About Hanoi
Hanoi, Vietnam's thousand-year-old capital, is a mesmerizing blend of ancient tradition and vibrant modernity. The city's historic heart beats in the Old Quarter's 36 streets, each named for the crafts once sold there, where narrow lanes buzz with motorbikes, street food vendors, and colonial architecture. At its center lies Hoan Kiem Lake, a serene oasis where locals practice tai chi at dawn. Cultural treasures abound: the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university; the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum; and the iconic Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hanoi's culinary scene is legendary—from steaming bowls of pho and bun cha to egg coffee at hidden cafés. The city serves as the gateway to Halong Bay and Sapa, but its own charm lies in its chaotic energy, French-colonial elegance, and deeply rooted Vietnamese spirit. Wander through the Dong Xuan Market, catch a water puppet show, or simply sip tea while watching the city's relentless, captivating flow.
Things to do in Hanoi
Hanoi Motorbike Tour: Food, Culture and Fun by Vintage Motorbike
From $49.5
5.0 (6977)
Hanoi half-day with Food + Culture + Fun By Minsk Motorcycle
From $50
5.0 (1528)
Hanoi Half-day with Food + Fun + Culture By Russian Jeep
From $70
5.0 (1350)
Hanoi Countryside Motorbike Tour: Red River Culture & Daily Life
From $55
5.0 (710)
Hanoi Jeep Tour: Red River Countryside Culture & Daily Life
From $57
5.0 (577)
Hanoi Motorbike Tour: Hanoi HIGHTLIGHTS & HIDDEN GEMS
From $57
5.0 (421)
Luxury Full Day Ninh Binh Tour From Hanoi
From $85
5.0 (405)
Luxury Ninh Binh Full Day Tour From Hanoi (Trang An - Hoa Lu)
From $80
5.0 (293)
Hanoi Jeep Tour: Train-street, Highlights and Hidden Gems
From $39
5.0 (280)
VIETNAM BACKSTREET TOURS: Explore Bat Trang Ceramic Village By Minsk Motorcycle
From $59
5.0 (252)
Hanoi Jeep City Tour combine Countryside Train Street, Hidden Gem
From $43
5.0 (216)
Hanoi City Tour by Vintage Jeep Culture History Daily Life
From ₫1,199,000
5.0 (214)
L’essence Relaxation Package for Lady: 240’
From $127
5.0 (182)
Hanoi Coffee Class learning 5 famous coffee in Hanoi
Noi Bai Airport transfer to Hanoi Hotel & Vice versa
Places to visit in Hanoi
Buda de Phật Tích
Buda de Phật Tích, Provincial Road 287, Phat Tich Commune, Bắc Ninh Province 16400, Vietnam
佛
佛, Provincial Road 287, Phat Tich Commune, Bắc Ninh Province 16400, Vietnam
Tượng Đài Ngô Gia Tự
Tượng Đài Ngô Gia Tự, Ngo Tham Street, Tam Son Ward, Tu Son, Bắc Ninh Province 16000, Vietnam
Tượng Đài Ngô Gia Tự
Tượng Đài Ngô Gia Tự, Ngo Tham Street, Tam Son Ward, Tu Son, Bắc Ninh Province 16000, Vietnam
Tượng thiền sư Lý Vạn Hạnh
Tượng thiền sư Lý Vạn Hạnh, Tay Tieu Long Street, Tam Son Ward, Tu Son, Bắc Ninh Province 16300, Vietnam
Nhà chú Tễu
Nhà chú Tễu, so 1, Đường Bờ Hồ, Hà Nội, 11909, Vietnam
Khách sạn Hà Anh
Khách sạn Hà Anh, National Highway 3, Hà Nội, 12323, Vietnam
đình Vạn Xuân
đình Vạn Xuân, Ngõ Ngoài, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Nhà chị Luân
Nhà chị Luân, Đường Nam Sông Hồng, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Nhà
Home, Ngõ 134 Đường Cầu Diễn, Hà Nội, 10085, Vietnam
Hoang Gia Motel
Hoang Gia Motel, Ngõ 8 Phố Mễ Trì Thượng, Hà Nội, 10070, Vietnam
Hyatt Regency West Hanoi
Hyatt Regency West Hanoi, 36, Đường Lê Đức Thọ, Hà Nội, 10085, Vietnam
Khách Sạn An Phú 3
Khách Sạn An Phú 3, My Dinh Road, Hà Nội, 10085, Vietnam
Khách Sạn An Phú 1
Khách Sạn An Phú 1, Phố Nguyễn Hoàng, Hà Nội, 10085, Vietnam
Myduyson
Myduyson, Ngõ 29 Mạc Thái Tổ, Hà Nội, 11312, Vietnam
Travel Tips for Hanoi
Getting Around
Public buses are cheap but crowded. Motorbike taxis (xe om) and cyclos are common for short trips. Use ride-hailing apps like Grab (motorbike/car). Taxis: reputable companies include Mai Linh (green) and Vinasun (white). Walking is great in the Old Quarter, but watch for traffic. Car rentals with drivers are available for day trips. The Hanoi Metro (Line 2A) connects Cat Linh to Ha Dong.
Best Time To Visit
October to April (cool, dry season). Best months: October-November (pleasant temperatures, clear skies) and March-April (mild, blooming flowers). Avoid May-September (hot, humid, heavy rainfall). Tet (Lunar New Year, Jan/Feb) is festive but many businesses close.
Local Customs
Dress modestly at temples (cover shoulders/knees). Remove shoes before entering homes/temples. Avoid public displays of affection. Use both hands when giving/receiving items, especially money. Tipping is not expected but appreciated in tourist areas (5-10%). Bargain at markets, but do so politely. Don't touch people's heads. Address elders with respect.
Safety Information
Hanoi is generally safe, but petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching) occurs in tourist areas like the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake—keep valuables secure. Traffic is chaotic; cross streets slowly and steadily. Common scams: overcharging taxis (use Grab or Mai Linh/Vinasun taxis), fake tour operators, and inflated prices at markets (bargain politely). Avoid poorly lit areas at night. Political demonstrations are rare but should be avoided.
Health Information
Hanoi has good medical facilities, including Viet Duc Hospital and Hanoi French Hospital for emergencies. Common health concerns include air pollution, food/waterborne illnesses (avoid tap water, eat at busy street stalls), and mosquito-borne diseases like dengue (use repellent). Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, tetanus, Japanese encephalitis (for rural visits). Travel insurance is advised. Pharmacies are widely available, but bring prescription medications.
Languages Spoken
VietnameseEnglishFrench
Quick Facts
Currency
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
₫
₫
Timezone
Asia/Bangkok +07:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+84
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
8.4 million
Area
3358.6 km²
Government
Municipal City (direct-controlled municipality)
ISO Code
VN-01