • Reference Cost: 50,000 VND for adults; 25,000 VND for students/elderly.

• West Lake (Ho Tay): The largest lake in Hanoi, perfect for a breezy walk, cycling, or watching the sunset. It is highly famous for local treats like West Lake shrimp cakes and coconut ice cream.

2. Fun Spots for Kids & Families

• Hoan Kiem Walking Street: Open on weekends, offering wide open spaces for traditional games (tug of war, mandarin square capturing), street performances, and rollerblading.

• West Lake Water Park: The biggest water park in the city, featuring wave pools, lazy rivers, and multi-lane slides—ideal for hot summer days.

  • Reference Cost: 150,000 – 195,000 VND depending on height and weekday/weekend rates (Free for kids under 0.9m).

• Major Shopping Malls (Aeon Mall Long Bien, Lotte Mall West Lake, Royal City): These complexes house massive indoor edutainment centers like tiNiWorld, KizCiti (career simulation), ice skating rinks, arcades, cinemas, and extensive food courts.

• Thu Le Park & Zoo: A long-standing green park housing various animals (elephants, tigers, birds) alongside fun kids' activities like swan pedal boats, mirrors houses, and inflatable castles.

  • Reference Cost: 50,000 VND for adults; 30,000 VND for children.

• Vinpearl Aquarium (Times City): A modern underground aquarium home to thousands of marine creatures, including sharks, penguins, and stingrays.

• Vietnam National Museum of Nature: An excellent educational spot displaying dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and diverse insect specimens.

  • Reference Cost: Free entry.

• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: A fantastic cultural space displaying the traditions of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups, complete with full-scale traditional houses in the outdoor yard.

  • Reference Cost: 40,000 VND for adults.

3. Entertainment for Youth

• Wood Stamp Carving: A creative craft experience where local artisans block-carve custom stamps or portraits on Hang Quat street.

• Mini Karaoke Boxes: Small, private soundproof booths equipped with excellent sound systems, perfect for a quick singing session with 2–5 friends.

• Korean-style Photobooths: Self-photo studios providing fun props (headbands, quirky glasses) where you can print out photo strips instantly.

• Go-Kart Racing (Aeon Mall Ha Dong): High-speed electric go-kart tracks designed with safety barriers, offering an adrenaline rush for speed enthusiasts.

• Ta Hien Beer Street: The epicenter of Hanoi's nightlife. A bustling, crowded street where you can enjoy cold draught beers (bia hơi), street food, and music.

4. Cozy Cafes & Relaxation

• Trill Rooftop Cafe: Located on a high tower terrace, offering a sweeping panoramic view of Hanoi's skyline alongside trendy drinks.

• The Note Coffee: A famous, heartwarming spot right by the lake where every square inch is covered in colorful sticky notes left by travelers from around the world. Famous for its Egg Coffee.

• Train Street Cafes: A unique-to-Hanoi experience where you can sit right beside active railway tracks, sipping coffee while waiting for the train to pass safely by.

5. Suburban Getaways (Day Trips)

• Grand World (Hung Yen): A massive, newly developed mega-complex just outside Hanoi featuring Venetian-style canals, gondola rides, spectacular mapping shows, and shopping areas.

• Bat Trang Ceramic Village: A centuries-old pottery village where you can shop for fine porcelain or try your hand at spinning and painting your own clay pottery.

• Ba Vi National Park: Located about 60km west of the center, offering fresh mountain air, pine forests, old French ruins, and excellent trekking/camping spots.

• Duong Lam Ancient Village: A preserved northern Vietnamese village featuring laterite brick houses dating back hundreds of years, ancient communal halls, and traditional local sweets.