The Ultimate Hanoi Tour

For those looking to discover Vietnam’s culture and history, Hanoi is the perfect destination. The capital of Vietnam since the 11th century, Hanoi is full of architectural wonders, cultural sites and fascinating stories.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam and one of Asia’s most vibrant cities, offering visitors a wide variety of attractions. The ancient city that was critical to French Indochina has grown into a modern metropolis with plenty to explore during your visit.

Hanoi is a cosmopolitan city located in Northern Vietnam with an irresistible charm. Its rich heritage, unique architecture, and cultural attractions make it one of the most interesting cities in Southeast Asia. The streets are alive with vibrant markets, busy street vendors, and delicious food offerings. No matter what your interests may be, there’s something for everyone here. Hanoi dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest cities in Southeast Asia. Present-day Hanoi is the political centre of Vietnam (a socialist republic) and the capital city home to many historical sites. Experiencing its rich history is a must with attractions such as the Old Quarter, which contains centuries-old architecture, and Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, a tribute to Vietnam’s national hero who reunited North and South Vietnam.

Top things to do in Hanoi

You can check out a full list of Hanoi’s experiences and add them to your wishlist here.

Hoan Kiem Lake:

At the heart of Hanoi lies Hoan Kiem Lake, a popular spot for local people and tourists alike. The lake is surrounded by lush gardens, pagodas and temples that are perfect for exploring on foot or from one of the boats available to rent. Take some time here to relax and watch the sun go down over this tranquil spot.

Temple of Literature:

The Temple of Literature is a must-visit for those wanting to experience Vietnamese culture. It is located right in the city centre and easily accessible. This ancient building dates back to the 11th century and is dedicated to Confucius, who was a famous philosopher in China. Inside you can find several courtyards and gardens, as well as an impressive collection of stone tablets that record the names of Vietnam’s most distinguished scholars.

Hanoi Opera House:

The Hanoi Opera House is a stunning example of French colonial architecture and houses regular performances in the heart of the city centre, also known as the French Quarter. Built in 1911, this grand building features an ornate interior and a beautiful exterior that is sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a night at the theatre or just want to admire the architecture, a visit to the Hanoi Opera House is a must.

Hoa Lo Prison:

Hoa Lo Prison is a chilling reminder of the harsh conditions endured by political prisoners in Vietnam. The prison was built by French colonizers in the late 19th century and later expanded during the Vietnam War as a POW camp. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits that tell the story of what life was like inside this infamous prison.

Tour of The Old Quarter:

The Old Quarter of Hanoi is where you’ll find the city’s most vibrant atmosphere and a key part of the French colonial period. Here, in Hanoi’s true city center, the narrow streets are alive with street vendors selling a variety of goods and locals going about their daily lives. Take a guided tour to experience this area up close and learn more about its history, culture and food.

Bat Trang Pottery Village:

A visit to the Bat Trang Pottery Village makes for an interesting excursion away from the city. Located just outside Hanoi, this Vietnamese village is famous for its centuries-old pottery-making tradition that can be seen in action throughout the day. It takes around 35 minutes to get there and you can have the opportunity to create your own pottery. The teacher gives you a lump of clay, shows you how to use the old-school turntable and you are free to express yourself. It’s a great, creative way to spend a morning or afternoon.

Beer Street:

No visit to Hanoi is complete without a taste of its famous beer. Beer Street, located in the Old Quarter, is where you can find all the best bars and pubs. Stroll through the street at night and stop off for some local brews or other traditional drinks such as bia hoi (fresh beer) which can cost as little as 5k vnd a cup or 20 cents US. It’s a great place to people-watch and soak up the lively atmosphere.

Hanoi City Tour

For those looking to get a comprehensive overview of the city, Discover Your Vietnam can help arrange the perfect personalised tour for you. These tours usually include visits to some of the city’s main attractions such as are mentioned above. The tour will also provide you with an insider’s scoop on the city’s unique culture and learn more about its fascinating history.

You can add it to your wishlist by clicking this link!

Ha Noi Weather

Spring (February – April):

Spring is the best time of year to visit Hanoi. Temperatures during this season remain around a pleasant 22°C (72°F) with low humidity, making outdoor activities comfortable. Rainfall is light and sporadic but tends to increase in March and April.

Summer (May – July):

Temperatures begin to rise during the summer months, with averages reaching around 29°C (84°F). Humidity is also high, making it a rather uncomfortable time of year for prolonged outdoor activities. Rainfall is fairly frequent and can come in heavy downpours

Autumn (August – October):

The end of summer marks the beginning of autumn, with temperatures cooling off and rainfall becoming less frequent. Average temperatures remain around a pleasant 22°C (72°F) during this time, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Winter (November – January):

Winter in Hanoi is cold and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 10-15°C (50-59°F). This is the least popular time to visit due to the cold temperatures, however, it can still be an enjoyable time of year with fewer crowds and plenty of cultural events. Rainfall is relatively light during these months.

Best Time To Visit

When is the best time to visit Hanoi?: For the absolute best experience, it’s recommended to visit Hanoi during the spring (February-April) or autumn (August-October). Temperatures are more agreeable and rain is less frequent during these months, making them ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Winter can also be an enjoyable time of year with fewer crowds and plenty of cultural events. It’s worth noting, you can still have a great time here all year round.

Best Street Food Places in Hanoi:

1. Bun Cha:

This dish consists of grilled pork with a sweet, sour and spicy sauce served with noodles and fresh herbs. It’s one of Hanoi’s most famous street foods and is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Bun cha originated from Hanoi’s Old Quarter in the 19th century and is now a national dish. There are two great places where we recommend eating this trademark dish at. First, is Bun Cha Cac Kiem which serves up some absolutely amazing food, and has some of the best spring rolls. Second, is Obama Bun Cha, (Huong Lien) famously visited by Obama and Bourdain. There is a table there memorialising where they sat and the food is excellent. At both these places it’s a little more expensive than the average bowl on the street but the quality more than makes up for it.

• Address: Bun Cha Obama/Huong Lien, 24 P. Lê Văn Hưu, Phan Chu Trinh, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội (8am-8.30pm)
• Address: Bun Cha Dac Kim, 1 P. Hàng Mành, Hàng Gai, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội (9am-9pm)
  

2. Pho Bo:

A Vietnamese classic, Pho Bo (or Beef Noodle Soup) is one of the most popular street foods in Hanoi. It consists of beef broth, noodles and thinly sliced beef, served with herbs and bean sprouts on the side. The origins of pho can be traced back to the late 19th century when it was created by Vietnamese refugees who had fled north after the French colonised Vietnam. It quickly became a staple dish and today is enjoyed around the world. As a national dish, there is quality pho all over Hanoi so if you see a place busy with locals definitely go in, it’s bound to be fresh and tasty. However, the one that is often preferred by people is Pho 10 ly Quoc Su or alternatively, Pho Suong dishes up an excellent bowl of pho.

• Address: 10 P. Lý Quốc Sư, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội (Open all day)
• Address: Pho Suong, Nguyen Trung Yên/24B P. Đinh Liệt, Phố cổ Hà Nội, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội (5.30-12, 5-9.30pm)

3. Banh Mi:

Another classic Vietnamese dish, banh mi is a baguette filled with pate, pork, vegetables and chili sauce. It’s a popular street food that makes for a delicious snack or light meal. In the 1950s, French colonists brought baguettes to Vietnam. Banh Mi was adapted to suit local tastes and it’s become popular all over the world since then. One of the most popular places is Banh Mi Hoi An which has a great range of choices but our favourite is Bahn Mi 25, which serves up some delicious, fresh Bahn mi’s all day long. They have a cute little coffee shop with juices that you can also sit and eat at.

• Address: Bahn Mi Hoi An, 98 P. Hàng Bạc, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
• Address: Bahn Mi 25, 25 P. Hàng Cá, Hàng Bồ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

4. Cha Ca La Vong:

Cha Ca La Vong is a dish of marinated fish cooked in turmeric, garlic, spring onions and dill then served over rice noodles. It’s a traditional dish from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, and was named after the street it was discovered on and is definitely worth trying if you get the chance. In some places, the pan is brought out in front of you and the fish is fried before your eyes. The best place to try it is Cha Ca La Vong, where they have been cooking this speciality for over 140 years.

• Address: Cha Ca La Vong, 14 Cha Ca Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
• Address: Cha Ca Thang Long, 6B Đường Thành, Cửa Đông, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội

5.Bahn Cuon:

Bahn Cuon is a savoury steamed rice noodle roll filled with minced pork, mushrooms and other ingredients. It’s one of the most popular street foods in Hanoi and can be found all over the city at almost any time of day. The rolls are lightly fried until crispy before being served up with herbs, lettuce and a sweet-sour fish sauce. It’s one of the most popular street foods in Hanoi, usually served as a quick snack or light meal. Two of our favourite places to get Bahn Cuon are Banh Cuon Ba Trieu or Banh Cuon Thanh Van (Thanh Van).

• Address: Banh Cuon Ba Trieu, 155 P. Triệu Việt Vương, Bùi Thị Xuân, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội (7am-11pm)
• Address: Banh Cuon Thanh Van,  No 12-14 Hang Ga street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi. (8am-9pm)

Best Mid to High-End Restaurants

Below are 5 restaurants that range from super fine dining to more laid-back dinner and lunch spots. What brings them together is they are great at what they do!

1. T.U.N.G Dining: $$$$

This is one of the best high-end restaurants in the country and is renowned for its innovative approach to food with some amazing tasting menus. They offer a simplistic but absolutely delicious menu offering with some of the best chefs in Vietnam. The menu is ever-changing and is in the top 100 restaurants in Asia. If you like fine dining, then head to this place.

• Address: 2C P. Quang Trung, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội (6-11pm)

2. Hanoi Social Club: $$

This cool and laid-back restaurant serves up delicious fusion dishes inspired by Southeast Asian, Japanese and Western cuisine. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and the food here is sure to please, with dishes such as slow-cooked pork belly and miso eggplant. It offers a great brunch as well so even if you just fancy a full English, this is the spot for you.

• Address: 6 Hoi Vu Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi (Open from 11am-midnight)

3. Duong’s Restaurant: $$$

This restaurant is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or special occasion. They offer classic Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist, like their signature dish which consists of crispy egg noodles and pork belly in a lemongrass broth. Their other dishes include stir-fried beef, steamed clams and spicy shrimp. They also have good set menus with Vietnamese dishes made using some of the finest ingredients Hanoi has to offer. Interestingly, the chef was invited to Vietnam’s top chef and came 4th.

• Address: 27 Nguyen Huyện, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội (11-9.30pm)

4. Cau Go Restaurant and Bar: $$

This restaurant is located on the sixth floor of a building overlooking the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake. The menu features modern Vietnamese cuisine and seafood cooked to perfection. The dishes here are sure to tantalize your taste buds, from their beef noodles to the steamed snapper in lemongrass and chilli sauce.

• Address: 6th Floor, K&K building, 21 Dinh Tien Hoang-Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi (Open from 11am – 10pm)

5. Opera Garden Restaurant: $$$$

This is one of the most popular restaurants in Hanoi, in an Indochina-style setting. They offer a wide range of fine dining dishes to choose from including succulent seafood and creative cocktails. The atmosphere is relaxed and sophisticated, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner.

• Address: 63 Ly Thai To Street, Hoanem District, Hanoi (Open from 5pm – 10pm)

Where To Stay

When it comes to accommodation, there’s something for all budgets in Hanoi. From cheap hostels and guesthouses to luxurious hotels, you’ll find a variety of places to stay in this city.

The Old Quarter is the best place to stay if you want to be in the central sector, as many of the city’s attractions are conveniently located here. Other popular areas for accommodation include Hoàn Kiếm, Đống Đa, and Tây Hồ districts. The only place we do not recommend staying directly on is ‘Beer Street’ or on the corner of Ta Hien sa, the music can be heard until about midnight.

City Orientation

Hanoi is divided into 24 districts known as “quận” and five rural districts, or “huyện”. The central city comprises two parts – the Old Quarter and the French Colonial District and is by far and away, the largest city in Northern Vietnam.

The Old Quarter is the heart of Hanoi and home to a vibrant atmosphere full of narrow streets lined with street vendors and traditional shops. Its bustling streets are best explored on foot and you’ll find many of the city’s attractions here, such as Hoan Kiem Lake and Temple of Literature.

The French Colonial District marks the historical centre of Hanoi and is home to impressive architecture from this era, including the Hanoi Opera House and the Presidential Palace. This district is great for shopping and dining, with plenty of upscale restaurants and boutique stores to explore.

Hoàn Kiếm district (District 1) is home to many of Hanoi’s cultural attractions such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and the Old Quarter. It’s also where you’ll find the city centre and many of its restaurants and hotels.

Tây Hồ district (District 2) is located to the northwest of Hoàn Kiếm district and comprises a residential area, with plenty of outdoor activities to explore. It’s home to West Lake, the largest lake in Hanoi, and a popular spot for walking and cycling around its scenic pathways.

Đống Đa district (District 3) is located southeast of Hoàn Kiếm district and is known as the city’s cultural centre. It’s home to the Vietnam National Museum of History, Hanoi Citadel, and many impressive temples. This district also has plenty of shopping opportunities with its many markets and stores.

Hai Bà Trưng (District 4) is located south of Hoàn Kiếm district and is full of historical sights including the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Hanoi Flag Tower, and the Temple of Literature. There’s also plenty of parks to explore in this district, such as Nguyen Du Park or Lenin Park.

it is worth noting that the city’s main airport is Noi Bai international airport, and is located around a 30-40 minute drive from Hanoi’s city centre.

The remaining districts are home to a variety of attractions from shopping malls to nightlife spots. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake or to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife, Hanoi will have something to suit your needs.

Hanoi is a remarkable place with so much to see and do. We hope this Hanoi travel guide has helped to tell you about hidden gems and major sites scattered throughout the city. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed holiday or simply some time to relax and enjoy the local culture, Hanoi has something for everyone! With this guide in hand, you’re sure to have a memorable visit to the city. So why wait? Start planning your Hanoi tour today with Discover Your Vietnam.

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