Vietnam’s capital city, Ha Noi, is a beautiful city located on the banks of the Red River. It is an historic city with a wealth of attractions to suit everyone. Hoan Kiem Lake sits in the middle of the city and is a focal point around which shops, hotels and restaurants are based.
What it is: The capital and second-largest city of Vietnam, a historic and cultural hub where ancient temples, colonial buildings, and chaotic streets define daily life.
Affordability: Very budget-friendly, with cheap street food, affordable hotels, and low-cost attractions.
Safety: Generally safe, but watch for motorbike theft, scams, and unpredictable traffic.
Popularity: A top tourist destination, known for its old-world charm, lakes, and rich history.
Tourist Infrastructure: Well-developed, with plenty of hotels, tour agencies, and English-speaking services in tourist areas.
Accommodation Options: From backpacker hostels in the Old Quarter to boutique hotels and upscale lakeside resorts.
Dining Scene: A street food paradise, famous for pho, bun cha, egg coffee, and fresh spring rolls.
Nightlife: More relaxed than Ho Chi Minh City, but with lively beer streets, rooftop bars, and hidden jazz clubs.
Weather: Four seasons, with hot, humid summers and cool, misty winters; autumn and spring are the most pleasant.
Best Time to Go: March to April and October to November, when the weather is mild and dry.
Known For: Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, street food, French colonial architecture, coffee culture, pagodas, water puppetry, bustling markets.
Top Attractions: Hoan Kiem Lake • Old Quarter • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum • Temple of Literature • Train Street • One Pillar Pagoda • Hoa Lo Prison • West Lake.
- Population: Approximately 8.4 million in the city and metropolitan area.
- Emergency Numbers: 113 for police, 114 for fire, and 115 for medical emergencies.
- Time Zone: Indochina Time (ICT), UTC +7 (no daylight saving time).
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (₫ VND); ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in many places.
- Language: Vietnamese is the official language; English is spoken in tourist areas.
- Electricity: Standard voltage is 220V; plugs are type A, C, and D (mix of North American and European two-pin plugs).
- Internet: Widely available; free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafes, and public spaces.
- Convenience stores: Found throughout the city, Circle K, VinMart+, and FamilyMart are common.
- Nearest International Airport: Noi Bai International Airport (about 17 miles / 27 km north of the city center).
- Trivia: Hanoi is known for its centuries-old architecture and rich culture, blending Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences.
- Iconic Local Foods: Must-try dishes include pho (noodle soup), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), cha ca (turmeric fish), and egg coffee.
- Fun Fact: Hoan Kiem Lake, located in the heart of the city, is steeped in legend and features the iconic Turtle Tower.
Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, is a city of contrasts where centuries-old temples and colonial-era buildings sit alongside busy markets and modern cafés. Most tourists come to explore the Old Quarter, visit landmarks like Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature, and soak in the city’s lakes and leafy boulevards. Beyond the main sights, Hanoi offers rich cultural traditions, vibrant street food, and easy access to northern Vietnam’s mountains and bays.
What makes Hanoi distinctive is its deep sense of history and tradition, you’ll see locals practicing tai chi by Hoan Kiem Lake at dawn, street vendors balancing baskets of fruit, and ancient temples tucked into busy streets, all set against a backdrop of French-inspired architecture.
Top attractions include Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Day trips to Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh are popular extensions of a Hanoi visit.
The French flavour is still very much present in the city and this can not only be seen in the abundance of coffee shops, French restaurants and bakeries, but also in the wide pavements and French colonial buildings. Many of the older generation still speak French to each other and cook French food in their homes. The city’s Old Quarter, in the northern part of town, is the place to head for traditional Vietnamese heritage and a glimpse into the former life of this prosperous city. It is a labyrinth which is crying out to be explored and while you are in the city, a day sightseeing this part should not be missed.
The city boasts a wealth of attractions with highlights including the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and museum, the One Pillar Pagoda and the Hanoi Fine Arts Museum. The lake is a major attraction as is the river. Outdoor enthusiasts will not be short of options as water sports, golf and cycling are all popular here.
For lodging, the Old Quarter is the heart of the action, full of budget stays, boutique hotels, and easy access to attractions. French Quarter offers a quieter, more upscale vibe, while West Lake is peaceful and great for longer stays. Accommodations range from luxury hotels to hostels and homestays.
Getting around is easiest on foot in the Old Quarter, but Grab (ride-hailing app), taxis, and cyclos (bicycle rickshaws) are popular for short trips. Traffic is dense, and crossing the street can be an adventure in itself.
Once the sun goes down, the restaurants and bars open their doors and the city gets a new lease of life. French restaurants abound although while you are in the city, you should take the time to sample the local delights such as noodle soup, spring rolls and a selection of curries. Dining is a highlight, sample pho, bun cha, egg coffee, and countless street snacks from curbside vendors. Nightlife is lively but informal, with bia hơi (fresh beer) corners, rooftop bars, and live music venues. Shopping includes local markets, handicrafts, and silk shops.
Hanoi is generally safe, though pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas. The climate has distinct seasons: humid summers, cool dry winters, and pleasant spring and autumn months.
Why Go to Hanoi?
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Rich History: Visit iconic landmarks and learn about Vietnam’s deep past.
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Old Quarter Charm: Wander narrow lanes filled with shops, street food, and local life.
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Amazing Street Food: Enjoy world-famous pho, bun cha, and Hanoi’s unique egg coffee.
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Lakes & Green Spaces: Relax by Hoan Kiem Lake or explore tree-lined boulevards.
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Cultural Gateway: Use Hanoi as a base for trips to Ha Long Bay and northern mountains.
Who Might Not Enjoy Hanoi?
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Travelers Uncomfortable with Chaos: The streets are busy, noisy, and can feel overwhelming.
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Those Sensitive to Air Quality: Pollution can spike, especially in winter.
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Visitors Expecting Big-City Glitz: Hanoi is more traditional and historic than sleek and modern.
What’s Cool
Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, Old Quarter’s bustling streets, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, water puppet shows, vibrant street food (bun cha, pho), train street photo spots, night markets, French colonial architecture, day trips to Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay, film spots (Indochine), rich cultural mix.
What’s Not
Chaotic traffic and constant honking, humid and hot summers, crowded tourist areas, language barriers, uneven sidewalks, air pollution at times, dual pricing in markets, pushy vendors, limited public transport, occasional petty theft, confusing street layout for newcomers, smoggy winter days.
Hanoi is located in northern Vietnam, on the banks of the Red River, about 1,100 km (685 miles) north of Ho Chi Minh City. It’s the capital of Vietnam and known for its centuries-old architecture, cultural landmarks, and vibrant street life. Noi Bai International Airport serves as the main entry point, and the city is well connected by buses, taxis, and motorbike taxis.
Covering around 3,329 km² (1,285 mi²), Hanoi is organized around its historic Old Quarter, with surrounding districts offering a mix of colonial and modern development. Major areas include the Old Quarter, French Quarter, West Lake, Ba Dinh, and Tay Ho.
Most tourists stay in the Old Quarter or French Quarter for central access to landmarks, dining, and transport.
Old Quarter
The Old Quarter is Hanoi’s historic and commercial hub, famous for its narrow streets, markets, and traditional houses. It’s the top choice for sightseeing and experiencing local life.
- Accommodations: (Budget to Mid-Range) – Guesthouses, boutique hotels, and hostels.
- Nearby Attractions: Hoan Kiem Lake • Ngoc Son Temple • Dong Xuan Market
- Dining: (Traditional) – Vietnamese street food and noodle shops.
- Nightlife: (Lively) – Beer bars and night markets.
- Shopping: (Bustling) – Markets and souvenir shops.
French Quarter
The French Quarter is known for its colonial architecture, tree-lined streets, and embassies, offering a more refined atmosphere.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range to High-End) – Boutique and luxury hotels.
- Nearby Attractions: Hanoi Opera House • Trang Tien Plaza • Hoa Lo Prison Museum
- Dining: (Upscale) – French, international, and fine dining.
- Nightlife: (Chic) – Wine bars and lounges.
- Shopping: (Elegant) – Designer stores and boutiques.
West Lake (Tay Ho)
West Lake is a large scenic lake area surrounded by upscale residences, cafés, and expat-friendly spots, ideal for long stays or relaxation.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range to High-End) – Resorts and serviced apartments.
- Nearby Attractions: Tran Quoc Pagoda • Quan Thanh Temple • West Lake Water Park
- Dining: (International) – Global cuisine and cafés.
- Nightlife: (Trendy) – Bars, live music, and lounges.
- Shopping: (Boutique) – Specialty shops and art stores.
Ba Dinh
Ba Dinh is the political center of Hanoi, home to government buildings and significant historical landmarks.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range) – Hotels and serviced apartments.
- Nearby Attractions: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum • Presidential Palace • One Pillar Pagoda
- Dining: (Local) – Vietnamese restaurants and cafés.
- Nightlife: (Quiet) – Few local bars.
- Shopping: (Minimal) – Markets and convenience stores.
Truc Bach
Truc Bach is a peaceful lakeside area just north of the Old Quarter, offering a blend of local charm and quiet retreats.
- Accommodations: (Budget to Mid-Range) – Guesthouses and boutique hotels.
- Nearby Attractions: Truc Bach Lake • Quan Thanh Temple
- Dining: (Casual) – Local noodle shops and cafés.
- Nightlife: (Low-Key) – Small bars and cafés.
- Shopping: (Limited) – Small stores and local markets.
Dong Da
Dong Da is a densely populated residential district, less touristy but home to some cultural landmarks and universities.
- Accommodations: (Budget) – Hostels and local hotels.
- Nearby Attractions: Temple of Literature • Dong Da Mound
- Dining: (Simple) – Vietnamese food stalls and restaurants.
- Nightlife: (Minimal) – Local pubs and casual spots.
- Shopping: (Local) – Markets and small shops.
Most people arrive in Ha Noi by air. The city’s airport, Hanoi Noibai International, is 35kms outside the city center and is the main gateway into and out of northern Vietnam. There are connections with a number of Southeast Asian cities as well as many domestic routes available. Taxis are available at the airport to take visitors into the city.