How to Reach Hanoi
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is about 35km from the city with direct connections across Asia. Vietnam issues e-visas to most nationalities easily online. Download Grab for reliable taxis.
Hanoi's Old Quarter is best explored entirely on foot — the alley system rewards aimless wandering more than any map.
Top Things to See & Do
1. Hoan Kiem Lake
The emerald lake at the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter with its red-painted Huc Bridge leading to the island temple is the city's soul. Early morning sees tai chi practitioners and elderly couples — a completely authentic slice of daily Hanoi life.
2. The Old Quarter
36 ancient guild streets, each historically specializing in a single product — silk, paper, tin, bamboo. The street life with its motorbike chaos and street food vendors is quintessential Vietnam.
3. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The preserved body of Ho Chi Minh lies in a granite mausoleum modeled on Lenin's in Moscow. The pilgrimage of Vietnamese visitors from across the country makes this a moving experience.
4. Temple of Literature
Vietnam's first national university, founded in 1070 — beautifully preserved courtyards and pavilions recording doctoral graduates across centuries. One of Hanoi's most peaceful sites.
5. Ha Long Bay
The UNESCO-listed bay of 1,600+ limestone karst islands is 3.5 hours from Hanoi — an overnight cruise through emerald water is one of Vietnam's essential experiences.
What to Eat in Hanoi
- Pho — Hanoi is the birthplace of Vietnam's great noodle soup; the northern version is cleaner and more austere
- Bun cha — grilled pork patties in sweet-sour broth with rice vermicelli and herbs
- Banh mi — the Vietnamese baguette sandwich, a magnificent legacy of French colonialism
- Egg coffee — Vietnamese coffee topped with creamy whipped egg yolk foam
Best Time to Visit
October to April is best — cool dry weather ideal for walking. Avoid the hot humid summer months of June–August if possible.
