Published on December 14, 2023 · Written by Zack Fenech
Hanoi Travel Guide
Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital and its cultural heartbeat. It’s a city of contrasts: ancient temples and colonial architecture sit beside buzzing motorbike traffic and ultra-modern high-rises. The Old Quarter is a labyrinth of narrow streets, each historically dedicated to a specific trade, and wandering through it is one of the great urban experiences in Southeast Asia. Hanoi moves at its own rhythm, and once you find it, the city has a way of pulling you in.
Getting to Hanoi
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) serves Hanoi and is located about 45 minutes north of the city centre. Use Skyscanner to find the best flights to Hanoi. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab are the most convenient options from the airport. Agree on a metered fare or use Grab to avoid overcharging. Hanoi is also well connected to other Vietnamese cities via train – the reunification express to Ho Chi Minh City is a popular option for travellers doing the full north-to-south route.
Getting Around Hanoi
Grab (the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber) is the safest and most transparent way to get around the city. Taxis are available but always insist on the meter. The Old Quarter is walkable, though crossing the street takes some adjustment – traffic is dense and flows continuously. Walking slowly and steadily is the local technique.
Things to Do in Hanoi
- The Old Quarter – Wander the 36 streets, browse markets, and soak in the energy of one of Asia’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods.
- Hoan Kiem Lake – The scenic centrepiece of the city, surrounded by temples, coffee shops, and evening joggers.
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – The preserved resting place of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader. Expect a queue and strict dress codes.
- Hoa Lo Prison (“Hanoi Hilton”) – A sobering but essential museum documenting both French colonial brutality and the Vietnam War era.
- Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university, dating to 1070, a beautifully preserved complex of courtyards and pagodas.
- Street Food Scene – Bun cha, pho, banh mi, egg coffee – Hanoi’s street food is among the best in the country. The Old Quarter is the place to start. Consider booking a street food tour to discover the best local dishes.
Essential Things to Know
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Cash is king in Hanoi – most street food stalls and local markets are cash-only. ATMs are widely available in the city centre.
Language: Vietnamese. English is spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and many restaurants, but limited in local markets and residential areas. Learning a few basic phrases goes a long way.
Weather: Hanoi has four distinct seasons. Winter (November-March) is cool and occasionally cold; summer (May-September) is hot and humid with heavy rainfall. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to visit.
Safety: Hanoi is generally safe for tourists. Petty theft and scams targeting tourists do occur – be cautious of unofficial taxi drivers, unsolicited tour offers, and keep bags secure in crowded areas. Emergency services: 113 (police), 114 (fire), 115 (ambulance). Be sure to get travel insurance before your trip.
Accommodation: You can book hotels in Hanoi to find the best deals, particularly around the Old Quarter area.
SIM Cards: A local SIM card is inexpensive and easy to obtain at the airport. Alternatively, a mobile eSIM such as Airalo allows you to stay connected without swapping SIM cards.
Day Trips from Hanoi
Hanoi is an excellent base for day trips and overnight excursions. Ha Long Bay is the most popular – a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 3-4 hours by road. Sapa, in the northern highlands, is a stunning mountain destination known for rice terraces and hill tribe culture, accessible by overnight train or bus. Ninh Binh is another must-visit, often called Vietnam’s inland Ha Long Bay. Consider booking day trips through GetYourGuide to arrange hassle-free excursions.
