Plan Your Journey

Hanoi

Discover Hanoi: Where History Meets Everyday Life

Hanoi is a city of contrasts, where centuries-old temples, French-colonial architecture, lively markets and modern cafés come together around tree-lined streets and hidden corners. The capital of Vietnam offers a fascinating introduction to the country’s history and culture, but its real character is found in the rhythm of everyday life.

At the heart of the city, the Old Quarter unfolds through narrow streets filled with local shops, street-food stalls and traditional houses, while the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake provides a calm centre to the city’s energy. Beyond the historic heart, grand colonial buildings, elegant boulevards and neighbourhoods shaped by Hanoi’s changing identity reveal another side of the capital.

Whether you are discovering Vietnam for the first time or returning to explore it more deeply, Hanoi offers an experience that is rich in culture, flavours, encounters and unforgettable moments.

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Places to Discover in Hanoi

The Old Quarter
The historic heart of Hanoi is a maze of narrow streets, traditional houses, small shops, cafés and lively street-food stalls. Wander through the famous 36 Streets, each traditionally associated with a particular trade, and discover the character of the city through its everyday rhythm.

Hoan Kiem Lake & the French Quarter
At the centre of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake offers a peaceful contrast to the surrounding streets. Visit Ngoc Son Temple, walk along the lakeside and explore the elegant French Quarter nearby, where colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards and historic buildings reveal another chapter of Hanoi’s past.

The Temple of Literature
Founded in 1070, the Temple of Literature was Vietnam’s first national university and remains one of Hanoi’s most important cultural landmarks. Its courtyards, traditional architecture and stone steles offer a glimpse into the country’s long scholarly and Confucian heritage.

Ho Chi Minh Complex
Discover the places connected to Ho Chi Minh, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s former residence and the distinctive One Pillar Pagoda. Together, these sites provide an insight into one of the most influential figures in modern Vietnamese history.

Hanoi’s Culinary Scene
Food is an essential part of experiencing Hanoi. Taste local favourites such as Phở, Bún Chả, Bánh Cuốn and Chả Cá, whether at a small family-run restaurant, a lively street-food stall or a more contemporary Vietnamese restaurant. A cooking class or guided food tour can offer an even deeper introduction to the flavours of the capital.

West Lake & Truc Bach
For a more relaxed side of Hanoi, head towards West Lake, the city’s largest lake. Explore quiet streets, local cafés and temples around the water, including Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temples. The area is particularly enjoyable towards sunset.

Beyond the City Centre
Hanoi also makes an excellent base for discovering the surrounding region. Venture into the countryside to experience traditional villages, craft communities and rural landscapes, or combine your stay with destinations such as Ninh Binh, where limestone mountains, rivers and ancient temples create some of northern Vietnam’s most spectacular scenery.

When to Travel

Hanoi can be visited throughout the year, but the cooler and drier months are generally the most comfortable for exploring the city.

October to December brings pleasant temperatures, clearer skies and a more comfortable atmosphere for walking, sightseeing and enjoying outdoor cafés.

January to March is cooler and can be overcast, with occasional drizzle. The softer temperatures are well suited to exploring the city’s cultural sites and historic neighbourhoods.

April to June becomes warmer and more humid, with increasing rainfall. Early mornings and evenings are particularly enjoyable for exploring the city.

July to September is the hottest and wettest period, with frequent showers and high humidity. Rain can be intense but is often short-lived, while the surrounding countryside becomes particularly lush.

Practical Information

Currency: The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and established businesses, while cash remains useful for markets, street food and smaller shops.

Language: Vietnamese is the official language. English is commonly spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas, while French may occasionally be encountered.

Getting Around: Hanoi is easy to explore on foot in many central areas. Taxis and ride-hailing services are convenient for longer distances, while private transfers are ideal for day trips and tailor-made journeys outside the city.

Visiting Temples & Religious Sites: Modest clothing is recommended when visiting temples, pagodas and other religious sites. Visitors should be respectful of ceremonies and local customs, and shoes may need to be removed before entering certain buildings.

Practical Information

  • Best Seasons October to December
  • Location Hanoi Municipality, Northern Vietnam
  • Main Experiences Culture, history, street food and local life
  • Highlights Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature and French Quarter
  • Nearby Destinations Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay and Northern Vietnam
  • Ideal For First-time visitors, culture lovers, foodies and tailor-made journeys

The best time to visit Vietnam

If you want to visit Vietnam, you might be wondering what the weather is like in different months. Well, it depends on where you go and what you want to do. Vietnam has a diverse climate, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer. But don’t worry, I’ll give you a general overview of what to expect in each month, based on the average weather patterns. You can also check out the holidays and events that happen in each month in Vietnam.

January
This is a good month to enjoy the dry and pleasant weather in most parts of Vietnam, except for the north. The north can get quite cold, especially in the morning and evening. You might need some warm clothes and jackets if you go to places like Sapa and Ha Giang. If you’re looking for some beach time, head to Phu Quoc, where the sun is always shining. Just be aware that Halong Bay can be foggy this month, so you might not see the best views.

February
The weather gets warmer in most of Vietnam, except for the north, which still feels chilly. This is a high season for tourism, so expect more crowds and higher prices. But it’s also a great time to experience the TET festival, which is the Vietnamese New Year. It’s a big celebration with lots of food, fireworks, and fun. Just keep in mind that many shops, museums, and restaurants are closed for about a week during TET.

March
This is one of the best months to visit Vietnam, as the weather is fantastic everywhere. You have more options for beach destinations, such as Mui Ne, Con Dao, and Nha Trang. Hoi An is also a lovely place to enjoy the beach and the old town. This is also a great time to visit Halong Bay, which should have clear blue skies and no fog.

April
Like March, April is another great month to visit Vietnam, with amazing weather everywhere. This is also a high season for tourism, so be prepared for more crowds and higher prices.

May
The weather gets hotter in May, but it’s still a good time to visit Vietnam before the rainy season starts. You might get some rain in the north and south by the end of the month, but nothing too serious. You can also take advantage of the lower prices after the high season.

June
You might get some rain in the north and south of Vietnam, but it’s usually not too bad. You can still enjoy the sunny days in Hanoi, Mai Chau, and Halong Bay. The best place to be is in central Vietnam, where the weather is still dry and sunny. You can relax on the beaches of Lang Co and Hoi An, or explore the countryside and culture. This is also a good time to travel before the school holidays start next month.

July
Central Vietnam is still the best place to be in July, with lots of sunshine and little rain. The rest of Vietnam might have some showers, but they won’t ruin your fun.

August
Central Vietnam is still a good place to visit in August, although you might get some more rain by the end of the month. The rest of Vietnam might also have some rain, but it’s not too bad. You can also enjoy some discounts on flights and hotels during the low season.

September
This is a good month to catch the last sun on the central coast of Vietnam before it gets too rainy. The north and south are usually very wet this month, but you can still find some bargains on hotels.

October
The weather gets better in the north of Vietnam in October, and this is a great time to visit places like Sapa or Ha Giang. You can admire the stunning scenery of rice terraces, valleys, and mountains that change color with the seasons. You can also hike, bike, or stay with the local people who live there. This is not a good month for beach lovers, but Vietnam has so much more to offer than just beaches. And traveling in October means you avoid the crowds.

November
The high season starts again in November, as many people come to Vietnam for the cooler winter months in the north. By the end of the month, most of Vietnam is hot and dry again, except for the central region, which might have some rain.

December
There is still a chance of rain in the central part of Vietnam in December; however, most of Vietnam is hot and dry again. The beach season starts again on Phu Quoc island. You should book early for Christmas time, as it can get very busy.