Hanoi

Travel Guide

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Temple of Literature showing a temple or place of worship, interior views and religious elements
Hoan Kiem Lake featuring heritage architecture, a lake or waterhole and a monument
Hanoi showing a city, street scenes and signage
Hoan Kiem Lake featuring a lake or waterhole
Immerse yourself in traditional Asian lifestyle in the picturesque Vietnamese capital, with a multitude of markets, puppet shows, lakes and ancient temples.

Visit Hanoi to try typical Vietnamese food, see unique art performances and savor some of the most captivating sights in Southeast Asia. Thanks to its rich cultural heritage and tumultuous history there are many interesting attractions to explore in the bustling city, which has 2.6 million people in its urban center.

Hanoi first became a capital just over 1,000 ago, when it was still called Thang Long (Rising Dragon). It became Ha Noi (Between Two Rivers) in 1831. The city has since been occupied by the French and the Japanese and bombed by the Americans, events which have clearly left their marks. Through all this, Hanoi has stayed traditional and proud.

The language and cultural differences can be both limiting and interesting. For example, the Vietnamese consider pointing your finger to be rude. You should use your whole hand instead. Bear this in mind while browsing the Dong Xuan Market.

This market is in the Old Quarter, a good place to find souvenirs, traditional merchants and typical Vietnamese and French cuisine. Try pho (rice noodle soup) and sample Vietnam’s favorite brew, Bia Hoi beer, to get a taste of the Orient. At night, visit the nearby Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre with mesmerizing reenactments of dragon-filled legends.

Learn more about Hanoi’s legends in the temples that surround lakes such as Hoan Kiem (Lake of the Restored Sword) and Ho Tay (West Lake).

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum contains the embalmed body of the revered revolutionary leader of North Vietnam. Learn about his constant struggle for his country’s freedom at the Ho Chi Minh Museum.

Book a trip on a wooden vessel to Ha Long Bay to cruise the turquoise waters around thousands of limestone islets.

To get around in Hanoi you can rent a bike or pay to ride in a traditional “cyclo”. Public buses are cheap and service the whole city. If you hail a taxi, negotiate a fixed price in dong (the Vietnamese currency), because the meters are often manipulated.

Where to stay in Hanoi

Hanoi which includes street scenes

Old Quarter

Historical civic urban core, the Old Quarter boasts specialized trade streets, 18th and 19th-century shophouses, and historic sights like Mã Mây Temple and Quan Chưởng gate. Explore the vibrant commercial heart of Hanoi.

Old Quarter
Hoan Kiem showing a city, street scenes and signage

Hoan Kiem

4.5/5(427 area reviews)

Explore the Old Quarter's narrow streets and traditional atmosphere, with merchants specializing in goods like silver and jewelry. Don't miss attractions such as Hanoi Opera House, Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre, and St. Joseph's Cathedral.

Hoan Kiem
Hanoi showing signage, street scenes and night scenes

French Quarter

The abundant dining options and lake views are top of the list for many visitors to French Quarter. A stop by Hoan Kiem Lake or Hanoi Municipal Party Committee might round out your trip.

French Quarter
Tay Ho featuring a lake or waterhole

Tay Ho

The abundant dining options and lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Tay Ho. A stop by West Lake or Tran Quoc Pagoda might round out your trip.

Tay Ho
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Mỹ Đình

If you're spending some time in Mỹ Đình, Hanoi Indoor Games Gymnasium and My Dinh National Stadium are top sights worth seeing.

Mỹ Đình
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum featuring a monument and a park

Ba Dinh

4/5(32 area reviews)

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Ba Dinh. A stop by Ho Chi Minh Museum or Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum might round out your trip.

Ba Dinh
Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
4 out of 5
95 Hang Bong Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
The price is CA $51 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
CA $51
CA $57 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (4,734 reviews)
"They were a very accommodating and friendly staff. It’s central and within walking distance of so much."

Reviewed on Jul. 12, 2025

Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel
Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel
4 out of 5
2 Hoi Vu Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Hanoi
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $34 per night from Jul 15 to Jul 16
CA $34
CA $39 total
Jul 15 - Jul 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the WiFi in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,929 reviews)
"The staff were very friendly and helpful. The rooms were clean and spacious. The breakfast was very nice and had a really good range of good. The location was handy for the old town and markets. Would recommend to anyone wanting to stay in Hanoi."

Reviewed on Jul. 10, 2025

Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel
Lotte Hotel Hanoi
Lotte Hotel Hanoi
5 out of 5
No. 54, Lieu Giai St. Cong Vi Ward., Ba Dinh, Hanoi
The price is CA $150 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
CA $150
CA $170 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"Great hotel in Hanoi. Dining options galore. Amazing staff. Mall on site and other shopping options near by. Ample rooms and comfy beds. As usual, Lotte is synonym with satisfaction."

Reviewed on Jun. 23, 2025

Lotte Hotel Hanoi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Somerset Grand Hanoi
Somerset Grand Hanoi
4.5 out of 5
49 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the room service ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,030 reviews)
"Lovely team. Good facilities"

Reviewed on Jun. 30, 2025

Somerset Grand Hanoi
The Five Suites Lilas
The Five Suites Lilas
4 out of 5
9, Nguyen Bieu Street, Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Hoan Kiem Lake and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"This property exceeded our expectations. It was fairly new with opening only two months previously to our stay. Everything was wonderful, clean, convenient location, and staff were very friendly. We used the express laundry service. We went to dinner and our clothes were in our room folded and hung ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 13, 2024

The Five Suites Lilas
Elegant Suites Westlake
Elegant Suites Westlake
5 out of 5
10B Dang Thai Mai Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (583 reviews)
"A classy 5 star hotel with everything you could want available..fantastic huge room with nice kitchen and great view...fabulous swimming pool gym and sauna. Staff eager to assist and amazing breakfast buffet.. Jenny was most helpful . Ideal for families with children and couples like us."

Reviewed on Jul. 4, 2025

Elegant Suites Westlake
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

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Reviews of Hanoi

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
157
5 - Excellent 52%
4 - Good
111
4 - Good 37%
3 - Okay
30
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I loved the people and culture of Hanoi. My favourite place in Vietnam for sure

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Walking around the oldntown is great. Do the street food tour!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Busy, crowded, noisy.

5/5 - Excellent

Brad

Loved the old quarter, wandering around and taking in the sights.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great food!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

I was here on a work trip in February and it was really cold (18C) the entire duration of my stay. Due to the local burning trash for heat, the smog and pollution here was really bad. The trash and pollution of this city is disappointing.