I’m Mr. Robert, father of two children, and together with my wife, we’ve just completed our 3-day itinerary in Hanoi. If you’re also passionate about traveling in Asia with your family, here’s our unforgettable adventure in the heart of Vietnam’s capital. This 3-day trip to Hanoi immersed us in a vibrant city full of charm, where ancient traditions meet surprising modernity. Wandering through the Old Quarter, tasting pho, visiting the Temple of Literature… every activity won over the whole family. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Hanoi for 3 days with kids, I’ll share in this article our itinerary, our favorite moments, and all my practical tips to make the most of 3 days in Hanoi as a family.
We have always loved Vietnam and had been planning this Vietnam trip for a long time. We started our adventure full of excitement with 3 days in Hanoi, and truly, the city did not disappoint us. Hanoi holds a unique charm, blending ancient beauty with modern energy, and it allowed us to experience the bustling rhythm of a capital city. What stood out the most was how every member of our family immediately fell in love with Hanoi’s Old Quarter. We adored the yellow colonial buildings, the streets filled with Vietnamese flags, and especially the delicious food scents wafting through every corner.
In our 3-day Hanoi itinerary, the first day was a gentle introduction with a cyclo tour around the Old Quarter, and visits to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. On the second day, we deepened our understanding of Vietnam’s culture and history through museums, temples, and ancient streets. The final day allowed us to feel the traditional rural vibe in Bat Trang Pottery Village and immerse ourselves in the art of water puppetry, before ending the journey with a colorful evening at Dong Xuan night market.
This Hanoi trip in 3 days offered us not only great sightseeing opportunities but also meaningful family bonding and a broader perspective of a different culture. If you're wondering what to do in Hanoi, we hope our journey can inspire you to enjoy your own Hanoi adventure to the fullest.
We landed at Noi Bai Airport around noon after a long flight from Paris. Luckily, the Hanoi weather in 3 days of our trip was pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities and walking around. We arrived at our hotel – a lovely place located right in the Old Quarter, very convenient for getting around. After checking in and resting to regain energy for our 3-day Hanoi trip, we were ready to explore.
In the afternoon, we opted for a light and relaxing way to discover the Hanoi Old Quarter: a cyclo tour around the city center. Two cyclos took the four of us through the narrow, bustling streets. Although the language barrier made it hard to talk with the drivers, they still did their best to point out the highlights along the way. We stopped at Hoan Kiem Lake, took a stroll to visit Ngoc Son Temple, and snapped some pictures near The Huc Bridge and Turtle Tower.
If you ask us what to do in Hanoi in 3 days, street food tasting is something we’d highly recommend. We ended our afternoon with a hot bowl of authentic Hanoi pho at a small street-side eatery. The broth was clear and fragrant, the noodles soft, and the beef perfectly cooked – a rich flavor that lingered long after. Our first day in this 3-day Hanoi itinerary gave us delightful surprises in culture, architecture, traffic, and of course, food.
After breakfast at the hotel, we headed to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – one of the best places to visit in Hanoi – to gain insights into the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam and local cultural traditions. We learned a lot of fascinating facts, and our kids especially loved the outdoor area showcasing the traditional houses of different ethnic minorities. I think this is one of the best things to do in Hanoi with kids – a fun and engaging way to learn about world cultures.
We continued our Hanoi 3-day trip by visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, located by West Lake. Though our visit was short, my wife was impressed by the unique architecture while I enjoyed the peaceful ambiance. The kids, however, were getting hungry, so we quickly found a lovely Vietnamese restaurant for lunch and took a short break before the afternoon plan.
In the afternoon, we visited the Temple of Literature – a fascinating historical site that offered us a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s feudal education system. During our visit, a few primary schools were holding traditional ceremonies for good luck in studies, a charming cultural touch we really appreciated.
So, what to do in Hanoi in the evening? Later in the day, we walked back to the Old Quarter, this time covering more streets. We passed by Hang Ma Street filled with toys and decorations, and saw the St. Joseph’s Cathedral and the Hanoi Opera House. But to our surprise, the kids’ favorite experience – perhaps even of the entire 3-day Hanoi trip – was our evening at the Hanoi Train Street.
After a tasty dinner of bun cha, another Hanoi specialty, we headed to the famous Train Street and enjoyed some egg coffee while waiting for the 7:30 p.m. train to pass. We tried egg coffee, salted coffee – iconic Hanoi drinks I highly recommend. The street came alive at night with twinkling lights and buzzing cafés. And the moment the train roared by just a few meters in front of us – that was a memory none of us will ever forget from this trip to Hanoi in 3 days.
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On the last day of our 3-day trip to Hanoi, we decided to venture outside the city center to visit Bat Trang Pottery Village, about a 30-minute drive from Hanoi. There, our whole family got hands-on experience in shaping clay, painting bowls, and learning about traditional ceramic-making processes. Our two children were thrilled, especially when they could bring home a few “made by ourselves” creations as souvenirs.
In the afternoon, we returned to the center to watch a traditional water puppet show – a unique Vietnamese art form. Folk tales were brought to life through the skillful movements of wooden puppets, accompanied by traditional music, keeping us completely captivated. After that, we strolled through the Old Quarter, enjoying Vietnamese banh mi, fried spring rolls, and various other street foods. Each dish had a distinctive flavor that reflected the finesse of Hanoi’s culinary culture. The street food scene in Hanoi truly won us over – it’s definitely one of the highlights we’ll remember most from this 3-day trip to Hanoi.
If you’re wondering what to do in Hanoi at night, be sure to visit the Dong Xuan Market, just like we did. This bustling market offers everything from clothes and souvenirs to tasty street food. For younger visitors, I think exploring Ta Hien walking street and sipping a few local beers is also a fun way to discover Hanoi nightlife. This 3-day trip to Hanoi was more than just a vacation – it was a meaningful cultural journey filled with enriching artistic experiences.
If you're also planning a 3-day trip to Hanoi like our family, let me share a few helpful tips.
Choose a hotel near the Old Quarter for easy access and to fully immerse yourself in Hanoi’s vibrant atmosphere. You’ll be close to the key sights and bustling local eateries – ideal if you’re traveling with kids. Since traffic can be quite busy, I recommend walking, taking a cyclo ride, or using ride-hailing apps instead of driving yourself.
Don’t forget to book water puppet show tickets in advance, as seats fill up quickly, especially on weekends. You can reach out to a travel agency in Vietnam like Autour Asia to help arrange tickets and other services like accommodation or transportation.
A Hanoi 3-day itinerary would be complete without visiting temples or religious sites. Be sure to wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders. If you’re bringing children like we did, remind them to speak softly, walk calmly, and always respect the local culture.
Our 3-day trip to Hanoi will remain etched in our memories: an enriching and refreshing immersion on every level. Hanoi offers a wide range of activities for both adults and children, from cultural visits and delicious food to scenic strolls. If you’re wondering what to do in Hanoi in a short time, follow our family itinerary – you’ll discover a warm, welcoming city full of surprises. By choosing Hanoi as your destination, you’re giving your family a unique experience in the heart of Vietnam. So, are you ready for your own Hanoi itinerary 3 days?
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