All about Hanoi
When to visit
Put aside the Instagram images of Vietnam as a sun-drenched paradise: Hanoi has a winter, and winter nights can be unpleasantly chilly. By contrast, summer (June through August) tends to be tropical, with shirt-drenching heat and humidity. Hit the sweet spot by visiting in April–May or September–October when crowds are smaller and temperatures are milder. Plan your trip around Vietnam’s National Day, September 2, to see parades and fireworks.
Getting around
Walking is the best way to explore the Old Quarter—if you opt for a cyclo (pedicab), you and the driver should agree on both the price and route first. Metered taxis, private drivers, or ride-hailing services like Gojek, Grab, or Be are the easiest way to cover ground: Two wheels are faster than four. Hanoi’s shiny new metro is of no use to travelers, while buses tend to be slow. Don’t even think about riding a motorbike unless you’re licensed and experienced.
Traveler tips
Hanoi’s signature dish is perhaps bun cha—a feast of char-grilled pork and rice vermicelli noodles served with tangy broth, pickles, and leafy greens. Follow in Anthony Bourdain’s footsteps at Bun Cha Huong Lien, the French Quarter eatery where he dined with Barack Obama, or try it at Bun Cha Restaurant on 74 Hang Quat, a stone’s throw from Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem Lake).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hanoi known for?
The Vietnamese capital and your base for exploring Northern Vietnam, Hanoi is known for street food, colonial-era architecture, and a charming Old Quarter set around the Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake). The 11th-century Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How many days do I need in Hanoi?
Four days in Hanoi gives you time to explore the Old Quarter, take a cooking class, ride a bike in the countryside, visit the Imperial Citadel, catch a water puppet show, learn about indigenous cultures at the Ethnology Museum, and discover the Vietnam War at Hoa Lo Prison.
Is Hanoi safe for tourists?
Yes. Pickpockets, bag snatchers, and taxi scams are not uncommon, but violent crime is rare. However, many tourists have died on Vietnam’s roads. Only rent a scooter if you have a license and insurance, always wear a helmet, and never drink and drive: it’s illegal to drive with any alcohol in your bloodstream.
What can you do in Hanoi for free?
Take a sightseeing stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, then admire Gustave Eiffel’s Long Bien Bridge. Free-to-enter religious sights include Bach Ma Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and St. Joseph’s Cathedral, while Quang Ba Flower Market is fascinating. Many parks see free group exercise sessions early in the morning.
What can $100 get you in Vietnam?
US$100 buys a lot in Vietnam. A budget hotel can cost as little as $15, a glass of bia hoi (draft beer) under $0.50, while a simple meal might cost just a couple of bucks. Mid-range hotel rooms start at around $50 and aspirational restaurants at about $10.
Is Hanoi worth visiting?
Yes. Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital and offers more than 1,000 years of history, including the UNESCO-listed Thang Long Imperial Citadel, not to mention a wealth of museums. And the food is to die for: it was here that Barack Obama chose to eat street food with Anthony Bourdain.