Northern Vietnam
Hanoi
A thousand-year-old capital of lakes, temples, street food and narrow old-quarter lanes.
About Hanoi
Old Streets, Lakes And Endless Street Food
Hanoi has been the heart of Vietnam for more than a thousand years, and it wears its history lightly. Temples stand between noodle shops, French villas line shady boulevards, and around Hoan Kiem Lake the whole city seems to come out to walk, dance and exercise as the sun goes down.
The old quarter is best explored on foot or by cyclo. Its narrow streets were once named after the goods made or sold there, and many families still work in the same trades: silver, paper offerings, herbal medicine, bamboo. Every corner has a street food stall, and some have served the same dish for decades.
We like Hanoi early in the morning, when people practise tai chi by the lake and the markets are at their busiest, and again in the evening, when the food stalls light up. It is also the natural starting point for Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Sapa and the mountains of the far north.
Best time to visit
October to December and March to April, when the weather is mild and dry. Summers are hot and humid; winters are cool and grey.
Getting there
Noi Bai International Airport is about 45 minutes from the old quarter. Hanoi is also linked by train and road to the rest of Vietnam.
How long to stay
2 days for the city, more if you add day trips to Ninh Binh or Halong Bay.
Good for
Culture, history, street food, city walks, first-time visitors.
Highlights
What We Love About Hanoi
The old quarter
Guild streets, tube houses, small temples and family workshops, best seen on foot or by cyclo.
Street food
Bun cha, pho, banh cuon and egg coffee at stalls that locals have loved for generations.
Temple of Literature
Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070, with quiet courtyards and stone stelae.
Hoan Kiem Lake
The city’s heart, busiest at dawn and on weekend evenings when the streets close to traffic.
Water puppets
A traditional art born in the rice paddies of the Red River Delta, performed with live music.
Museum of Ethnology
The best introduction to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, with full-size traditional houses.
Tours
Hanoi Tours
City day tours that mix landmarks, markets and street food, plus the start of most of our northern journeys.
New Hanoi
Hanoi By Bicycle: West Lake, Long Bien Bridge And Banana Island
Cycle the lakes, cross the historic Long Bien Bridge and discover the farmland hidden in the middle of the Red River.
New Hanoi
Hanoi Street Food Walk: Old Quarter Flavours After Dark
An evening of tasting Hanoi’s favourite dishes at family-run stalls, with a local guide who knows every lane.
Hanoi
Hanoi City and Culture Day Tour
A full day uncovering Hanoi's history, temples, markets and water puppet tradition.
Hanoi
Hanoi City Highlights Day Tour
Spend a day moving between Hanoi's monuments, markets and old quarter streets.
Plan Your Trip To Hanoi
Tell us your dates and interests. We will reply within 24 hours with a personal itinerary and a clear quote.