Hanoi: Cheap Flights & Best Hotels

Hanoi Travel Guide

Why Hanoi

Vietnam's capital is a city of lakes, tree-lined boulevards and a thousand years of history. Motorbikes stream through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, where each lane was once dedicated to a single trade; French colonial villas and an opera house sit near pagodas older than most European cathedrals; and on every pavement, people perch on tiny plastic stools to eat noodle soup. Hanoi is also the launch point for Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh and the northern mountains around Sapa.

Climate and Seasons

Northern Vietnam has distinct seasons, unlike the south. October to December is often considered the best time, with clear skies, low humidity and comfortable temperatures. March and April are pleasant as spring warms up. Summer (May–September) is hot, humid and rainy, with occasional typhoons affecting the coast, which can disrupt Ha Long Bay cruises. Winter (January–February) can be surprisingly cool and grey, so bring a jacket. Tết, the Lunar New Year, usually falls in late January or February; it is a wonderful time to see traditions, but many shops close and transport is booked solid.

Things to See

Around Hoàn Kiếm Lake

The lake is the city's heart. Cross the red Thê Húc Bridge to Ngọc Sơn Temple on its small island. At weekends, streets around the lake become pedestrian zones with families, street performers and games.

The Old Quarter

Get lost among the "36 streets" where silk, silver, paper goods and herbs were once sold. Visit the restored merchant house at 87 Mã Mây, the Đồng Xuân Market, and see a water puppet show, a traditional art in which puppets perform on a water stage.

Ba Đình

The Hồ Chí Minh Mausoleum complex includes the leader's stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda. Opening times are limited and strict dress and behaviour rules apply, so check before you go. The yellow Presidential Palace is viewed from outside.

History and Culture

The Temple of Literature, founded as a Confucian temple, housed Vietnam's first national university. The Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long is a UNESCO site, and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology gives fascinating insight into the country's many ethnic groups. Hỏa Lò Prison, nicknamed the "Hanoi Hilton", tells a sobering story. The Vietnamese Women's Museum is excellent.

Tây Hồ (West Lake)

The city's largest lake has the ancient Trấn Quốc Pagoda, cafés and a relaxed expat scene.

Excursions

Ha Long Bay and quieter Lan Ha Bay, with thousands of limestone islands, are usually visited on overnight cruises. Ninh Bình, sometimes called "Ha Long Bay on land", offers boat rides through caves and rice fields at Tràng An and Tam Cốc. Sapa and Hà Giang in the far north are known for mountain scenery and ethnic minority villages.

Eating in Hanoi

Hanoi is one of Asia's great street-food cities. Start the day with phở, the city's famous beef or chicken noodle soup. Try bún chả (grilled pork with noodles and herbs), chả cá Lã Vọng (turmeric fish with dill), bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls) and bánh mì. Finish with cà phê trứng, egg coffee, a Hanoi invention. Vegetarians can find chay (Buddhist vegetarian) restaurants, often near pagodas. Choose busy stalls with high turnover.

Transport

Nội Bài International Airport (HAN) is the main gateway, with flights across Asia and beyond. Airport buses, taxis and Grab rides reach the Old Quarter. Trains run south along the Reunification Express line and to Lào Cai for Sapa; sleeper buses go everywhere.

In the city, Grab (cars and motorbikes) and its competitors are the easiest way around. Taxis from reputable companies are fine; agree to use the meter. The Old Quarter is best on foot, but crossing the road takes practice: walk slowly and steadily so riders can flow around you. Hanoi has opened metro lines in recent years, and a cyclo ride is a gentle way to see the centre.

Where to Stay

• Old Quarter: In the thick of the action, with budget to boutique options.
• French Quarter: Elegant, quieter, near the Opera House.
• Tây Hồ: Lakeside calm and international cafés.
• Ba Đình: Near major sights, more residential.

Budget Tips

• Street food is delicious and inexpensive.
• Use Grab rather than street taxis to avoid overcharging.
• Compare Ha Long cruise inclusions carefully.
• Walk the lake area at weekends for free entertainment.
• voyagiro.com compares 27+ booking sites for free, handy for comparing flights into Hanoi with routes via Ho Chi Minh City or Bangkok.

Practical Information

• Visa: Vietnam offers an e-Visa for many nationalities and visa exemptions for some; check the official Vietnam National Immigration portal and avoid unofficial agents.
• Currency: Vietnamese đồng (VND). Cash is still king at street stalls.
• Plugs: Types A, C and F are common.