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 heritage architecture, a lake or waterhole and a monument
Hanoi which includes street scenes, motorcycle riding 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 savour 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 centre.

Hanoi first became a capital just over 1,000 years 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 challenging 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 favourite 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. 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 metres 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
St. Joseph Cathedral showing a city, religious elements and a church or cathedral

Hang Trong

If you're spending some time in Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem Lake and St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi are top sights worth seeing.

Hang Trong
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 S$9 per night from 4 Jun to 5 Jun
S$9
includes taxes & fees
4 Jun - 5 Jun
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! (4,412 reviews)
"The hotel staff were all super nice! Shout out to Ms Jennie who arranged for our Sapa and Halong Bay trips. We had a memorable experience in Vietnam."

Reviewed on 22 May, 2025

Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel
Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel
4 out of 5
2 Hoi Vu Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Hanoi
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! (2,730 reviews)
"Spent 1 nights stayed here and we were not disappointed. Our room was always kept clean and tidy during ourstay. Staffs gave us many useful information and smt to do around. Location was easy to find and lovely breakfast."

Reviewed on 21 May, 2025

Hanoi Lotus Boutique Hotel
L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi
L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi
4 out of 5
35 - 37 Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiem, Hanoi, vietnam
The price is S$89 per night from 14 Jun to 15 Jun
S$89
includes taxes & fees
14 Jun - 15 Jun
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 restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,054 reviews)
Great place.
"Had a great stay here. Perfect location. Staff is top level. I had an issue the first night and the next day they caught me as I was leaving for the day and asked if they can go in the room. I came back and everything was fixed. The staff themselves are all super friendly and very welcoming. I’ll ..."

Reviewed on 21 May, 2025

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.
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! (141 reviews)
"While the staff were indeed nice, the area located at the hotel is not close to the Old Quarter so if you are traveling with kids then it might not be that convenient. There are limited shops around the hotel. The hotel itself is overall clean but it's aging for sure."

Reviewed on 4 May, 2025

Oakwood Residence 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 room service ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,023 reviews)
Simple and comfortable
"Great location and wonderful for large groups."

Reviewed on 28 Apr, 2025

Somerset Grand Hanoi
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 (surcharge). Popular attractions Hoan Kiem Lake and West Lake ...
9/10 Wonderful! (213 reviews)
"Rooms are well maintained and there are dining options nearby."

Reviewed on 29 Apr, 2025

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

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