Hanoi Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Temple of Literature showing religious aspects, a temple or place of worship 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 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(557 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

4.5/5(38 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 refundable
The price is AU$232 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
AU$232
per night
22 Apr - 23 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! (343 reviews)
"Excellent hotel in the old quarter of Hanoi"

Reviewed on 27 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 AU$366 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$366
per night
1 Apr - 2 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! (1,648 reviews)
"Located at the old town but the area is not crowded at night, good food and attractions are few steps away, accommodating concierge-Jim and friendly housekeepers, we enjoyed our stay."

Reviewed on 27 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! (542 reviews)
"Thank you to Mary and all the staff for the great service and friendliness"

Reviewed on 27 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

Activities

Reviews of Hanoi

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
231
" "5 - Excellent 52.619589977220954%
4 - Good
171
" "4 - Good 38.95216400911162%
3 - Okay
33
" "3 - Okay 7.517084282460137%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 0.683371298405467%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.22779043280182232%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
26 Mar 2020

Very, Very, Very quiet compared to previous visits due to Covid-19. One benefit was the ease at which you could walk across streets :-)

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
21 Mar 2020

Hanoi is a place I would advise to go for a couple of days, there is a lot to see in a day or two and any longer would become quite repetitive.

5/5 - Excellent

Franca
13 Mar 2020

We enjoyed a wonderful street food tour which was a great way to be introduced to Hanoi’s old town. Also check out the water puppet theatre it was amazing !

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
28 Feb 2020

Absolutely loved Hanoi! It was a beautiful place with lovely people and delicious food.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
26 Feb 2020

Great place! Loved it.

5/5 - Excellent

Mr
7 Feb 2020

Hanoi is a vibrant city, with much to see and do. I wish I had planned to stay longer to take home some unique experiences, so I will return to Hanoi before too long.