Planning Your Hanoi Trip
Essential Information
Vietnam
GMT+7
Vietnamese Language
Vietnamese Dong (VND) Currency
Hanoi Weather & Best Time to Visit
Hanoi Climate Snapshot Across Months
- January-February: Cool and dry (best time to visit), average temperature around 17°C (63°F).
- March-April: Pleasant spring with rising temperatures, around 20-25°C (68-77°F).
- May-September: Hot and humid summer, monsoon season. Temperatures can reach 30-35°C (86-95°F).
- October-December: Mild and dry autumn (best time to visit) with temperatures ranging from 20-28°C (68-82°F).
Best Time to Visit Hanoi
- Seasonal Pros and Cons
- Spring (March-April): Pleasant weather, fewer crowds than peak season. Con: Occasional light rain.
- Autumn (October-December): Mild temperatures, clear skies, festive atmosphere. Con: Slightly higher prices for hotels and flights.
- Summer (May-September): Hot and humid, fewer tourists, cheaper prices. Con: Monsoon season with potential for heavy rain and typhoons.
- Winter (January-February): Cool and dry, festive for Tet (Lunar New Year). Con: Can be crowded during Tet.
Getting to Hanoi & Visa Information
How to Get There
- Flights: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is the main airport serving Hanoi. Book cheap flights to Hanoi!
- Trains: Hanoi is a major railway hub. Explore Vietnam by train!
Visa Requirements
- Vietnam has visa requirements for most nationalities. Check with your embassy for specific requirements for traveling in Vietnam. Visa on arrival is available, but pre-arranged visas are recommended.
Airport Transfers
- Taxis, ride-hailing services (Grab), and airport buses are readily available to travel to the city center.
Discovering Hanoi
City Overview
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, beautifully combines history and modernity. With tree-lined boulevards, serene lakes, and traditional architecture, Hanoi offers an irresistible old-world charm. It’s a living museum, showcasing rich history through temples, colonial buildings, and the vibrant Old Quarter. The aroma of delicious street food fills the air, inviting you to indulge in culinary delights. From the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake to the bustling Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi is a sensory experience that captures the heart of Vietnam.
Hanoi is evolving into a modern economic hub, featuring new architecture and shopping centers. It’s a city on the rise, worth exploring. The energetic vibe might feel chaotic but possesses its own unique appeal. Find the best Hanoi tours!
Fun/Historical Fact or Story
Legend says Hoan Kiem Lake is home to Kim Qui, a giant turtle god who gifted Emperor Le Loi a magical sword to defeat the Ming Dynasty. After the victory, the turtle reclaimed the sword in the lake, hence the name “Lake of the Returned Sword”.
Famous Personalities from Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh, leader of the Vietnamese independence movement
Top Hanoi Attractions & Activities
Top 10 Attractions
- Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
Description: A picturesque lake, a must see attraction in the heart of Hanoi, with a charming temple on a small island.
Address: Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi
- Old Quarter
Description: A labyrinth of narrow streets offering a captivating experience filled with shops, street food stalls, and historical buildings. Experience the best walking tours in Hanoi Old Quarter!
Address: Old Quarter, Hanoi
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Description: The final resting place of Ho Chi Minh. A significant historical site in Hanoi.
Address: 2 Hung Vuong, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
- Temple of Literature
Description: Vietnam’s first university, dedicated to Confucius, showcasing traditional architecture.
Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Van Mieu, Dong Da, Hanoi
- Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton)
Description: A former prison now displaying its history, used by the French colonists.
Address: 1 Hoa Lo, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Thang Long Imperial Citadel
Description: A UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a complex of historical buildings representing Vietnamese dynasties.
Address: 19C Hoang Dieu, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
- Water Puppet Theatre
Description: A unique traditional art form depicting Vietnamese folktales through water puppetry. Find the best water puppet shows in Hanoi!
Address: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Tran Quoc Pagoda
Description: Hanoi’s oldest pagoda, situated on a small peninsula on West Lake.
Address: Thanh Nien, Yen Phu, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Description: A museum showcasing the diverse cultures and traditions of Vietnam’s ethnic groups.
Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Quan Hoa, Cau Giay, Hanoi
- St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Description: A neo-Gothic cathedral built during the French colonial era.
Address: 40 Nha Chung, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Hanoi Hidden Gems
- Train Street
Description: A residential street where trains pass just inches away from homes. Check the train schedule before visiting!
Address: Tran Phu, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Long Bien Bridge
Description: A historical steel bridge built during the French colonial era, offering scenic views of the Red River.
Address: Long Bien Bridge, Hanoi
- West Lake (Ho Tay)
Description: Hanoi’s largest lake, surrounded by temples, cafes, and scenic spots.
Address: West Lake, Hanoi
Local Festivals & Events in Hanoi
- Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year)
Annual celebration in January or February. Featuring traditional customs, food, and decorations.
- Mid-Autumn Festival
Celebrated in September or October. Offering mooncakes, lanterns, and lion dances.
- Hanoi Liberation Day
Celebrated on October 10th. Commemorating the liberation of Hanoi from French rule.
Day Trips & Nearby Attractions
- Halong Bay (2-3 hours travel time)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters. Book your Halong Bay cruise!
- Ninh Binh (2 hours travel time)
Known as “Halong Bay on land.” Featuring picturesque landscapes, caves, and historical sites. Experience the best tours in Ninh Binh!
- Perfume Pagoda (2 hours travel time)
A complex of temples and pagodas nestled in the mountains. Offering a spiritual experience.
Hanoi Photography Spots & Instagrammable Places
- Hoan Kiem Lake at Sunrise
- Old Quarter Streets
- Train Street
- Long Bien Bridge
- St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Where to Stay in Hanoi & Getting Around
Recommended Length of Stay in Hanoi
3-5 days
Top Places to Stay in Hanoi (sorted by budget)
Budget Hotels in Hanoi
- Hanoi Backpackers’ Hostel
Address: 48 Ngo Huyen, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Little Hanoi Diamond Hotel
Address: 11 Hang Ga, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Rising Dragon Estate Hotel
Address: 34 Ly Thai To Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Mid-Range Hotels in Hanoi
- Hanoi La Castela Hotel
Address: 20 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Hanoi Emerald Waters Hotel & Spa
Address: 38 Lo Su Str, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- MK Premier Boutique Hotel
Address: 72-74 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Luxury Hotels in Hanoi
- Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Address: 15 Ngo Quyen, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi
Address: No 8 Do Duc Duc Road, Me Tri Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi
- InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
Address: 05 Tu Hoa Street, Tay Ho, Hanoi
Getting Around Hanoi
- Public Transport: Buses are available.
- Taxis: Available and metered, make sure the meter is running.
- Ride-Hailing Services: Grab is popular and convenient.
- Bikes & Motorbikes: Renting is common, but exercise caution.
- Walking: Exploring the Old Quarter on foot is great.
Preparing for Your Hanoi Experience
What to Pack for Hanoi
- Lightweight and breathable clothing (especially during summer).
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Rain gear (during the rainy season).
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Modest clothing for visiting temples and pagodas.
Useful Apps for Traveling in Hanoi
- Google Maps: Navigation.
- Grab: Transportation and food delivery.
- Google Translate: Language translation.
- TripAdvisor: Reviews and recommendations.
Local Tips, Safety & Cultural Etiquette in Hanoi
- Do’s: Dress respectfully when visiting religious sites, bargain politely in markets, try the local street food.
- Don’ts: Show disrespect to local customs, litter, be overly loud or disruptive.
- Scams to Avoid: Be wary of overcharging taxi drivers, fake goods in markets, and unsolicited tours.
Hanoi Food, Fun & Finds
Top Restaurants in Hanoi
- Quan An Ngon
Description: A popular restaurant serving a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes. Try to make your reservations ahead!
Address: 18 Phan Boi Chau, Cua Nam, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Bun Cha Huong Lien
Description: Famous for its bun cha, a must-try Hanoi specialty.
Address: 24 Le Van Huu, Pham Dinh Ho, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
- The Hanoi Social Club
Description: A cozy cafe serving Western and Vietnamese dishes.
Address: 6 Hoi Vu, Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Must-Try Dishes in Hanoi
- Pho: A classic Vietnamese noodle soup.
- Bun Cha: Grilled pork with rice noodles.
- Banh Mi: A Vietnamese sandwich with French influences.
- Egg Coffee: A unique Hanoi specialty.
Nightlife & Entertainment in Hanoi
- Ta Hien Street (Beer Street)
Description: A vibrant street with bars and street food stalls. Find the best food tours and beer crawls!
Address: Ta Hien, Luong Ngoc Quyen, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Standing Bar
Description: Rooftop bar with views of Hoan Kiem Lake. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy nightlife in Hanoi.
Address: 3rd Floor, 2C Ly Dao Thanh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- 1900 Le Theatre
Description: A popular nightclub in the Old Quarter.
Address: 8 Ta Hien, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
What to Buy in Hanoi (Souvenirs & Markets)
- Dong Xuan Market
Description: Hanoi’s largest indoor market, offering a wide range of goods. A must see attraction!
Address: Dong Xuan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Hang Gai Street (Silk Street)
Description: Shops selling silk products.
Address: Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- Bat Trang Ceramic Village
Description: A traditional ceramic village.
Address: Bat Trang, Gia Lam, Hanoi
