Travel Guide of Hanoi in Vietnam by Influencers and Travelers

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. It covers an area of 3,358.6 square kilometres. With an official population of 8,053,663 million, it is the second largest city in Vietnam.

The Best Things to Do and Visit in Hanoi

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a mausoleum which serves as the resting place of Vietnamese Revolutionary leader & President Ho Chi Minh in Hanoi, Vietnam.

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2 - Hoàn Kiếm Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Hồ Gươm, is a fresh water lake, measuring some 12 ha in the historical center of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. In the past, the lake was variously named "Luc Thuy Lake" or "Thuy Quan Lake". The lake is one of the major scenic spots in the city and serves as a focal point for its public life.

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3 - Trekking | Quang Ninh

Authentic Adventure - Official , we specially operate tours : Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Ninh Binh, Ha Long. With many different choices from day trip to multiple days . Contact us today for best offers !

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4 - One Pillar Pagoda

The One Pillar Pagoda Vietnamese: Chùa Một Cột 񣘠𠬠榾, formally belongs to an architecture complex called Diên Hựu tự [延祐寺] which means Extend Bless pagoda.

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5 - West Lake

West Lake is the biggest freshwater lake of Hanoi, Vietnam, located northwest of the city center. With a shore length of 17 km and 500 hectare in area, this is the largest lake of the capital and a popular place for recreation with many surrounding gardens, hotels and villas.

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6 - Sightseeing | Hanoi

Hanoi, located on the banks of the Red River, is one of the most ancient capital in the world, where travelers can find well-preserved colonial buildings, ancient pagodas, temples and unique museums

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7 - Thăng Long Imperial Citadel

Ba Đình is one of the four original urban districts of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. The district currently has 14 wards, covering a total area of 9.21 square kilometers.

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8 - Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City, also commonly referred to as Saigon, is the largest city of Vietnam. According to the 2019 census, Ho Chi Minh City has a population of over 8.9 million within city proper and over 21 million within the metropolitan area.

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9 - Tây Hồ

   6 km away

Tây Hồ is an urban district located on the north side of central Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. The district wraps around the West Lake, one of the largest natural lakes of Vietnam.

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10 - Long Biên

Long Biên District is an urban district of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Long Biên was incorporated as an urban district in 2003 from the northwestern portion of Gia Lâm District adjacent to the city center.

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11 - Turtle Tower

Turtle Tower, also called Tortoise Tower is a small tower in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake in central Hanoi, Vietnam.

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12 - Thành Cổ Loa

   10 km away

Cổ Loa Citadel is an important fortified settlement and archaeological site in present-day Hanoi's Dong Anh district, roughly 17 kilometers north of present-day Hanoi, in the upper plain north of the Hong River.

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13 - Bích Động

   40 km away

Bích Động is a township and town and capital of Việt Yên District, Bắc Giang Province, in north-eastern Vietnam.

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14 - Chùa Hương

   46 km away
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15 - Ba Vì

   47 km away

Ba Vì is a district of Hanoi, Vietnam. Ba Vì District was established on July 26, 1968.

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Pictures and Stories of Hanoi from Influencers

20 pictures of Hanoi from frank mckenna, Tran Phu, Linh Pham and other travelers

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Why should you visit Hanoi ?

Travel to Hanoi if you like:

  🏘️ Town     🐾 Wildlife     🌆 Skyline     🏰 Place of worship     🏰 Temple     🗼 Landmark  

How to visit Hanoi ?

To get to Hanoi, you can fly into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), which is located about 35 kilometers (21 miles) north of the city center. There are several airlines that offer direct flights from major cities around the world. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi, Grab (similar to Uber), or a shuttle bus to reach the city center.

In terms of what to book in advance, it is highly recommended to book your accommodations and any tours you are interested in, such as a street food tour or a visit to the famous Halong Bay. If you plan on traveling during peak season (October to April), booking in advance is essential to secure your spot and get better deals on hotels and tours.

The costs in Hanoi are generally affordable, with budget accommodations starting from $10 per night and mid-range hotels averaging around $30-60 per night. Street food is cheap and delicious, with meals costing between $1-5. Entrance fees to various attractions range from $1-5 as well. Overall, Hanoi offers great value for money.

Some of the best things to do in Hanoi include visiting the Old Quarter, exploring the Temple of Literature, and walking around Hoan Kiem Lake. Don't miss the chance to watch a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, and be sure to visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda to learn more about Vietnamese history.

For authentic Vietnamese cuisine, head to Quan An Ngon, which offers an extensive menu of local dishes in a charming atmosphere. For a more upscale dining experience, try Duong's Restaurant & Cooking Class, where you can enjoy a fusion of Vietnamese and French flavors. For street food lovers, Ta Hien Street is a must-visit, with a variety of delicious options like Banh Mi and Pho.

When it comes to accommodations, Hanoi offers plenty of choices to suit various budgets. For a budget-friendly option, consider Hanoi Old Quarter Hostel, which offers both dorms and private rooms. For mid-range accommodations, Essence Hanoi Hotel & Spa is a great choice, with comfortable rooms and an on-site spa. If you're looking for a luxury experience, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is a historic hotel that offers world-class service and amenities.

Off the beaten path: For an unusual travel experience in Hanoi, head to the Long Bien Bridge, an iconic symbol of the city's resilience. This century-old bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel, offers stunning views of the Red River and Hanoi's skyline. You can either walk or bike across the bridge, and if you're up for an adventure, you can join a guided tour that takes you to the local markets and villages on the other side of the river. This unique experience will give you a glimpse of the less touristy side of Hanoi and a deeper understanding of local life.

Learn More about Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, and unlike all Asian capitals, it is not chaotic. 

Imagine a city where the exotic elegance of old Asia merges with the dynamic face of new Asia. Where the medieval and the modern coexist. A city with a mix of Parisian grace and Asian rhythm, an architectural museum piece evolving in harmony with its history, rather than having the steamroller effect of many of this continent's capitals. Hanoi is the place where imagination becomes reality. Your stay here will be very pleasant, but only if you know what to do.

No trip to Hanoi would be complete without spending time in its old quarter and, fortunately, your hotel is likely to be located in or near this area. The district is configured as it was in its original form with its own streets and architecture and is the last commercial district in all of Vietnam. It was founded during the Tran dynasty (1225-1400) and had only 36 streets at that time.

Named after an old legend, Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword) is the epicenter of old Hanoi and is a kind of focal point for the city's public life. Early in the morning, you can watch some locals practice Tai Chi on its shores.
Ngoc Son Temple is located on a small island at the northern end of the lake, which is accessible during the day via an old red wooden bridge, the Rising Sun Bridge. The pleasant setting of the lake will be a nice break for you after touring the old quarter. There is also the Turtle Tower which is located on a small island at the south end of the lake.

Discover also the Mausoleum of Hô Chi Minh. This is the place where Ho Chi Minh's body is preserved. The mausoleum is an impressive Russian style building always guarded by two soldiers dressed in white. 
It is located at the exact spot where Ho Chi Minh gave his independence speech in 1945. But it is still the father of the nation of Vietnam... 

The Tran Quoc Pagoda is also worth a visit. 
Certainly the most beautiful pagoda of Hanoi, but also the most distant from the center. A curiosity on the spot is its big red stupa 15 meters high and composed of 11 floors. 

Finally, do not hesitate to take a cruise on Halong Bay. Halong Bay is about 4 hours drive from Hanoi and can be visited in one day or in several days. 
It is an unmissable destination in Vietnam so take advantage of being in the capital to go there.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Hanoi

What currency to use in Hanoi?

In Hanoi, therefore in Vietnam, the currency used is the dong (VND).
Be careful, this currency is not convertible outside Vietnam.

How to get to Hanoi?

To get to Hanoi, you will have to land at Noi Bai International Airport, located about 45km from Hanoi city.
From there, you can easily take the train, bus or car to get closer to the city.

Where to stay in Hanoi?

In Hanoi, choose a hotel in the center, preferably in the Old Quarter or near Hoan Kiem Lake. This will make your stay in Hanoi easier as everything is located in or around this area (whether for sightseeing or to find travel agencies, restaurants and bars).

   Where to Stay in Hanoi

   More Travel spots to explore around Hanoi

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Hanoi

  🏘️ Town spots     🌆 Skyline spots     🗼 Landmark spots     🏰 Temple spots     🐾 Wildlife spots     🏨 Resort spots     🏞️ River spots     🏰 Place of worship spots     Recreational fishing spots     🏘️ Cottage spots     ⛰️ Hill station spots     🏰 Historic site spots     🌴 Jungle spots     🏰 Pagoda spots     🌉 Bridge spots     🌉 Suspension bridge spots  

  Travel map of Hanoi

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