Once known as Thang Long, or "Rising Dragon", Hanoi has an air of mystery about it which wafts up out of its lakeside temples and becomes scented with the aromas of delicious cuisine as it floats through the marketplaces, accompanied by the exotic sounds of water-puppet music.The city has a population of 2.6 million and first became the nation’s capital over a millennium ago when it was still known as Thang Long. In 1831 it received its new name, Ha Noi, which means “Between Two Rivers”. Since then, it has been successively swallowed up into the make-up of French Indochina, occupied by the Japanese and bombed by the Americans, and a walk through the city will show you evidence of all of these twists and turns of history.For a taste of traditional Vietnamese arts and craft, a good place to start is the Old Quarter. Head to Don Xuan Market, a great place to barter for souvenirs and try out Vietnamese and French food. "Pho", the rice noodle soup, is a must – and you’ll never be too far from a bottle of Bia Hoi, Vietnam’s favourite tipple. When you’re in these markets – or, for that matter, anywhere in Vietnam – there is one thing to remember: it is considered rude to point with the finger, so you should always gesture with your whole hand.On a free evening, try and catch a show or two at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre – these captivating performances are a great way in to Vietnam’s legends and cultural history. You can learn more about the tales of this old tradition by heading down to the lakes and visiting the temples there. The ones by Hoan Kiem ("Lake of the Restored Sword") and Ho Tay ("West Lake") are good starting points.For those more interested in Vietnam’s recent history, it may be worth dropping in to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and paying a visit to the nation's former leader. Like Lenin in Moscow and Chairman Mao in Beijing, Ho Chi Minh's body has been embalmed and preserved for posterity. The Ho Chi Minh Museum provides an interesting and informative insight into the past.Hanoi is a good place to organise boat trips through the karst landscapes and turquoise waters of Ha Long Bay.Getting around Hanoi is easy on the buses which provide a good, cheap service all over the city. Otherwise you could rent a bike, or hail a “cyclo” or a taxi – just make sure you always fix a price in dong (the local currency) with the drivers before you climb in, because they have been known to ask for extortionate prices on arrival!
Hanoi Travel Guide
Where to stay in Hanoi
Old Quarter
Old Quarter is beloved for its panoramic lake views. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Hoan Kiem Lake and Hang Gai Street.
Hoan Kiem
Panoramic lake views interesting history and top sights from Hoan Kiem Lake to St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi – discover Hoan Kiem, a destination also famous for its shopping.
French Quarter
The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to French Quarter. A stop by Hoan Kiem Lake or Hanoi Municipal Party Committee might round out your trip.
Ba Dinh
The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Ba Dinh. A stop by Ho Chi Minh Museum or One Pillar Pagoda might round out your trip.
Tay Ho
The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Tay Ho. A stop by West Lake or Tran Quoc Pagoda might round out your trip.
Dong Da
You'll enjoy the bars and lake views in Dong Da. You might want to make time for a stop at Temple of Literature or Train Street.
Reviewed on 9 May 2024
Reviewed on 9 May 2024
Reviewed on 7 May 2024
Reviewed on 16 Apr. 2024
Reviewed on 29 Apr. 2024
Reviewed on 10 Mar. 2024
Popular places to visit
Hoan Kiem Lake
Wander around the banks of this peaceful lake and discover an historic temple, observe locals going about their daily life or enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade.
Hanoi Opera House
Located at the heart of the French Quarter, the magnificent Hanoi Opera House represents the pinnacle of music and performance in Vietnam.
West Lake
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at West Lake during your travels in Hanoi. Amble around this culturally rich area's lakeside or seek out the local tours.
O Quan Chuong
The attractive shape of the only city gate remaining in Hanoi harks back to a time when the city was under siege.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Pay your respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s revolutionary leader.
St. Joseph's Cathedral of Hanoi
Hanoi’s Roman Catholic Cathedral.
Activities
From Hanoi: Tam Coc, Hoa Lu & Mua Caves Full-Day Trip
Hanoi Food Tour with Train Street Visit
Reviews of Hanoi
5/5 - Excellent
Very, Very, Very quiet compared to previous visits due to Covid-19. One benefit was the ease at which you could walk across streets :-)
3/5 - Okay
Hanoi is a place I would advise to go for a couple of days, there is a lot to see in a day or two and any longer would become quite repetitive.
5/5 - Excellent
We enjoyed a wonderful street food tour which was a great way to be introduced to Hanoi’s old town. Also check out the water puppet theatre it was amazing !
5/5 - Excellent
Absolutely loved Hanoi! It was a beautiful place with lovely people and delicious food.
5/5 - Excellent
Great place! Loved it.
5/5 - Excellent
Hanoi is a vibrant city, with much to see and do. I wish I had planned to stay longer to take home some unique experiences, so I will return to Hanoi before too long.