Hanoi is one of the most atmospheric capitals in Asia: a thousand-year-old city of lakes, temples and French boulevards, where street food stalls spill onto every pavement and motorbikes flow like water through the narrow lanes of the Old Quarter. It can feel overwhelming on the first evening, but within a day most visitors fall for its energy and charm.
This Hanoi travel guide covers everything you need for a first visit: where to stay, how to get around, the best time to go, what to see and eat, how to avoid common tourist traps and how many days to spend. These are the tips we share with every guest before they arrive.
Hanoi at a glance
- Population: around 8 million in the wider city.
- Airport: Noi Bai International, about 45 to 60 minutes from the Old Quarter.
- Best months: October to December and March to April.
- How long to stay: two to three days in the city, plus day trips.
- Good for: history, street food, culture, walking and as a base for northern Vietnam.
Where to stay in Hanoi
The Old Quarter
The best choice for a first visit. You are steps from street food, markets, temples and Hoan Kiem Lake, and the whole city feels alive around you. The downside is noise: motorbikes, karaoke and early-morning markets. Ask for a room at the back or on a high floor.
Hoan Kiem and the French Quarter
South and east of the lake, the streets are wider and quieter, with colonial villas, the Opera House and many of the city’s best hotels. It is a short walk to the Old Quarter but a calmer place to sleep.
Tay Ho (West Lake)
A relaxed, leafy area around Hanoi’s largest lake, with cafes, lakeside paths and boutique guesthouses. It is about 15 to 20 minutes by taxi from the Old Quarter, good for longer stays or a quieter base.
Getting to and around Hanoi
From Noi Bai airport, the easiest options are a pre-booked transfer, a Grab car or a metered taxi from the official rank. Public bus 86 runs to the Old Quarter and the railway station and is cheap and comfortable. Allow 45 to 60 minutes, longer at rush hour.
In the centre, walking is the best way to explore. For longer distances, use Grab cars or motorbike taxis, which show the price before you ride, or metered taxis from reputable companies. A cyclo ride through the Old Quarter is a fun, slow way to see the streets; agree the price and duration before you start. Read more in our guide to money, SIM cards and getting around in Vietnam.
When to visit Hanoi
Hanoi has four seasons. Autumn (October to December) is the favourite of many locals, with cool, dry days and clear skies. Spring (March to April) is mild and green. Summer (May to September) is hot and humid, with heavy afternoon storms, while winter (December to February) can be surprisingly chilly and grey, often around 15 to 20°C. See our full guide to the best time to visit Vietnam.
Around Tet, the Lunar New Year in late January or February, the city empties as people return to their home villages and many shops close for several days. It is a special time to see decorations and family celebrations, but plan meals and transport carefully.
What to see in Hanoi
- The Old Quarter: narrow streets once named after the goods sold there, with temples, markets and tube houses. See our self-guided Old Quarter walk.
- Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: the heart of the city, busiest at dawn and on weekend evenings when the surrounding streets close to traffic.
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square: open in the mornings on most days, with the One Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace grounds nearby. It closes on some weekdays and for maintenance for several weeks each year, so check before you go.
- Temple of Literature: Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070, with peaceful courtyards and stone stelae.
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: the best introduction to the country’s 54 ethnic groups, with full-size traditional houses in the garden.
- Hoa Lo Prison: a sobering museum on the city’s colonial and wartime history.
- Water puppets: a traditional art from the rice paddies of the Red River Delta, performed nightly near Hoan Kiem Lake.
What to eat in Hanoi
Hanoi is one of the great street food cities of the world. Do not leave without trying pho, bun cha, banh cuon, cha ca and egg coffee. Our guide to Hanoi street food lists 15 dishes and how to order them like a local.
Our tip
Get up early at least once. Between 5:30 and 7:00 AM, Hoan Kiem Lake is full of people doing tai chi, dancing and jogging, and the markets are at their busiest. It is the best time for photos and a bowl of pho.
Avoiding tourist traps
- Use Grab or reputable taxis rather than unmarked cars from the street.
- Agree the price before any cyclo ride, and confirm whether it is per person or per cyclo.
- Be wary of street vendors who hand you a fruit pole for a photo and then ask for money.
- Check the bill in tourist restaurants, and agree prices in advance at street stalls without a menu.
- Keep your phone and bag on the side away from the road.
How many days in Hanoi?
Two full days are enough to see the main sights and eat well. Add a third day for a museum, a cooking class or a slower pace, and use Hanoi as a base for day trips to Ninh Binh, Halong Bay and Duong Lam. Our Hanoi itineraries for one, two and three days show how to plan your time.
Hanoi as a base for northern Vietnam
Hanoi is the gateway to the north. From here, the night train or the highway leads to the rice terraces of Sapa, a few hours’ drive brings you to the karsts of Ninh Binh or the islands of Halong Bay, and a full day north takes you to the mountains of Ha Giang. Many travellers spend two nights in Hanoi at the start of their trip and another at the end, before flying south.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hanoi safe for tourists?
Yes. Hanoi is generally very safe, including at night. The main risks are traffic and petty theft such as bag snatching, so stay aware in busy areas.
How do I get from Noi Bai airport to the Old Quarter?
By pre-booked transfer, Grab, a metered taxi from the official rank or public bus 86. The journey takes about 45 to 60 minutes.
Is Hanoi or Saigon better for a first visit?
Both are worth visiting. Hanoi has more history and traditional atmosphere; Saigon is bigger, faster and more modern. Most trips include both.
What should I wear in Hanoi?
Light, comfortable clothes in summer and warm layers from December to February. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples and the mausoleum.
Plan Your Trip With Us
Explore Hanoi with a local guide, or use the city as the start of your journey through northern Vietnam.
