Hanoi, Vietnam

The Ultimate Guide to Travelling in Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is a treasure trove of rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Located in the northern part of the country, Hanoi is a popular destination for travelers from around the world. In this guide, we’ll take you on an unforgettable journey through the best places to visit, activities to enjoy, where to eat, where to stay, things to know, transportation options, tips, and other interesting facts about Hanoi.

Places to Visit

1. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

  • Address: Hung Vuong, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
  • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM (Closed on Mondays and Fridays)
  • Entrance Fee: VND 25,000 (~USD 1)

Pay respects to Vietnam’s national hero at this grand mausoleum, where Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body lies in state.

2. Temple of Literature

  • Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da, Hanoi
  • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Entrance Fee: VND 30,000 (~USD 1.50)

Step into Vietnam’s oldest university and discover the country’s rich literary heritage.

3. Old Quarter

  • Address: Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Get lost in the labyrinthine streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where ancient architecture, bustling markets, and street food await.

4. Hoan Kiem Lake

  • Address: Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Take a leisurely stroll around this picturesque lake, surrounded by beautiful gardens and historic landmarks.

5. One Pillar Pagoda

  • Address: Chua Mot Cot, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
  • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Entrance Fee: VND 25,000 (~USD 1)

Marvel at the unique architecture of this historic pagoda, built in 1049.

6. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

  • Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Cau Giay, Hanoi
  • Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Entrance Fee: VND 40,000 (~USD 2)

Delve into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage at this comprehensive museum, featuring exhibits on the country’s 54 ethnic groups.

7. Hanoi Opera House

  • Address: 1 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
  • Guided Tours: VND 100,000 (~USD 5)

Admire the stunning French colonial architecture of this iconic opera house, built in 1911.

Activities

1. Cooking Class

Learn the art of traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a hands-on cooking class, featuring popular dishes like Pho and Banh Xeo.

2. Street Food Tour

Embark on a culinary adventure through Hanoi’s bustling streets, sampling local delicacies like Bun Cha and Banh Mi.

3. Water Puppet Show

  • Address: Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, 57B Dinh Tien Hoang, Hanoi
  • Showtimes: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Daily)
  • Ticket Price: VND 100,000 (~USD 5)

Experience the ancient art of water puppetry, a unique Vietnamese tradition.

4. Day Trip to Ha Long Bay

Take a scenic bus ride or private car transfer to this stunning natural wonder, featuring over 1,600 limestone islands and islets in various shapes and sizes.

5. Yoga Class

Find inner peace with a yoga class at one of Hanoi’s many studios, offering classes for all levels.

Where to Eat

1. Bun Cha Huong Lien

  • Address: 24 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
  • Price Range: VND 50,000 - 100,000 (~USD 2-5)

Savor delicious grilled pork patties and noodles at this local institution.

2. Pho Gia Truyen

  • Address: 49 Bat Dan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
  • Price Range: VND 30,000 - 50,000 (~USD 1.50-2.50)

Taste the rich flavors of Vietnam’s national dish at this popular pho joint.

3. Banh Xeo Muoi Xiem

  • Address: 34 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
  • Price Range: VND 20,000 - 30,000 (~USD 1-1.50)

Enjoy crispy rice flour pancakes stuffed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts at this local favorite.

4. Cafe Pho Co

  • Address: 11 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
  • Price Range: VND 20,000 - 30,000 (~USD 1-1.50)

Relax with a cup of Vietnamese coffee or tea at this charming cafe.

5. Xoi Yen Bakery

  • Address: 35 Nguyen Van Huyen, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
  • Price Range: VND 10,000 - 20,000 (~USD 0.50-1)

Indulge in freshly baked bread and pastries at this local bakery.

Where to Stay

1. Old Quarter Hostel

  • Address: 9 Ma May, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
  • Price Range: VND 200,000 - 500,000 (~USD 10-25)

Experience the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter at this social hostel.

2. La Siesta Hotel & Spa

  • Address: 32 Lo Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
  • Price Range: VND 1,500,000 - 3,000,000 (~USD 75-150)

Unwind in style at this luxurious hotel, featuring a rooftop pool and spa.

3. Hanoi La Belle Vue Hotel

  • Address: 10 Nguyen Van Huyen, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
  • Price Range: VND 800,000 - 1,500,000 (~USD 40-75)

Enjoy stunning views of the city at this modern hotel, located near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Things to Know

1. Weather

Hanoi experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The best time to visit is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November).

2. Language

Vietnamese is the official language, but many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas.

3. Currency

The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. You can exchange money at banks or use ATMs to withdraw cash.

4. Culture

Respect for elders and tradition is deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture. Remove your shoes when entering temples or homes, and avoid public displays of affection.

5. Safety

Hanoi is generally a safe city, but be mindful of pickpocketing and motorbike theft. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and keep valuables secure.

Transportation

1. Taxi

Taxis are widely available, but ensure the meter is on to avoid overcharging.

2. Motorbike

Rent a motorbike for VND 100,000 - 200,000 (~USD 5-10) per day and explore Hanoi’s streets at your own pace.

3. Bus

Use the public bus system (VND 7,000 - 10,000 ~USD 0.35-0.50) to travel between districts.

4. Cyclo

Take a leisurely ride on a cyclo (pedicab) for VND 100,000 - 200,000 (~USD 5-10) per hour.

Tips

1. Haggle at Markets

Expect to haggle prices at local markets, and be prepared to walk away if the price isn’t right.

2. Learn Basic Vietnamese Phrases

Show respect for the culture by learning basic phrases like “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you).

3. Try Street Food

Don’t be afraid to try street food, but ensure it’s cooked fresh in front of you.

4. Dress Modestly

Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples or attending cultural performances.

5. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water and avoid dehydration in Hanoi’s humid climate.

Other Interesting Facts

1. Hanoi’s Old Quarter is over 1,000 years old!

2. The city has a unique blend of French colonial and traditional Vietnamese architecture.

3. Hanoi is home to the oldest university in Vietnam, Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature).

4. The city hosts many cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Mid-Autumn Festival and Tet Lunar New Year celebrations.

5. Hanoi has a vibrant art scene, with numerous galleries showcasing local and international artists’ works.

With this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Hanoi, Vietnam!