Hanoi Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Hanoi

Hanoi's historic centre is compact, and many highlights are within walking distance of Hoan Kiem Lake.

• Hoan Kiem Lake — The city's heart, with the red Huc Bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple.
• Old Quarter — A maze of narrow streets, each traditionally linked to a trade, packed with shops and food stalls.
• Temple of Literature — Vietnam's first national university, dedicated to Confucius, with tranquil courtyards.
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex — Includes the mausoleum, the leader's stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda.
• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology — A fascinating look at the country's many ethnic groups, with traditional houses outdoors.
• Water puppet theatre — A traditional art form in which puppets perform on water to live music.
• Ha Long Bay — Limestone islands rising from emerald water, a popular overnight or day trip from Hanoi.

Best time to visit Hanoi

Hanoi has four seasons. Autumn (October to December) is often considered the best time, with dry, sunny days and comfortable temperatures, while spring (March and April) is also mild and pleasant for walking the city.

Summer, from about May to September, is hot and humid, with heavy rain showers. Winter, from December to February, can be surprisingly cool and grey, so pack a jacket. Tet, the Lunar New Year in late January or February, is the country's biggest celebration, when streets are decorated but many businesses close for several days.

Getting from the airport

Noi Bai International Airport is about 30 kilometres north of central Hanoi, and the drive usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.

Metered taxis wait outside the terminals, and ride-hailing apps are widely used, which makes it easy to know the fare in advance. Public and express airport buses connect the terminals with the city centre, including the Old Quarter. Many hotels also arrange pick-ups, which is convenient for late arrivals.

Where to stay

Most visitors base themselves near Hoan Kiem Lake, within walking distance of the main sights.

• Old Quarter — Lively and atmospheric, ideal for first-time visitors and food lovers.
• French Quarter — Elegant boulevards, colonial buildings and upscale hotels, suited to a calmer stay.
• West Lake (Tay Ho) — A relaxed lakeside area with cafés and restaurants, popular with long-stay visitors.
• Ba Dinh — Home to government buildings and the mausoleum, quieter and close to museums.

Travel tips

• Money: Cards work in hotels and larger restaurants, but cash in dong is essential for street food and markets.
• Crossing the road: Walk at a slow, steady pace so motorbike riders can move around you.
• Etiquette: Dress modestly at temples and the mausoleum, and follow the dress and behaviour rules posted there.
• Health: Drink bottled water and choose busy street food stalls with a high turnover.
• Language: Learning a few Vietnamese phrases, such as cảm ơn (thank you), is warmly received.