Hanoi Layover With Kids — A Survival Guide

Hanoi guide: kid-friendly stops near the airport. Real, specific, no fluff.

Arriving in Hanoi: Kid-Friendly Stops Near Noi Bai International Airport

Noi Bai International Airport, located about 45 kilometers north of Hanoi's city center, can be overwhelming for families with young children. However, there are several kid-friendly stops near the airport that can make your transition smoother.

Indoor Play Areas for Kids

After a long flight, you'll be grateful for some air-conditioned space to let your little ones burn off energy. Here are a few indoor play areas near the airport:

• Playzone at Vincom Center: This modern shopping mall has a large indoor play area with climbing structures, slides, and ball pits. You can also grab a snack or meal at one of the many restaurants on site. Address: 191 Ba Trieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi (about 30 minutes from the airport)
• Indoor Play Area at Royal City: Similar to Vincom, the Royal City shopping mall has a large indoor play area with play structures, slides, and a dedicated area for younger children. Address: 72 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi (about 25 minutes from the airport)

Napping Spots Near the Airport

If your little ones need a nap, you'll want to find a quiet spot to rest. Here are a few options near the airport:

• The Pullman Hanoi Airport Hotel: This hotel has a dedicated children's play area, a swimming pool, and a restaurant serving international cuisine. You can book a room with a day-use option, which includes access to the facilities. Address: 1 Nghi Tam, Tay Ho, Hanoi (about 10 minutes from the airport)
• The Mercure Hanoi Westlake: This hotel has a large outdoor pool and a kids' play area, as well as a restaurant serving international cuisine. You can book a room with a day-use option, which includes access to the facilities. Address: 67-69 Nguyen Van Huyen, Quan Tay Ho, Hanoi (about 15 minutes from the airport)

Quick Bites Near the Airport

Quick Bites Near the Airport

When you're traveling with kids, it's essential to have some quick and easy options for meals. Here are a few kid-friendly restaurants near the airport:

• Burger King: This international fast-food chain has a location near the airport, serving burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Address: Noi Bai International Airport, Gia Lam, Hanoi
• Lotteria: Another international fast-food chain, Lotteria has a location near the airport, serving burgers, fries, and other quick bites. Address: Noi Bai International Airport, Gia Lam, Hanoi
• Pho 24: If your kids love Vietnamese food, Pho 24 is a great option. This popular chain has a location near the airport, serving delicious and affordable pho and other Vietnamese dishes. Address: Noi Bai International Airport, Gia Lam, Hanoi

How to Get to Hanoi City Center from the Airport

Once you've had your fill of kid-friendly stops near the airport, you'll want to get to Hanoi's city center. Here are a few options:

1. Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal, and the journey to Hanoi's city center takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around 500,000 - 700,000 VND (approximately $22 - $31 USD).
2. Uber: Uber is widely available in Hanoi, and the journey to the city center takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around 200,000 - 300,000 VND (approximately $9 - $14 USD).
3. Bus: The airport bus (route 86) departs from the airport terminal and takes around 1 hour to reach Hanoi's city center. The fare is around 40,000 - 60,000 VND (approximately $2 - $3 USD).

Additional Tips for Families

Here are a few additional tips for families traveling to Hanoi:

• Make sure to bring sunscreen and hats for your kids, as the Vietnamese sun can be strong.
• Consider bringing a portable stroller or baby carrier, as the airport and city streets can be crowded and tiring for young children.
• Don't forget to try some of Hanoi's delicious street food, but be sure to choose reputable vendors and follow proper food safety guidelines.

Managing Currency Exchange

When traveling to Vietnam, it's essential to have some local currency (Vietnamese Dong) for incidentals. You can exchange your money at the airport or use an ATM to withdraw cash. Remember to always check the exchange rates and fees before making a transaction. For added convenience, consider using the Portability App for currency exchange when relevant.