Hanoi

Discover the best places to eat, stay and things to do in Hanoi with our complete travel guide. Plan your trip today.

Hanoi Vietnam
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Hanoi Vietnam bikes
Budget Travel

9 unmissable things to do in Hanoi

From the Colonial charm of the Old Quarter to the delectable street food begging to be devoured; Hanoi’s frenetic pace will leave you breathless and hungry for more.

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Art, food and style combine to create Zone 9.
Cultural Travel

Hanoi’s hippest new hangout

Formerly an abandoned, Soviet-inspired pharmaceuticals factory, Zone 9 is now an enclave for all things hip and happening in Hanoi.

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Hanoi to Ha Long Bay: 3 unique ways to experience Northern Vietnam

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Explore Vietnam

Ha Long BayHa Long Bay
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Hoi AnHoi An

Where to stay in Hanoi?

You’ve got several good options in Hanoi. One is the Old Quarter, a historic district with street
food, nightlife and major attractions all accessible on foot (this makes it perfect for first-time
visitors). Another is the more laidback and elegant French Quarter/Hoan Kiem, which has a
selection of high-end hotels. West Lake is ideal if you’re in town for longer; it’s relaxed and leafy,
with plenty of cafes and restaurants. Lastly, the district of Ba Dinh is a quieter and more
residential pocket close to attractions like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature.

How many days do I need in Hanoi?

Three days is the optimal amount of time for Hanoi; it’s plenty of time to see many of the major
sights without rushing through them. That said, two days will get you through the main highlights
(the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of Literature) if you’re short on time, while
four days or more lets you go beyond the main tourist areas and enjoy a more relaxed pace.
Also, if you’re planning to explore other parts of northern Vietnam like Ninh Binh and Halong
Bay, Hanoi makes for an excellent base for day trips.

How far is Halong Bay from Hanoi?

Halong Bay is around 170km from Hanoi, with the trip taking 2.5-3 hours by road depending on
traffic. You can travel via private car, shuttle bus, Grab or taxi, or a tour bus if you’re on an
organised Halong Bay tour. Even though the journey doesn’t sound long, many travellers opt for
an overnight or multi-day cruise around Halong Bay rather than a day trip – this provides ample
time to explore the bay and its limestone islands.

What should I do in Hanoi?

Hanoi is an incredibly diverse city with something for everyone. Explore the quaint streets and
shops of the Old Quarter or take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and see the picturesque Ngoc
Son Temple. Feast on local dishes like pho, bun cha and the famous egg coffee, or join a food
tour that takes you through the city’s best street-food spots. Visit major sites like the Temple of
Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison. Make sure you’ve got ample time for
sitting in a street-side cafe and soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere.