The capital of Vietnam is chaotic, bustling and full of character. Teenagers will love it. It offers the perfect mix of traditional and modern, with ancient temples alongside trendy cafés and neon-lit streets. It’s also surprisingly easy to navigate, with plenty of things to do in Hanoi with teenagers to keep everyone amused.
We visited Hanoi on three separate occasions during our 2-week itinerary in Vietnam! We flew in at the start and end of our trip and made an overnight stop between Halong Bay and Sapa to catch an early minivan. If you’re travelling around northern Vietnam, you’re almost guaranteed to pass through at some point. It’s a great hub for getting transport connections, but is a fantastic place to visit in its own right.
Based on our experience with two 17-year-olds, these are the best things to do in Hanoi with teens. We’ll share what to see, where to eat and how to get around. So if you’re wondering if kids will enjoy Hanoi, it gets a big thumbs up from us!
*contains affiliate links (at no extra cost to you)
Contents: click to jump to a section
Where to stay in Hanoi
For all three visits we stayed at the same hotel for ease and familiarity. I’m sure there are more luxurious places in Hanoi, but the Eliana Ruby Hotel ticked all the boxes: cheap, friendly staff, an excellent breakfast and a brilliant location.
Situated right in the heart of the Old Quarter, we could step out of the hotel and be in the middle of the action within minutes.
Read on for our 9 best things to do in Hanoi with teenagers
Explore the Old Quarter
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is the city’s historic heart and one of the best places to wander with teens. The lanes are a maze of narrow alleys, with themed wares each selling something different – Silver Street, Tin Street, Silk Street. With so much happening in such a small area, it’s one of the most exciting things to do in Hanoi with teenagers on a first visit.
When you first arrive, it will seem quite manic. Expect mopeds everywhere, vendors at every corner and locals going about their daily life in the narrow backstreets. This just adds to the fun, and it doesn’t take long to navigate getting across the road. Basically, you just have to walk straight into the traffic. (sounds easy, right?)
Whilst you’re exploring, stop for an egg coffee at one of the local cafés or pop into a restaurant for some phở, the traditional noodle soup. Alternatively, if you don’t fancy getting lost on your own, join a guided walking tour and let an expert lead the way.
Exploring the Old Quarter is a must-do if you’re looking for teen-friendly things to do in Hanoi.
Visit Ngoc Son Temple on Hoàn Kiếm Lake
One of Hanoi’s main landmarks sits right in the Old Quarter; Hoàn Kiếm Lake, or the Lake of the Restored Sword. You can stroll around the lake or cross the pretty red Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple.
There’s a small admission fee for the island, but once there, you can explore the temple and see the last two preserved turtles.
If you go early, you can see locals practising their Tai Chi from 6am. We went in the evening when it was cooler and the streets become pedestrianised. The area by the lake is energetic and lively, perfect for families with teens. From here, it’s a short walk to the night market and P Ta Hien (Beer Street).
Train Street in Hanoi
A visit to Train Street is definitely one of the best things to do in Hanoi with kids.
Train Street is one of the most thrilling activities in Hanoi, whatever your age. Wander along the tracks, pick a café for a cold drink, then wait for the train to thunder past.
Until you’ve been, it’s impossible to imagine just how close it gets – it literally skims your head. Keep hold of your kids if they are younger, as there have been accidents.
It’s worth checking the train times before you go, as they change regularly and trains aren’t that frequent. Even if the train is not due, it’s worth a visit to have a walk along the tracks.
Thang Long Water Puppet Show
We nearly gave the water puppet show a miss, and I’m so glad we didn’t. Water puppetry has been a tradition in Vietnam for centuries, originally performed in flooded rice paddies, and it’s still a completely unique experience today. The show lasts 50 minutes and is really engaging. Our teens loved it.
The puppeteers are incredibly skilled, bringing traditional folk stories to life, while musicians narrate with live singing and instruments. I highly recommend paying extra for the audio guide so you can follow along.
The Thang Long Water Puppet Show is one of the most family-friendly things to do in Hanoi with kids over 12. It’s totally different to anything you’ll see elsewhere. You should book your tickets in advance to guarantee seats.
Book a Hanoi Food Tour
One of the best parts of visiting Hanoi is the food. It’s flavourful without being too spicy, and there’s plenty of variety. We generally avoided eating outside, mainly as it was nice to cool down whilst we ate.
For families, a Hanoi food tour is one of the best ways to discover hidden spots and try dishes you might not choose on your own.
Of course, you must try phở , Bánh Xèo, and bánh mì, traditional local dishes which are available everywhere. A few of our favourites in Hanoi were Pho 10, (one of Hanoi’s Michelin-starred restaurants) and Hoang’s,
If you fancy somewhere quirky, visit the Note Café, an Instagram hot spot, covered floor-to-ceiling in Post-it notes.
Sampling local dishes together quickly became one of our favourite things to do in Hanoi with teenagers and was a highlight of each day.
Visit Hoa Lo Prison
Hao Lo Prison, nicknamed “Hanoi Hilton” by American POWs, is a harrowing but important place to visit in Hanoi. The audio guide takes you through the prison’s history, from its use during French colonial rule to its role during the Vietnam war.
You’ll see the cramped cells, escape stories, and one of the original guillotines. It’s heavy, but educational and useful for teens (and me) to get a better understanding of the history of Vietnam.
Go to Beer Street and the walking market
Even if you’re travelling with teens, Ta Hien Beer Street is worth seeing, ideally before it gets too busy. Prices are more expensive than elsewhere in the city, but you can find some deals at Happy Hour.
Combine it with a wander through the weekend walking market, where the teens will enjoy browsing clothes, souvenirs, and street food. This area is lively in the evening and fun for families exploring Hanoi with older kids, who want a taste of Hanoi’s nightlife.
Pay your respects at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the final resting place of the Vietnam’s famous Leader. We walked all the way from the Old Quarter, but it is quite a trek, so I’d say it’s probably better to take a Grab taxi, especially in the heat.
Ho Chi Minh is housed within an impressive granite building overlooking Ba Dinh square. Thousands of Vietnamese visit each year to pay their respects. Inside, you quietly circle the glass casket containing “Uncle Ho”, then leave. It doesn’t take long but is a fascinating experience.
Admission is free, but opening times are limited and strict dress rules apply. After your visit you can look round the Ho Chi Minh Complex, with a visit to the presidential palace and the Ho Chi Minh Museum.
Afterwards, walk over to the One Pillar Pagoda, a wooden structure built on a stone pillar meant to resemble a lotus flower. From there, it’s an easy stroll to the Temple of Literature, a peaceful complex of gardens and traditional Vietnamese architecture.
Day trips from Hanoi: Halong Bay and Ninh Binh
From street food to cultural sights, there’s no shortage of things to do in Hanoi with teenagers. If you’re ready for a break from the city, these two day trips are well worth adding to your itinerary.
Lan Ha Bay
If you’re visiting North Vietnam, you must include Ha Long Bay (or neighbouring Lan Ha Bay) in your itinerary. Day trips from Hanoi to Halong Bay are popular, but if you have time, we’d recommend a two-night cruise. We chose Lan Ha Bay to avoid the crowds and loved it. There’s just as much for the kids to do. You can read our review, to find out more about what to expect on a cruise with kids.
Ninh Binh
Another brilliant day trip from Hanoi is to Ninh Binh, often called “Ha Long Bay on Land.” Expect dramatic limestone karsts, rural scenes, and some of the most breathtaking scenery in Vietnam.
In a day trip from Hanoi, you can spend a full day exploring Hoa Lu, the ancient capital, do a boat tour in Trang An and a climb to the viewpoint at Mua Cave.
However, it’s so lovely, we’d recommend staying 2 or 3 nights, so you can really explore the Ninh Binh countryside. You can read our guide to Ninh Binh here.
Practical tips for families visiting Hanoi
Travelling to Hanoi with teenagers is easier than you might think. The city is safe, cheap and very welcoming to families. Here are some handy Hanoi family travel tips:
- Book central accommodation
- Master crossing the road as soon as you get there
- Give the kids a separate room (rather than a family suite)
- Take plenty of cash – many places don’t accept credit cards
- Buy a local eSIM for everyone
- Mix adventure with relaxation
- Don’t assume everyone speaks English. It’s worth learning some key words
Other guides to family travel in Asia
Pin for later or share with a friend who’d love to go:
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission. (Read our full Disclosure Policy)
All rights reserved © Chimptrips. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, links, etc.), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.
