Hanoi

Travel Guide

Photo provided by PhotoJoy
Temple of Literature showing a temple or place of worship, religious elements and interior views
Hoan Kiem Lake which includes a lake or waterhole, heritage architecture and a monument
Hanoi which includes a city, motorbike riding and signage
Hoan Kiem Lake featuring a lake or waterhole
Immerse yourself in traditional Asian lifestyle in the picturesque Vietnamese capital, with a multitude of markets, puppet shows, lakes and ancient temples.

Visit Hanoi to try typical Vietnamese food, see unique art performances and savor some of the most captivating sights in Southeast Asia. Thanks to its rich cultural heritage and tumultuous history there are many interesting attractions to explore in the bustling city, which has 2.6 million people in its urban center.

Hanoi first became a capital just over 1,000 ago, when it was still called Thang Long (Rising Dragon). It became Ha Noi (Between Two Rivers) in 1831. The city has since been occupied by the French and the Japanese and bombed by the Americans, events which have clearly left their marks. Through all this, Hanoi has stayed traditional and proud.

The language and cultural differences can be both limiting and interesting. For example, the Vietnamese consider pointing your finger to be rude. You should use your whole hand instead. Bear this in mind while browsing the Dong Xuan Market.

This market is in the Old Quarter, a good place to find souvenirs, traditional merchants and typical Vietnamese and French cuisine. Try pho (rice noodle soup) and sample Vietnam’s favorite brew, Bia Hoi beer, to get a taste of the Orient. At night, visit the nearby Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre with mesmerizing reenactments of dragon-filled legends.

Learn more about Hanoi’s legends in the temples that surround lakes such as Hoan Kiem (Lake of the Restored Sword) and Ho Tay (West Lake).

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum contains the embalmed body of the revered revolutionary leader of North Vietnam. Learn about his constant struggle for his country’s freedom at the Ho Chi Minh Museum.

Book a trip on a wooden vessel to Ha Long Bay to cruise the turquoise waters around thousands of limestone islets.

To get around in Hanoi you can rent a bike or pay to ride in a traditional “cyclo”. Public buses are cheap and service the whole city. If you hail a taxi, negotiate a fixed price in dong (the Vietnamese currency), because the meters are often manipulated.

Where to stay in Hanoi

Hanoi which includes street scenes

Old Quarter

Historical civic urban core, the Old Quarter boasts specialized trade streets, 18th and 19th-century shophouses, and historic sights like Mã Mây Temple and Quan Chưởng gate. Explore the vibrant commercial heart of Hanoi.

Old Quarter
Hoan Kiem showing a city, street scenes and signage

Hoan Kiem

4.5/5(1,808 area reviews)

Explore the Old Quarter's narrow streets and traditional atmosphere, with merchants specializing in goods like silver and jewelry. Don't miss attractions such as Hanoi Opera House, Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre, and St. Joseph's Cathedral.

Hoan Kiem
Hanoi showing signage, street scenes and night scenes

French Quarter

The abundant dining options and lake views are top of the list for many visitors to French Quarter. A stop by Hoan Kiem Lake or Lý Thái Tổ Monument might round out your trip.

French Quarter
Default Image

Mỹ Đình

3.5/5(7 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Mỹ Đình, Hanoi Indoor Games Gymnasium and My Dinh National Stadium are top sights worth seeing.

Mỹ Đình
Tay Ho featuring a lake or waterhole

Tay Ho

The abundant dining options and lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Tay Ho. A stop by West Lake or Tran Quoc Pagoda might round out your trip.

Tay Ho
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum featuring a monument and a park

Ba Dinh

4/5(129 area reviews)

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Ba Dinh. A stop by Ho Chi Minh Museum or Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum might round out your trip.

Ba Dinh
Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
4 out of 5
95 Hang Bong Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
$35 nightly
The price is $38 total per night from Jul 5 to Jul 6
$38 total
Jul 5 - Jul 6
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (4,650 reviews)
"We were recommended this hotel by Expedia.com. It was a great recommendation. The place is extremely comfortable but not pretentious, it is really central to everywhere, we were able to search places to visit, eat and walk all within the immediate area. If you want practical clean and easy to use ..."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel
Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel
4 out of 5
2 Hoi Vu Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Hanoi
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$28 nightly
The price is $30 total per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
$30 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the WiFi in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,889 reviews)
"The hotel is in the center of the old quarter, walking distance to everywhere, the rooms are very comfortable , hot shower and comfy bed, but what makes this hotel stand out from the others is the staff, if I could give a 15/10 for staff I would from the breakfast staff, especially Ms. Anna at front ..."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
5 out of 5
33 Duong Thanh, Hanoi
$118 nightly
The price is $128 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$128 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (829 reviews)
"Peridot Grand Hotel is a beautifully designed hotel that's located in the centre of Old Quarter Hanoi. My partner and I stayed for 6 nights and 7 days and from the moment we of check-in to the time of check-out we felt the warmth, helpfulness, and the hospitality of the staff. We also were pleased ..."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Somerset Grand Hanoi
Somerset Grand Hanoi
4.5 out of 5
49 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the room service ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,028 reviews)
"Lovely team. Good facilities"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Somerset Grand Hanoi
The Five Suites Lilas
The Five Suites Lilas
4 out of 5
9, Nguyen Bieu Street, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Hoan Kiem Lake and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"This property exceeded our expectations. It was fairly new with opening only two months previously to our stay. Everything was wonderful, clean, convenient location, and staff were very friendly. We used the express laundry service. We went to dinner and our clothes were in our room folded and hung ..."

Reviewed on Apr 13, 2024

The Five Suites Lilas
Elegant Suites Westlake
Elegant Suites Westlake
5 out of 5
10B Dang Thai Mai Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (582 reviews)
"Fantastic location. Outside of the old town with its own vibe. Great restaurants, lovely area to walk but a quick ride to the old quarter. Beautiful large rooms and apartments with a fantastic pool. Staff is amazing and very attentive. Great breakfast."

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

Elegant Suites Westlake
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Hanoi

While navigating Hanoi’s traffic-choked streets can be stressful, getting around can be a fun and memorable part of your trip. A cheap and convenient method is to weave through the traffic on the back of a motorbike taxi, while a cycle rickshaw is slower but more sedate. Hanoi’s Electric Bus is a comfortable and eco-friendly way to tour the Old Quarter, which is also a rewarding place to walk around. Visit the Ministry of Transport Vietnam Opens in a new window website.Browse Hanoi rental cars.

Best time to visit

You might imagine that Hanoi would have the same tropical climate as most of Vietnam, but you’d be mistaken – there are four distinct seasons here. Spring and fall are both great times to visit, with average temperatures of around 75 F (24 C) and not too much rain. Summer can be unbearably hot and very wet, while winter can get surprisingly chilly. It can rain at any time of year, so bring a raincoat.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Hanoi

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
835
5 - Excellent 58%
4 - Good
466
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
107
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
18
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
6
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

From the US, it’s expensive to get there, but once there you don’t need a lot to vacation. For US dollars, everything is inexpensive. $50 goes a long way. Rich history there. Some folk are mean like the young men just up to no good. Everyone else ok.

5/5 - Excellent

ScottCallander

Good fun with an amazingly vibrant feel. You can’t ignore the fact that Vietnam is an emerging market and have to accept it’s a bit crazy on the roads but the people are lovely.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The tour we took to Nin Bin was the best part and far away one of the coolest things we did in Vietnam.

5/5 - Excellent

J4

Hanoi is a great destination....

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

This was our first stop in Vietnam and it felt great to immediately get immersed into the culture. Great place to visit once in your lifetime.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Compared to Cambodia, other country on this trip, i was turned off by the propaganda that layers everything here.

Cities near Hanoi

Other places like Hanoi