Hanoi

Where tradition meets modern vibrancy

Hanoi welcomes visitors with a lively mix of old and new. The city’s streets buzz with motorbikes, street vendors selling pho and markets filled with colorful fabrics. Colonial buildings stand near modern skyscrapers, showing layers of history and change. Locals gather in parks or on riverbanks to enjoy the weather and each other's company. Museums display ancient artifacts while cafes serve strong coffee. Walking through Hanoi feels like moving between eras without leaving the same city block. Its mix of culture, food and daily life makes it a place where stories unfold naturally.

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City in Vietnam

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 6.2

General Safety:	7
Health & medical:	6
Accessibility:	4
Tap water:	4

Read details

3/5

English is moderately spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. However, learning basic Vietnamese phrases can enhance your experience and interactions.

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Hanoi Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

Great for historic streets and street food. Explore the old quarter, visit temples and museums, try local dishes and watch life around city lakes.

Place score

8.0

Best at:

Local cuisine

Street food

Guided tours

Markets

Luxury shopping

Personal score

Suited for

👶 6

Families

🧓 5

Seniors

💻 9

Digital Nomads

❤️ 8

Couples

Vietnam – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A , Type C Type A: Type C: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Vietnamese Dong (VND) £1 ≈ ₫34,381
Cashless info:	Rating 4/5 Cashless payments are widely accepted in Vietnam, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. Cash is still commonly used in rural areas. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is not customary in Vietnam, but small tips are appreciated for good service in restaurants, taxis, and hotels.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is generally allowed in Vietnam, but drinking in certain public spaces, like parks, may be regulated.
Public smoking:	Smoking is allowed in outdoor public spaces, but there are smoking restrictions in some indoor public areas.

Independence Day (2 September)	Celebrates Vietnam’s independence from France
Tết (January/February)	The most important holiday in Vietnam, typically in January or February

Emergency contact:	Emergency Numbers: 113 (Police), 115 (Ambulance), 114 (Fire)
Taxi apps:	Grab
Other:	Vietnam is famous for its vibrant cities, historic sites, and stunning landscapes like Ha Long Bay and the Mekong Delta, offering a rich and diverse travel experience.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Hanoi, Vietnam

☁️

Jan

☁️

Feb

☁️

Mar

🔥

Apr

🔥

May

🌦️

Jun

🌦️

Jul

🌦️

Aug

🔥

Sep

🔥

Oct

🌥️

Nov

🌥️

Dec

High season:	March - April, Oct. - Dec.
Shoulder season:	Jan. - Feb., May, Sep.
Crowdedness:	9 (Very crowded)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Tet (Lunar New Year), late January to mid February: many shops and restaurants close, transport books out

Rainy season May to September, typhoons and flooding most likely July to September

Cool, misty weather January to March can reduce views at Ha Long Bay and Sapa

Don't miss

🌅 Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and watch locals at sunrise
🏯 Admire the ancient architecture of the Temple of Literature
🚴‍♂️ Ride a cyclo through Hanoi’s Old Quarter’s narrow streets
🍜 Savor Vietnamese pho at a traditional street stall
🏛️ Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and learn about Vietnam’s leader
🎭 Watch a traditional water puppet show by the lakeside

You've been here?

Why travel to Hanoi?

Visiting Hanoi immerses you in a rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture and history. Wander through centuries-old streets, savor delectable street food and engage with friendly locals. However, be prepared for the city's energetic pace and occasional traffic chaos, which can be overwhelming but are integral to the authentic Hanoi experience.

🏙️Cities & Regions

1 Old Quarter
The Old Quarter is Hanoi's historic heart, where narrow streets blend French colonial architecture with traditional Vietnamese life. Bustling markets and iconic landmarks like Hoan Kiem Lake define this vibrant cultural district.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Thăng Long Imperial Citadel
This historic citadel in Hanoi features a massive wooden gate and ancient walls. The complex includes imperial palaces, temples and gardens that showcase Vietnam's royal heritage through centuries of architectural evolution.
2 Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
A solemn and revered site honoring Vietnam's most iconic leader, this mausoleum stands as a symbol of national pride. Located in Hanoi, it draws visitors seeking insight into the country’s history and pays tribute to Ho Chi Minh’s enduring legacy.
3 Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature, a 11th‑century Confucian academy, sits beside tranquil ponds and ancient trees in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. It offers insight into Vietnam’s scholarly heritage and traditional architecture for visitors.
4 Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
5 One Pillar Pagoda
6 Saint Joseph Cathedral
7 Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton)
8 Tran Quoc Pagoda

🎡Places for activities

1 Hanoi Opera House
Built in 1911, this French colonial landmark hosts opera, ballet and contemporary performances. Its ornate façade and grand interior reflect Hanoi's cultural blend, drawing locals and tourists alike to evening shows.
2 Vietnamese Women's Museum
Explore Vietnam's evolving role in gender equality through interactive exhibits on women's history, culture and contemporary achievements. The museum offers multimedia displays, personal narratives and artifacts that highlight female contributions across the nation.
3 Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
4 Long Bien Bridge
5 Lotte Observation Deck

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Hoàn Kiếm Lake
This Vietnamese capital's historic heart centers on Hoan Kiem Lake, framed by the Ngoc Son Temple and bustling Old Quarter. While tourist throngs fill the streets, lingering by the lake's edge offers a serene escape from the city's frenetic energy.
2 Cuc Phuong National Park
3 West Lake
4 Hanoi Botanical Gardens
5 Red River Beach
6 Ba Vi National Park
7 Back Entrance to Perfume Pagoda
8 Tam Dao National Park

🛍️Shopping

1 Night Market
2 AEON Mall Long Biên
3 Dong Xuan Market
4 Tràng Tiền Plaza
5 Lotte Center Hanoi
6 Vincom Mega Mall Royal City
7 Hang Gai Street
8 Hang Bac Street
9 Savico Megamall

🎈Events

Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year)
Mid-Autumn Festival
Hanoi International Film Festival
National Day Celebration
Perfume Pagoda Festival
Co Loa Festival
Le Mat Snake Festival
Chem Temple Festival
Hanoi Pride
Book Street Festival

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Expect chaotic traffic; cross roads slowly, confidently, without sudden stops.
Base yourself in the Old Quarter for walkable access to street food, cafés, Hoàn Kiếm Lake and major sights.
Carry small cash for market purchases and street food; card payments and large notes are often inconvenient for vendors.
Start mornings early around Hoàn Kiếm Lake to see locals exercising, then dive into nearby alleyways for traditional phở and egg coffee.

How to travel to Hanoi

Hanoi is accessible via Noi Bai International Airport, located approximately 30 km from the city center. The airport serves numerous international and domestic flights. From the airport, you can reach the city by taxi, airport shuttle buses or ride-hailing services.

Access summary

From Noi Bai Airport (HAN): Taxi or bus 86, about 45–70 minutes.
From Ho Chi Minh City: Many daily flights to HAN, usually around 2 hours.
From Ha Long Bay: Tourist buses or vans, typically about 2.5–4 hours.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Hanoi

Hanoi offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. The Old Quarter is popular among tourists for its central location and vibrant atmosphere, while areas around West Lake provide a more tranquil stay.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Lotte Hotel Hanoi

9.4

Hanoi Le Chateau Hotel & Spa

9.8

Hanoian Central Hotel & Spa

9.5

Somerset Grand Hanoi

9.0

Bespoke Trendy Hotel Hanoi Hotel

9.4

Delica Premium Hotel

9.5

La Siesta Classic Ma May

Carillon Boutique Hotel

9.6

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Hanoi

Navigating Hanoi is relatively easy with various transportation options. Public buses cover extensive routes and taxis or ride-hailing services like Grab are widely available. For short distances, consider using cyclos or simply walking to soak in the local atmosphere.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-71 %

Daily expenses in Hanoi are around 71% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-12 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to VND) is 12% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is cheaper compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£23	£46	£113
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£11	£23	£45
🍝 Food per day	£10	£21	£59
🚕 Transportation per day	£2	£3	£8

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£11.50
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£1.50
🍟 Fast food combo	£3.40
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£3.80
☕ Cappuccino	£1.40
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£0.75

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£0.29
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£5
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.60

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£3
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£32
🤧 Cold medication	£1.40
💇 Basic haircut	£3.30

Safety information overview

General safety

Hanoi is generally safe for tourists, with low instances of violent crime. However, be cautious of petty theft in crowded areas and always secure your belongings.

Health & Medical

Medical facilities in Hanoi are adequate, with several international clinics available. It's advisable to have travel insurance and ensure routine vaccinations are up to date.

Accessibility

While major tourist spots are accessible, infrastructure for those with mobility challenges is limited. Sidewalks can be uneven and public transport may not be fully equipped for accessibility needs.

Tap water

Tap water in Hanoi is not recommended for drinking. It's advisable to consume bottled or filtered water, which is readily available throughout the city.