The Ultimate Guide to Hanoi

The capital city Hanoi is located in the Northern Vietnam. With its unique interplay of authentic Southeast Asian culture, Chinese and colonial French influences, it never stops to enchant thousands of tourists. If you are planning a trip, and your head is crammed with questions: What are the best things to do in Hanoi? How to get around in Hanoi? What is the special food in Hanoi? What is the weather and when is it best to visit Hanoi? – and the like – this ultimate guide will give you all the answers!

Hanoi ultimate guide: top things to do and other tips

When to visit Hanoi?

Climate and weather

The weather in Hanoi differs per season. At average, the rainy season when tropical rainfalls are expected lasts from March to September. The summers are typically wet and the temperature may vary from “very warm” to fairly scorching. The hottest month is July, and the wettest is August.

Winter in Hanoi is a comfortable time for most travellers, since the precipitation, temperature and humidity are the lowest. The winters in Hanoi are dry and mild, but sometimes can be quite chilly. A jacket will come in handy, especially in January which is the coolest (yet the driest) month.

How to get there and around?

Transport

Public transport

Four buses run every day from around 5 am to 10 pm with the interval of 20 min. The bus ride from the airport takes around 1 h – 1,5 h. Price: 7.000 to 9.000 VND (0.40 USD). Bus 7 arrives to Kim Ma bus station. It is walking distance from the Old Quarter (25 min), but if you don’t fancy carrying your luggage all the way, take a bus or a taxi. Bus 17 stops at Long Bien bus station. From there, take a 20-min walk to the Old Quarter, or catch a taxi to get to your hotel. Bus 90 arrives at Kim Ma (Ba Dinh district). Bus 86 runs between Hanoi Train Station (Old Quarter) and Noi Bai Airport, and departs every 25 – 30 min. It is also the most expensive one. Price: 35.000 VND (1.50 USD).

Airport shuttles

Price: 40.000 VND (1.70 USD)
Duration: just over 1 hour.

Organized by the local airlines (Vietjet, Vietnam Airlines and Jetstar), shuttles depart from the bus stop outside the terminal every 30-40 min, according to the flight schedules. Normally, you don’t have to choose the same shuttle provider as your airlines, the exception is Jetstar which might have a different policy.

Vietjet Air Shuttle itinerary: Noi Bai airport – Thăng Long Bridge – Hoang Quac Viet – Dao Tan – Nguyen Thai Hoc – Quang Trung – Tran Nhan Tong. Closest to the Old Quarter are the stops Nguyen Thai Hoc and Quang Trung Street (Hoan Kiem Lake).

Vietnam Airlines Shuttle Bus commutes between Nội Bài airport and 1 Quang Trung street (Hoan Kiem lake).

Jetstar Shuttle brings you to 206 Tran Quang Khai (Hoan Kiem lake).

Taxi and Grab

A taxi from Noi Bai airport to the city centre is the fastest, yet the most expensive option. Duration: around 45 min. Price: 200.000 – 350.000 VND (8.50 – 15 USD). We’d recommend you avoid the taxi drivers who hover over the terminal doors and waylay to overcharge a newly arrived tourist. The better and cheaper solution is Grab – a taxi service similar to Uber. This is generally, one of the most useful apps for traveling in Vietnam. Make sure to install the Grab app before your trip, and use the airport WiFi to order a taxi.

Motorbike

Hanoi is a big city, and to be more precise… a REALLY BIG city. If you are staying long-term, you might want to explore the public transport system here. If you are limited in time and don’t fancy wasting precious hours of your vacation in traffic jams, there are more convenient options than public buses.

Motorbike is the most popular way to get around in Hanoi. If you have experience driving it, especially on Southeast Asian roads, and you’re staying for a longer time, bike rental is an option. At some hotels and guesthouses in the city centre, you can borrow a bike for free, or rent for as cheap as 100.000 VND per day (4.50 USD). However, keep in mind, that the traffic is often more intense than you could’ve expected, so be careful.

If you aren’t too confident driving or don’t find it necessary to rent a bike for yourself, Grab will come in handy again. Fast, convenient and absolutely inexpensive, a motorbike or car will pick you up and bring you anywhere you need.

What to see?

Top Attractions

The capital of Vietnam is divided into 12 urban districts, surrounded with 17 rural districts and has 1 district-leveled town. There are definitely plenty of things to do in Hanoi and around! Yet, you are most likely to stay closer to the central part of the city on your trip. Pay attention to the three areas: Old Quarter, Ba Dinh District and Tay Ho (West Lake), where the most popular sights and attractions are concentrated.

John McCain on his return to Hoa Lo prison museum in June 2017 - Credit: John McCain's Twitter

Traditional Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi

Old Quarter

Water puppet theatre is an absolute must-see attraction in Hanoi, regardless of your age. The history of this performance dates back to the 11th century. Back then, the villagers invented this form of entertainment, standing in the flooded rice paddy fields.

Ngoc Son Temple (Hoan Kiem lake) is the pagoda built on a small island in the middle of Hoan Kiem lake dedicated to Tran Hung Dao, the 13th century military leader.

Night Market. A full day of exploring is not a reason to head to bed right after dinner. At 7pm each Friday, Saturday and Sunday, numerous vendors put up their tents, stretching the market for 3km from Dong Xuan Market, along Hang Dao, and all the way to Hoan Kiem Lake

St. Joseph Cathedral. The Roman Catholic cathedral built in the late 19th century by Frech colonists is a fine example of neo-gothic architecture and definitely one of the highlights of Hanoi.

Hoa Lo Prison represents dark episodes of the country’s history. Hỏa Lò literally translates as “fiery furnace”, also built by colonists, has become a symbol of French oppression. Decades later, it held war prisoners, among which was US senator John McCain.

Ba Dinh District

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – a UNESCO-listed site contains numerous historical relics and archeological findings that date back to between the 6th and 20th centuries.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The mausoleum for the iconic leader is probably one of the most visited places in Hanoi. However, the opening hours are limited – 7:30-10:30 from Tuesday to Thursday, and 7:30-11 on Saturday and Sunday, so plan your visit accordingly.

Temple of Literature. This outstanding piece of traditional Vietnamese architecture was built as a university in 1070 and has preserved perfectly to the present day. Keep in mind, it’s closed on Mondays.

Military History museum features a rich collection of war artefacts, from weapons to tanks and airplane wreckage. If you are interested to learn more about the history of Vietnam, this is the right place to visit.

Hanoi’s Train street. When in Old Quarter, take a walk between Le Duan and Kham Tien street. Find the lane Ngo 224 Le Duan and watch out for the train! Certain centimeters separate the running train from walls and windows, which makes this street so quirky and so worth seeing.

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. Flickr: Mieczysław Skrzypski

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi

The train track is one of the must-go destination in Hanoi

Tran Quoc Pagoda at West Lake. Instagram: @maximilianoleonel.g

The biggest water park in Hanoi

Tay Ho (West Lake)

The area around Tay Ho, Hanoi’s biggest lake, is the polar opposite of the hustle of the other districts. Spacious streets, quiet gardens, high-rated hotels, fancy restaurants, exquisite bars and also historical sites which encircle the lake attract numerous tourists and expats. What should you see around West Lake?

Flower garden. Also known as flower valley, it is one of the most picturesque sites in Hanoi. The garden is open all year round, but it’s particularly beautiful from autumn to early spring, when thousands of flowers are blooming and create a magical colorful landscape.
Price: 80,000 VND (3.50 USD); Photography services for extra charge.
When: September – March
Where: Sen Hồ Tây, Nhật Tân, Tay Ho, Hanoi

Tran Quoc Pagoda. Built in the 6th century it is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi. Besides the 15-meters tall buddhist shrine, the historical site includes an incense burning house and a museum of ancient relics.
When: Monday-Sunday 07:30 – 18:00
Where: Thanh Nien, Truc Bach, Ba Dình, Hanoi

Water park.This amusement park features a dozen of attractions, such as slights, pools and lazy river – a great entertainment spot for families and groups of friends!
Price: 80,000 VND (3 USD) for children and 150,000 VND (6.50 USD) for adults.
Where: 614 Lạc Long Quân, Nhật Tân, Tây Hồ
When: from April until November. Closed on Tuesdays!

Hidden gems in Hanoi

Phung Hung Street murals are the result of collaborative work between Vietnam and Korea which enounce the diplomatic relationships between the two countries. The paintings covering the walls between the railway arches are Trompe-L’oeil optical illusions. At times it’s hard to draw the line between the picture and the reality!

Phan Dinh Phung Street stretches for 1.5 km from Mai Xuan Thuong Street to Hang Cot Street. It is especially beautiful in autumn, when the two rows of dracontomelon trees turn yellow, and the leaves fall and cover the wide sidewalk. Bring a camera – stunning photos are guaranteed.

Ancient house at 87 Ma May Street will bring you back in time. It was built in the 19th century and since then hasn’t changed the interiors and settings. If you are curious how the traditional vietnamese household looked like, this is a place to see.

Phung Hung Street Murals. Instagram : @kelswanders

Cafe Pho Co. Pinterest : Paste Magazine

Bird cafe in Hanoi. Credits: www.kathmanduandbeyond.com

Secret cafes

Avoid touristy coffee-shops and look for secret spots instead. Most often, they are not shown on Google maps. However controversial it may sound, don’t be afraid to turn from the street to small suspiciously looking lanes and alleyways. Find a door with a hardly visible sign – and you are just a staircase away from one of the most vibrant and authentic cafes in town.
Where:
Cafe Pho Co (Old Town Garden Cafe): 11 Hàng Gai, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem
Nola Cafe: 89 Phố Mã Mây, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem
Cộng Cà Phê: 116 Cầu Gỗ, Hàng Đào, Hoan Kiem

Bird cafe. Don’t look for the sign, but follow the sound of birds singing. Take a seat on a tiny plastic chair, order a special vietnamese coffee and observe. Dozens of locals come by daily, have meetings and of course, bring along their feathered pets. This place is a perfect combination of the two Vietnamese traditions – having an all day coffee-break and raising a pet-bird.
Where: T-section Trần Bình Trọng – Thiền Quang St, Hai Bà Trưng district, Hanoi

What to do?

Top activities

1. Embrace the life at Hoan Kiem Lake

Just one modest-size lake and so much going on! Any time you come around, there is always find something to do. Rise up early and you will see dozens of locals jog, exercise, do yoga, tai-chi, and all other sorts of physical activities. Feel free to join and energize yourself for the day ahead!

In the evenings, especially at the weekends the lake is a favorite meeting spot for locals. The area is open for pedestrians only (including some adjacent streets of the Old Quarter). Organized shows, street dancers and musicians and crowds of people enjoying their leisure time create special vibe.

A man exercising at Hoan Kiem Lake. Credits: safeandhealthytravel.com

2. Shop around

Hanoi is a treasure island for shopaholics. Visit markets for local crafts, and galleries for some pieces of art, take a stroll along the silk street or shop numerous designer boutiques.

2. Spa and beauty

Spa centers and hotels, massage studios, nail services are in abundance in Hanoi. There is nothing bad if you spoil yourself… sometimes;) Especially when it will cost you as little as a cup of Starbucks coffee!
Price range:
Gel manicure: 60.000 to 100.000 VND (2.50 – 4.50 USD);
Massage: 150.000-500.000 VND (6.50 – 21.50 USD).

Spa is one of the top things to do in Hanoi

4. Chill at rooftop bars and pools

Reasonably popular way to escape the haste of the big city and refresh after a long day. Grab a drink and admire the stunning view from above. As for the cost, the entrance fee ranges from free to 150.000 VND (6.50 USD). The drinks can be costly, compared to Hanoi’s average.
Where:
Skyline Bar & Pool: 38 Phố Gia Ngư, Hàng Bạc, Hoàn Kiếm
Trill Rooftop Cafe: 1 Ngụy Như Kon Tum
Summit Lounge Address: 1 Thanh Niên

5. Sip some ca-phe

One can’t just come to Vietnam and not try coffee here. From very early morning you will see the cafes packed with people starting their day with a cuppa. The variety is wide: black and strong, sweet with condensed milk, gentle with coconut cream… everyone will find something for themselves.

6. Dive into the nightlife

When the lights go down, it’s time to see the “dark side” of Hanoi. But in this case, dark means fun!
Head outside and start with “bia hoi”, the Vietnamese craft beer. You will see numerous beer shops along the sidewalks – just grab a plastic chair and mingle with the jolly allnighters.
Where:
Bia Hoi Junction, Ta Hien & Pho Luong Ngoc Quyen, Old Quarter
Price: 10.000 VND (1 USD) per beer.

Then, head to one (or two, or three…) of the lively bars and clubs, conveniently spread around Hoan Kiem district and Old Quarter, for you to crawl from one to another. Yet, we can’t promise that you’ll dance the night away, as the doors close quite early (usually around midnight), but we guarantee that you’ll have a blast!
Where:
Infinity Club Hanoi – 45 Phố Hàng Bài, Hàng Bài, Hoan Kiem
1900 Le Theatre – 8B Tạ Hiện, Hàng Buồm, Hoan Kiem
Binh Minh Jazz Club – 1 Tràng Tiền, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem

Things to do in Hanoi: discover the nightlife

Burlesque performance in the club in Hanoi. Credits: 1900 Le Theatre

7. Explore restaurants and local street food

Food is a huge part of the Vietnamese culture. To make your trip unforgettable, look not only for the best things to do in Hanoi, but for the best things to eat in Hanoi. The choice will be hard: apart from local specialities, the restaurants offer all world cuisines possible. Interested? Keep reading.

What to eat?

Hanoi Specialities

You might have already heard about fragrant noodle soups, savoury rice dishes and crispy freshly baked baguettes which you can partake of all across the country. Yet, Vietnamese cuisine is more than that, and it boasts great regional variety. As a travelling foodie in Hanoi, squat down on a tiny plastic chair at one of the street eateries and don’t skip on these treats.

Pho: Pho Bo (beef noodle soup) or Pho Ga (chicken noodle soup) is a classic breakfast in Hanoi. Full of flavour, but tender and comforting, a steaming bowl of pho has become a globally renowned symbol of the local cuisine.
Bun thang (Rice Vermicelli with Chicken, Egg and Pork) is another noodle dish. It’s thicker than Pho and has a lot to dig out. 20 ingredients do their job: the combination of noodles, seafood, fish sauce and shrimp paste, mushrooms, herbs and greens as the base, topped with slices of chicken, pork and eggs will amaze even an experienced gourmand.
Cha Ca (Turmeric fish) is a local delicacy. Soft pieces of fish, seasoned with turmeric, garlic and ginger served on a sizzling pan. And that’s not all: with it you get a generous portion of rice noodles and greens. Top it with peanuts, dip in the special sauce and enjoy!
Banh Cuon (Rolled cake) is not a cake in the conventional sense of a westerner. What you get is minced meat, chicken or shrimp, mixed with mushroom, onion, steamed bean sprouts and cucumbers, all wrapped in steamed rice flour sheets.
Banh Goi (fried dumplings) – this rice flour pastry is filled with glass noodles, minced meat, eggs and mushrooms. For extra flavour, dip it in sweet and sour sauce, and to add a bit of “healthy” hint, don’t skip lettuce leaves;)

Vegan/vegetarian

Vegans and vegetarians won’t stay hungry in Hanoi either. There is no need to look for specialized plant-based restaurant, since the majority of local dishes can be made meat-free. Learn the words “chay” (vegetarian) and “khong thit” (no meat) and use them when making an order.

Some dishes are initially vegetarian. Here are some must-try specialities:

Nem cuon chay – spring rolls are not just visually pleasant and delicious but also healthy. What can you find inside the rice paper roll? Rice noodles, tofu or egg omelette, fresh greens and herbs, vegetables and even fruit! Make or own, or enjoy the ready wrapped.
Rau Muong Xao Toi is fresh water spinach is fried with garlic and other seasonings, and topped with peanut powder. This is an ultimate vietnamese favorite that can be found in practically any restaurant around the country.
Dau Sot Ca Chua – behind this quaint name hides a dish made of soft tofu cubes braised or fried with fresh tomatoes and herbs. Served with steamed white rice.
Banh it tran – round-shaped dumplings, made from glutinous rice flour, and stuffed with mung beans mash, fried shallots and fresh spring onions.

Fresh spring rolls

Sweet tooth

If you are a sweet tooth, look out for these:

Bánh rán – deep fried glutinous rice balls sprinkled with sesame seeds. You can buy this northern Vietnamese speciality from street vendors all around Hanoi.
Che – this popular summer dessert can be described as sweet jelly soup. Pick one from available menu or build your own with tapioca beads, jelly pieces, fruit, beans, bean paste and coconut milk. Served with shredded ice, for extra freshness on a hot summer day.
Where:
Chè Bốn Mùa, 4 Hàng Cân, Hàng Bồ, Hoan Kiem
Cafe Trung (egg coffee). Why having a coffee with a dessert if you can have a dessert coffee? A shot of dark and strong invigorating drink covered with whipped egg yolks and condensed milk will revitalize you for new discoveries.
Where:
Giang Cafe – 39 (lane), Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem
Price: 30.000 VND VND (1.50 USD)
Trang tien ice cream comes in a range of different flavors. What makes it special? There is a local kind that mixes what you would never think to mix: green peas, full cream milk and coconut milk! Peculiar but indispensable on a hot summer day.
Where: 35 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem
Price: from 7.000 VND (0.30 USD) a piece.

Things to do in Hanoi: try local desserts

Che - tapioca pudding with banana

International cuisine

Feeling a little homesick? Need a comfort food break from exotic feasts? Suddenly craving tacos? Here are some places you might want to visit:

Pizza 4P’s is probably the most popular chain of Italian restaurants in Vietnam. Interestingly, the Italian restaurant was started up by a Japanese couple. It is currently available at three locations in Hanoi. For the variety of Mediterranean dishes it offers, the restaurant uses fresh organic ingredients supplied by local farms, as well as imported from Italian partners.
Price range: pizza 150-300.000 VND (6.50-13 USD), salads 70-150.000 VND (3-6.50 USD), pasta 150-250.000 VND (6.50-11 USD).
Rico South American Steakhouse. This elegant restaurant in the vicinity of Hoan Kiem Lake has two dining rooms, bar and a patio. The Western and South American dishes are made on a wood-fired grill in an open kitchen.
Price range: set lunch 250.000 VND (11 USD), beef wellington 719.000 VND 30.50 USD), pasta 189.000 VND (8 USD), desserts 119.000 VND (5 USD).
Anita’s Cantina. This Mexican restaurant features great location near West Lake, as well as great selection of Mexican foods. Bonus, if you come for dinner on a weekend, don’t miss on their happy hour drink specials!
Price range: lunch plates 120.000 VND (5 USD), starters 70-120.000 (3 – 5 USD), tacos 35.000 VND (1.50 USD), burritos 120.000 VND (5 USD).
Foodshop 45 is a family-run indian restaurant. Guests not only enjoy the delicious food made of local ingredients, friendly atmosphere, cozy interiors but also the stunning sunset views over Truc Bach Lake. Price range: set lunch 115.000 (5 USD), vegetarian dishes 70-90.000 (3 – 4 USD), main dishes 100-165.000 (4.20-7 USD), rice dishes 20-150.000 ( 0.90-6.50 USD), soups, salads and desserts 50.000 (2.10 USD).
Jalus Vegan Kitchen. This eco-friendly restaurant, hidden in a small alley in the Old Quarter, is great to visit at any time of the day. The menu offers Western as well as Vietnamese treats, all healthy, vegan, and absolutely delicious.
Price range: salads 65.000 VND (3 USD), soup 25.000 VND (1.50 USD), main courses 85.000 VND (3.50 USD)
Salut Restaurant. This russian restaurant is run by native russian owner and offers the highlights of the national cuisine for reasonable prices. If you are from Eastern Europe, the taste will transport you to your babushka’s kitchen. If you are from somewhere else, come by anyway, to diversify your diet with some unusual options!
Price range: soups 60.000 VND (2.50 USD), salads 80.000 VND (3.50 USD), grills and main dishes 150-300.000 VND (6.50-13 USD).