Hanoi, the charming capital of Vietnam, is a fascinating city that will put a spell on you. Founded over a thousand years ago along the Red River, this city still holds on to its magnificent past while at the same time carving itself a place in the modern world.
There are so many things to do in Hanoi from exploring its bustling streets in search of the best street food to going on walks around the city and discovering ancient pagodas and colonial architecture.
Hanoi is home to various attractions in and around the city. It's also a great place to cycle around. Let’s take a look at some of the places you need to check out.
Visiting Hanoi without going to the historic Old Quarter will be like going to a beach resort for the weekend and staying inside your hotel room the entire time. Taking a walk around the Old Quarter is a must for any visitor. Explore its narrow streets, various kinds of street vendors, quaint colonial architecture, and take in the beauty of Hanoi.
In the center of Hanoi lies the magnificent Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. This 11th century UNESCO World Heritage site is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Vietnam. The Central Bell Tower located within the citadel has gone on to become the symbol of Hanoi.
Read more about Vietnam’s rich history here.
A popular local and tourist hangout spot, Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Turtle Lake, is a peaceful lake in Hanoi. Legend has it that Emperor Ly Thai To was gifted a magical sword by a golden turtle who lived in the lake. Right in the middle of the lake lies an ancient 13th-century temple, the Ngoc Son temple.
One of the most beautiful colonial buildings in Hanoi, the Hanoi Opera House was built by the French during the 20th century. It was modeled after the Paris Opera House and is a testament to Vietnam’s complex yet vibrant history. The building is open to visitors and holds ballet musicals, concerts, and even traditional Vietnamese opera performances.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex is the final resting place of the Vietnamese revolutionary leader and president Ho Chi Minh, popularly known as Uncle Ho. Within the complex, you’ll find the imposing grey mausoleum where the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh is kept, a museum dedicated to him, and the unique One Pillar Pagoda, a lotus flower-shaped pagoda.
Hanoi is a beautiful yet chaotic city. To truly experience the city you need to find a place that works well for you. Let's take a look at some of the most popular places you can stay in Hanoi
The historic Old Quarter is a great place to stay in Hanoi. All the major attractions including Hanoi Opera House and Hoan Kiem Lake are located just a walking distance away. It has hostels for budget-friendly tourists as well as 5-star accommodations for those looking for a more luxurious stay in Hanoi.
Tay Ho is the heart of Hanoi’s expat center. You’ll find plenty of quaint cafes, lakeside restaurants, and great nightlife in a relatively peaceful setting. All the major attractions of Hanoi are a short 20 minutes car ride away.
Ba Dinh district is home to some of Hanoi’s most famous attractions including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex and Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. This district is relatively peaceful compared to the Old Quarter and is a great place for tourists looking to stay near all the major sights of Hanoi.
Figure out which area works best for you and book your stay in Hanoi here.
A trip to Hanoi is incomplete without trying out the rich flavor of Vietnamese cuisine that has captured the taste buds of many people around the world.
One of the most popular Vietnamese dishes, Banh Mi is a sandwich that mixes Vietnam’s French heritage with Vietnamese taste. It is essentially a french baguette cut in half and stuffed with meat like pork, pickled vegetables, and cilantro.
The delicious and light Banh Cuon is a must-eat breakfast snack in Hanoi. It is a light snack made of steamed rice rolls which are then filled with pork and mushroom. This delicate but tasty snack is usually served for breakfast and is sold by many street vendors
Undoubtedly one of the most iconic dishes of Hanoi, Bun Cha is a favorite among tourists and locals alike. The dish is made up of grilled pork served in a bed of rice vermicelli noodles and a whole load of vegetables and herbs.
Nem Chua Be is a crispy roll made from rice noodle wrap stuffed with crab, pork, vegetables, and herbs which are then fried and served. It’s a popular snack and can be found in restaurants and street stalls across Hanoi.
Bun Thang is a popular Vietnamese noodle soup dish that is eaten throughout the day. It is made from rice noodles served in a flavourful broth made from over 20 ingredients and topped with a variety of vegetables and chicken, pork, or egg.
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The best time to visit Hanoi is usually between August to November and March to April when the weather's milder and more pleasant.
Hanoi city being the capital is home to one of four international airports in Vietnam; the Noi Bai International Airport. There are daily flights to and from Hanoi to major cities around the world.
Hanoi is connected to all the major cities of Vietnam like Hue, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh, and Nha Trang through its railway network. There is also an international train between Hanoi and Beijing which runs on Tuesdays and Fridays.
If you're visiting Hanoi from outside Vietnam you’re required to have a valid passport and visa approval letter. Without which entry will be denied. You can apply for your visa approval letter here.
