City guide

    Hanoi

    Explore Hanoi, Vietnam

    Overview

    Vietnam's thousand-year-old capital where the ancient Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, French colonial architecture, and vibrant street food culture blend seamlessly.
    At a glanceHanoi · City guide
    Country
    Vietnam
    Region
    Northern Vietnam
    Recommended stay
    3-4 days
    Daily cost
    ≈ $40 / day
    Best time to visit
    Mar - May, Sep - Nov
    hanoi · Guide
    Plan your trip to Hanoi
    Experience

    What to see, do & eat

    View all attractions
    Good to know

    Before you go to Hanoi

    When to go

    Climate through the year

    Rainfall mm/inchesTemperature °C/°F0/0.010/50100/3.916/61200/7.922/72300/11.828/82400/15.734/93500/19.740/104JFMAMJJASOND
    Monthly temperature and rainfall
    MonthMin °CMax °CRainfall mm
    J141920
    F152025
    M182340
    A212890
    M2432180
    J2634240
    J2735280
    A2634320
    S2432220
    O2129110
    N182550
    D152125

    Spring (Feb-Apr)

    Mild to warm weather, often around 17-27 °C, with occasional drizzle; Tet/Lunar New Year usually falls in late Jan or Feb, bringing flower markets and festive energy.

    Great for walking the Old Quarter and enjoying cultural events; lively atmosphere around Tet.
    Crowds and closures during Tet; some damp, overcast days.

    Ideal for: Old Quarter, temples, cultural events, flower markets.

    Pack: Light jacket, compact umbrella, comfortable walking shoes.

    Summer (May-Aug)

    Hot, humid, and rainy; highs commonly reach the low-to-mid 30s °C, with frequent afternoon showers.

    Lush scenery and often better hotel deals than peak autumn.
    Heat, humidity, and heavy rain can slow sightseeing.

    Ideal for: Indoor museums, cafes, cooking classes, spa days.

    Pack: Breathable clothes, raincoat, quick-dry footwear, water bottle.

    Autumn (Sep-Nov)

    Cooler, drier, and clearer; one of Hanoi’s best seasons for sightseeing, with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity.

    Best overall weather for city walks, lake views, and day trips.
    Higher demand can push prices up, especially in October-November.

    Ideal for: Hoan Kiem Lake, lakeside strolls, day trips, photography.

    Pack: Light layers, comfy shoes, sunglasses.

    Winter (Dec-Jan)

    Cool to chilly, often foggy or drizzly, with temperatures sometimes near 10-20 °C.

    Quieter streets and often lower accommodation prices.
    Can feel damp and cold, especially in the evenings.

    Ideal for: Street food, cafes, museums, cozy evening walks.

    Pack: Warm jacket, scarf, closed shoes.

    Daily budget

    Low season / day
    20-35 USD (excluding accommodation)
    Peak season / day
    30-50 USD (excluding accommodation)
    Cash
    Carry 500,000-1,000,000 VND in small bills for street food, taxis, and small shops.
    Exchange
    Use banks or licensed exchange counters; avoid informal money changers. A practical planning rate is about 25,000 VND per USD, but check the live rate before you go.
    ATMs
    Widely available in central Hanoi; expect a small withdrawal fee from some machines and your home bank.
    Cards
    Moderate to good in hotels, malls, and upscale restaurants; cash is still preferred at street stalls, markets, and many small businesses.

    Events & festivals

    • Tet (Lunar New Year)Late Jan or Feb (varies by lunar calendar)

      Flower markets, family gatherings, fireworks, and special temple visits.

      Tip: Book transport and accommodation early; many businesses close for several days, so keep cash and food backups.

    • Mid-Autumn FestivalSep or Oct (15th day of the 8th lunar month)

      Lanterns, mooncakes, lion dances, and children’s parades, especially lively in the Old Quarter.

      Tip: Go in the evening for the best atmosphere; expect crowds around heritage streets and family-friendly event spaces.

    Getting there

    How to reach Hanoi from abroad or within Vietnam.

    Arriving internationally

    • Hanoi is served by Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), located about 35 km north of the city center.
    • There are direct international flights from major Asian cities such as Bangkok, Seoul, Tokyo, and Singapore, plus some European routes.
    • From the airport, take a taxi, ride-hailing app (Grab or Green SM/Xanh SM), airport bus, or hotel shuttle to the city center; travel time is typically about 40–60 minutes depending on traffic.

    From within the country

    • Hanoi is well-connected to other Vietnamese cities by air, train, and bus.
    • Domestic flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Nha Trang are frequent and convenient.
    • Reunification Express trains run daily between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with long overnight and multi-day options depending on service.
    • Intercity buses connect Hanoi with major destinations like Sapa, Ha Long Bay, and Ninh Binh.
    • Driving or renting a car is possible, but traffic can be dense and parking limited in central areas.

    Booking & arrival tips

    • Book flights or train tickets in advance during peak travel periods such as Tet and summer holidays.
    • Use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Green SM/Xanh SM for convenient and usually affordable local transport.
    • If arriving late at night, pre-arrange an airport pickup or confirm that your accommodation offers shuttle service.
    • Public buses from Noi Bai Airport, including Route 86, are a budget-friendly way to reach central Hanoi.
    • Keep small cash in Vietnamese dong (VND) for taxis, buses, and local purchases.
    • If carrying large luggage, consider airport transfer services or a private car for comfort.

    Getting around

    Grab / Green SM (Xanh SM)

    2-5 USD/trip

    App-based motorbike or car rides.

    Taxi

    3-7 USD/trip

    Metered, reliable brands such as Mai Linh.

    Bus

    0.30-0.50 USD/trip

    Cheap city-wide public transport.

    Cyclo

    5-10 USD

    Short scenic rides in tourist areas.

    Good to know. Avoid rush hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM), watch for scooters, and walk when possible in the Old Quarter.

    Handy apps

    GGoogle Maps

    Navigation.

    Download an offline map for the Old Quarter’s narrow streets.

    GGrab

    Transportation (motorbikes, cars). Food delivery.

    Motorbikes are often faster in traffic. Order pho or bun cha to your hotel when you want a quiet night in.

    GGreen SM (Xanh SM)

    Eco-friendly electric vehicle rides.

    Good for trips to outer districts and for a quieter ride.

    BBusMap Hanoi

    Public bus routes and schedules.

    Helpful for planning city bus trips and transfers.

    SShopeeFood

    Food delivery.

    Often has promos for local restaurants and street-food favorites.

    Backup. Paper map from your hotel or a tourist information center.

    Where to stay

    Nightly rates: 10-30 USD/night (hostel/hotel), 50+ USD for luxury

    Hoan Kiem Lake

    SightseeingFamiliesCulture enthusiasts

    Scenic central area featuring the iconic lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and pedestrian-friendly streets.

    Old Quarter

    First-time visitorsFood loversNightlife enthusiasts

    Bustling area with historical sites, street food, and nightlife. Close to Hoan Kiem Lake and walking streets.

    West Lake

    RelaxationFamiliesExpats

    Lakeside area with many cafes, international restaurants, and a peaceful atmosphere.

    Noi Bai International Airport

    Transit travelersShort staysConvenience seekers

    Hanoi’s international gateway with nearby hotels, eateries, and transport options. Ideal for quick stopovers or early flights.

    Ba Dinh

    History loversDiplomatsBusiness travelers

    Historical and political center with embassies, cultural sites, and a quiet environment.

    Cau Giay

    Business travelersLong-term staysModern city experience

    Modern business district with shopping centers, parks, and convenient access to the airport.

    Booking tip: Book early for Tet (late Jan-Feb, dates vary by lunar calendar) or autumn (Sep-Nov) for the best rates and availability.

    Health & safety

    Emergency numbers

    ambulance
    115
    fire
    114
    police
    113
    national emergency
    112

    Medical facilities

    • Tam Anh General Hospital02471066858

      108 Hoang Nhu Tiep, Long Bien, Hanoi

      Private hospital with emergency services; confirm English support when calling.

    • Vinmec Times City International Hospital024 3974 3556

      458 Minh Khai, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi

      International hospital with 24/7 emergency care and English-speaking support.

    • Family Medical Practice Hanoi024 3843 0748

      298 Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Hanoi

      Western-style clinic, good for expats and travelers.

    Staying safe

    General safety
    Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas like markets, tourist spots, and busy transport hubs.
    Notes
    Avoid tap water for drinking; use bottled or properly treated water. Watch traffic carefully when crossing streets, as Hanoi traffic can be dense and unpredictable.
    What to carry
    Comfy shoes, water bottle, basic meds (painkillers, antidiarrheal, mosquito repellent).
    Lost items
    Nearest local police
    • Carry hand sanitizer for street food.
    • Use sunscreen and hats in summer.
    • Rest if feeling overwhelmed by heat or crowds.
    • Carry your insurance card for faster service.
    • Call ahead for emergencies to save time.
    • Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas like markets and tourist spots.

    Local customs

    Etiquette & local habits

    • Respect temples – cover shoulders/knees.
    • Bargain at markets, not restaurants.
    • Scooter traffic is intense – cross roads steadily and predictably.
    • Dress modestly at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and temples (no shorts, sleeveless tops).

    When the city is open

    Many attractions close around 5-6 PM; night markets, beer streets, and bars stay open late.

    From the Journal

    Stories about Hanoi