Hanoi Travel Guide : Complete Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, seamlessly blends 1,000 years of history with vibrant modern culture. This comprehensive Hanoi travel guide covers the best time to visit, top attractions, Old Quarter, essential street food experiences, and practical 1-3 day itineraries. Whether exploring the Temple of Literature, cruising Hoan Kiem Lake, or navigating the bustling 36 Streets, this guide provides everything needed for an unforgettable Hanoi trip. Discover cultural heritage sites, authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and budget-friendly tips for exploring Vietnam's cultural heart.
Quick Reference:
- Best Time to Visit Hanoi: February-April and September-November (mild weather, 20-28°C)
- Recommended Stay: 2-3 days minimum (1 day for highlights only)
- Average Daily Budget: 800,000-1,500,000 VND ($32-60 USD)
- Main Areas: Old Quarter, French Quarter, Ba Dinh District, West Lake
Best Time to Visit Hanoi: Weather, Seasons & Festivals
Optimal Months:
Late September through November and February through April offer comfortable temperatures (18-28°C) and minimal rainfall. This is the best time to visit Hanoi for walking tours and outdoor attractions.
Avoid:
June-August brings humidity exceeding 85% and temperatures above 35°C. December-January sees occasional cold snaps (10-15°C).
Festival Tip: Tet (Lunar New Year, late January/February) offers cultural immersion, but many businesses close 3-5 days.
Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Hanoi with Tickets, Timings & Tips
Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
- Location: Hoan Kiem District, central Hanoi
- Hours: Daily 7:00-18:00
- Entry Fee:30,000 VND
- Best Time: Dawn (6:00-7:30) or sunset (17:00-18:30)
- Best For: Photography, cultural immersion, morning tai chi
Old Quarter Hanoi (36 Streets)
- Location: Hoan Kiem District, north of Hoan Kiem Lake
- Hours: 24/7 (Night Market: Friday-Sunday 18:00-23:00)
- Entry Fee: Free (shopping varies)
- Best Time: Early morning (6:00-9:00) or evening (18:00-22:00)
- Best For: Street food, shopping, architecture, nightlife
Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu)
- Location: Dong Da District, 2km west of the Old Quarter
- Hours: Daily 8:00-17:00
- Entry Fee: 30,000 VND
- Best Time: Afternoon (14:00-16:00) for optimal lighting
- Best For: History enthusiasts, peaceful gardens, photography
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex
- Location: Ba Dinh Square, Ba Dinh District
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, Saturday-Sunday 8:00-11:00
- Entry Fee: Free (strict dress code required)
- Best Time: Early morning (7:30-8:00) to avoid queues
- Best For: Vietnamese history, solemn reflection, cultural understanding
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
- Location: Cau Giay District, 7km from the city centre
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 8:30-17:30 (closed Mondays)
- Entry Fee: 40,000 VND
- Best Time: Morning (9:00-11:00) or late afternoon (15:00-17:00)
- Best For: Families, culture lovers, educational experiences
Tran Quoc Pagoda (West Lake)
- Location: West Lake Causeway, Tay Ho District
- Hours: Daily 7:30-11:30, 13:30-18:30
- Entry Fee: Free (donations welcome)
- Best Time: Sunrise (6:00-7:00) or sunset (17:00-18:00)
- Best For: Spiritual reflection, photography, peaceful atmosphere
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
- Location: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Hours: Multiple daily shows (10:00, 15:00, 17:00, 18:30, 20:00)
- Entry Fee: 100,000-200,000 VND
- Best Time: Evening shows (18:30 or 20:00)
- Best For: Families, cultural performances, traditional art
Hanoi Opera House
- Location: 1 Trang Tien Street, French Quarter
- Hours: Tours by appointment; performances vary
- Entry Fee: 200,000-500,000 VND (performances)
- Best Time: Evening for performances or daytime for exterior photos
- Best For: Architecture enthusiasts, classical performances, photography
Bat Trang Pottery Village
- Location: Gia Lam District, 14km from central Hanoi
- Hours: Daily 8:00-17:00
- Entry Fee: Free (workshops 20,000-50,000 VND)
- Best Time: Morning (9:00-11:00) to see artisans at work
- Best For: Hands-on experiences, souvenir shopping, cultural crafts
Long Bien Bridge
- Location: Spans the Red River between Hoan Kiem and Long Bien Districts
- Hours: 24/7 (pedestrian access)
- Entry Fee: Free
- Best Time: Sunrise (5:30-7:00) for photography and markets
Best For: Photography, sunrise views, local market experience
Best Hanoi Street Food: What to Eat & Where to Find It
Must-Try Dishes
- Pho (Phở): Rice noodle soup - Best in Old Quarter mornings (30,000-50,000 VND)
- Bun Cha: Grilled pork with vermicelli - Old Quarter side streets (50,000-80,000 VND)
- Banh Mi: Vietnamese baguette sandwich - Everywhere (20,000-40,000 VND)
- Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng): Invented 1946 - Hoan Kiem cafés (30,000-50,000 VND)
- Cha Ca: Turmeric fish - Cha Ca La Vong restaurant speciality (150,000-200,000 VND)
Dong Xuan Market Guide: Day & Night Shopping in Hanoi
- Day Market: 6:00-18:00 (wholesale goods, local produce)
- Night Market: Friday-Sunday 18:00-23:00 (crafts, street food, performances)
Food Safety Tips
- Choose busy stalls (high turnover = fresh ingredients)
- Bottled water only (15,000-20,000 VND)
- Vegetarian options widely available (specify "chay")
Getting Around Hanoi: Transportation Guide for Tourists
From Noi Bai International Airport (35km):
- Airport taxi: 350,000-450,000 VND (45-60 min)
- Grab/ride-share: 300,000-400,000 VND
- Airport bus no.86: 30,000 VND (70 min to Old Quarter)
Within Hanoi:
- Walking: Best for Old Quarter, French Quarter, Hoan Kiem area
- Grab: Most reliable (50,000-150,000 VND for cross-city trips)
- Taxis: Meter-based (10,000-15,000 VND per km)
- Cycle: Touristy but fun (negotiate 100,000-200,000 VND per hour)
Where to Stay in Hanoi: Best Areas & Hotels by Budget
- Old Quarter: Central location, vibrant atmosphere, budget-friendly (300,000-800,000 VND/night)
- French Quarter: Quieter, elegant, walkable to attractions (600,000-1,500,000 VND/night)
- West Lake (Tay Ho): Expat area, lakeside views, upscale (800,000-2,000,000+ VND/night)
- Ba Dinh: Near government sites, museums, less touristy (400,000-1,000,000 VND/night)
Essential Hanoi Travel Tips 2026: Safety, Etiquette & Dress Code
Dress Code for Sacred Sites:
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Covered shoulders, knees, no shorts/tank tops
- Temples/Pagodas: Remove shoes, modest clothing, hats off
- Pack: Lightweight scarf for temple visits
Health & Safety:
- Pharmacies are abundant in the Old Quarter and the French Quarter
- Travel insurance recommended
- Emergency: 115 (ambulance), Tourist Police: 0243 825 7510
Bottom line: Planning Your Perfect Hanoi Trip
Hanoi rewards curious travellers willing to explore beyond Instagram landmarks. From sunrise tai chi at Hoan Kiem Lake to midnight street food in the Old Quarter's 36 Streets, Vietnam's capital delivers authentic cultural experiences. Optimal planning means visiting during shoulder seasons (February-April, September-November), budgeting 2-3 days minimum, and balancing structured itineraries with spontaneous discoveries. Whether your focus is Vietnamese history at the Temple of Literature, culinary adventures through Hanoi street food markets, or spiritual reflection at ancient pagodas, this city reveals layers of culture that reward slow, observant travel. Plan your trip with ease by checking out our best Hanoi tour packages for a seamless and well-curated trip.
FAQ’s
1. Is one day enough in Hanoi?
A: One day covers major highlights (Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, water puppets) but misses cultural depth. Recommended minimum: 2-3 days for authentic experiences, including markets, museums, and day trips.
2. What should I wear to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum?
A: Conservative attire required: shoulders and knees covered (no shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothing). Security strictly enforces dress codes. Bring a lightweight scarf or cardigan. Closed Monday-Friday mornings and October-November for maintenance.
3. When is the Hanoi Old Quarter night market open?
A: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from 18:00-23:00. Hang Dao and Dong Xuan streets become pedestrian zones with street food, crafts, and live performances. Arrive before 19:00 to avoid peak crowds.
4. How do I get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay?
A: Ha Long Bay is 160km (3.5 hours) from Hanoi. Options: organised day tours (1,200,000-2,500,000 VND including transport, cruise, lunch), private car (2,500,000-3,500,000 VND round trip), or public bus to Bai Chay (150,000 VND, 4 hours).
5. Is Hanoi safe for solo female travellers?
A: Yes, Hanoi is generally safe with low violent crime. Precautions: avoid empty streets late at night, use registered taxis/Grab, keep valuables secure, watch for pickpockets in crowded markets. Women travelling alone report positive experiences but recommend staying in well-reviewed Old Quarter or French Quarter accommodations.
Update your location?