🌆 Why You Need a Hanoi Travel Guide
Welcome to Hanoi, the beating heart of Vietnam—a city where ancient history meets modern charm. If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam’s capital, this Hanoi travel guide is your ultimate resource for exploring the city’s sights, food, culture, and hidden corners.
From tranquil lakes and colonial architecture to chaotic markets and mouthwatering street food, Hanoi offers a sensory overload that both delights and surprises travelers. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this Hanoi travel guide has everything you need to make the most of your stay.
🗺️ Where Is Hanoi?
Located in northern Vietnam, Hanoi is the country’s capital and second-largest city. It sits on the banks of the Red River and serves as the gateway to popular northern destinations like Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, and Sapa.
Hanoi is well-connected by air (Noi Bai International Airport), rail, and road, making it an easy starting point for any Vietnam itinerary.
🏨 Where to Stay in Hanoi
This Hanoi travel guide recommends choosing accommodation based on your travel style:
🌆 Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem)
- Best for: First-time visitors
- Why: Central location, walking distance to attractions, great food
- Recommended Hotels: La Siesta Classic Ma May, Hanoi Pearl Hotel
🎨 French Quarter
- Best for: Quiet charm and colonial architecture
- Why: Close to Hoan Kiem Lake, embassies, luxury stays
- Recommended Hotels: Sofitel Legend Metropole, Hilton Hanoi Opera
🌳 Tay Ho (West Lake)
- Best for: Long-term stays and expats
- Why: Modern apartments, lake views, cafes
- Recommended Hotels: InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, Elegant Suites
🧭 Top Attractions – Must-See Places in Hanoi
1. Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
A peaceful escape in the heart of the Old Quarter. The red-painted Huc Bridge leads to a beautiful island temple. A must-see in any Hanoi travel guide.
2. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Pay respects to Vietnam’s founding father in this imposing marble structure. Nearby, explore the Presidential Palace and Uncle Ho’s Stilt House.
3. Temple of Literature
Vietnam’s first university, dating back to 1070. A stunning example of traditional Vietnamese architecture and Confucian design.
4. Train Street
Watch a train pass within inches of doorways in this famous alley. It’s become Instagram-famous and is included in every Hanoi travel guide—though you’ll need to go with a local café host due to safety rules.
5. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
A great insight into the lives of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. A fascinating cultural stop that every curious traveler should add to their Hanoi travel guide checklist.
🍜 What to Eat in Hanoi – Street Food Guide
No Hanoi travel guide is complete without exploring the city’s incredible cuisine. Here’s what to eat:
🍲 Pho (Beef Noodle Soup)
The national dish—don’t leave without trying Pho Bo in its birthplace.
Top spot: Pho Gia Truyen (49 Bat Dan)
🥖 Banh Mi
Vietnam’s take on the baguette sandwich.
Top spot: Banh Mi 25 (25 Hang Ca)
🍢 Bun Cha
Grilled pork served with noodles and dipping sauce.
Famous spot: Bun Cha Huong Lien (Obama dined here!)
🍳 Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung)
Invented in Hanoi—smooth, rich, and sweet.
Top café: Giang Café (39 Nguyen Huu Huan)
🥟 Nem Ran (Spring Rolls)
Crispy rolls with pork, veggies, and glass noodles—great as a snack.
Food tours are a great way to explore all of the above in one go!
🛍️ Where to Shop in Hanoi
- Dong Xuan Market – Traditional market for clothes, souvenirs, and street food
- Hang Gai Street – Silk products and tailor shops
- Weekend Night Market – Great for street food, crafts, and people-watching
- Lotte Center & Vincom Plaza – Modern malls for air-conditioned retail therapy
🧭 Day Trips from Hanoi
1. Halong Bay
- Duration: Full day or overnight cruise
- Why: Limestone karsts, boat cruises, kayaking
- Tip: Book early to get the best deals
2. Ninh Binh
- Duration: Day trip or 2D1N
- Why: Tam Coc boat ride, ancient temples, rice paddies
- Highlights: Mua Cave Viewpoint, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
3. Perfume Pagoda
- Duration: Day trip
- Why: Spiritual pilgrimage site, boat rides, mountain hike
- Best time: February–April (festival season)
This Hanoi travel guide highly recommends setting aside time for at least one of these iconic excursions.
🎭 Hanoi Cultural Experiences
Hanoi is steeped in tradition. Take your time to engage with the local culture:
- Water Puppet Show – Thang Long Theatre near Hoan Kiem Lake
- Cyclo Tour – Traditional rickshaw ride through Old Quarter
- Cooking Classes – Learn to make Pho, Banh Xeo, and more
- Temple Visits – One Pillar Pagoda, Bach Ma Temple
Many of these are family-friendly and deeply enriching.
🚶 Getting Around Hanoi
- Walk: Ideal for the Old Quarter
- Grab App: For motorbike or car rides (like Uber)
- Cyclo: Fun for short distances
- Taxi: Use reputable brands like Mai Linh or G7
- Public Bus: Budget-friendly but limited if you don’t speak Vietnamese
Pro Tip from this Hanoi travel guide: Avoid rush hour (7–9 AM and 5–7 PM) if possible.
🕓 Best Time to Visit Hanoi
🌸 Spring (March–April)
- Cool weather, blooming flowers, great for walking
🌞 Autumn (September–November)
- Dry, breezy, and beautiful—the best time to visit Hanoi
☀️ Summer (May–August)
- Hot and humid with occasional rain
❄️ Winter (December–February)
- Dry and cold (10–15°C), especially at night
Autumn is the highlight season in every Hanoi travel guide for good reason—clear skies, golden leaves, and comfortable weather.
🧳 Travel Tips from This Hanoi Travel Guide
- Visa: Apply online for Vietnam’s e-visa before arrival
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) – cash is king, but cards accepted at hotels
- Language: Vietnamese, though many in tourism speak basic English
- SIM Card: Get one at the airport (Viettel, Mobifone)
- Safety: Hanoi is safe, but watch for pickpockets in crowded areas
- Etiquette: Dress modestly in temples, remove shoes when required
📸 Best Instagram Spots in Hanoi
- Train Street
- Hoan Kiem Lake at sunset
- Temple of Literature
- Long Bien Bridge
- St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Tag your photos with #HanoiTravelGuide for a chance to be featured!
