Ultimate Travel Guide to Hanoi Vietnam’s Capital 

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/hanoi-vietnam-travel-guide/

Vietnam’s capital emerges as a masterpiece of contradictions—ancient temples stand beside contemporary cafes, while centuries-old traditions thrive alongside modern innovations. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through Hanoi’s compelling landscape, from its historic heart to its modern edges. After spending 3 weeks in Vietnam here’s the intel you need to plan your trip to Vietnam’s capital.

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Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/hanoi-vietnam-travel-guide/

hanoi things to do

ultimate travel guide to vietnam

hanoi, vietnam

  • Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
  • Languages: Vietnamese
  • Tipping: Not obligatory, but 5-10% appreciated for good service
  • Electricity: 230V, 50Hz, standard European two-pin plugs
  • Emergency numbers: 112 (general), 091 (police), 061 (ambulance)
  • Where to Stay: Sofitel Hotel Hanoi

Ultimate Guide to Hanoi Vietnam’s Capital 

Is visiting Hanoi worth it?

Absolutely—but only if you’re willing to embrace Hanoi’s beautiful chaos and let the city unfold at its own pace.

First things first—Hanoi isn’t just another Southeast Asian capital. This is a city where thousand-year-old temples share street corners with sleek Hanoi coffee shops, where traditional water puppet shows compete with rooftop bars for your evening entertainment, and where the Old Quarter’s 36 streets still operate much like they did centuries ago (just with more Instagram opportunities).

where is hanoi in vietnam

Hanoi is the Vietnamese capital and occupies a strategic position in northern Vietnam, sitting regally along the Red River’s western bank. As Vietnam’s capital, it serves as the country’s political nucleus while simultaneously preserving its role as the cultural heartbeat of the north.

Location Context:

  • Northern Vietnam, 100km inland from the coast
  • 170km from Halong Bay
  • Built around the Red River Delta
  • Elevation: 20 meters above sea level
  • Area: 3,359 square kilometers

Vietnam Currency and Money

Vietnam operates on the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Current exchange rates hover around:

  • 1 USD = ~24,500 VND
  • 1 EUR = ~26,500 VND
  • 1 GBP = ~31,000 VND
Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/hanoi-vietnam-travel-guide/
Ninh Binhday trip from Hanoi

Money Tips:

  • ATMs dispense only VND
  • Major hotels accept cards
  • Streets operate on cash
  • Keep small denominations for street food
  • New, clean USD widely accepted at hotels

Essential Planning for Hanoi Vietnam

Choosing Your Time Hanoi’s character transforms dramatically with each season. For an in-depth analysis of weather patterns and the ideal time to visit, don’t miss my detailed guide on Hanoi Weather & Best Time to Visit.

related articles:

When to Visit Hanoi

Here’s the truth about Hanoi’s weather that most guides won’t tell you: there’s no perfect time. But there are better times below with weather in Hanoi:

Avoid If Possible:

  • Summer (May-August): Brutally hot and humid
  • Winter (December-January): Surprisingly cold and damp

Weather for hanoi vietnam

Spring (February to April)

  • Temperature: 15-23°C (59-73°F)
  • Mild temperatures
  • Light drizzle common
  • Perfect for exploring on foot
  • Trees bloom in March

Fall (September to November)

  • Temperature: 20-25°C (68-77°F)
  • Clear skies
  • Lower humidity
  • Ideal for photography
  • Festival season

Pro Tip: Book for October if you can—it’s when Hanoi shows off its best self: comfortable temperatures, minimal rain, and maximum charm.

Hanoi Festival Calendar: When Hanoi Really Comes Alive

hanoi Spring Celebrations

hanoi Tet (Lunar New Year: Late January/Early February)

  • City’s biggest celebration
  • Traditional games at temples
  • Special markets emerge
  • Flower markets peak
  • Insider Tip: Book accommodations 3 months ahead

Lim Festival (February)

  • Traditional “quan ho” folk singing
  • Village festivities
  • Traditional wrestling matches
  • Local food specialties
  • Pro Move: Arrive before 7 AM

hanoi Summer Events

Heritage Week (July)

  • Cultural performances
  • Traditional craft demonstrations
  • Food festivals
  • Art exhibitions
  • Local Secret: Evening events are less crowded

Autumn Highlights

Mid-Autumn Festival (September/October)

  • Lantern displays
  • Moon cake season
  • Children’s performances
  • Night markets
  • Worth It: Old Quarter walking tours

Winter Gatherings

New Year’s Eve (December 31)

  • Hoan Kiem Lake celebrations
  • Fireworks displays
  • Street performances
  • Night markets
  • Smart Strategy: Book rooftop venues early
hanoi old quarter vietnam

How long to visit hanoi Vietnam

Wondering how long to stay? I’ve broken down the perfect itinerary lengths in my guide How Many Days in Hanoi, helping you maximize every moment in the capital. Minimum 3 days is recommended.

Where to Stay Hanoi

The choice of neighborhood dramatically impacts your Hanoi experience. For a comprehensive breakdown of the best areas and accommodation options, explore my detailed guide on Where to Stay in Hanoi.

Hanoi’s neighborhoods each tell their own story. Here’s your cheat sheet:

Old Quarter

  • Perfect for: First-timers, culture seekers
  • Price range: $30-200
  • Why here: Heart of traditional Hanoi
  • Best for: Street food, shopping, atmosphere
  • Recommended: Classyc Hotel

—> [ Hanoi Old Quarter travel guide ]

French Quarter Elegance Splurge pick: Sofitel Metropole

  • Colonial-era charm meets modern luxury
  • Their breakfast pho is legendary
  • The pool is an oasis after humid days
  • Historic wing rooms have the most character

hotels in hanoi city vietnam 

Luxury Tier ($200+ per night)

  • Sofitel Legend Metropole
    • French Quarter location
    • Historic wing vs. modern wing
    • Legendary afternoon tea service
    • Three restaurants, including Michelin-starred Le Beaulieu
  • InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
    • Over-water rooms available
    • Sunset views over West Lake
    • Private boat service
    • Quiet escape from city center

Mid-Range ($80-200 per night)

hanoi Neighborhood Deep Dives

For detailed accommodation insights, see my guide on Where to Stay in Hanoi. Here’s the unfiltered truth about each district:

Tay Ho (West Lake)

  • Where old money meets new art
  • Morning: Join locals for lakeside yoga
  • Afternoon: Gallery hopping on Xuan Dieu
  • Evening: Sunset drinks at Summit Lounge
  • Skip the tourist boats; befriend local rowing clubs

Ba Dinh

  • Diplomatic quarter character
  • Hidden coffee shops in French villas
  • Street food without the Old Quarter markup
  • Morning markets where embassy chefs shop

Must-See Attractions in hanoi vietnam capital city

Beyond my comprehensive What to Do in Hanoi guide, here are the experiences that keep me coming back:

vietnam hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi’s historic heart deserves special attention. Dive deep into its ancient streets and hidden gems with my comprehensive guide to the Hanoi Old Quarter.

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/hanoi-vietnam-travel-guide/

hanoi Train Street

For one of Hanoi’s most unique experiences, check out my insider’s guide to Hanoi Train Street—a fascinating glimpse into where daily life and railway tracks intersect

Temple of Literature

  • Vietnam’s first university
  • Founded 1070
  • Best visited: 7:30-9:00 AM
  • Entrance: 30,000 VND

Hoan Kiem Lake

  • City’s spiritual center
  • Morning tai chi sessions
  • Ngoc Son Temple access
  • Best at sunrise/sunset

Hidden Hanoi Food Tour

  • 4-hour morning exploration
  • 7+ authentic food stops
  • Local market visit
  • Coffee culture immersion
  • Small group (max 8)
    • [ Book Here ]

Traditional Vietnamese Cooking

  • Market shopping
  • 4-5 dish preparation
  • Recipe book included
    • [ Book Here ]

French Quarter Heritage Walk

  • Colonial architecture focus
  • Hidden villa access
  • Roof garden visits
  • Expert historian guide
    • [ Book Here ]

CONTINUE READING > What to Do in Hanoi guide,

Hanoi Itinerary 

related hanoi itinerary guides:

  • [ 3 day hanoi itinerary ]
  • [ 4  day Hanoi Itinerary ]
  • [ 5 day hanoi itinerary ]

examples of morning hanoi itinerary to beat the heat

  • 5:30 AM: Join locals at Hoan Kiem Lake
  • 6:00 AM: Fresh pho at Pho Gia Truyen
  • 7:00 AM: Watch Train Street wake up (see my detailed guide: Hanoi Train Street)
  • 8:00 AM: Coffee at Hidden Gem Cafe

Cultural Deep Dives Itinerary in Hanoi

  • Temple of Literature: Go at opening (7:30 AM)
  • Women’s Museum: Stories that will move you
  • Long Bien Bridge: Where history meets present
  • Old Quarter: See my dedicated guide Hanoi Old Quarter

Practical Information to know visiting Hanoi

Language Essentials

  • “Cam on” (thank you) – rising tone
  • “Xin chao” (hello) – flat then rising
  • “Em oi” (excuse me) – for younger servers
  • “Chi oi” (excuse me) – for older women 
  • “Anh oi” (excuse me) – for older men

best way to get Around in Hanoi Like a Local

Building on my Uber in Vietnam guide:

Morning Rush Hour (7:30-8:30 AM)

  • Grab bikes are faster than cars
  • Walk if your destination is under 2km
  • Avoid main intersections

Evening Strategy (5:00-7:00 PM)

  • Use the Grab app for fixed prices
  • Consider the bus for longer distances
  • Walking is often quicker than sitting in traffic

Transport traffic Table:

TimeBest OptionWhy
5-7 AMWalkEmpty streets, cool air
7-9 AMGrab BikeBeat traffic
9-4 PMMixedDepends on distance
4-7 PMAvoid travelPeak chaos
7-11 PMGrab CarSafety first

Street Food in Hanoi capital of vietnam

The vietamese saying goes … “you go to Hanoi to eat” and it’s true. The real Hanoi reveals itself through its street food. Essential experiences:

Phở Thìn (13 Lo Duc)

  • Different from Southern pho
  • Watch for the wok-fired beef
  • Go before 8 AM
  • Order: “Phở tái lăn”

Bún Chả (34 Hang Than)

  • Not the Obama spot—better
  • Fresh herbs change seasonally
  • Ask for extra grilled pork
  • Secret: Mix the garlic vinegar first

See my detailed [ guide on best restaurants in Hanoi]

Essential phone Apps hanoi

Transportation

  • Grab (rides & food)
  • Be (local alternative)
  • Maps.me (offline navigation)
  • Pro Tip: Download offline maps before arrival

Food & Experiences

Navigation & Communication

  • Google Maps (download offline)
  • Google Translate (Vietnamese pack)
  • My ultimate Vietnam Google Location Pins
  • Zalo or Whatsapp (local messaging)
  • Must-Have: Esim (for data and wifi)

Booking Platforms

Local hanoi Payment Apps

  • Momo (local payments)
  • VNPay (local payments)
  • Important: Link international cards before arrival

hanoi Day Trips Worth Your Time

Halong Bay Cruise

Visit the unesco world heritage site on a ultimate halong bay cruise. see my full guide to help you plan your [Ha Long Bay Cruise Travel Guide]

Perfume Pagoda

A spiritual journey through limestone caves.

Perfume Pagoda Explorer

  • Round-trip transport
  • Boat journey
  • Cable car access
  • Local lunch
  • Expert guide
  • $95/person

Duong Lam Ancient Village

Step back in time in Vietnam’s oldest village.

Ancient Vietnam Day Trip

Before diving in:

Unlock my secret weapon for exploring Vietnam—

My meticulously curated Google Maps Location Pins was born from countless hours wandering these ancient streets. I’ve mapped every must-visit spot from this guide (plus dozens of hidden gems I couldn’t squeeze into the article), pinpointing precise locations of those easy-to-miss temple entrances and local-favorite restaurants. After testing this across multiple trips, I swear by this digital companion—simply tap any pin and let Google Maps guide you seamlessly between Vietnam layers. Skip the typical first-timer frustrations and navigate like an insider, with all my hard-won research right in your pocket.

Vietnam Google Maps Location Pins

$35.00
  • Traditional house visits
  • Local family lunch
  • Rice wine tasting
  • Photography opportunities
  • $85/person

Private Food & Culture Tours

Customized experiences for discerning travelers.

VIP Hanoi Discovery

  • Private guide
  • transport
  • Exclusive access
  • Flexible itinerary
  • $65/person

packing list for hanoi vietnam 

Essential Gear (By Season)

Spring (February-April)

  • Light layers
  • Rain jacket
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sun protection
  • Must-Have: Portable fan

Summer (May-August)

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing
  • Multiple shirt changes
  • Sun hat
  • Quick-dry fabrics
  • Pro Tip: Pack a cooling towel

Autumn (September-November)

  • Light sweaters
  • Camera gear
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Evening layer
  • Don’t Forget: Portable umbrella

Winter (December-January)

  • Warm jacket
  • Scarves
  • Layering pieces
  • Waterproof shoes
  • Insider Tip: Local markets sell warm gear cheap

hanoi Cultural Dress Code

  • Temple visits: Covered shoulders
  • Local restaurants: Smart casual
  • Business meetings: Conservative dress
  • Night venues: No shorts/flipflops

[ READY TO dIVE DEEPER ?]

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