Hanoi

Travel Guide
Temple of Literature featuring a temple or place of worship, religious aspects and interior views
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 Royal Palace Hotel 2
Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
4 out of 5
95 Hang Bong Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, 10000
The price is HK$532 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
HK$532
per night
25 Mar - 26 Mar
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the family amenities in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (268 reviews)
Great stay in Hanoi
"Beautiful staff-people, they are very friendly, its a beautiful place, with nice renovated rooms… as usual in Hanoi in the base category, the location is perfect"

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2023

Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
Lucien Hanoi Hotel & Spa
Lucien Hanoi Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
No.02 Cau Go Alley, Hang Bac Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Old Quarter, Hanoi
The price is HK$747 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
HK$747
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (60 reviews)
"This is a great place to stay in the old quarter in Hanoi can’t say enough about the staff they are fantastic"

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2023

Lucien Hanoi Hotel & Spa
L'Hôtel du Lac Hanoi
L'Hôtel du Lac Hanoi
4 out of 5
35 - 37 Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiem, Hanoi, vietnam, 10000
The price is HK$537 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
HK$537
per night
25 Mar - 26 Mar
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Hoan Kiem Lake and Ly Trieu Quoc Su Pagoda ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (125 reviews)
"A great hotel in a very good location--close to Hoàn Kiếm Lake in the Old Quarter. The service was excellent--I arrived early and my room wasn't ready yet, so I left my luggage, and went sightseeing. I came back in the late afternoon to find that my luggage was already in my room! They also provided ..."

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2023

L'Hôtel du Lac Hanoi
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 West Point Hanoi
Somerset West Point Hanoi
4 out of 5
No.2 Tay Ho Road, Hanoi
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the quiet rooms and the family amenities ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (127 reviews)
"The place is comfortable and clean"

Reviewed on 4 Jan 2023

Somerset West Point Hanoi
Somerset Grand Hanoi
Somerset Grand Hanoi
4.5 out of 5
49 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, 10000
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the bar and the comfy beds in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (832 reviews)
"The Somerset was near a lot of major attractions. We were able to walk everywhere. Many restaurants and cafés in the area."

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2023

Somerset Grand Hanoi
Fraser Suites Hanoi
Fraser Suites Hanoi
4.5 out of 5
51 Xuan Dieu Street Quang An Tay Ho Dist, Hanoi, 10000
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (126 reviews)
"Great place to stay but don’t bother with the breakfast it is very poor in terms of the quality of the food."

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2023

Fraser Suites Hanoi
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