Hanoi Travel Guide: Exploring Vietnam's Capital
Vietnam's capital city, Hanoi, might surprise you with its relatively compact size despite its significant cultural importance. I was there in January 2025 for three days, and I was immediately struck by the wonderful chaos of the Old Quarter where centuries of history blend with modern Vietnamese life.
This UNESCO-nominated city dates back to 1010 AD, making it one of Southeast Asia's oldest capitals, yet it maintains a distinctly authentic feel that many other Asian cities have lost to rapid development.
If you're planning to travel through Vietnam from north to south (as many backpackers and travellers do), Hanoi will likely be your first taste of this fascinating country. The city offers the perfect introduction to Vietnam's rich history, mouthwatering cuisine, and unique culture – all packed into a walkable city centre that you can explore without feeling overwhelmed by its size.
Contents
- An Intro Guide to Hanoi
- How to Get to Hanoi
- Where to Stay in Hanoi
- Weather & Best Time to Visit Hanoi
- How to Get Around Hanoi
- Things to Do in Hanoi
- Where & What to Eat in Hanoi
- Best Bars in Hanoi
- Prices and Money in Hanoi
- FAQs About Travelling in Hanoi
An Intro Guide to Hanoi
Most travellers need about 2-3 days to properly experience Hanoi's highlights, though you could easily spend a week here and still discover new hidden gems. The top things to do include wandering through the atmospheric Old Quarter, circumnavigating Hoan Kiem Lake, visiting the Temple of Literature, and experiencing the city's incredible street food scene.
This complete Hanoi travel guide will help you navigate what can initially feel like a chaotic and overwhelming city – the constant beeping of motorbikes, the vendors spilling onto sidewalks, and the seemingly endless flow of traffic might be intimidating at first, but once you find your rhythm, Hanoi's charm quickly reveals itself.
How to Get to Hanoi
Most travellers arrive in Hanoi directly from abroad, especially if they're travelling Vietnam from north to south. The city has good international connections through Noi Bai International Airport, about 45 minutes from the city centre. If you're already in Vietnam and travelling north, you'll likely arrive from Ninh Binh, just a 1-2 hour bus ride or private transfer away.
Many travellers also reach Hanoi after completing the Ha Giang Loop in the north or following a cruise in Ha Long Bay. From Ha Giang, most people take the overnight sleeper bus (around 6-7 hours) or opt for day buses that are a bit more comfortable but eat into your sightseeing time. There aren't any direct trains or flights from Ha Giang to Hanoi. Coming from Ha Long Bay is much quicker – just a 3-hour bus ride that many tour companies include as part of their package. If you're travelling up from southern Vietnam, you can either endure the extremely long bus journey from Ho Chi Minh City or Hoi An (which I wouldn't personally recommend), or take a quick domestic flight that will save you days of travel time.
Where to Stay in Hanoi
For first-time visitors to Hanoi, staying in the Old Quarter or near Hoan Kiem Lake puts you right in the heart of the action. The Old Quarter is the most popular area, with its narrow streets packed with shops, street food vendors, and budget accommodation. It's perfect if you want to be within walking distance of major attractions, though it can be noisy at night.
If you're looking for something a bit quieter but still central, the French Quarter offers more upscale hotels with colonial charm. For budget travellers, there are plenty of excellent hostels with dorm beds starting from just 150kVND (6€) per night, often including breakfast. Mid-range travellers can find good boutique hotels between 500kVND-1,250kVND (20-50€), while luxury options are available for those seeking high-end comforts, particularly in the French Quarter.
🇻🇳 Recommended reading: Where to Stay in Hanoi
Weather & Best Time to Visit Hanoi
Hanoi experiences four distinct seasons, which is somewhat unusual for Southeast Asia. The city's summer (May to August) is hot, humid and rainy, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C. Winter (November to January) brings cooler temperatures ranging from 10-20°C, with occasional drizzle and a persistent grey mist that locals call "the fog of winter."
I went at the end of their winter in January, and found the weather quite mild and even sunny on some days – I needed a light jacket in the evenings but was comfortable in a t-shirt during the day.
Spring (February to April) and autumn (September to October) offer the most pleasant weather, with moderate temperatures and lower humidity. If you're planning a Hanoi travel guide itinerary, the ideal times to visit are March-April and October-November when you'll enjoy the most comfortable conditions for exploring the city on foot.
How to Get Around Hanoi
One of the things I loved about Hanoi is how surprisingly walkable it is for a capital city. The Old Quarter and most main attractions are concentrated in a relatively small area that's perfect for exploring on foot.
Unlike larger Vietnamese cities like Ho Chi Minh City, I didn't find it necessary to rent a scooter in Hanoi – in fact, navigating the chaotic traffic as a newcomer might be more stress than it's worth. There isn't really any public transport that's easily accessible for tourists, though there is a bus system if you're feeling adventurous.
For longer journeys or when your feet get tired, Grab bikes and cars are widely available and incredibly affordable. Unlike in Thailand where finding helmets can be hit or miss, all Grab bike drivers in Hanoi provided me with a helmet and were generally reliable and professional. A short Grab bike ride across the Old Quarter will cost around 15kVND-25kVND (0.60-1€), which is hard to beat!
Things to Do in Hanoi
Hanoi offers a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and French colonial influence. Start by exploring the chaotic charm of the Old Quarter, where each street was traditionally named after the goods sold there (like Silk Street or Silver Street).
Take a peaceful stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake to see the iconic red Huc Bridge and Ngoc Son Temple sitting in the middle of the water. History buffs shouldn't miss the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, where you can learn about Vietnam's revolutionary leader (just note the strict dress code and no-photography rules).
For culture, the Temple of Literature is a must-visit as Vietnam's first national university, dating back to 1070. The Vietnamese Women's Museum offers fascinating insights into the country's social history, while the infamous Hoa Lo Prison (sarcastically nicknamed the "Hanoi Hilton" by American POWs) provides a sobering look at Vietnam's complex past.
Don't miss a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre – this uniquely Vietnamese art form dates back to the 11th century and tells folk tales through puppets that dance on water.
For a more local experience, take a day trip to the stunning Perfume Pagoda or Ninh Binh's spectacular limestone karsts and ancient temples.
🇻🇳 Recommended Reading: Things to do in Hanoi
Where & What to Eat in Hanoi
Hanoi was where I had some of my most memorable meals in Vietnam. If you're looking for a more upscale dining experience, 1968 Restaurant serves excellent traditional Northern Vietnamese cuisine in a beautiful setting. VIET Restaurant Hanoi was another standout, offering innovative takes on classic dishes with impeccable presentation.
For the best banh mi I had in Vietnam, head to Banh Mi Tam Beo, where they stuff fresh baguettes with a variety of fillings (their grilled pork is incredible).
If you're vegetarian or vegan (I used to be fully vegetarian and still eat a lot of vegetarian food now), Tet Restaurant was a godsend – they offer plant-based versions of Vietnamese classics that don't sacrifice any flavour. I actually found Hanoi to be surprisingly veggie-friendly compared to other parts of Vietnam.
Another local gem is Hong Hoai's Restaurant, where the bun cha (a Hanoi specialty of grilled pork served with noodles) is supposedly legendary, though I only tried their vegetarian options.
If this is your first stop in Vietnam, you absolutely must try Vietnamese coffee. Most cafes serve it, you won't need to look far to find their legendary egg coffee (ca phe trung) which is a Hanoi specialty you shouldn't miss.
Best Bars in Hanoi
Hanoi's nightlife scene is concentrated but lively, with the famous "Beer Street" (Ta Hien Street) in the Old Quarter being the epicenter of evening entertainment. This narrow pedestrianized street transforms every night into an open-air drinking venue where plastic stools spill onto the road and you can grab a cold bia hoi (fresh local draft beer) for just 15kVND-25kVND (0.60-1€). It's a real vibe with both tourists and locals mingling, and the people-watching is unbeatable.
For something a bit more elevated, I loved the Lake View Hostel & Rooftop Bar, which offers stunning panoramic views over Hoan Kiem Lake – perfect for sunset cocktails before heading out for the evening. While visiting Train Street, I also stopped for drinks at one of the tiny cafés wedged alongside the railway tracks.
There's nothing quite like sipping a cold Hanoi beer and then scrambling to the side when a train rumbles through just feet away from your table! Just note that access to Train Street can be restricted at times by local authorities, so check current status before planning your visit.
🇻🇳 Recommended reading: The Best Hostels in Hanoi
Prices and Money in Hanoi
For a capital city, Hanoi is remarkably affordable, sitting somewhere in the middle of Vietnam's price range – not as cheap as some rural areas but certainly less expensive than Hoi An or parts of Ho Chi Minh City.
Hostel dorm beds start at around 150kVND-175kVND (6-7€) per night and often include breakfast, while private rooms in decent hotels range from 500kVND (20€) for budget options to 1,250kVND (50€) for more upscale accommodations.
Street food meals can cost as little as 25kVND-50kVND (1-2€), while a nice restaurant dinner might set you back 125kVND-250kVND (5-10€) per person including drinks.
When it comes to currency, the Vietnamese dong can be confusing with all its zeros (1 EUR is roughly 26,000 VND), but you'll get used to it quickly. I found that TP Bank (recognisable by its eccentric purple signage overdone with lights) and VP Bank ATMs let you withdraw money without fees, which is a rarity in Southeast Asia.
These ATMs are available throughout Hanoi, particularly around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake areas. While many places in Hanoi do accept credit cards, they typically charge a 3-5% fee for the privilege.
I'd recommend carrying cash for most transactions, especially for street food, small shops, and local experiences. Having small denominations is particularly useful for haggling in markets or paying for motorbike taxis.
FAQs About Travelling in Hanoi
How many days in Hanoi is enough?
For most travellers, 2-3 days is enough to see Hanoi's main highlights, including the Old Quarter, major museums, and key cultural sites. If you want to take day trips to places like Ninh Binh or have a more relaxed pace, 4-5 days would be ideal.
Is Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh better for tourists?
They offer very different experiences. Hanoi feels more traditional and historic with stronger cultural attractions and better preserved architecture. Ho Chi Minh City is larger, more modern, and has a livelier nightlife scene. Hanoi is generally better for those interested in Vietnamese history and culture, while Ho Chi Minh might appeal more to those seeking a contemporary Asian metropolis.
What months to avoid Hanoi?
The summer months (June-August) are best avoided as they bring intense heat, high humidity, and frequent heavy rainfall that can make sightseeing uncomfortable. Late July to September is the peak of rainy season, which can lead to flooding in some areas.
Is it safe to travel to Hanoi now?
Yes, Hanoi is generally considered very safe for tourists. Like in any major city, petty theft can occur in crowded areas, so keep an eye on your belongings, particularly in the busy Old Quarter and night markets. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare.
Conclusion
Hanoi offers a perfect introduction to Vietnam's rich cultural tapestry, with its blend of ancient traditions, colonial influences, and modern Vietnamese life.
What makes Hanoi special is how it manages to maintain its authentic character despite being the country's capital – something that many other Southeast Asian cities have struggled to preserve. The chaotic energy of the Old Quarter, the peaceful respite of Hoan Kiem Lake, and the city's incredible food scene create an unforgettable experience that will likely be a highlight of your Vietnam journey.
If you're planning to travel through Vietnam, I'd recommend starting in Hanoi before heading south. This allows you to gradually adjust to the pace of Vietnamese life in a relatively compact, manageable city before tackling larger destinations like Ho Chi Minh City. With its walkable size, rich history, and endless culinary delights, Hanoi provides the perfect gateway to understanding and appreciating this fascinating country.
