Hanoi is Vietnam's capital and a city with a thousand years of history. Hoan Kiem Lake, the 36 streets of the Old Quarter, the Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum are all within walking distance, making it the centre for history lovers. Above all, Hanoi is the ideal base for a Ha Long Bay cruise (UNESCO, 3 hours 30 minutes by road) and ethnic-minority trekking in Sapa (8 hours by night train).
The cool northern weather (an average of 15–22°C from October to April), a world-class coffee culture (egg coffee and specialty cafés) and a strong food scene of bun cha, pho and cha ca draw everyone from backpackers to food travellers. It is quieter than Ho Chi Minh City in the south, with a higher share of European travellers, which suits those who prefer a calmer atmosphere.
The best season is the dry, cool period from October to April. May to September brings heat above 35°C plus the rainy season, so it is not recommended. Autumn weather from October to December and spring in April are best for sightseeing.
Visa and entry requirements for Vietnam
Whether you need a visa, how long you can stay and which pre-arrival forms apply all depend on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Check the official source below, and your own government's travel advice, before you book.
- Vietnam e-visa and immigration portal (Vietnam Immigration Department)
- Apply for an e-visa (fees) (Vietnam Immigration Department)
Hanoi at a glance
- Airport: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
- Suggested itineraries: 4 days (city + Ha Long) / 6 days (city + Ha Long overnight + Ninh Binh) / 1 week (+ Sapa)
- Best season: October to April, dry and cool (May to September hot and rainy, not recommended)
- Getting around: Grab (app), cyclo (sightseeing), walking, buses and trains (Ha Long, Sapa)
- Currency: Vietnamese dong (VND); ATMs and exchange counters available
The Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake: the heart of Hanoi
Hoan Kiem Lake (Hồ Hoàn Kiếm) is the green lake at the centre of Hanoi, where daily life gathers: morning tai chi crowds, cafés and street stalls. The view of Ngoc Son Temple on the lake with the red The Huc Bridge is Hanoi's classic postcard shot.
The 36-street Old Quarter packs 36 traditional trade streets (silk, paper, silverwork, medicinal herbs and more) into a maze of about 1 km² north of Hoan Kiem, and is Hanoi's best area to explore on foot. When the weekend night market is on (Friday to Sunday, 7 pm to midnight), the streets become car-free.
The Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: a thousand years of history
The Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu), founded in 1070, is a Confucian temple and Vietnam's first national university. Its 82 stone steles on tortoise backs, carved with the names of successful examination candidates, are listed in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. Admission is 30,000 dong.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Lăng Chủ tịch Hồ Chí Minh) is the solemn monument where President Ho Chi Minh's body lies. Entry is free, but shorts and slippers are not allowed, photography is prohibited, and it is closed on Mondays and Fridays. In 2026 it closes for regular maintenance from 4 September to 2 November and reopens on 3 November (notice from the mausoleum command of Vietnam's Ministry of National Defence, checked 23 October). If your trip ends by 2 November, leave the mausoleum out and visit after it reopens. Combine it with the nearby Ho Chi Minh's stilt house and museum and the One Pillar Pagoda (Chùa Một Cột) for a half-day route.
Ha Long Bay: a UNESCO World Heritage cruise
Ha Long Bay (Vịnh Hạ Long), 3 hours 30 minutes from Hanoi by road, is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site where some 1,600 limestone islands rise from emerald water. Highlights are sunrise on board, misty island views, kayaking among the islands and caves, and Dau Go Cave (Hang Đầu Gỗ).
An overnight (2-day) cruise is the standard option (USD 100–250). Day tours (USD 40–60) involve long transfers, are tiring and miss the highlights. The weather is most stable in September–October and December–March; in July–August jellyfish can restrict kayaking and swimming.
Sapa and Ninh Binh: rice terraces and river-cave boats
Sapa (Sa Pa) is a mountain town at 1,600 m, reached from Hanoi by night train (8 hours) or bus. Highlights are Hmong and Dao villages, trekking on Fansipan (Vietnam's highest peak; cable car return USD 30) and the golden rice terraces of September–October. Plan it as a separate trip of 3 days or more.
Ninh Binh (Ninh Bình), 2 hours from Hanoi by road, is known as "Ha Long Bay on land" for its limestone-gorge boat tours (Trang An, Tam Coc). It works as a day trip and is highly recommended if you'd rather see inland scenery than Ha Long Bay.
Eating in Hanoi: the home of northern Vietnamese food
| Dish | About | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bun cha (Bún Chả) | Hanoi's signature: char-grilled pork patties with rice noodles and herbs, made famous when Obama ate it | 60,000–100,000 dong |
| Pho (Phở) | Hanoi is pho's home; the broth is clearer and lighter than in the south. Best for breakfast | 50,000–90,000 dong |
| Cha ca (Chả Cá) | Fried fish you stir-fry in a pan at the table and eat over rice noodles; a traditional Hanoi dish | 120,000–200,000 dong |
| Egg coffee (Cà Phê Trứng) | Hanoi original, from Café Giảng: sweet coffee topped with egg-yolk cream | 30,000–60,000 dong |
| Bia hoi (Bia Hơi) | Fresh street beer on plastic stools, 5,000–10,000 dong a glass | 5,000–15,000 dong |
FAQ
How should I plan a Hanoi itinerary?
For 6 days: days 1–2 in the city (Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, egg coffee), days 3–4 on an overnight Ha Long Bay cruise, day 5 a Ninh Binh day trip or more of the city, day 6 departure. Adding Sapa needs a week or more.
Is an overnight Ha Long Bay cruise much better than a day trip?
Yes. A day trip means about 7 hours of return travel for only 3–4 hours on the water, and you miss the sunrise and cave kayaking. An overnight cruise gives you sunset and sunrise among the islands, kayaking, caves and an early-morning swim, which is far better value.
Should I choose Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?
Hanoi for history, culture, Ha Long Bay and Sapa; Ho Chi Minh City for a lively city atmosphere, the Mekong Delta and shopping. With a week, you can split it into 3 nights in Hanoi and 3 nights in Ho Chi Minh City.
Is the night train or the bus better for Sapa?
The night train (8 hours) has sleeper berths so you can sleep on the way, saves time and has views from the window. The bus (5 hours) is faster, but the mountain roads can cause motion sickness. For experienced travellers, the night train is recommended.
Is Hanoi safe?
Watch for pickpockets at tourist sites, and keep your wallet and phone out of sight in the Old Quarter. Agree cyclo fares before you get in. Grab calculates fares automatically, which is the safest option.
Where should I drink egg coffee?
The original is Café Giảng in the Old Quarter (39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân), open since 1946. Egg cocoa is popular too. The second-floor terrace off the narrow alley has the best atmosphere.
Sources
- Vietnam e-visa and immigration portal · Vietnam Immigration Department · accessed 2026-10-30
- Apply for an e-visa (fees) · Vietnam Immigration Department · accessed 2026-10-30
- Vietnam National Authority of Tourism · Vietnam Tourism · accessed 2026-05-04
- Ha Long Bay World Heritage listing · UNESCO · accessed 2026-05-04
- Hanoi Tourism · Hanoi Tourism · accessed 2026-05-04
Information was checked against the official sources listed above. Opening hours, fees and fares can change; please confirm with the venue or operator before you visit.