Hanoi for The Family Explorers: a Friday-to-Monday weekend

From Friday evening the streets round the lake close to traffic, and children ride toy cars and bikes in the middle of the road; take an ice cream.

Cross the red Húc Bridge to the islet; the preserved turtle in the glass case is a hit, and the whole visit takes forty minutes.

Wood-fired pizzas with Vietnamese toppings and burrata made on site; a high chair, a children's menu and an early table if you book.

The outdoor garden has real stilt houses and a Bahnar communal house that children can climb into; indoors, a long gallery of costumes and drums.

A lake park with a small zoo, paddle boats and a playground; take an hour after the nap, and avoid the weekend crowds in the afternoon.

A villa courtyard full of street-food stalls under one roof, so everyone chooses their own; bún chả, spring rolls and sticky rice, and tables for six.

Pedal a swan-shaped boat over the lake; life jackets are provided, the water is calm, and the children will want a second go.

The lakeside house for fried prawn cakes: sweet potato fritters topped with a whole shrimp, wrapped in lettuce with dipping sauce; easy, hands-on food.

The 15:00 show is the one for children: dragons that breathe fire and fish that leap from the water, with music and no dialogue.

Shaded courtyards with ponds and stone turtles, and room for children to run; the carp in the Well of Heavenly Clarity are the hit.

A bright, air-conditioned museum with children's corners and clear English labels; an hour here is plenty before lunch and the airport.

A simple grilled pork and noodle lunch that children eat happily, with a plain option and quick service; go before one o'clock.