Why Visit Hanoi?
Hanoi mesmerizes with its intoxicating blend of French colonial elegance and Vietnamese chaos, where motorbikes swarm through the Old Quarter's 36 guild streets, vendors balance impossibly laden bicycles, and steam rises from sidewalk pho stalls at dawn. Vietnam's capital for over 1,000 years preserves its layered history—Chinese-influenced temples stand beside yellow French villas, Soviet-era monuments honor Uncle Ho, and modern glass towers pierce increasingly cosmopolitan skylines. The Old Quarter's maze of streets each named for traditional crafts (Hang Bac silver, Hang Gai silk) buzzes with commerce from dawn until late, while Hoan Kiem Lake provides tranquil sanctuary where locals practice tai chi at sunrise and the red bridge leads to Ngoc Son Temple on its island.
French Quarter's tree-lined boulevards showcase colonial architecture at the Opera House and St. Joseph's Cathedral, while Hanoi's café culture inherited from colonialism serves ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) at every corner. The food scene ranks among the world's best street food destinations—steaming bowls of pho bo for 40,000 VND/$2 bun cha's grilled pork and noodles (Obama's lunch choice), banh mi sandwiches stuffed with pâté and pickles, and egg coffee's creamy sweetness invented during milk shortages.
Museums span from sobering Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton where McCain was held) to the quirky Train Street where residents live meters from passing locomotives. Ha Long Bay's limestone karsts rising from emerald waters lie about 2–3 hours by road from Hanoi, making it ideal for overnight junk boat cruises through 1,600+ islands. Visit October-April for cooler, drier weather.
Hanoi delivers authentic Vietnamese culture, culinary adventures, and French-Asian fusion charm at unbeatable prices.
What to Do
Old Quarter & Street Food
Old Quarter Walking & Street Food Tour
The Old Quarter (36 Phố Phường) is Hanoi's beating heart—narrow streets named after traditional crafts still sell silver (Hàng Bạc), silk (Hàng Gai), and bamboo goods. Wake up early (6–7am) for pho bo breakfast at street stalls (40,000–60,000 VND / $2–$2), watch locals doing tai chi, then explore the maze of shops and temples. Must-try foods: bun cha (grilled pork with noodles, 70,000 VND), banh mi (Vietnamese baguette, 20,000–30,000 VND), and bia hoi (fresh draught beer, 5,000 VND at plastic-stool corner bars). The quarter is safe but chaotic—watch for motorbikes on sidewalks and keep valuables secure.
Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
The 'Lake of the Returned Sword' is Hanoi's symbolic center—walk the perimeter (about 1.8 km) early morning (5:30–7am) to see locals doing tai chi, aerobics, and jogging. The red Huc Bridge leads to Ngoc Son Temple on an island (entrance 30,000 VND / ~$1). The lake is free 24/7 and especially atmospheric at dawn and dusk when locals gather. Weekend evenings (Friday–Sunday after 7pm) the streets around the lake close to traffic for walking streets with street food, performers, and families. It's the heart of public life in Hanoi.
Train Street
Train Street (Phố Tàu) became famous on social media for residents living in narrow houses centimetres from the railway track. However, access to Train Street is frequently restricted for safety reasons; many sections are closed to tourists and may only be accessible if you're a guest at a licensed café. Check the latest situation locally and follow police instructions—never push past barriers. When trains do pass (schedule varies, often around 7:15am and 3:30pm), they come within centimetres of the houses. Be extremely respectful: don't litter, buy a drink at cafés supporting the community, and move quickly when the train comes. Given the closures, don't make it your main reason to visit Hanoi.
French Quarter & Culture
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Complex
Visit Uncle Ho's embalmed body in his granite mausoleum—free entry but strict rules (modest dress, silence, no photos, bags checked). Open mornings only (usually Tue, Thu, Sat-Sun 8:00–11:00, closed Mon/Fri and for maintenance periods each autumn). Lines form early—arrive by 7:30am in peak season. The One Pillar Pagoda (free) sits in the complex gardens, along with Ho Chi Minh's stilt house and museum (40,000 VND). The Presidential Palace (French colonial, exterior only) is nearby. Allow 2–3 hours for the full complex. Modest dress essential—no shorts, tank tops, or sandals.
Temple of Literature
Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. Entrance tickets are about 30,000 VND for adults. The complex features five courtyards with pavilions, gardens, and the iconic stone turtle steles listing doctoral graduates from centuries past. It's peaceful compared to the Old Quarter chaos—go mid-morning or late afternoon. The central Well of Heavenly Clarity and the altars are highlights. Allow 60–90 minutes. Combine with the nearby Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (40,000 VND, closed Mondays) showcasing 54 ethnic minority groups.
Egg Coffee & Café Culture
Hanoi's famous egg coffee (ca phe trung) was invented in the 1940s when milk was scarce—whipped egg yolk and sugar create a creamy foam topping. Try it at Café Giang (the original, about 35,000–40,000 VND), Café Dinh, or Loading T Café. Traditional Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk (ca phe sua da) costs around 20,000–30,000 VND. Hanoi's café culture is social—sit on tiny plastic stools, watch street life, and take your time. Many cafés open early (6–7am) for breakfast.
Beyond Hanoi
Halong Bay Cruise
Halong Bay's UNESCO-listed karst landscapes are a Vietnam highlight—about 1,600 limestone islands rise from emerald waters. Overnight 2-day/1-night cruises from Hanoi cost $80–$200 depending on boat quality and inclusions (transport, meals, kayaking, cave visits, onboard accommodation). Budget boats are basic but functional; mid-range offers better food and cabins. Book through reputable operators or your hotel—avoid touts. Day trips exist but feel rushed; overnight lets you wake up in the bay. Some travelers prefer less-touristy Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay. Transport from Hanoi takes 3–4 hours each way.
Water Puppet Theatre
A uniquely Vietnamese art form dating back to the 11th century—wooden puppets perform on water accompanied by traditional music. Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre near Hoan Kiem Lake is the most famous. Tickets around 100,000 VND ($4) for a 50-minute show, with performances multiple times daily. Book seats online or at the door. It's touristy but genuinely entertaining and provides cultural context. Shows in Vietnamese with English program notes. Front-row seats get splashed—sit mid-theater for best views without water. Kids usually love it.
Tran Quoc Pagoda & West Lake
Hanoi's oldest Buddhist temple (6th century), located on a small island on West Lake. Free entry, open roughly 8am–6pm. The pagoda is peaceful with a 15-meter stupa and lakeside views—locals come to pray and offer incense. The West Lake area (Tay Ho) is more upscale and quieter than the Old Quarter, with expat cafés, lakeside seafood restaurants, and walking paths. Go in late afternoon for sunset over the lake. It's about 20 minutes from the Old Quarter by taxi/Grab (around 70,000–100,000 VND).
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: HAN
Best Time to Visit
October, November, March, April
Climate: Warm
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23°C | 16°C | 20 | Wet |
| February | 23°C | 16°C | 15 | Wet |
| March | 26°C | 20°C | 20 | Excellent (best) |
| April | 25°C | 19°C | 15 | Excellent (best) |
| May | 33°C | 26°C | 11 | Good |
| June | 35°C | 28°C | 14 | Wet |
| July | 34°C | 27°C | 16 | Wet |
| August | 31°C | 26°C | 26 | Wet |
| September | 30°C | 25°C | 27 | Wet |
| October | 26°C | 21°C | 18 | Excellent (best) |
| November | 26°C | 20°C | 8 | Excellent (best) |
| December | 20°C | 14°C | 5 | Good |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
Budget
Excludes flights
Visa Requirements
Visa-free for EU citizens
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (November 2025): November 2025 is perfect for visiting Hanoi!
Practical Information
Getting There
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is 30km north. Airport minibuses to Old Quarter cost 50,000 VND/$2 (45 min). Grab taxi 250,000-350,000 VND/$10–$14 Metered taxis more expensive. Hanoi has trains from Ho Chi Minh City (30hr), Hue (12hr), and borders with China/Laos. Buses connect all Vietnamese cities.
Getting Around
Walking is main transport in Old Quarter. Grab app for taxis/bikes (20,000-50,000 VND/$1–$2 short trips). Metered taxis often scam—use Grab. Rent scooters (80,000-120,000 VND/$3–$5/day, risky traffic). Buses exist (7,000 VND) but confusing. Cross streets slowly—traffic flows around you. Hanoi has operational metro lines (Line 2A and others), but coverage is still limited; mostly rely on buses/Grab. Cyclos (bike taxis) for tourists, expensive.
Money & Payments
Vietnamese Dong (VND, ₫). Exchange $1 ≈ 26,000-27,000 VND, $1 ≈ 24,000-25,000 VND. Cash dominant—most street food, markets, and small shops don't take cards. ATMs widespread. Bargain at markets (aim for 50% off first price). Tipping: round up or 10,000-20,000 VND, 5-10% in upscale restaurants.
Language
Vietnamese is official. English spoken in hotels, tourist restaurants, and by younger generation, but limited among street vendors and older people. Learn basics (Xin chào = hello, Cảm ơn = thanks, Bao nhiêu = how much). Pointing works. French speakers may find some elderly Vietnamese speakers.
Cultural Tips
Street food etiquette: sit on tiny plastic stools, pay when leaving. Traffic is insane—cross slowly and steadily. Don't wave at scooters to stop. Ho Chi Minh is revered—show respect at mausoleum (modest dress, no shorts/tank tops, silence). Bargain at markets but not restaurants. Shoes off when entering homes/temples. Tet (Lunar New Year) many businesses close 5-7 days. Book Halong Bay cruises via reputable operators only.
Perfect 3-Day Hanoi Itinerary
Day 1: Old Quarter Immersion
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh & Culture
Day 3: Halong Bay
Where to Stay in Hanoi
Old Quarter
Best for: Street food, budget hotels, markets, chaos, authentic atmosphere
French Quarter
Best for: Colonial architecture, Opera House, upscale dining, boutique hotels
Ba Dinh
Best for: Ho Chi Minh sites, embassies, wider streets, government area
Tay Ho (West Lake)
Best for: Expat area, lakeside dining, quieter, residential, cafés
Frequently Asked Questions
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