Motorbike-filled streets, lakeside temples, and some of Asia's best street food — plus Ha Long Bay nearby.
Best months to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Hanoi is chaotic, charming, and endlessly delicious. The Old Quarter's narrow streets are still named after the trades once practised on them, and you can eat superbly on a tiny plastic stool for a couple of dollars.
It is also the jumping-off point for Ha Long Bay, Ninh Bình, and the mountains around Sapa.
Ideal stay
3–4 days
Budget
$ · Budget-friendly
Currency
Vietnamese đồng (VND)
Language
Vietnamese
Main airport
Noi Bai (HAN), ~45 min to the Old Quarter
Good for
Street food, culture, day trips
The full guide
Season by season, a day-by-day plan, where to stay, getting around, costs, and local tips — unlocks with a
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When to go
Spring (Mar–Apr)
Mild and pleasant, though sometimes drizzly.
Summer (May–Sep)
Hot, humid, and rainy; storms can affect Ha Long Bay cruises.
Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Clear, comfortable weather — the best time to visit.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cool and grey; Tết (Lunar New Year) closes many businesses for several days.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Hoàn Kiếm Lake at dawn, Old Quarter wander, Temple of Literature, and a street food tour in the evening.
Day 2
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex (check opening days), the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
Days 3–4
Overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay, or a day trip to Ninh Bình's limestone karsts.
Where to stay
Old Quarter
Lively, central, and packed with food; can be noisy.
French Quarter
Wider boulevards, colonial architecture, and quieter hotels.
Tây Hồ (West Lake)
Relaxed, with lakeside cafés; a short ride from the centre.
Getting around
Walking is best in the Old Quarter. Ride-hailing apps are inexpensive for cars and motorbike taxis. To cross the road, walk slowly and steadily so drivers can predict your path — do not dart or stop suddenly.
What it costs
Excellent value. Street food and local beer are very cheap; comfortable boutique hotels are affordable. Ha Long Bay cruises vary hugely in quality — paying a little more for a reputable operator is worth it.
Good to know
Check your country's entry requirements for Vietnam well before travelling.
Carry small notes; the many zeros on đồng notes are easy to confuse.
Weekend evenings the streets around Hoàn Kiếm Lake become pedestrian-only.
Travel information changes often. Prices here are rough guides, and transport, opening hours, and
entry requirements can change without notice. Confirm details with official tourism sites,
operators, and your government's travel advice before you book, and travel with suitable
insurance.
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