Destinations/Vietnam
Vietnam

Hanoi

A city that moves to its own rhythm. Motorbikes swarm through narrow lanes, street vendors balance impossible loads on shoulder poles, and the best bowl of pho you'll ever eat comes from a plastic stool on a sidewalk. Hanoi doesn't try to impress you — it just is what it is, and that's what makes it unforgettable.

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Quick Facts

Best time to goOctober to December (cool, dry weather) or March to April (spring warmth)
CurrencyVND (₫)
LanguageVietnamese
Time zoneUTC+7

Top things to see in Hanoi

01Hoan Kiem Lake
02Old Quarter
03Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
04Temple of Literature
05Train Street
06Dong Xuan Market
07West Lake
08Vietnamese Women's Museum

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Hanoi travel FAQ

How many days do I need in Hanoi?

2 to 3 days for the city itself — the Old Quarter, street food tours, temples, and Hoan Kiem Lake. But most people use Hanoi as a base: add 2 days for Ha Long Bay, 1-2 for Ninh Binh, or 2-3 for Sapa. A week centered on Hanoi is a great plan.

Is Hanoi good for food lovers?

It's one of the best food cities on earth, full stop. Pho for breakfast, bun cha for lunch, banh mi whenever — and all for under $2 a meal. The Old Quarter is basically one giant open-air kitchen. Take a street food walking tour on your first night; it'll change how you eat for the rest of the trip.

How do I cross the street in Hanoi?

This is genuinely the most asked question about Hanoi. The trick: walk at a steady, predictable pace and don't stop or sprint. The motorbikes will flow around you like water around a rock. Make eye contact with drivers, move slowly, and commit to your direction. It looks terrifying at first, but you'll get the hang of it within a day.

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