Hanoi is chaotic, charming and delicious, with motorbikes, temples, lakes and some of Asia’s best street food. This guide covers the essentials and links to our detailed Hanoi guides.
Top things to do in Hanoi
- The Old Quarter: 36 “guild” streets, markets and street food.
- Hoan Kiem Lake and the red Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple. Weekend evenings are pedestrian-only.
- The Temple of Literature: Vietnam’s first university.
- The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex and the One Pillar Pagoda.
- A water puppet show: a centuries-old art form.
- Ha Long Bay: limestone karsts on a day trip or overnight cruise. See Ha Long Bay from Hanoi.
- Egg coffee and pho: Hanoi’s signature tastes.
See all 20 best things to do in Hanoi, or compare Hanoi food tours and Ha Long cruises.
Where to stay in Hanoi
- The Old Quarter: the heart of the action, budget-friendly, noisy.
- The French Quarter: elegant boulevards and upscale hotels.
- Tay Ho (West Lake): calm, with expat cafés and lake views.
- Ba Dinh: quiet, near the mausoleum and the temples.
Read our full Hanoi area guide, or check hotel prices in Hanoi.
Getting around Hanoi
Walk the Old Quarter, and use Grab, Be or Xanh SM (cars or motorbike taxis) for longer trips, with prices shown up front. Cross streets slowly and steadily, because motorbikes flow around you. Hanoi’s metro lines are useful for some suburbs but not the main sights.
Airport to the city
| Option (HAN → Old Quarter) | Cost (VND) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bus 86 | 45,000 | 50–70 min |
| Grab / Xanh SM | App price | 40–60 min |
| Metered taxi | ~300,000–400,000 | 45–60 min |
| Pre-booked car | ~350,000–450,000 | 45–60 min |
Fares are from Local Vietnam (January 2026). Full details are in Hanoi Airport to the Old Quarter.
Best time to visit Hanoi
October to November is dry and mild, our favourite time. March to April is spring-like. May to September is hot, humid and rainy. December to February is surprisingly cool and grey, so bring a jacket. Tết (Lunar New Year) brings closures and busy transport. Read the best time to visit Hanoi.
Visa, money and tips
Check whether you need an e-visa, and apply only on the official portal. See our Vietnam e-visa guide. The currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND), and cash is still king for street food. Get a Vietnam eSIM for Grab and maps, and travel insurance.
Hanoi guides
- 20 best things to do in Hanoi
- Hanoi itinerary: 3, 4 or 5 days
- Where to stay in Hanoi
- Ha Long Bay from Hanoi
- Vietnam e-visa and visa-free entry
- Hanoi Airport to the Old Quarter
- Best time to visit Hanoi
FAQ: Hanoi travel
How many days do you need in Hanoi?
Two to three days for the city, plus 1–2 days for Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh.
Is Hanoi cheap?
Yes, very. Street food meals cost a few dollars, and mid-range hotels are affordable.
Is Hanoi safe?
It’s generally very safe. The main risks are traffic and petty theft of phones by passing motorbikes, so keep your phone away from the kerb side.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
Citizens of some countries get 45 days visa-free. Most others, including US citizens, need an e-visa. See our e-visa guide.
Plan your trip to Hanoi
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
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