How many days should I spend in Hanoi?

3-4 days covers the city's highlights comfortably. Add 2 more if you're doing overnight trips to Ha Long Bay or Sapa from here, as Hanoi is the main hub for northern Vietnam.

What is the best time to visit Hanoi?

October to December brings cool, dry weather perfect for exploring. March-April is pleasant with spring temperatures. Avoid June-August when it's brutally hot and humid, or the drizzly January-February period.

Is Hanoi safe for tourists?

Very safe overall. Petty theft and scams targeting tourists exist but aren't common. The main hazard is traffic - cross streets confidently and at a steady pace. Most locals are genuinely friendly and helpful.

Where should I stay in Hanoi?

The Old Quarter puts you in the thick of it - noisy but exciting, with restaurants and sights at your doorstep. Hoan Kiem area is slightly calmer but still central. West Lake suits those wanting a quieter, more upscale experience.

City

North Vietnam

Hanoi

Vietnam's charming capital blends ancient temples, colonial architecture, and the country's best street food scene. Perfect for culture lovers.

3-4 days recommended

$30-50 per day

Culture, food, history

Where to Stay

Overview

Hanoi moves to a different rhythm than its southern sibling. Here, elderly men practice tai chi by Hoan Kiem Lake at dawn, egg coffee is sipped in crumbling French villas, and the Old Quarter's 36 streets still organize themselves by traditional trades. The capital feels like stepping into a living museum that refuses to stop evolving.

This is Vietnam's cultural heart, where you'll find the country's best street food (yes, it's a rivalry), centuries-old temples tucked between modern cafes, and a sophistication that comes from being a seat of power for over a thousand years.

Top Things to Do

1Sip egg coffee at Cafe Giang, where this Hanoi specialty was invented in 1946

2Watch the sunrise over Hoan Kiem Lake and spot the Temple of the Jade Mountain

3Navigate the 36 streets of the Old Quarter, each named for its traditional trade

4Catch a water puppet show at Thang Long Theatre - a uniquely Vietnamese art form

5Take a day trip to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and Tam Coc's river caves

6Eat bun cha at a street stall - Obama did it and you should too

Getting There & Around

By Air: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is 25km north of the Old Quarter. Grab costs 250,000-350,000 VND and takes 45-90 minutes depending on traffic. The 86 Express Bus is a reliable budget option at 45,000 VND.

By Train: Hanoi Railway Station connects to HCMC via the Reunification Express (30+ hours), Sapa via night train (8 hours), and Da Nang (14-17 hours). The train to Sapa is a classic Vietnam experience.

Getting Around: The Old Quarter is best explored on foot - it's compact and the chaos is half the charm. Grab works well for longer distances. Hanoi's new metro system is expanding but limited for tourists.