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The Essential Hanoi Travel Guide

Your practical, first-timer friendly guide to Hanoi – from landing and local transport to neighbourhoods, food, culture and onward travel in northern Vietnam. Whether you’re staying for 24 hours or using Hanoi as a base for Ha Long Bay, Sapa or Ninh Binh, this page covers the essentials you need before and during your visit.

West Lake - Hanoi Vietnam Visitor Guide

1. Why Visit Hanoi?

Hanoi is Vietnam’s cultural and political heart – a city of layers rather than polish. It’s noisy, atmospheric, historic and unapologetically local. Ancient temples sit beside French colonial buildings, street-food stalls spill onto pavements, and motorbikes flow like rivers through narrow streets.

Unlike Ho Chi Minh City’s fast-paced modern energy, Hanoi feels older, slower and more introspective – with strong traditions, deep food culture and a sense of everyday life unfolding right in front of you.

Hanoi also functions as a key transport hub for northern Vietnam, making it a natural starting or stopping point for trips to:

  • Ha Long Bay / Lan Ha Bay
  • Ninh Binh (Trang An, Tam Coc)
  • Sapa & the northern mountains
  • Ha Giang Loop adventures

Some common first-timer questions include:

  • “Is Hanoi worth visiting or should I go straight to Ha Long Bay?”
  • “Where should I stay in Hanoi Old Quarter vs West Lake?”
  • “How many days do you need in Hanoi?”
  • “How do I get from Hanoi airport to the city?”
  • “Is Hanoi safe and easy for first-time visitors?”

We’ll cover these below.

2. Arrival, Visas & Airport Transfer

Visas & Entry (Pre-Visit Essentials)

Most travellers need a Vietnam visa or e-visa arranged before arrival. Requirements vary by nationality and change periodically, so always check official government sources before travel.

  • Vietnam e-visas are common for short tourist stays
  • Passport validity (usually 6 months+) is required
  • Entry stamps and duration should be checked carefully on arrival

👉 Tip: Print or download copies of your visa, accommodation and onward ticket – immigration officers sometimes ask.

Arriving in Hanoi

Hanoi is served by Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), located around 25–30 km north of the city centre.

Airport to City – Your Options

  • Ride-hailing apps (Grab, Bolt): The easiest option for most visitors. Prices are fixed in-app.
  • Airport taxi counters: Reliable but slightly more expensive; agree price before leaving.
  • Public airport bus: Very cheap, but slower and less convenient with luggage.
  • Hotel transfer: Worth considering for late arrivals or first-time visits.

Typical travel time to the Old Quarter or Hoan Kiem area is 35–60 minutes, depending on traffic.

First-timer tip: If you land late, book accommodation in or near the Old Quarter so you can start exploring immediately the next morning on foot.

3. Getting Around Hanoi

Hanoi traffic can look intimidating, but visitors rarely need to drive themselves.

Transport Options

  • Grab / Bolt: Your best friend. Affordable, transparent and widely used.
  • Motorbike taxis (xe ôm): Available via apps or on the street; app-based is safer.
  • Taxis: Stick to reputable companies or app-based rides.
  • Walking: Excellent in compact areas like the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem.
  • Cyclo: More novelty than transport – good for short scenic rides.

What to Avoid

  • Renting scooters unless you’re experienced, licensed and insured
  • Negotiating prices on the street without clarity
  • Rush hour (7–9am, 4–7pm) if you’re on a schedule

Pro tip: Always double-check your destination on Google Maps before getting in – pronunciation and street names can cause confusion.

4. Where to Stay – Understanding Hanoi’s Neighbourhoods

Choosing the right area matters in Hanoi more than many cities.

Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem District)

The heart of historic Hanoi. Bustling, chaotic and atmospheric.

Best for:
First-timers, short stays, food lovers, walking access
Considerations:
Can be noisy; smaller rooms; constant activity

Hoan Kiem Lake Area

A calmer zone just south of the Old Quarter.

Best for:
Central access with slightly more space and quiet
Considerations:
Less “gritty” street life than the Old Quarter

West Lake (Tay Ho)

Leafier, more residential and popular with expats.

Best for:
Longer stays, quieter evenings, cafés and lakeside walks
Considerations:
Less central for sightseeing; more reliance on transport

Ba Dinh District

Home to government buildings and major historical sites.

Best for:
Museums, history-focused stays
Considerations:
Less nightlife and dining variety at night

Tip: For your first visit, stay Old Quarter or Hoan Kiem. If staying longer than 4–5 nights, consider splitting time with West Lake.

5. Best Time to Visit & Practical Info

When to Go

  • Autumn (Oct–Nov): Pleasant weather, less humidity – ideal
  • Spring (Mar–Apr): Warm but manageable, good visibility
  • Summer (May–Aug): Hot, humid, heavy rain possible
  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Cool, sometimes damp; surprisingly chilly

Money & Budget

  • Vietnam is excellent value for most travellers
  • Cash is still widely used, especially for food and small shops
  • ATMs are plentiful; cards accepted in hotels and larger venues

Health & Safety

  • Hanoi is generally safe; petty theft is the main concern
  • Watch belongings in crowded areas
  • Be cautious crossing streets – walk steadily and predictably

Connectivity & SIMs

  • SIM cards and eSIMs are easy to get at the airport or in town
  • Mobile data is cheap and fast
  • Free WiFi is common but inconsistent

6. Things to See & Do – Hanoi Highlights

Culture & History

  • Hoan Kiem Lake: The city’s symbolic heart
  • Temple of Literature: Vietnam’s first university
  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex: Politically significant and historic
  • Hoa Lo Prison (“Hanoi Hilton”): Insight into colonial history

Old Quarter Exploration

  • Wander the 36 streets – each historically tied to a trade
  • Street photography, cafés, hidden courtyards
  • Evening street food and beer corners

Food & Local Life

  • Street food is central to Hanoi culture
  • Morning markets and breakfast stalls are highlights

Day Trips from Hanoi

Hanoi is an ideal base for:

  • Ha Long Bay / Lan Ha Bay (1–2 days)
  • Ninh Binh / Trang An (day trip or overnight)
  • Sapa (overnight train or bus)

7. What (and Where) to Eat in Hanoi

Hanoi’s food culture is reason alone to visit.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pho bo / pho ga (beef or chicken noodle soup)
  • Bun cha (grilled pork with noodles)
  • Banh mi (Vietnamese baguette)
  • Cha ca (turmeric fish with dill)
  • Egg coffee (a Hanoi specialty)

Where to Eat

  • Street stalls with plastic stools (don’t be afraid)
  • Local “no-menu” spots known for one dish
  • Cafés ranging from traditional to modern

Tip: If a place is busy with locals, you’re probably in the right spot.

8. Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors

  • Crossing roads: walk calmly, don’t run
  • Cash small notes help with taxis and food
  • Dress modestly for temples and official sites
  • Keep copies of passport and visa
  • Expect noise – it’s part of Hanoi’s charm

9. Hanoi as a Gateway to Northern Vietnam

Many travellers spend 2–3 nights in Hanoi, then head north.

Suggested approach:

  • Day 1: Old Quarter + food exploration
  • Day 2: Museums, Hoan Kiem, café culture
  • Day 3+: Depart for Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh or Sapa

Even a short stay provides valuable context before heading onward.

10. A Simple 2-Day Snapshot for First-Timers

Day 1

  • Morning: Old Quarter walk + pho breakfast
  • Midday: Temple of Literature
  • Afternoon: Coffee near Hoan Kiem Lake
  • Evening: Bun cha dinner + beer street

Day 2

  • Morning: Ho Chi Minh complex or museum
  • Lunch: Local café or street food
  • Afternoon: Packing / onward travel prep
  • Evening: Departure or overnight train/bus

Hanoi isn’t about ticking attractions – it’s about immersion. The sounds, the food, the street life and the rhythm of daily routines are the experience. Whether you stay briefly or linger, Hanoi rewards curiosity and patience.

Welcome to Hanoi – and happy exploring.