Hanoi
Hanoi's old quarter is a grid of trade streets around a lake, with pavement kitchens, French-era buildings and constant motorbike traffic. It has the country's best street food and is the base for Ha Long Bay and the northern mountains. Three days is a comfortable minimum.
How long to stay
October to April; winter is cool and grey rather than cold.
Typical daily budget
No budget published for this place yet
Best time to go
No seasonal guidance published for Hanoi yet
Is Hanoi right for your trip?
Based on what this guide covers, not a score. This is what Hanoi is known for.
Great for
- History & culture
- Food
- Solo
Less of a focus
- Nightlife
- Nature
- Family
- Couples
- Budget friendly
Build your Hanoi trip
Top things to do
Hỏa Lò Prison
Entrance ₫30,000 · VerifiedHanoi
A colonial-era prison museum covering both French rule and the American war period.
Hoan Kiem Lake
Free entry · VerifiedHanoi
The lake at the centre of Hanoi with the Ngoc Son temple on an islet, circled by walkers at dawn and closed to traffic at weekends.
Temple of Literature
Entrance $4.10 · VerifiedHanoi
An 11th-century Confucian academy of walled courtyards, with stelae recording imperial exam graduates.
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Popular activities
Ha Long Bay overnight cruise
Two-day boat trip among the limestone islands with kayaking.
Hanoi street food tour
Evening walk through bun cha, pho and egg coffee stops in the old quarter.
Water puppet performance
Traditional theatre performed in a pool with live musicians.