Hanoi

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling in Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. This comprehensive guide will take you on a journey through the city’s must-visit places, activities, dining options, accommodations, and insider tips.

Places to Visit

Historical Landmarks

  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: A grand monument dedicated to Vietnam’s beloved leader (open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
  • One Pillar Pagoda: A historic pagoda built in the 11th century, famous for its unique architecture and legend (open from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM)
  • Temple of Literature: A tranquil oasis dedicated to Confucius and Vietnam’s cultural heritage (open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)

Museums

  • National Museum of Vietnam History: Explore the country’s rich history, with exhibits on ancient civilizations, empires, and wars (open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
  • Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: Discover the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s ethnic groups through interactive displays and artifacts (open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM)

Markets

  • Old Quarter Market: Wander through the bustling streets, sampling local street food and shopping for souvenirs
  • Dong Xuan Market: Visit this massive market for affordable clothing, electronics, and household items

Natural Attractions

  • Hoan Kiem Lake: Take a stroll around this serene lake, watching locals practice tai chi or play games (open from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM)
  • Tran Quoc Pagoda Garden: Escape the city chaos in this peaceful garden, featuring a beautiful pagoda and tranquil water features

Other Must-Visit Places

  • Hanoi Opera House: Attend a performance or take a guided tour of this stunning building (open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
  • Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum: Explore the country’s rich artistic heritage through exhibits on painting, sculpture, and architecture (open from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM)

Activities

Cultural Experiences

  • Water Puppet Show: Witness this ancient art form at a traditional theater or restaurant
  • Cooking Class: Learn how to prepare local dishes like pho or bun cha with a hands-on cooking class

Outdoor Activities

  • Cycling Tour: Explore Hanoi’s historic neighborhoods on two wheels, stopping at iconic landmarks and hidden gems
  • Walking Tour: Join a guided tour to discover the city’s rich history and cultural significance

Shopping Spree

  • Shopping Street: Visit this bustling street for affordable clothing, accessories, and souvenirs
  • Vintage Market: Browse through this market for unique vintage items, antique collectibles, and quirky trinkets

Where to Eat

Local Favorites

  • Bun Cha Huong Lien: Try this iconic restaurant for delicious bun cha and authentic local atmosphere (Address: 34 Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem)
  • Pho Gia Truyen: Savor a steaming bowl of pho at this popular restaurant (Address: 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem)

Street Food

  • Old Quarter Street Food: Wander through the streets and sample local street food like banh cuon or bun cha
  • Night Market Street Food: Visit the night market for a variety of street food stalls serving everything from skewers to crepes

Mid-Range Restaurants

  • La Badiane: Enjoy modern Vietnamese cuisine with a focus on local ingredients (Address: 10 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem)
  • Taste of Hanoi: Experience the city’s culinary heritage through traditional dishes and live music (Address: 31 Hang Ma, Hoan Kiem)

High-End Restaurants

  • The Gourmet Corner: Treat yourself to upscale dining with a focus on French-Vietnamese cuisine (Address: 15 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem)
  • La Residence: Enjoy refined dining with a view of the surrounding gardens and cityscape (Address: 34 Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem)

Where to Stay

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Hanoi Backpackers’ Hostel: Meet fellow travelers at this social hostel with dorm rooms and private bungalows
  • Sunny Guest House: Enjoy cozy rooms and a relaxed atmosphere in the heart of the Old Quarter

Mid-Range Accommodations

  • Golden Sun Hotel: Stay in comfortable rooms with modern amenities, just a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake (Address: 15 Hang Ma, Hoan Kiem)
  • Hanoi Guest House: Experience local hospitality and enjoy private rooms with shared or en-suite bathrooms

High-End Hotels

  • The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi: Treat yourself to luxury accommodations with elegant rooms and a colonial-style façade (Address: 15 Ngo Quyen, Hoan Kiem)
  • The Grand Hyatt Hanoi: Enjoy upscale dining, shopping, and entertainment options within the hotel complex (Address: 1 Thanh Cong, Tay Ho)

Things to Know

Language

  • Vietnamese is the official language; however, many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas
  • Learn basic phrases like “hello” (xinh chào), “thank you” (cảm ơn), and “excuse me” (xin lỗi)

Currency

  • The Vietnamese dong (VND) is the local currency; credit cards and US dollars are widely accepted
  • Exchange rates may vary, so it’s essential to check current exchange rates before traveling

Weather

  • Hanoi experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons: spring (March-May), summer (June-August), autumn (September-November), and winter (December-February)
  • The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when temperatures are mild and comfortable

Safety

  • Petty theft and pickpocketing are common in tourist areas; be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded markets
  • Avoid traveling alone at night or in isolated areas; use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps instead

Transportation

Taxi Services

  • Vinasun: A reliable and affordable taxi service with English-speaking drivers (Phone: +84 4 3945 0000)
  • Hanoi Taxi: Another popular option with a wide network of drivers speaking various languages (Phone: +84 4 3946 6969)

Ride-Sharing Apps

  • Grab: A widely used ride-sharing app in Vietnam, available on iOS and Android devices
  • Go-Van: A local ride-sharing service with competitive prices and friendly drivers

Walking and Cycling

  • Hanoi’s streets are generally flat and easy to navigate; walking is a great way to explore the city
  • Cycling is also an excellent option for shorter distances or exploring the outskirts of the city

Tips

Bargaining

  • Bargaining is a common practice in local markets, especially for souvenirs and street food
  • Be prepared to haggle politely and respectfully

Tipping Culture

  • In Vietnam, tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service
  • Aim to tip around 5-10% of the total bill at restaurants or bars

Water Quality

  • Tap water is generally safe to drink in Hanoi; however, it’s recommended to stick with bottled or filtered water
  • Avoid drinking tap water from street vendors or food stalls

Other Things of Interest

Traditional Medicine

  • Visit a local herbal shop or traditional medicine market to discover unique remedies and treatments
  • Try traditional Vietnamese coffee at one of the many cafes throughout the city

Night Markets

  • Explore the night markets for a wide variety of goods, street food, and entertainment options
  • Visit the Dong Xuan Market for affordable clothing, electronics, and household items

By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate Hanoi’s streets, try local cuisine, visit iconic landmarks, and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture. Happy travels!