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 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 Hanoi Municipal Party Committee 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 Ho Tay Water Park might round out your trip.

Tay Ho
Hoan Kiem which includes outdoor eating and markets

Hang Bac

While visiting Hang Bac, you might make a stop by sights like Hoan Kiem Lake and The Old Quarter Gallery.

Hang Bac
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
5 out of 5
33 Duong Thanh, Hanoi
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is HK$1,383 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
HK$1,383
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (339 reviews)
"A quiet oasis central in hanoi old quarter, brilliant attentive staff who were always friendly and ready to assist and accomodate your every need, i would highly recommend this hotel to any prospective traveller."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
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$1,806 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
HK$1,806
per night
6 Apr - 7 Apr
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. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,640 reviews)
"My wife and I came here on our honeymoon and we were treated like family at Hanoi royal Palace! Everyone was so sweet to us, especially Jim , who helped make our trip perfect with recommendations, bookings and a smile. Breakfast was also great. Thank you!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi
L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi
4 out of 5
35 - 37 Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiem, Hanoi, vietnam
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 bar in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (540 reviews)
"The hotel is very cozy and perfect in a lot of things. It seems new, is clean with elegant decorations. It’s in Old quarter and is convenient to walk everywhere and surprisingly no noticeable noise from outside. The buffet breakfast is amazing with touches of locals and French, delicious and somewhat ..."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

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.
Fraser Suites Hanoi
Fraser Suites Hanoi
4.5 out of 5
51 Xuan Dieu Street Quang An Tay Ho Dist, Hanoi
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Hoan Kiem Lake and Syrena Shopping Center ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (150 reviews)
"The service in this property is exceptional!!! From the front desk staff to the team on the different restaurants! Such a great atmosphere plus is a gorgeous place. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2024

Fraser Suites Hanoi
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 clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (913 reviews)
"Great hotel to stay at."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Somerset Grand Hanoi
Oakwood Residence Hanoi
Oakwood Residence Hanoi
3.5 out of 5
No.17, Lane 35, Dang Thai Mai Street, Hanoi
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Hoan Kiem Lake and Syrena ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (85 reviews)
"The hotel itself was fantastic but this running area was a little bit congested and difficult to navigate on foot. Overall, it was a fantastic stay."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2024

Oakwood Residence 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

Reviews of Hanoi

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
246
" "5 - Excellent 57.74647887323944%
4 - Good
158
" "4 - Good 37.08920187793427%
3 - Okay
17
" "3 - Okay 3.9906103286384975%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 0.4694835680751174%
1 - Terrible
3
" "1 - Terrible 0.704225352112676%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
10 Mar 2020

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
22 Feb 2020

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
14 Feb 2020

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

3/5 - Okay

AJF
6 Feb 2020

Good for food, spas and souvenirs.

4/5 - Good

Jeffrey
5 Feb 2020

Very busy with scooters made walking anywhere stressful.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
1 Feb 2020

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