Travelers in Vietnam have an abundance of tourist attractions to choose from, but the vibrant capital city Hanoi is definitely one of the most alluring destinations in the country. Here, you’ll find a lively cacophony of sounds, sights, and scents: the buzz of scooters speeding by, dynamic conversations between merchants, pretty colonial architecture, eye-catching outdoor murals, and the mouthwatering aroma of Vietnamese street food. There are remnants of the Chinese and French rule throughout the city, especially in the iconic Old Quarter. And you’ll be glad to hear that Hanoi is one of the best destinations in Vietnam for fantastic eats. Keep reading for our Hanoi travel guide—and trust us, there’s no better time to start planning your trip than now.
Fast Facts
- Language: Vietnamese is the country’s national language. English is typically understood by many locals, though.
- Currency: The Vietnamese dong or VND is the unit of currency in Vietnam.
- Airport: Noi Bai International Airport
- COVID-19 Travel Guidelines: As of May 15, 2022, Vietnam no longer requires a negative COVID-19 test result for entry into the country. Travelers must have valid medical or travel insurance covering COVID-19 treatment with a minimum coverage of US$10,000.
Best Time to Visit Hanoi
Hanoi has a milder climate than the typical tropical weather in the southern regions of Vietnam. While it’s a popular vacation destination year-round, the best time to visit Hanoi is during the dry and cool months from November to February. During this time, the crisp weather is perfect for walking around the city.
How to Get There
International travelers may fly directly to Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport. From the airport, you can get to the city proper by riding a taxi. Another convenient option is booking a private transfer in advance.
Where to Stay in Hanoi
There are plenty of Hanoi accommodation options for travelers on vacation. Close to many tourist sites, Old Quarter is a fantastic base with many lodgings to choose from at a variety of price points. Hotels in the French Quarter are more refined, while West Lake is ideal for visitors looking for a quieter place to stay.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Located in the Old Quarter, the iconic Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is a luxe hotel fit for royalty. Since the five-star hotel was established in 1901, it has played host to countless celebrities, heads of state, and yes, even royals. Expect stylish rooms and suites, as well as a world-class spa, a bespoke cocktail bar, and acclaimed French restaurant La Terrasse Du Metropole.
Address: 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Website: https://www.sofitel-legend-metropole-hanoi.com, Facebook
La Siesta Trendy
Formerly known as Hanoi La Siesta Trendy Hotel & Spa, La Siesta Trendy is a beautiful boutique hotel with 70 guestrooms over 11 floors. The hotel aesthetic is chic and modern, with splashes of color and upscale décor. Travelers eager to sample Vietnam’s vibrant cuisine will fall in love with Red Bean Trendy’s delicious street food buffet, while the on-site spa offers the ideal spot to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Address: 12 Nguyen Quang Bich, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Website: https://lasiestahotels.vn/trendy, Facebook
Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi
Just steps away from the historic Hanoi Opera House in the French Quarter, Hotel de l’Opera is a glamorous five-star sanctuary known for its French colonial architecture, lavish interiors, and world-class facilities. Beautiful in-house dining spaces include the Mediterranean-inspired Café Lautrec and the renowned Satine in the eight-storey atrium for Vietnamese cuisine. Hotel highlights include a first-rate spa and a semi-outdoor swimming pool.
Address: 29 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Website: http://hoteldelopera.com, Facebook
Where to Eat in Hanoi
The capital city of Hanoi is one of the top places in Vietnam for food. Street food is cheap and incredibly delicious in the city, with mouthwatering aromas wafting from stalls all over the city. But if you’re looking for a place to enjoy a sit-down meal, these restaurants are absolutely worth a visit.
Highway4
A modern pub in the Old Quarter, Highway4 is a very popular restaurant with an extensive menu consisting largely of Vietnamese favorites. Highlights include the catfish spring rolls and vegetarian dishes like the banana flower salad. Highway4 is relatively upscale, with rustic interiors and quality beverages, including imported wines and craft beers.
Address: 5 Hang Tre, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Website: Facebook
Hanoi Social Club
Hang out with locals and fellow travelers at Hanoi Social Club, a two-level bohemian haunt with an intimate and relaxing atmosphere. There’s music (occasionally live), books, and free Wi-Fi, making this a cool hangout for Hanoi’s young and trendy crowd. Food is distinctly Western, with well-prepared brunch favorites, healthy dishes, and vegan options available.
Address: 6 Hoi Vu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Website: Facebook
37th Street Restaurant
Savor a dazzling array of Vietnamese delicacies at 37th Street, a restaurant with branches in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. It’s a good spot for a meal, especially if you want a hearty spread of Vietnamese food for a reasonable price, including local favorites like pho and spring rolls.
Address: 5th Floor, Indochina Plaza, 241 Xuan Thuy, Hanoi
Things to Do in Hanoi
Roam the Old Quarter
Many tourists stay in the Hanoi Old Quarter, but even if your hotel is somewhere else, this historic neighborhood is worth exploring. It’s the center of the city’s history and culture, with temples, pagodas, French colonial buildings, street food stalls, winding alleys, and an ever-bustling atmosphere. Don’t miss sightseeing opportunities like St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Dong Xuan Market, and the nearby Temple of Literature.
Explore Hoan Kiem Lake
Located right by the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake is another must-visit spot in Hanoi. Its name translates to “Lake of the Returned Sword,” referring to the legend of an emperor receiving a sword from a magical turtle on this very lake. To this day, locals still say seeing a turtle in the lake is lucky—so keep an eye out as you stroll by the water’s edge. A beautiful red bridge leads to the Ngoc Son Pagoda in the middle of the lake.
Catch a Show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
The art of water puppet theater is a unique Vietnamese tradition, stemming from a time when farms would get flooded and people would create entertainment by staging puppet shows right in the water. Watching a show at the iconic Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is a fun activity for tourists in Hanoi—especially since a puppet show typically only lasts an hour (or even less).
There are plenty more to see and do in Hanoi, including attractions like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoa Lo Prison, and the impressive Imperial Citadel.
Head to KKday for more ideas and deals for your Vietnam holiday!
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