Hanoi

Travel Guide
Temple of Literature showing a temple or place of worship, interior views and religious elements
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
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
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 Ho Tay Water Park might round out your trip.

Tay Ho
Temple of Literature featuring a temple or place of worship and a park as well as a large group of people

Dong Da

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the bars and lake views in Dong Da. You might want to make time for a stop at Temple of Literature or Train Street.

Dong Da
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 $167 per night from Mar. 20 to Mar. 21
CA $167
CA $189 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 20 - Mar 21
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. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,584 reviews)
"Excellent location, clean and the staff was super nice and helpful. Jimmy helped us organizing all the excursions around Hanoi and made our stay very comfortable"

Reviewed on Mar. 15, 2024

Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi
L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi
4 out of 5
35 - 37 Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiem, Hanoi, vietnam
The price is CA $120 per night from Apr. 16 to Apr. 17
CA $120
CA $142 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 16 - Apr 17
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 bar in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (520 reviews)
"The property is beautiful and well cared for. The hotel staff are the best staff of any hotel I have ever been in and I travel frequently to Asia. The staff will help with all your needs quickly and efficiently. The staff is knowledgeable about the area and careful to protect you and save expenses ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 14, 2024

L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
5 out of 5
33 Duong Thanh, Hanoi
The price is CA $236 per night from Apr. 16 to Apr. 17
CA $236
CA $267 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 16 - Apr 17
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (333 reviews)
"Amazing staff and services. They really take care of you. The hotel is really nice and the breakfast buffet is awesome. Highly recommended to anyone."

Reviewed on Mar. 18, 2024

Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
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 clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (899 reviews)
"The guest rooms are very spacious and great if you have multiple travelers requiring more than 1 guest room. It is quite worn out with time, but is still in a good condition for a couple nights stay. It is around 3-5 minutes walk if you need some local food and coffee. Otherwise you are just at the ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 14, 2024

Somerset Grand Hanoi
Oakwood Residence Hanoi
Oakwood Residence Hanoi
3.5 out of 5
No.17, Lane 35, Dang Thai Mai Street, Hanoi
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Hoan Kiem Lake and Syrena ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (84 reviews)
"The hotel itself was fantastic but this running area was a little bit congested and difficult to navigate on foot. Overall, it was a fantastic stay."

Reviewed on Mar. 10, 2024

Oakwood Residence Hanoi
Fraser Suites Hanoi
Fraser Suites Hanoi
4.5 out of 5
51 Xuan Dieu Street Quang An Tay Ho Dist, Hanoi
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Hoan Kiem Lake and Syrena Shopping Center ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (149 reviews)
"The service in this property is exceptional!!! From the front desk staff to the team on the different restaurants! Such a great atmosphere plus is a gorgeous place. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 2024

Fraser Suites 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Hanoi

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
157
" "5 - Excellent 51.64473684210526%
4 - Good
111
" "4 - Good 36.51315789473684%
3 - Okay
30
" "3 - Okay 9.868421052631579%
2 - Disappointing
5
" "2 - Disappointing 1.644736842105263%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.32894736842105265%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Mar. 23, 2020

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Mar. 17, 2020

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

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
Mar. 2, 2020

Busy, crowded, noisy.

5/5 - Excellent

Brad
Feb. 27, 2020

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Feb. 25, 2020

Great food!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
Feb. 23, 2020

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.