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March 2023: Vietnam has reopened to tourists. See our Can I Travel To Vietnam page.

Hanoi Quick Guide

Founded in 1010, Vietnam’s capital Hanoi has a fascinating history that combines French and Chinese colonisation with Vietnamese culture. Beautiful lakes, interesting historical attractions and excellent food make Hanoi a great destination for anyone visiting Vietnam.

Old Quarter, Hanoi
Old Quarter © aschaf

As the centre of political life in Vietnam for over 1,000 years, Hanoi is home to a wide range of interesting temples, museums and historical buildings. Modern Hanoi combines ancient life in Vietnam with modern development, busy traffic and constant activity. (For more about Hanoi’s history, see my Hanoi travel story).

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Aside from historical attractions, there’s a huge amount to do in Hanoi. From beautiful lakes to a great selection of restaurants and bars, Hanoi is an increasingly modern city that’s great for short holidays and longer trips alike.

Check for the cheapest flights to Hanoi on Skyscanner – compare airline prices instantly

Le lac Hoan Kiem (Hanoi)
Le lac Hoan Kiem © dalbera

Main Areas of Interest in Hanoi

  • Old Quarter

    Known for its beautiful colonial architecture, Hanoi’s Old Quarter is home to several of the city’s historical attractions. The Old Quarter itself contains a great selection of artisan shops offering handcrafted clothing, shoes and other products, as well as the usual market items.
    Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s largest indoor market, is located close to the Old Quarter in the central Hoan Kiem District.

  • Hoan Kiem Lake

    Located in Hanoi’s historic centre, a short distance from the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake is one of Hanoi’s major landmarks. The lake is the location of an ancient legend involving the Lê dynasty emperor Lê Lợi.
    The area around Hoan Kiem Lake is home to several of Vietnam’s largest companies. Turtle Tower, a monument to the legend involving emperor Lê Lợi, sits on an island in the middle of the lake. The Temple of the Jade Mountain is also located on a small island in the lake.

  • West Lake

    West Lake is the largest lake in Hanoi — a large lake (its shoes measure 17 kilometres) that’s surrounded by hotels, parks and public areas. West Lake is the location of several of Hanoi’s most luxurious hotels and a popular recreational area for residents of the city.

  • Ba Dinh

    Ba Dinh is Hanoi’s political district. Filled with imposing Soviet-style buildings and government offices, this part of Hanoi is where you’ll find attractions like Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and a range of museums and monuments dedicated to Vietnam’s independence.

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Temple of Literature, Hanoi
Temple of Literature, Hanoi © aschaf

Things to Do in Hanoi

  • Temple of Literature & National University
    The Temple of Literature a beautiful Confucian temple and the site of the Imperial Academy — an ancient university established in 1076 to educate Vietnam’s political and cultural elite. The temple is one of Vietnam’s most famous attractions — you’ll find it on the 100,000 dong note.

    Divided into several different buildings and courtyards, the temple complex contains a series of stunning historical buildings. The Temple of Literature can get crowded with both tourists and locals late in the day, so visit early in the morning if you’d like to avoid the crowds.

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
    Vietnam’s revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh played a central role in the country’s struggle for independence from France, and eventually in the Vietnam War. His embalmed remains are displayed in the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a Soviet-style tomb in Ba Dinh Square.

    Inspired by Lenin’s Mausoleum in Red Square, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is guarded by a team of Vietnamese military guards. Visitors need to be dressed well in order to be admitted, with full length trousers and covered shoes. No photography is allowed in the mausoleum.

  • Ho Chi Minh Presidential Palace
    Built as the official residence of the French Governor General during Vietnam’s period as part of French Indochina, the Presidential Palace was converted into a government building after Vietnam achieved independence.

    Although Ho Chi Minh never officially lived in the residence — he refused it for because of its symbolism of French imperialism — he built a small stilt house close to the palace that’s open to the public today.

  • St. Joseph’s Cathedral
    Despite its aged and worn down exterior, St. Joseph’s Cathedral is still used for mass and as a place of worship for Vietnam’s surprisingly large Catholic population. This impressive 19th century cathedral, built in the style of Notre Dame, is a major landmark in Hanoi.
  • B52 Victory Museum
    The B52 Victory Museum contains a selection of impressive war machines from the Vietnam War, including an American B52 and various Soviet anti-aircraft missiles. The museum isn’t particularly comprehensive, but worth a quick visit if you’re interested in the Vietnam War.

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  • Vietnam National Museum
    Located close to Hoan Kiem Lake, the National Museum of Vietnamese History covers almost all of Vietnam’s history. The museum, which is located inside a 1930s colonial building, is an excellent place to brush up on your understanding of Vietnam’s recent and ancient history.
  • Vietnamese Women’s Museum
    Another great museum within walking distance of Hoan Kiem Lake, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum covers the role of women in Vietnam’s history. The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from women’s fashion to historically significant Vietnamese females.
  • Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
    Although it may not seem it at first glance, Vietnam is an ethnically diverse country with over 50 different official ethnic groups. The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology covers the diverse and interesting history of the numerous ethnic groups that have inhabited Vietnam.
  • Fine Arts Museum
    A refreshing change from Hanoi’s numerous revolutionary and war museums, the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts showcases a large collection of Vietnamese fine art covering the entire period of Vietnamese history and culture.
  • Sky 72 Observatory
    Located on the 72nd floor of the supertall Keangnam Hanoi Landmark Tower, Sky 72 offers amazing views over Hanoi. Access to the observatory’s 5D cinema and trick art gallery is included with admission.

Best Luxury Hotels in Hanoi

  • Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel
    Built in 1901 and renovated in 2014, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel is a historical hotel close to Hanoiís Hoan Kiem Lake. The hotelís elegant rooms and luxurious pool make it a fantastic place to escape from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi.
  • Lotte Hotel Hanoi
    Sleek and modern, the Lotte Hotel Hanoi offers a selection of rooms and suites in a high-rise tower offering excellent views of Hanoi. The hotelís facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, a rooftop bar and restaurant and several luxurious lounges.
  • Moevenpick Hotel Hanoi
    Located in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoiís commercial and historical centre, Moevenpick Hotel Hanoi has a great selection of elegant rooms and suites. The hotel is conveniently located close to several of Hanoiís most popular attractions such as Hoan Kiem Lake.

Best Mid Range Hotels in Hanoi

  • Hanoi La Siesta Hotel and Spa
    Located inside the Old Quarter, Hanoi La Siesta Hotel and Spa is a beautiful French colonial hotel offering a selection of spacious and comfortable rooms. Rooms are tastefully decorated and include free Wi-Fi access.
  • Meracus Hotel 2
    Located a short distance from Hoan Kiem Lake, Meracus Hotel 2 is a convenient mid range hotel ideal for travellers that want to be close to the centre of Hanoi. A wide variety of rooms, from doubles to family suites, are available.
  • Tryst Hotel
    Tryst Hotel is a modern, comfortable and clean three-star hotel located close to Ba Dinh — the political centre of Hanoi. With a great location, clean and comfortable rooms and free Wi-Fi in all areas, itís a good choice for travellers seeking convenience in Hanoi.

Best Budget Hotels in Hanoi

  • Blue Hanoi Inn Hotel
    Blue Hanoi Inn Hotel is a simple but comfortable three-star hotel located close to Hoan Kiem Lake in the centre of Hanoi. The hotelís top floor restaurant offers good views over Hanoi and the surrounding area.
  • Hanoi Garden Hotel
    Located in Hanoiís Old Quarter, Hanoi Garden Hotel offers colonial-style rooms at extremely affordable prices. This two-star hotelís spacious rooms are furnished with modern furniture and include free Wi-Fi.
  • Hanoi Elegance Ruby Hotel
    Another Old Quarter budget hotel, Hanoi Elegance Ruby Hotel offers a selection of simple but comfortable rooms and suites. With just 20 rooms, this small boutique hotel is a great place to base yourself while you explore Hanoi.
Check Hanoi hotel availability and pricing on Booking.com – book now, pay later

3rd breakfast
Food © istolethetv

Places to Eat and Drink in Hanoi

  • Gia Ngu
    Located inside the Old Quarter, Gia Ngu is an upmarket Vietnamese fusion restaurant with a great menu, strong cocktails and a range of excellent desserts.
  • Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine
    Located close to the Old Quarter in Hoan Kiem District, Cau Go serves tasty Vietnamese food from an upper floor location with great views over Hoan Kiem Lake.
  • Forest Vietnamese Restaurant
    Forest Vietnamese Restaurant is a charming Vietnamese restaurant in the fashionable district of Tay Ho. Rustic decorations and live music make this a fun choice for a memorable dinner.
  • El Gaucho Argentinian Steakhouse
    El Gaucho serves excellent steaks and Western dishes, making it a good choice if you need a break from Vietnamese food. Note that prices are quite high, even by Western standards.
  • French Grill
    Located inside the JW Marriott Hanoi Hotel, French Grill serves a tasty French menu and one of Hanoi’s best Sunday brunches.
  • Minh Thuy’s Family Restaurant
    Minh Thuy’s Family Restaurant serves high quality Vietnamese food and a great selection of Western dishes. Prices are extremely reasonable for the quality of the food on offer.
  • Pho Thin
    Pho Thin is widely regarded as one of Hanoi’s best pho restaurants. The menu is simple — in fact, there’s only one item — and decorations minimal, but the pho is excellent and extremely affordable.
  • Mon Hue Restaurant
    A short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake, Mon Hue Restaurant serves great Vietnamese food and good coffee at reasonable prices.
  • Banh Mi 25
    No visit to Vietnam is complete without trying banh mi — Vietnamese-style sandwiches made with a fresh baguette. Banh Mi 25, located on Hang Ca Street, is a great banh mi shop and café.
  • Bun Bo Nam Bo
    Bun Bo Nam Bo offers no-frills Vietnamese dining in the centre of Hanoi. The restaurant itself is simple and far from luxurious, but the quality and taste of the food is outstanding.

Vietnam Airlines, 777-200ER (VN-A147), Noi Bai International, Hanoi
Vietnam Airlines © dgmckelvey

How to Get to Hanoi

  • By Air

    Noi Bai International Airport, Vietnam’s second largest airport, serves Hanoi. The airport is easy to reach from elsewhere in Southeast Asia, with frequent flights from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Phnom Penh and other regional centres.
    Domestic flights from Saigon, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Da Lat and other major Vietnamese cities to Hanoi are available on a frequent basis.
    Check Skyscanner to compare airlines for the best prices and flight times to Hanoi.

  • By Train

    The Reunification Railway runs north-south down Vietnam, connecting Hanoi with cities like Da Nang in Central Vietnam and Saigon further south. Although Hanoi is connected with the other major Vietnamese cities, train travel in Vietnam is notoriously slow.

    If you’re travelling from Saigon to Hanoi by train, be prepared to spend upwards of 30 hours onboard throughout the trip. All domestic trains arrive at Hanoi Station in Hoan Kiem District.

  • By Bus

    Hanoi is easy to reach by bus, with private buses travelling between Hanoi and other major destinations such as Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang and Haiphong frequently. Most buses arrive at Giap Bat Bus Station, although some private buses drop passengers near Hoan Kiem.

See our Bangkok to Hanoi page for timetables and more information on how to book online.

Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Start Planning Your Vietnam Trip Now!

:: Find available Vietnam hotels on Booking.com and Agoda.com – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too.

:: Browse a huge list of Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City - there are loads of activities and tours you can quickly book online or simply use as inspiration for your trip.

:: Find the cheapest flights to Vietnam with Skyscanner - one search will show you the prices and times from scores of airlines for your trip. A real timesaver.

:: Book an airport transfer to take you hassle-free direct from the airport to your hotel with the driver meeting you in Arrivals.

:: You can buy a Vietnam SIM card online to pick up on arrival at the airport in Vietnam - make sure you're connected as soon as you arrive. Or, get a Pocket Wifi router delivered to your hotel - you can connect up to 6 devices.

:: Make sure you don't forget to bring any of the essentials with our comprehensive Packing List For Vietnam

:: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.

:: Book bus, train and ferry tickets in Vietnam with 12Go - easy to use website that lets you check timetables and buy tickets online.

:: Need inspiration? Check our Vietnam Itineraries for ideas of where to go and what to do.

:: Explore our Vietnam Travel Guide for more Vietnam must-see destinations.


Vietnam Map: Plan Your Trip

Vietnam mapClick For Vietnam Highlights

Vietnam Itineraries

  • Vietnam Itinerary: 7 Days (1 Week)
  • Vietnam Itinerary: 14 Days (2 Weeks)
  • 2 Weeks In Thailand And Vietnam Itinerary
  • 3 Weeks In Thailand, Cambodia And Vietnam Itinerary 2023

Vietnam Tips

  • Can I Travel To Vietnam? March 2023 Update
  • How Much Money Do I Need For Vietnam
  • Do I Need Travel Insurance For Vietnam?
  • Packing List For Vietnam 2023
  • Where To Stay In Hanoi
  • Where To Stay In Ho Chi Minh City
  • How To Get A Vietnam Visa In Bangkok
  • Saigon Quick Guide
  • Hanoi Quick Guide
  • Halong Bay, Vietnam: A Quick Guide
  • Sapa Quick Guide
  • Hue Quick Guide
  • Hoi An Quick Guide
  • Da Nang Quick Guide
  • Vietnam: 10 Not So Obvious Places To Visit
  • Vietnam On A Motorbike Part 1: Why You Should Go Biking
  • How Are American Tourists Treated In Vietnam?
  • How To Bargain In Vietnam
  • Don’t Miss: Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Hoi An, Vietnam: Tailor Made Travel Plans
  • Nha Trang, Vietnam: Sun, Sand And Scuba Diving
  • Mui Ne Beaches
  • Mui Ne Dunes
  • Can Tho: Travelling The Mekong Delta
  • Ben Tre – An Oasis For Vietnam Travellers
  • Phan Rang-Thap Cham
  • Phu Quoc Island – Vietnam’s Isle Of Empty Beaches
  • The Old Propaganda Poster Shop, Hanoi

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