Hanoi

Travel Guide
Temple of Literature showing a temple or place of worship, religious elements and interior views
Immerse yourself in traditional Asian lifestyle in the picturesque Vietnamese capital, with a multitude of markets, puppet shows, lakes and ancient temples.

Visit Hanoi to try typical Vietnamese food, see unique art performances and savor some of the most captivating sights in Southeast Asia. Thanks to its rich cultural heritage and tumultuous history there are many interesting attractions to explore in the bustling city, which has 2.6 million people in its urban center.

Hanoi first became a capital just over 1,000 ago, when it was still called Thang Long (Rising Dragon). It became Ha Noi (Between Two Rivers) in 1831. The city has since been occupied by the French and the Japanese and bombed by the Americans, events which have clearly left their marks. Through all this, Hanoi has stayed traditional and proud.

The language and cultural differences can be both limiting and interesting. For example, the Vietnamese consider pointing your finger to be rude. You should use your whole hand instead. Bear this in mind while browsing the Dong Xuan Market.

This market is in the Old Quarter, a good place to find souvenirs, traditional merchants and typical Vietnamese and French cuisine. Try pho (rice noodle soup) and sample Vietnam’s favorite brew, Bia Hoi beer, to get a taste of the Orient. At night, visit the nearby Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre with mesmerizing reenactments of dragon-filled legends.

Learn more about Hanoi’s legends in the temples that surround lakes such as Hoan Kiem (Lake of the Restored Sword) and Ho Tay (West Lake).

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum contains the embalmed body of the revered revolutionary leader of North Vietnam. Learn about his constant struggle for his country’s freedom at the Ho Chi Minh Museum.

Book a trip on a wooden vessel to Ha Long Bay to cruise the turquoise waters around thousands of limestone islets.

To get around in Hanoi you can rent a bike or pay to ride in a traditional “cyclo”. Public buses are cheap and service the whole city. If you hail a taxi, negotiate a fixed price in dong (the Vietnamese currency), because the meters are often manipulated.

Where to stay in Hanoi

Hanoi which includes street scenes

Old Quarter

A noteworthy feature of Old Quarter is its panoramic lake views. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Hoan Kiem Lake and Hang Gai Street.

Old Quarter
Hoan Kiem showing a city, street scenes and signage

Hoan Kiem

4.5/5(1,808 area reviews)

The panoramic lake views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Hoan Kiem. Make a stop by Hoan Kiem Lake or St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi while you're exploring the area.

Hoan Kiem
Hanoi showing signage, street scenes and night scenes

French Quarter

The abundant dining options and lake views are top of the list for many visitors to French Quarter. A stop by Hoan Kiem Lake or Hanoi Municipal Party Committee might round out your trip.

French Quarter
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum featuring a monument and a park

Ba Dinh

4/5(129 area reviews)

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Ba Dinh. A stop by Ho Chi Minh Museum or Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum might round out your trip.

Ba Dinh
Tay Ho featuring a lake or waterhole

Tay Ho

The abundant dining options and lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Tay Ho. A stop by West Lake or Ho Tay Water Park might round out your trip.

Tay Ho
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Hanoi Backpacker Quarter

Travelers come to Hanoi Backpacker Quarter for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Ta Hien Street and Ancient House while you're in town.

Hanoi Backpacker Quarter
L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi
L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi
4 out of 5
35 - 37 Hang Trong, Hoàn Kiem, Hanoi, vietnam
The price is ¥13,397 per night from Apr 15 to Apr 16
¥13,397
per night
Apr 15 - Apr 16
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (525 reviews)
Incredible staff
"We forgot our chargers at the last hotel so we asked the front desk if they knew what store we should buy new ones at. Not only did they warn us that many of the stores would try to scam us (between price gouging and defective products), they personally went out to buy them, for a fair price. (~$33 ..."

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

L’HÔTEL du LAC Hanoi
Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
4 out of 5
95 Hang Bong Street, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
The price is ¥26,583 per night from Mar 20 to Mar 21
¥26,583
per night
Mar 20 - Mar 21
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,593 reviews)
"Excellent location, clean and the staff was super nice and helpful. Jimmy helped us organizing all the excursions around Hanoi and made our stay very comfortable"

Reviewed on Mar 15, 2024

Hanoi Royal Palace Hotel 2
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
5 out of 5
33 Duong Thanh, Hanoi
The price is ¥28,582 per night from Apr 15 to Apr 16
¥28,582
per night
Apr 15 - Apr 16
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (327 reviews)
"Amazing stay! Clean and comfortable rooms in a great location, but what made the trip was the helpfulness and friendliness of the hotel staff, who went out of their way to make our experience a memorable one!"

Reviewed on Mar 15, 2024

Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Oakwood Residence Hanoi
Oakwood Residence Hanoi
3.5 out of 5
No.17, Lane 35, Dang Thai Mai Street, Hanoi
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Hoan Kiem Lake and Syrena ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (84 reviews)
"The hotel itself was fantastic but this running area was a little bit congested and difficult to navigate on foot. Overall, it was a fantastic stay."

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2024

Oakwood Residence Hanoi
Somerset Grand Hanoi
Somerset Grand Hanoi
4.5 out of 5
49 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (899 reviews)
"The guest rooms are very spacious and great if you have multiple travelers requiring more than 1 guest room. It is quite worn out with time, but is still in a good condition for a couple nights stay. It is around 3-5 minutes walk if you need some local food and coffee. Otherwise you are just at the ..."

Reviewed on Mar 14, 2024

Somerset Grand Hanoi
Fraser Suites Hanoi
Fraser Suites Hanoi
4.5 out of 5
51 Xuan Dieu Street Quang An Tay Ho Dist, Hanoi
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hanoi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Hoan Kiem Lake and Syrena Shopping Center ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (149 reviews)
"The service in this property is exceptional!!! From the front desk staff to the team on the different restaurants! Such a great atmosphere plus is a gorgeous place. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

Fraser Suites Hanoi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Hanoi

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
835
" "5 - Excellent 58.31005586592179%
4 - Good
466
" "4 - Good 32.54189944134078%
3 - Okay
107
" "3 - Okay 7.472067039106145%
2 - Disappointing
18
" "2 - Disappointing 1.2569832402234637%
1 - Terrible
6
" "1 - Terrible 0.41899441340782123%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 13, 2020

From the US, it’s expensive to get there, but once there you don’t need a lot to vacation. For US dollars, everything is inexpensive. $50 goes a long way. Rich history there. Some folk are mean like the young men just up to no good. Everyone else ok.

5/5 - Excellent

ScottCallander
Mar 11, 2020

Good fun with an amazingly vibrant feel. You can’t ignore the fact that Vietnam is an emerging market and have to accept it’s a bit crazy on the roads but the people are lovely.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 4, 2020

The tour we took to Nin Bin was the best part and far away one of the coolest things we did in Vietnam.

5/5 - Excellent

J4
Feb 28, 2020

Hanoi is a great destination....

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Feb 24, 2020

This was our first stop in Vietnam and it felt great to immediately get immersed into the culture. Great place to visit once in your lifetime.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Feb 23, 2020

Compared to Cambodia, other country on this trip, i was turned off by the propaganda that layers everything here.

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