Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is located in the northern part of the country.
Had its name changed for 10 times: Tống Bình, Đại La, Long Đỗ, Đông Đô, Đông Quan, Long Uyên, Đông Kinh, Thăng Long, Bắc Thành, Kẻ Chợ, then Hà Nội. The most well known name besides Ha Noi is Thang Long, which means “Flying Dragon”, named by emperor Lý Thái Tổ when he traveled incognito, then see a golden dragon flew from the land. Afterward, the Emperor decided to move Vietnam’s capital there, then name it Thang Long.
Hanoi sits on the banks of the Red River and is the second-largest city in Vietnam, now known for its centuries-old architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture influenced by Southeast Asian, Chinese, French traditions and its diverse cuisine.
Why Choose Hanoi?
Hanoi is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern energy. The city is known for its bustling street life, delectable cuisine, historic landmarks, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient temples, tasting local street food, or experiencing the vibrant arts scene, Hanoi has something for everyone.
Hanoi’s Most Famous Locations
- Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: Known as the heart of Hanoi, the lake existed for thousands of years, witnessed all changes of Hanoi from the ancient to the modern time
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the great leader of Vietnam
- Temple of Literature: The first university of Vietnam, where used to be school of princes and children of court officials
- Hanoi Old Quarter: A mix of Vietnamese, Chinese and French architecture, where has the most authentic Hanoi vibe
- Thang Long Imperial Citadel: The ancient citadel of Vietnam, where the emperor of Ly, Tran and Le dynasty lived
- West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda: The largest lake of Hanoi, and Tran Quoc is the most ancient pagoda of Hanoi that existed until today
- Hanoi Opera House: A historical architecture of Hanoi, built during the French colonization, still in use for opera events
- St. Joseph’s Cathedral: One of the earliest church of Vietnam, gothic style
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: A must go museum if you want to explore Vietnam in a more detailed way, where exhibits cultural artifact of 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam
- Hoa Lo Prison (Maison Centrale): An extremely popular historical relic, where stories of the Viet Cong soldiers and how they live in the prison are told
Hanoi Weather: Best Time to Visit Hanoi
Hanoi experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons:
Summer (May to August)
Temperature: 30°C – 38°C (77°F – 95°F)
Summer in Hanoi is hot and humid. This season sees frequent rain showers, providing a lush green backdrop to the city.
Autumn (September to November)
Temperature: 18°C – 28°C (64°F – 82°F)
With mild temperatures and tranquil vibe, the city is picturesque with golden leaves and clear blue skies.
Spring (March to April)
Temperature: 15°C – 25°C (59°F – 77°F)
Spring in Hanoi is pleasant, characterized by blooming flowers and mild weather, making it another great time to visit.
Winter (December to February)
Temperature: 10°C – 20°C (50°F – 68°F)
Winter in Hanoi is cool and dry, which is a good time to explore the city without the summer heat.
Best Time to Visit Hanoi
The ideal times to visit Hanoi are during theAutumn (September to November) and Spring (March to April) seasons, when the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
How to Travel Around Hanoi
Grab/Be
These ride-hailing apps are widely used in Hanoi, offering a convenient and affordable way to get around the city quickly.
Link to download App:
Bus
Hanoi has an extensive and cost-effective bus network that covers most parts of the city. It’s a great option for budget travelers.
Bus ticket price on each route is 7 000 VND (~0,28 USD)
App to check bus route:
- Tìm Buýt (each bus has its own GPS. you can use the app to check when the bus will arrive and bus routes in each bus stop.) download on Appstore or CH Play
Note: The bus only accept cash, so remember to bring cash with you if you decided to take the bus
Bicycle
For those who enjoy a more intimate exploration, renting a bicycle is a fantastic option. Many areas of Hanoi, particularly the Old Quarter, are bike-friendly and provide a unique way to see the city.
You can rent a bicycle at Westlake or use a bicycle renting app:
5.000 VND (~0.2 USD)/30 minutes. The app will have a map to track the bike stops, bicycle availability.
Best Hotels in Hanoi
5 Star hotel
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi:
- Address: 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hanoi1.
- Price: Approximately $200 to $300 per night.
- Melia Hanoi:
- Address: 44B Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hanoi2.
- Price: Around $150 to $250 per night.
4 Star hotel
Ja Cosmo Hotel and Spa:
- Located in the center of Hanoi, close to Thang Long Water Puppet Theater and Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Features a hot tub and sun terrace.
- Price from $52 per night1.
Salute Premium Hotel & Spa:
- Conveniently situated in the heart of Hanoi, near Hanoi Old City Gate and St. Joseph Cathedral
- Offers exceptional service and free WiFi.
- Price from $58 per night
What to Eat in Hanoi
Hanoi is a paradise for food lovers, offering an array of delicious street food:
- Pho: Vietnam’s famous noodle soup.
- Bun Cha: Grilled pork served with noodles and fresh herbs.
- Banh Mi: Vietnamese baguette sandwiches with various fillings.
- Cha Ca: Turmeric fish with dill.
- Xoi: Sticky rice with different toppings.
- Egg Coffee: A unique Hanoi specialty that’s creamy and sweet.
Recommended Restaurants in Hanoi
- Pho Bat Dan: Renowned for its traditional pho.
- Bun Cha Huong Lien: Famous for its bun cha, visited by President Obama.
- Banh Mi 25: Popular for its delicious banh mi.
- Cha Ca La Vong: The go-to place for cha ca.
- Quan An Ngon: Offers a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes.
- Café Giảng: The birthplace of egg coffee.
- Home Hanoi Restaurant: Serves modern Vietnamese cuisine in a beautiful setting.
Hanoi 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1
- Morning: Explore the Old Quarter and visit Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Afternoon: Visit the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
- Evening: Watch a water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
Day 2
- Morning: Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
- Afternoon: Relax at West Lake and visit Tran Quoc Pagoda.
- Evening: Dine at a local restaurant and explore the night market.
Hanoi Travel Tips
- Currency: The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants.
- Language: Vietnamese is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.
- Safety: Hanoi is generally safe, but be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas.
- Dress Code: Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and pagodas.
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary but appreciated in restaurants and for good service.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a visa to visit Hanoi? A: Visa requirements vary by nationality. Check with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate for the latest information.
Q: What is the best way to get from Noi Bai International Airport to the city center? A: Taxis, airport shuttles, and ride-hailing services like Grab are convenient options.
Q: Is it easy to find vegetarian food in Hanoi? A: Yes, many restaurants offer vegetarian options, and there are vegetarian-specific eateries.
Q: Can I drink tap water in Hanoi? A: It’s advisable to drink bottled or filtered water.
Q: What are some must-buy souvenirs in Hanoi? A: Popular souvenirs include silk products, lacquerware, conical hats, and coffee.
Plan your trip to Hanoi now and immerse yourself in the rich culture, history, and culinary delights of Vietnam’s enchanting capital!