is hanoi really too hectic for a long stay with kids?
So, my husband and I are thinking about spending a year in Asia with our little boy, who’ll be four by then. We’re not in a rush—we want to really soak in each place, not just hop from one tourist spot to another. Our plan is to get the 90-day visa (we’re from the UK), and stay in some places for 3-4 weeks, others just a few days, depending on what there is to do.
Originally, we thought we’d settle in Hanoi for a whole month. But then a couple of friends told us it might be too hectic and overwhelming, especially with a young child. Now I’m torn—on one hand, I love the idea of exploring all those little alleys and eating street food, but I also don’t want to spend every day dodging motorbikes and worrying about pollution.
We’re definitely planning to spend three weeks in Hoi An (everyone says it’s more relaxed), and I’d love to check out Cat Ba, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa. But I keep coming back to Hanoi—should we give it a chance, or is it really too much for a family with a young kid? Has anyone actually tried living there for a few weeks with children? Did you find enough parks or quiet spots, or was it just chaos?
I’d love to hear some real stories—did you regret staying too long in a big city, or was it worth it for the food and culture? And if you skipped Hanoi, where did you end up instead? Sometimes I feel like everyone’s got a different opinion, and it’s hard to know what’s just travel hype and what’s real family advice!
#VietnamTravel #FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids #Hanoi #HoiAn #Travel
