Hanoi, Vietnam. The complete guide to one of the most magnificent Asian cities.

Located on the banks of Red River, Hanoi is the commercial, cultural and education centre of Northern Vietnam. Although Hanoi is the second largest city in Vietnam, falling behind Ho Chi Minh, it proudly holds the title of its capital.

As one of the oldest capitals in the world, the city has plenty to offer to every traveller. From ancient pagodas to lively neighbourhoods and night markets- you will have plenty to discover upon your arrival. Being famous for its delicious street food, Hanoi is also home to numerous restaurants and cafes that will guarantee some of the best culinary experiences.

Hanoi is perfect for solo travellers, adventurous souls as well as those seeking unique cultural experiences.

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT HANOI

Overall, Hanoi has a mild, tropical climate typical of this part of Vietnam. The dry season runs from November to April and the wet season from May to October. The months of June, July and August are typically the hottest and wettest. The temperatures in summer months can reach 40 degrees which is topped with a very high humidity.

Do not be fooled by the fact that Hanoi is located in South-East Asia, which naturally assumes hot tropical weather all through the year. In fact, Hanoi has four seasons and the temperature drops drastically in December to the average of 13 degrees.

Considering the above, the best months to explore Hanoi are March-May and September-November.

GETTING TO HANOI

Hanoi airport (Noi Bai) is the second largest airport in Vietnam and it connects many faraway destinations via direct flights. You can also fly here from the majority of Asian countries and Vietnam domestic airports.

The airport is 28 km from the centre of Hanoi which you can reach by bus or taxi. The taxi ride will take you around 30 minutes while the bus trip will be 1-1,5 hour, hugely depending on Hanoi’s crazy traffic.

Hanoi city buses number 7 and 17 connect Noi Bai Airport with the city centre. The bus stop is just on the right side of the terminal exit. Traveling by bus costs 5,000 VND (0.3 USD) per person. Buses run every 15-20 minutes from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Metered Taxis are available on the arrivals level at both Domestic and International terminals. The cost of a taxi ride will be approximately 350,000 VND ($15).

THE CURRENCY

Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency in Vietnam, however is it very common to pay in American Dollars. Although it is always easier to exchange money to USD, paying only in dollars when in Vietnam may be to your huge disadvantage. Since cash transactions rule the streets of Vietnam and the prices are given in local currencies, the exchange rate is hardly ever accurate. Paying in the local currency will surely help you save money while shopping on the street markets.

When exchanging the currency to Vietnamese Dong, try to calculate the rough budget for your spends to figure out the amount you should exchange. It is not always easy to sell this currency after your trip and you may end up with some spare dongs in your wallet, just like I did!

It’s a good idea to take some dollars with you too, in case of emergency.

In the majority of restaurants and hotels you can still make a payment with you credit/debit card so it’s much recommended to load your currency card beforehand.

HOW TO MOVE AROUND HANOI

One of the first things that come to my mind when thinking Hanoi is the crazy traffic. If you are not an experienced driver, it is better to avoid getting on the motorbike or in the car. If you, however, experienced the Asian traffic before and are confident on a scooter, this will be by far the cheapest way of exploring.

The popular way of moving around is Uber and Grab Taxi (an app which allows you to look for safe and cheaper alternatives to regular taxis).

Cyclo are bicycle rickshaws and these are signature for Hanoi. Passengers ride in the front cab, while the driver sits at the back. Cyclo cabs are made for two passengers and are perfect for exploring Hanoi attractions.

Hanoi is also a base for day trips to places such as Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay. You can book the guided trip online or locally in the tiny booking centres available on Hanoi’s streets.

HOW MANY DAYS TO SPEND IN HANOI

Although they are many excursions you can do from Hanoi, 2-3 full days in the city are surely enough to see the best of it.

WHERE TO STAY IN HANOI

Hanoi is on a budget side of traveling, and so is the accommodation. You can book a room of a very good standard for as little as $20/night including breakfast- steal! Although most travellers seek the hotel in the bustling Old Quarter, some other areas may be worth-considering too. Staying in the Old Quarter is the most convenient if you want to be within walking distance to the best spots in the city, including Hoan Kiem Lake, the Opera House, night markets as well as countless bars and restaurants.

OLD QUARTER HOTELS

1. Peridot Grand Hotel & Spa by AIRA | $70/night including breakfast
2. Hanoi La Siesta Diamond Hotel & Spa | $50/night including breakfast
3. La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa | $40/night including breakfast
4. Hanoi Paradise Center Hotel & Spa |$20/night including breakfast
5. Delicacy Hotel and Spa |$30/night including breakfast

HANOI LUXURY HOTELS

1. Apricot Hotel | $150/night including breakfast
2. Melia Hanoi | $100/night
3. Lotte Hotel Hanoi |$170/night including breakfast
4. JW Mariott Hanoi | $130/night including breakfast

TRADITIONAL FOOD TO TRY IN HANOI

Ca Phe Trung (traditional egg coffee)

Bun Thang (rice, vermicelli with chicken, egg and Pork)

Ca phe dừa (coconut coffee, yu)

Banh Xeo (sizzling pancakes)

Banh Cuon (savory rice crepes)

Cha Ca (fish, turmeric & dill)

Banh Mi op La (fried egg sandwich)

Bun Cha (pork & noodle dish)

Ca phe dua (coconut coffee)

Mien Xao Luon (glass noodles with deep-fried eel)

Banh Goi (Fried Dumplings)

THINGS TO DO IN HANOI

STROLL AROUND HOAN KIEM LAKE

Hoan Kiem Lake is located right next to the most popular area of Hanoi- the Old Quarter. If you’re staying in the area, grab your takeaway coffee and have a stroll around the lake!

EXPLORE THE NIGHT MARKET

The famous Hanoi night market takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, starting at 6pm. Visit the market for the best street food experience and great shopping deals!

VISIT HANOI TRAIN STREET

One of the most unusual places in Hanoi is the train Street where the train passes twice a day and through the street nestled between houses of the locals. It is truly an incredible place to see!

HANG AROUND THE OLD QUARTER

If you’re staying outside the Old quarter, you must come over to experience the very spirit of Hanoi. Old Quarter is a place full of great restaurants, street food and markets.

SEE TROMPE L’OEIL MURALS

Painted on one end of Long Bien Bridge, so far from the often-photographed main structure, a massive art project fills the sealed arch walls that run parallel to Phung Hung Street. A series of nineteen murals fill the stone archways, illuminating the street with colour and history. Definitely not to miss if you’re looking g for photo spots in Hanoi!

VISIT HANOI OPERA HOUSE

Set in the heart of the French Quarter, Hanoi Opera house is one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Hanoi. Built in 1911 and modelled after the Paris Opera House, this historical landmark exudes Parisian charm from its ivory-toned columns, ornate balustrades and Gothic domes.

PAY A VISIT TO ST. JOSEPH’S CATHEDRAL

Being the first structures built by the French colonial government in Indochina, St. Joseph’s Cathedral is modelled after Notre Dame in Paris.

TAKE A RICKSHAW TOUR TO THANG LONG WATER PUPPER THEATRE

The ancient art of water puppetry has long been associated with Hanoi. Watch as puppets dance while telling a story of the famous Legend of the Restored Sword of King Le, which is a story about Hoan Kiem Lake and a giant tortoise.

DAY TRIPS FROM HANOI

Have you been envisioning Vietnam as a land of limestone cliffs majestically rising above the horizon? Luckily, Hanoi’s location makes your trip open to many day trip options.

These are the best day trips and location to see from Hanoi.

HA LONG BAY

This iconic landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site visited by millions of people each year. Of course, the top activities are boat tours of the bay, which can guide you to sites like the colorfully illuminated Dao Go Cave, the island of Tuan Chao, and the serene bays of Bai Tu Long National Park.

The 175 kilometres from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay do not go quickly, so plan for an early wake-up call and a late return! Driving, the journey takes three to four hours. Since public transport is not your best option to get to Ha-Long Bay, you should consider a private organiser.

NINH BINH

A day trip to Ninh Binh is perfect for those seeking the most spectacular natural wonders and a touch of a history. The area is best known for its dramatic  landscape, which can be seen in all its glory at the grottos of UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trang An or cruising the river to Tam Coc. Don’t miss an opportunity to check out the many temples of the 10th and 11th century capital of Hoa Lu. Ninh Binh is often described as ‘Ha Long Bay on Land” and in fact, its beauty can be compared to one of the most famous Vietnamese sites.

BA VI NATIONAL PARK

Escape the civilisation and delve into the lush landscapes of Ba Vi National Park. This gorgeous  area is popular for walking and hiking, though there are several points of interest to visit. Travelers can hike up to the summit of Tan Vien peak to see the shrine of the Mountain God and the Ho Chi Minh Temple. The adventurers can also explore the ruins of the abandoned French resort that has since been reclaimed by the jungle.

PERFUME PAGODA

Explore one of the most famous and venerated Buddhist temples in Vietnam and glide along the waters of the Yen Stream on a rowboat to reach the Thien Tru Harbor. Perfume Pagoda is perfect for a half-day tour from Hanoi.