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The French colonial architecture, street vendors selling local specialties, and the bustling motorbike traffic are the first impressions visitors often have of Hanoi. This city has so much to offer for everyone to check out. UNESCO calls Hanoi a City of Peace, so you don't want to miss it when you're in Vietnam.
Hanoi's got over 4,000 years of history and culture, basically showing off what Vietnam is all about. Since 1010, when King Ly Cong Uan decided to make Hanoi the capital, this place has gone through all sorts of changes in politics, culture, and society. But through all that, Hanoi's kept its awesome vibe, character, and heart, Incredible Asia Journeys will show you Hanoi travel guide to experience Hanoi Tours & Excursions the most!
Like other places in the northern hemisphere, the Hanoi climate, with a typical tropical climate, has chilly winters, when the temperatures can significantly drop to 7°C, and steaming summers when it is an uncomfortably hot and humid affair with temperatures consistently above 38°C. Despite the unpredictability of the weather in Hanoi, this over 1,000-year-old city can be visited any time of the year.
Hanoi in spring offers mild and pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. This season showcases Hanoi in full bloom, with flowers and trees coming to life. The city is vibrant and colorful, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities and sightseeing. You can take a Hanoi cyclo tour to explore Hanoi Old Quarter in this blooming season.
Summer in Hanoi is hot and humid, with temperatures consistently above 30°C and often reaching 38°C. Despite the intense heat, it's the best time to experience Hanoi's lively street life. The warm weather is ideal for Hanoi day tours by enjoying local cafes, parks, and outdoor markets, making the city bustling with activity. It’s a great time to drink the best Hanoi beer to refresh the heat of Hanoi on a summer day.
Autumn brings cool and dry weather, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. This season is best time to visit Hanoi perfect for strolls around the lakes and through the Old Quarter. The city is beautiful with falling leaves and a gentle breeze, many Hanoi attractions cover a poetic beauty.
Winter in Hanoi is characterized by cool and sometimes cold temperatures, ranging from 10°C to 15°C. This season is perfect for enjoying the fascinating Tet holiday – Vietnamese New Year’s Celebration. The cooler weather is ideal for discovering all the sights on foot, as it allows visitors to explore without the discomfort of summer heat.
Before you take any of the Vietnam Tours you may think about Hanoi because it may be the place you fly into for starting your Vietnam trip. This city lends herself to leisurely exploration full of things to do in Hanoi, let’s explore together!
Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the Lake of the Restored Sword, is an iconic symbol of Hanoi. Located in the heart of the city, this picturesque lake is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and shaded benches, making it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll or to simply sit and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Early in the morning, you can see locals practicing tai chi along the lake's banks. The Turtle Tower, located on a small island in the middle of the lake, adds to the lake's charm and is beautifully illuminated at night.
The Hanoi Old Quarter is the historic heart of Hanoi, known for its bustling streets and vibrant atmosphere. This area is famous for its 36 streets, each named after the commodity once sold there, such as Silk Street, Silver Street, and Herbal Medicine Street. The narrow, winding streets are lined with shops, markets, and street food vendors, offering a fascinating glimpse into traditional Vietnamese life.
Exploring the Hanoi Old Quarter is like stepping back in time, with its well-preserved architecture and lively market scenes. Don't miss the chance to try some of Hanoi's famous street food here, such as Pho, Bun Cha, and Banh Mi.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a must-visit landmark in Hanoi, where the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, the founder of modern Vietnam, is preserved. Located in Ba Dinh Square, the mausoleum is a significant historical site and a place of pilgrimage for many Vietnamese people.
The imposing structure is made of granite and marble, and the surrounding gardens are meticulously maintained. Visitors can pay their respects to Ho Chi Minh and learn about his life and contributions to Vietnam's history. The mausoleum is open to the public, but there are strict dress codes and rules to follow, such as no photography inside.
The Temple of Literature, known as Van Mieu, is a beautiful and historic temple dedicated to Confucius. It was built in 1070 and later became Vietnam's first university. The temple complex consists of five courtyards, each with its own unique features, such as ancient trees, tranquil ponds, and impressive stone carvings.
The highlight of the temple is the Stelae of Doctors, stone tablets mounted on the backs of turtles, inscribed with the names of graduates from the university. The Temple of Literature is a serene and educational destination, offering insights into Vietnam's rich cultural and academic heritage.
Hanoi Train Street is a unique and fascinating attraction where a train runs through a narrow residential street, just inches away from houses and shops. Located in the Old Quarter, this narrow alley is lined with cafes and homes, creating a surreal and exciting experience for visitors.
The train passes through several times a day, and it's thrilling to watch as locals quickly clear the tracks and the train thunders by. The best way to experience train street Hanoi is to visit one of the cafes, enjoy a drink, and wait for the train to pass. Just be sure to follow safety guidelines and stay clear of the tracks when the train is approaching.
The One Pillar Pagoda is one of Hanoi's most iconic and unique structures. Built in 1049, this small but striking pagoda is designed to resemble a lotus flower emerging from a pond, symbolizing purity and enlightenment. The pagoda is supported by a single stone pillar and is surrounded by a tranquil lotus pond.
Visitors can climb the steps to the pagoda and admire its intricate wooden carvings and peaceful surroundings. The One Pillar Pagoda is located near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, making it convenient to visit both landmarks in one trip.
The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is a must-see cultural experience in Hanoi. Water puppetry is a traditional Vietnamese art form that dates back over a thousand years. The performances take place on a water stage, with puppets controlled by skilled puppeteers hidden behind a screen.
The shows depict various scenes from Vietnamese folklore, mythology, and rural life, accompanied by live traditional music. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is located near Hoan Kiem Lake, and performances are held daily. Watching a water puppet show is one of best things to do in Hanoi and unique way to experience Vietnamese culture and artistry.
The Hanoi Opera House is an architectural masterpiece and a symbol of French colonial influence in Vietnam. Built in 1901, the opera house features a grand facade with columns, arches, and intricate detailing.
The Hanoi Opera House hosts a variety of performances, including opera, ballet, classical music, and traditional Vietnamese shows. Attending a performance here is a great way to enjoy world-class entertainment in a stunning historical setting. Even if you don't attend a show, the exterior of the opera house is worth admiring and photographing.
West Lake, or Ho Tay, is the largest lake in Hanoi and a popular recreational area for both locals and tourists. The lake covers an area of over 500 hectares and is surrounded by scenic parks, gardens, and upscale neighborhoods. West Lake is an excellent spot for leisurely activities such as cycling, jogging, or simply relaxing by the water.
The lake is also home to several notable Hanoi attractions, including the Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam, and the Quan Thanh Temple, a Taoist temple with beautiful architecture and sculptures. Dining options around West Lake are plentiful, with many lakeside restaurants and cafes offering delicious food and stunning views.
St. Joseph's Cathedral, also known as the Hanoi Cathedral, is a beautiful neo-Gothic church located in the heart of the Old Quarter. Built in the late 19th century by the French colonial government, the cathedral's design is reminiscent of Notre Dame de Paris, with its tall spires, arched windows, and intricate facade.
The interior features stained glass windows, a grand altar, and an atmosphere of tranquility. St. Joseph's Cathedral is an active place of worship, with regular Mass services. Visitors are welcome to attend services or simply admire the architecture and peaceful ambiance of this historic church.
One thing you should not miss in Asia’s most graceful and exotic capital city is a wide range of exquisite local dishes, which brings Vietnamese cuisine to the world’s cuisine map. Hanoi has been ranked as the top food destination for 2024 by the readers of TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel guidance platform followed by Rome and Crete standing the 2nd and 3rd respectively.
So, what to eat in Hanoi? If you come to Hanoi, don’t ever forget to taste Pho (noodles with beef or chicken), Bun Cha (noodles with grilled pork meat) which stole the tongue of former President Barack Obama, Cha Ca La Vong (La Vong fried fish), and many other delicious dishes you should discover Hanoi food tour by yourselves.
When you reach Hanoi, it’s the gateway to get to many other best places to visit Vietnam, so let’s explore the best ways to get to Hanoi.
The most convenient way to get to Hanoi is by air. Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is located about 45 kilometers north of the city center. It is the 2nd busiest airport in Vietnam, offering numerous domestic and international flights.
Once you arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, you can reach the city center by taxi, airport shuttle, or public bus to come from Hanoi airport to Old Quarter. Taxis are readily available and provide a comfortable ride to your destination, while airport shuttles offer a more budget-friendly option with fixed routes. Public buses, including routes 7 and 86, also connect the airport to various parts of Hanoi, making it accessible for travelers.
Traveling to Hanoi by train is a scenic and comfortable option, especially if you are coming from other cities in Vietnam. The Hanoi Railway Station is centrally located and well-connected to major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hue, and Sapa.
The Reunification Express is a popular train service that runs from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi, offering various classes of travel, from basic seats to luxury sleeper cabins.
For those who prefer the flexibility of driving, renting a private car is an option to get to Hanoi. This is especially convenient if you plan to explore the countryside and nearby attractions such as Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, and Ha Giang at your own pace. With English-speaking drivers or tour guides accompany you, you can discover intensively Hanoi.
That is easy for travelers to start the tour from Hanoi. From Hanoi you may have a lot of options for your trip as below:
- Hoa Lu - Tam Coc Day Trip: A 2-hour drive from Hanoi to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, visiting Dinh and Le Temples, followed by a sampan boat trip in Tam Coc, often called "dry Halong Bay".
- Halong Bay Day Trip: A full-day tour with a 3.5-hour drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay, featuring a boat trip to explore the bay, visit Thien Cung Caves, and enjoy kayaking or a sampan boat trip.
- Halong Bay 1 Night Cruise: Similar to the Halong Bay day trip but includes an overnight stay on the cruise, allowing for more activities such as visiting Sung Sot Cave, kayaking, squid fishing, and enjoying the sunset party.
- Halong Bay 2 Night Cruise: Extends the 1-night cruise with additional time for kayaking, swimming, and exploring quieter beaches and islands in Halong Bay.
Setting the stage for discovering the many treasures Hanoi has to offer. From its charming old quarter and iconic landmarks to its delectable cuisine and lively markets, Hanoi promises an unforgettable adventure. Don’t hesitate to contact Incredible Asia Journeys, your trusted Hanoi travel agency to customize your Hanoi travel!
