Hanoi is a fantastic destination for a family trip. In today’s article, I will help you to find the best places to stay in Hanoi for families with kids along with a map. I’ll also share where I stayed in Hanoi and recommend some of the best family-friendly hotels for various budgets.
Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam and is a vibrant and historic city known for its rich culture, French colonial architecture, bustling streets, and delicious cuisine.
The Old Quarter is the most important part of Hanoi. It is packed with narrow streets, ancient temples, bustling markets, and street food vendors. At the heart of the old quarter lies Hoan Kiem Lake, which is popular garthering place of both locals and tourists.
Other must-visit attractions include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, all of which offer insights into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.
The city has a vibrant culinary scene, with countless restaurants, street food stalls, and markets serving up delicious Vietnamese cuisine. From pho to banh mito fresh seafood dishes, there’s something to satisfy every palate in Hanoi.
Hanoi serves as a gateway to many fascinating destinations in northern Vietnam. Many tours to popular destinations depart from here, including Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and Sapa.
Where to stay in Hanoi for families with kids?
The best areas to stay in Hanoi for families with kids, in my opinion, are the Old Quarter and Tay Ho. These areas have lots of family-friendly amenities. For more local vibe, you can also look at the districts of Ba Dinh and Hai Ba Trung.
In general, The Old Quarter is the most popular area in Hanoi for families who want to be in the heart of the action. This area has the highest concentration of accommodations, and tourist amenities, so your family will have lots of choices.
Additionally, Tay Ho, Ba Dinh, and Hai Ba Trung District offers a more residential atmosphere, quieter, bigger rooms, and more budget-friendly hotels. The downside is that you will need to travel to the old town where most touristy things are located.
Many expats and long-term travelers stay in Tay Ho, Ba Dinh, and Hai Ba Trung. They are huge districts, so if you plan to stay in these areas, I suggest choosing a hotel closer to the old quarter for easy access to major attractions.
On one of my trips to Hanoi, I stayed at the mid-range Scent Premium Hotel. It was a good value for money hotel in the heart of the Old Quarter, so you’ll be within walking distance or a short Grab ride to most things. Rooms are compact (like most hotels in the old quarter) but clean and comfortable.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Hanoi for families. You can scroll down to view the live map.
4 Best areas to stay in Hanoi with family:
1. Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem District)
The Old Quarter is undoubtedly the best area to stay in Hanoi for families with kids. This is the heart of Hanoi, featuring ancient temples, pagodas, colonial architecture, and vibrant markets. It offers a mix of budget and upscale hotels, as well as many family-friendly restaurants and shops.
You’ll be within walking distance to popular attractions like Hoan Kiem Lake, Opera House, and the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. Walking through its labyrinthine streets, you’ll encounter a mix of old-world charm and modern hustle and bustle.
Dating back to the 13th century, the Old Quarter was once the commercial hub of the city and is still home to many traditional Vietnamese trades. The streets are named after the goods that were traditionally sold there, such as Hang Bac (Silver Street) and Hang Ma (Paper Street).
Recommended places to stay in the Old Quarter with kids:
Luxury ($$$): The Oriental Jade Hotel, 5-star good value for money and family-friendly hotel in the heart of Hanoi Old Quarter, easy distance from popular attractions like St. Joseph Cathedral, Trang Tien Plaza and Hoan Kiem Lake. The hotel has adjoining rooms which is very convenient for families. It also has an amazing rooftop swimming pool, paid airport transfer, and excellent breakfast.
Mid-range ($$): Hanoi Paradise Center Hotel & Spa, 4-star kid-friendly hotel in central Hanoi, hidden away in an alleyway but only a short walk/Grab ride to major attractions. They have connecting rooms for families. It is within walking distance to the famous egg coffee shop, Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, the prison, and markets. They can help organize tours and transports at the compatible rate.
Budget ($): The West Hotel & Spa, 3-star family-friendly hotel in the city center of Hanoi, featuring family rooms with two queen beds which is comfortable for families of 4. You can book your tour to Halong Bay or Sapa with them, exchange money, and arrange for airport transfer. The hotel has very good breakfast with lots of choices.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN OLD QUARTER2. Tay Ho District (West Lake)
Tay Ho is a popular choice for families looking for a more relaxed environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. There are plenty of parks, lakeside cafes, and restaurants, making it a great area for leisurely strolls and outdoor activities with the family.
Consideration: This area is popular for expat and long term travelers. For a first time family visiting in Hanoi, you will find it is a bit far to travel the old quarter, but Grab taxis are plentiful and cheap way to get around.
Best Hotels in Tay Ho District:
Luxury ($$$): InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, an IHG Hotel, 5-star family-friendly hotel conveniently located in a peaceful area near Westlake and the Kim Lien Pagoda. It features a swimming pool, a fitness center,yoga/Pilates classes, free parking, and a wonderful breakfast. It is 40 mins walk to the old quarter but you can use Grab taxi which is a cheap and convenient way to get around in Vietnam.
Mid-range ($$): Elegant Suites Westlake, great family-friendly accommodation on Dang Thai Mai Street, featuring one, two, three-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to 6 people. Each studio and apartment come with a kitchen, so your family can make your own meal. There are also laundry facilities, a fitness center, and swimming pool. The Old Quarter is a 20 mins Grab ride from the hotel.
Budget ($): MoonLight Tay Ho, 4-star good value for money apartment complex located only a few mins walk from West Lake, featuring free parking, 24-hour front desk, and family rooms. Peaceful and quiet base near the old quarter.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN TAY HO DISTRICT3. Ba Dinh District
Ba Dinh offers a quieter alternative to the city center while still providing easy access to major landmarks. It’s a more residential area compared to the Old Quarter, with a mix of historical sites and modern amenities.
This area is home to several key attractions in Hanoi, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature.
You will find a cluster of hotels along the Giang Vo and Doi Can area, and lots of big shopping centers here including Lotte and Vincom. If you want to stay near the government and embassy areas, you can consider air bnb.
Best places to stay in Ba Dinh:
Luxury ($$$): Lotte Hotel Hanoi, 5-star family-friendly hotel located on Lieu Giai Street, Ba Dinh, offering modern rooms, outdoor/ indoor pool, a fitness center, and a spa. It is a bit far from the old quarter and touristic attractions, but still easy to find a great shopping center and many eateries nearby. The kid-friendly Thu Le zoo is nearby.
Luxury ($$$): The Five Residences Hanoi, 5-star kid-friendly accommodation in Ba Dinh district of Hanoi, featuring one to three-bedroom apartments for families of 4 to 6. It has a 24-hour front desk, an indoor swimming pool, and a currency exchange.
Luxury ($$$): Dolce by Wyndham Hanoi Golden Lake, 5-star beautiful children-friendly hotel in Giang Vo, 20 mins Grab taxi ride to the old town. It has a swimming pool, free parking, a fitness center and a business center. They have clean and spacious rooms. The infinity rooftop pool has an amazing view.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN BA DINH4. Hai Ba Trung District
Hai Ba Trung District, located right next to Hoan Kiem District and the old Quarter, is a convenient base for easy access to major sights. It is a big district, so your family will want to stay in the areas closer to the old town like Pho Hue, Ba Trieu, or Trieu Viet Vuong Street.
Hai Ba Trung district provides a glimpse into everyday life in Hanoi and offers a more authentic experience for families looking to explore beyond the tourist hotspots.
Good places to stay Hai Ba Trung:
Mid-range ($$): The Lapis Hotel, 4-star family-friendly hotel conveniently located on Tran Hung Dao Street at the border of Hoan Kiem and Hai Ba Trung district, featuring Family Connecting Rooms which is great for families of 4. Short distance from major points of interest like Hanoi Opera House and Trang Tien Plaza.
Budget ($): Emerald Boutique Hotel, 4-star good value for money accommodation on Trieu Viet Vuong Street, 10 mins walk from Trang Tien Plaza. It has free bikes, a 24-hour front desk, airport transportation, and family rooms. Rooms are quiet and comfortable.
Luxury ($$$): Hôtel du Parc Hanoï, 5-star family-friendly hotel in Hai Ba Trung District, away from the hustle and bustle of the Old Quarter, but an easy walk or Grab ride to the heart of the action. The Thong Nhat park nearby is a great place to have a stroll and relax.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN HAI BA TRUNGYou can continue reading about Hanoi and Vietnam:
- Best places to stay in Hanoi first time
- Best places to stay in Vietnam first time
- Safest areas to stay in Da Nang first time
- Safest areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh first time
In conclusion, the Old Quarter, Tay Ho, and Ba Dinh are the most popular areas to stay in Hanoi for families with kids. Old Quarter, in my opinion, is overall best base where you will have a wide range of family-friendly accommodations and easy access to major sights.