Hanoi

Travel Guide

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Temple of Literature featuring a temple or place of worship, religious aspects and interior views
Hoan Kiem Lake featuring a lake or waterhole, a monument and heritage architecture
Hanoi showing motorcycle riding, signage and a city
Hoan Kiem Lake featuring a lake or waterhole
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 featuring street scenes

Old Quarter

Old Quarter is beloved for its panoramic lake views. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Hoan Kiem Lake and Hang Gai Street.

Old Quarter
Hoan Kiem showing a city, signage and street scenes

Hoan Kiem

4.5/5(549 area reviews)

Panoramic lake views interesting history and top sights from Hoan Kiem Lake to St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi – discover Hoan Kiem, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Hoan Kiem
Hanoi which includes street scenes, night scenes and signage

French Quarter

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to French Quarter. A stop by Hoan Kiem Lake or Lý Thái Tổ Monument might round out your trip.

French Quarter
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum showing a monument and a park

Ba Dinh

4/5(44 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 ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Tay Ho. A stop by West Lake or Tran Quoc Pagoda might round out your trip.

Tay Ho
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Mỹ Đình

If you're spending some time in Mỹ Đình, Hanoi Indoor Games Gymnasium and My Dinh National Stadium are top sights worth seeing.

Mỹ Đình
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 HK$831 per night from 1 Jul to 2 Jul
HK$831
HK$960 total
1 Jul - 2 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (4,566 reviews)
"From the time we booked in, we were greeted by the wonderful and supportive staff who welcomed us with a greeting drink. We were also guided as to best places of interest to see and places to eat. Throughout our stay we could not fault any of the service and would recommend this place to any visitor ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2025

Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
Pan Pacific Hanoi
Pan Pacific Hanoi
5 out of 5
1 Thanh Nien Road, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
The price is HK$813 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
HK$813
HK$939 total
17 Jul - 18 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (895 reviews)
"It was a good experience."

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Pan Pacific Hanoi
Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel
Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel
4 out of 5
2 Hoi Vu Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Hanoi
The price is HK$331 per night from 28 Jun to 29 Jun
HK$331
HK$375 total
28 Jun - 29 Jun
includes taxes & fees
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 WiFi in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,836 reviews)
"This place is located in the heart of downtown. The train main tourist attraction is just two blocks away."

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Hanoi Lotus 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 room service ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,025 reviews)
Simple and comfortable
"Great location and wonderful for large groups."

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2025

Somerset Grand Hanoi
Oakwood Residence Hanoi
Oakwood Residence Hanoi
4 out of 5
No.17, Lane 35, Dang Thai Mai Street, Hanoi
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Hoan Kiem Lake ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (143 reviews)
"It is good place to stay if you will be more than 3 days Equipped with everything you need except restaurants nearby."

Reviewed on 30 May 2025

Oakwood Residence Hanoi
Elegant Suites Westlake
Elegant Suites Westlake
5 out of 5
10B Dang Thai Mai Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (582 reviews)
"Fantastic location. Outside of the old town with its own vibe. Great restaurants, lovely area to walk but a quick ride to the old quarter. Beautiful large rooms and apartments with a fantastic pool. Staff is amazing and very attentive. Great breakfast."

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2025

Elegant Suites Westlake
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

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
246
5 - Excellent 58%
4 - Good
158
4 - Good 37%
3 - Okay
17
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 1%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Hanoi is an old city, don't expect clean roads or posh buildings it's not that type of city. Expect to sit on plastic chairs and eat in places that at home you wouldn't go near but you need to because the food is amazing. Train street was frustrating

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Take great care crossing roads. Green man means nothing and scooters go in all directions.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Once you get used to navigating the lack of pavement/ traffic situation this is a lovely city worth exploring.

3/5 - Okay

AJF

Good for food, spas and souvenirs.

4/5 - Good

Jeffrey

Very busy with scooters made walking anywhere stressful.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Totally mad but once you get the hang of crossing the road it is all amazing fun and such a great place to explore with great food and friendly people