Hanoi Travel Guide
Northern Vietnam · Vietnam
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and its second-largest city, set on the Red River in the north. It is the country's political and cultural heart, known for the maze-like Old Quarter, tree-lined French-colonial boulevards, Hoan Kiem Lake and some of the best street food in Southeast Asia.
Get a Vietnam eSIM for HanoiBest time to visit Hanoi
How to get to Hanoi
Getting around
Staying connected
Money & costs
Safety & emergencies
Top things to do in Hanoi
- Wander the Old Quarter and Dong Xuan Market
- Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
- Temple of Literature (Vietnam's first university)
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and complex
- Hoa Lo Prison museum
- Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
- Egg coffee at an Old Quarter café
Local tips
- Try pho, bun cha and egg coffee — Hanoi is their home
- Base here for Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh day trips
- Cross the road at a steady pace; don't stop suddenly
- The Hoan Kiem area closes to traffic for a weekend walking street
- Bargain politely at markets; agree the price first
Hanoi travel FAQ
How many days do you need in Hanoi?
Two to three days covers the Old Quarter, the main temples and museums, and a proper food crawl. Add a day each for a Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh trip.
Is Hanoi safe for tourists?
Yes. Violent crime against visitors is rare; the real hazards are traffic and petty theft in crowds. Vietnam's emergency numbers are 113 police, 114 fire and 115 ambulance.
What is the best area to stay in Hanoi?
The Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake put you within walking distance of most sights, food and nightlife. The French Quarter is quieter and more upscale.
Do I need an eSIM in Hanoi?
A travel eSIM is the easiest way to get online — it gives you local 4G/5G data on arrival without swapping your physical SIM, so maps, Grab and translation work from the airport.
What is the best time to visit Hanoi?
October to April is the most comfortable time to visit, with cooler, drier weather; autumn (October–November) and spring (March–April) are the pick. Summer (May–August) is hot and humid with heavy afternoon rain, and winter (December–February) can dip to 10–15°C, so bring a light jacket.
How do you get to Hanoi?
Fly into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), about 27 km north of the centre — 40–60 minutes by taxi or Grab. Hanoi connects to Ho Chi Minh City by a roughly 2-hour flight or the ~32-hour Reunification Express train, with direct flights to most Asian hubs.
How do you get around Hanoi?
The Old Quarter is best explored on foot. The Grab app gives cheap, metered car and motorbike rides; the elevated Cat Linh–Ha Dong metro (Line 2A) and the newer Nhon–Hanoi Station line cover set routes. Rent a motorbike only if you are confident in dense traffic.
How much does it cost, and do you need cash in Hanoi?
The currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Expect roughly 30,000–70,000 VND for a bowl of pho or bun cha, 300,000–1,200,000 VND a night for mid-range hotels, and 30,000–70,000 VND for a short Grab ride. Cards work at hotels and larger restaurants; carry cash for street food and markets.
Last updated 1 February 2026