Life of Travel
Hanoi
Vietnam's Ancient Capital
Thousand year old temples, French colonial charm, and the world's best street food
Welcome to Hanoi
Hanoi is a city where ancient and modern intertwine in fascinating ways. The Old Quarter's 36 streets have traded goods for over 1,000 years, while French colonial architecture adds European elegance. Start your day with pho at a tiny plastic stool, explore serene Hoan Kiem Lake, and end with craft cocktails overlooking the city. This is Vietnam's cultural heart.
Hanoi In Photos
Hoan Kiem Lake
Street Pho
Train Street
Temple of Literature
Best Time to Visit
Best Weather
October to December
Cool, dry, and comfortable with clear skies. Perfect for exploring on foot and outdoor dining.
Spring Season
March to April
Mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Can be drizzly but atmospheric. Tet (Lunar New Year) in Feb.
Where to Stay
Tap each card to learn more
Old Quarter
Heart of the action with endless street food, shopping, and cultural experiences
Best for: Street Food • Culture • Shopping • Atmosphere
Hoan Kiem District
French Quarter elegance with upscale dining and the famous lake
Best for: Fine Dining • Walking • Museums • Luxury Hotels
West Lake (Tay Ho)
Peaceful lakeside area popular with expats and young professionals
Best for: Quiet • Cafes • Running • Upscale Living
Ba Dinh
Government district with major historical sites and museums
Best for: History • Museums • Parks • Architecture
Must Try Hanoi Food
- 🍲Pho Bo: The iconic beef noodle soup, best for breakfast at street stalls
- 🥢Bun Cha: Grilled pork with rice noodles, herbs, and dipping sauce
- 🥖Banh Mi: French baguette filled with pate, meats, pickled vegetables
- ☕Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung): Whipped egg yolk on strong Vietnamese coffee
- 🦐Cha Ca La Vong: Turmeric fish with dill, served sizzling at the table
- 🍦Kem Trang Tien: Classic Vietnamese ice cream at the iconic Trang Tien shop
Pho Bo
Bun Cha
Egg Coffee
Top Things to Do
Wander the chaotic, charming 36 streets of the Old Quarter
Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university from 1070
Watch a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Theatre
See the train pass through Train Street (carefully and respectfully)
Take a day trip to Ninh Binh for 'Ha Long Bay on land' landscapes
Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake at sunset and visit Ngoc Son Temple
Day Trips from Hanoi
Ha Long Bay
3.5 hours drive or 2 hour cruise from Cat Ba
UNESCO World Heritage limestone karsts. Best as overnight cruise.
Ninh Binh
2 hours south by car or bus
Stunning karst scenery, ancient temples, boat rides through caves.
Perfume Pagoda
2 hours south, full day trip
Sacred Buddhist site with boat ride and cable car to cave temples.
Mai Chau Valley
3.5 hours southwest
White Thai minority villages, rice paddies, cycling, homestays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Noi Bai Airport is 30km from central Hanoi. Options: Grab taxi ($15 to 20), airport bus 86 to Old Quarter ($2), or hotel shuttle. Avoid unlicensed taxis.
Yes, very safe. The streets are lively until late with locals and tourists. Just watch for motorbikes and keep valuables secure from opportunistic bag snatchers.
Minimum 2 to 3 days for the city itself. Add 1 to 2 days for a Ha Long Bay cruise and another day for Ninh Binh. A week gives you a relaxed pace.
Yes, children love the water puppet shows, exploring Hoan Kiem Lake, and the fascinating street life. Food tours can be adapted for families, and children often enjoy trying pho and other dishes. The Old Quarter's energy is exciting for older kids, while West Lake offers calmer surroundings for younger ones.
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